7 Essential Java Books

By Madeline Miller in General 0 Comment

For programmers no matter what your level there’s always something new you can learn, and it’s always handy to have some reference materials on hand. Here are 7 Java books to invest in, some for beginners and some for more advanced programmers.

Head First Java

The ‘Head First’ series are a great mix of visuals and text to make learning feel less of a struggle. ‘Head First Java’ by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates is very beginner-friendly and has some brilliant real life analogies to help back up the information. It may feel a bit dated; it doesn’t cover anything beyond Java 5.0, but it’s still useful for covering a wide variety of topics like classes, threads, objects and the language features.

Java: A Beginner’s Guide

Another great starting point, ‘Java: A Beginner’s Guide’ by Herbert Schildt covers the basics and provides you with some tests and puzzles to attempt yourself. “The hands-on exercises and quiz sections are invaluable learning tools,” claims programming writer James M. Curtis, Revieweal and UKWritings. This book covers all Core Java concepts and is written in a clear and simple way to make it easy to learn from.

Java for Dummies

The ‘for Dummies’ series are well known to the point of parody but for good reason. ‘Java for Dummies’ by Barry A. Burd is another great resource for beginners that covers the fundamentals from how to create the basic objects to when you should be reusing code. The guide is straightforward and again is a book that mixes text with visuals to help you to learn. This includes screenshots to help explain how Java is executed.

Java: The Complete Reference

This reference book by Herbert Schildt builds on the beginner’s guide and is perfect to turn to when you need to review a topic. It’s good for both beginners and advanced programmers as it dives deeper into topics to help you to become a Java master. The book is also full of discussions and examples that you can learn from and implement into your programming.

Effective Java

No matter what level you are, Joshua Bloch’s ‘Effective Java’ is a must-have. Going beyond the core concepts it examines commonly encountered programming issues with explanations of how to solve them. For beginners, you get the concepts explained and for more advanced programmers you are likely to learn how to write Java code better than before. It is the perfect reference book for those moments where you are just not sure of the next step.

Thinking In Java

We are human and while we may know various languages, including programming ones, we still think in our native language and then translate to the appropriate language. Bruce Eckel’s ‘Thinking in Java’ provides practical examples of programming in a clear way to help you gain a deeper understanding of the language and its quirks. It stays relatively beginner-friendly, but it is useful for more advanced programmers as a way to improve your coding skills.

Clean Code

“If you ask programmers who to turn to in order to become a better Java programmer, they will inevitably point you in the direction of ‘Uncle Bob’ with his videos and book on clean coding,” says Tammie Acree, an editor at Ukservicesreviews and Custom Writing. Robert C. Martin’s, also known fondly as ‘Uncle Bob’, book ‘Clean Code’ is less a reference on the fundamentals and more a book to help you to write better code. Split into three sections, the book takes you through the principles of writing clean code, case studies of code to help you make decisions on where to clean the code and then a list of heuristics that were gathered from creating the case studies. It points out it’s not only worth knowing how to code but to revisit that code often to make sure it’s up-to-date and as effective as it can be.

Java is a fairly easy programming language to get into and has a large number of resources for you to turn to. No matter what your skill level is, there’s always something new you can take away. There are loads of books out there and some fantastic websites you can use, but these seven are what I would consider the essentials for programmers no matter their level.

Should computer programming take priority over math in the high school curriculum?

By Kathy Mercado in General 0 Comment

If we take a look at the world as we know it today, we can easily spot that technology has taken over our lives. It is so deeply intertwined with everything we do that it would be difficult and challenging to give up using it at all.

This, along with the popularity of some of the richest people on the planet, has created a collective wish: to try to be like them or even better. More and more children want to be computer scientists, to invent the next Facebook or Microsoft. And a legit question has appeared.

Should computer programming take priority over the math in the high school curriculum? If students want to learn more about computer science, should we make it a priority over other subjects? Should the high school math curriculum be changed? Let’s find out the answer to these questions.

Should computer science be made a priority over math?

The direct and clear answer to this question is no. Even though many students in high school would love to learn more about computer science, coding, and programming, this does not mean that it should be a priority over math.

Math anxiety is a real thing that is more and more present in our schools. And both students and their parents are trying to find solutions to cope with it easily. In this case, learning computer science might seem more attractive. It seems that it can help you build a nice future career, especially as there are a lot of resources you can access. But these subjects complement each other nicely.

Concepts you study in math will be useful in computer science too. Learning computer science without math will make it more difficult to evolve and build a solid knowledge base. Many high school math questions shed more light on some challenging computer science concepts, such as algorithms. No matter if you do online high school math, or you go to classes, what you learn during these hours will be of tremendous help.

However, learning computer science is just as important as learning mathematics. Let’s see why.

Having an Advantage

Considering the fact that technology is so deeply intertwined with our lifestyles, knowing how to use it is always a plus. But anyone knows how to use a smartphone or smartwatch as they are user-friendly. But what happens if you want to go beyond the traditional user interface? What happens if a nice idea strikes you, and you want to try it and see how it works?

Well, for this you need computer science knowledge. Which can be developed and improved during high school, with an equal emphasis on math too. Having at least the basic knowledge to get started in computer science or build your custom app can prove to be an advantage.

Computer Science Can Be Used to Teach Math

The best math apps for high school have a few modules that help you practice the easiest and most difficult math concepts equally. But sometimes, learning math can feel like a burden. As mentioned above, math anxiety is something common, and it can be triggered by a lot of factors. But what is important is that math just builds upon the previous year.

So, if you haven’t understood the math concepts taught earlier, it would be difficult to advance. Well, this is the case for many students. And computer science can be used to teach math. High school students are more attracted by new technologies, platforms, and apps to use and discover. And because computer science relies on math concepts, it can be used to teach math to students too.

Like this, students can understand the connection of math with real life too. A lot of them think that what they learn during math classes will not be useful later in life. Some even ask themselves how integrals, derivatives, or matrices help them. But if you understand that all these complex concepts are present in computer science in one way or another, learning them might be easier.

Final Words

Many students and people fail to understand that math is present in our everyday life. And as computer science is a much more appealing subject, many think about it taking priority over the math in the high school curriculum. Even though this might sound nice, these two subjects complement each other, and they should be given equal priority.

Jackson for Java. Is it more than JSON?

By Leon Collier in General, Jackson 0 Comment

JSON has been a popular data-interchange format for quite some time now. It is not just simple, but also lightweight, and most programmers find it easy to use. However, JSON can be cumbersome to work with when you need more complex functionality.

That’s where Jackson for Java comes in. Jackson is a powerful JSON library that provides a wide range of features that make working with JSON much easier. In this blog post, we will discuss what Jackson for Java is, how it differs from regular JSON, and how you can use it in your own projects. We will also take a look at the pros and cons of using Jackson for Java so that you can decide if it is the right library for you.

What is Jackson for Java, and what are its Features?

Jackson is a Java library that provides a number of features that make working with JSON much easier. Some of the most notable features of Jackson for Java include:

  • The ability to annotate fields so that they are mapped to specific JSON keys: With Jackson, you can annotate fields in your Java objects so that they are mapped to specific keys in the JSON document. This makes it much easier to work with complex JSON documents. For example, if you have a field in your Java object that is mapped to a “name” key in the JSON document, you can access that field using the @JsonProperty("name") annotation.

  • Support for POJOs (Plain Old Java Objects) and JAXB beans (Java Architecture for XML Binding): Jackson supports both POJOs and JAXB beans. This means that you can serialize and deserialize objects without writing any boilerplate code.

  • A wide range of modules that provide additional functionality: Jackson comes with a number of modules that provide additional functionality. These modules include support for XML, YAML, and CSV formats.

In addition to these features, Jackson also has excellent performance thanks to its use of streaming data processing. This means that it can handle large amounts of data with ease.

JSON vs. Jackson for Java – what’s the difference?

The main difference between JSON and Jackson for Java is that Jackson is a library that provides additional functionality on top of JSON. This includes features such as the ability to annotate fields, support for POJOs and JAXB beans, and the ability to serialize and deserialize objects without writing any boilerplate code.

So, if you need additional functionality beyond what JSON provides, then Jackson is the library for you. However, if you only need the basic functionality that JSON provides, then JSON is a better choice.

How to use Jackson for Java in your Project?

If you want to use Jackson for Java in your project, the first step is to add the library to your project dependencies.

<dependency>
    <groupId>com.fasterxml.jackson.core</groupId>
    <artifactId>jackson-databind</artifactId>
    <version>2.14.2</version>
</dependency>

The easiest way to do this is using a dependency management tool such as Maven or Gradle. Once you have added the Jackson library to your project, you can start using it in your code. For example, if you have a field in your Java object that is mapped to a “name” key in the JSON document, you can access that field using the @JsonProperty("name") annotation. Here is an example of how you can convert List object to JSON. Here, we’ll be using the ObjectMapper.writeValueAsString() method.

package net.javaguides.jackson;

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

import com.fasterxml.jackson.core.JsonProcessingException;
import com.fasterxml.jackson.databind.ObjectMapper;
import com.fasterxml.jackson.databind.SerializationFeature;

/**
* Using Jackson API for list serialization and deserialization
* @author ramesh fadatare
*
*/
public class JacksonListToJson {
    public static void main(String[] args) throws JsonProcessingException {

        // Create ObjectMapper object.
        ObjectMapper mapper = new ObjectMapper();
        mapper.enable(SerializationFeature.INDENT_OUTPUT);

        List < String > progLangs = new ArrayList < > ();
        progLangs.add("C");
        progLangs.add("C++");
        progLangs.add("Java");
        progLangs.add("Java EE");
        progLangs.add("Python");
        progLangs.add("Scala");
        progLangs.add("JavaScript");
        // Serialize Object to JSON.
        String json = mapper.writeValueAsString(progLangs);

        // Print json
        System.out.println(json);
    }
}

You can also use Jackson to serialize and deserialize objects without writing any boilerplate code. This is because Jackson automatically generates the necessary code for you. To do this, you simply need to add the @JsonSerialize and @JsonDeserialize annotations to your Java objects.

If you have some experience on Jackson for Java, you may want to include it in your resume. Now, a resume for a programmer should list programming languages, software, and tools the individual is proficient in. Additionally, project experience and technical skills should be highlighted. A résumé is essentially your career booster so you will need to ensure that it also showcases all your skills and experience. Take time to include every essential detail.

Pros and Cons of Using Jackson for Java

Jackson is a very powerful library that can make working with JSON much easier. There are pros and cons to using Jackson for Java. The main pro is that it’s a very fast and lightweight library, which makes it ideal for large-scale projects. It can also serialize and deserialize Java objects quickly.

However, one potential con is that it can be difficult to reverse certain operations performed by the library, such as converting back from JSON to Java. For example, if you have a Java object with a list of Cat objects, and you want to convert it back to JSON, reversing the process might not be as straightforward as you’d like. In cases like this, you may need to use a different library or write your own code to handle the conversion.

Another potential downside of using Jackson is that because it’s so popular, there may be less flexibility in how you use it. For example, if you want to use Jackson for XML parsing, you may need to use a third-party library such as JAXB.

Overall, Jackson is a very powerful library that can make working with JSON much easier. It has a few potential downsides, but its pros far outweigh its cons.

Comparison of Other Popular JSON Libraries

There are many different JSON libraries available for Java. Some of the most popular include Gson, org.json, and FastJSON. Gson is a library that can be used for converting between Java objects and JSON documents. It can also be used for serializing and deserializing objects. Gson has excellent performance thanks to its use of streaming data processing.

Org.json is a library that provides JSON parsing and generation in Java. It’s simple and easy to use, but it doesn’t provide as much functionality as some other libraries on this list. Here is an example of how to parse JSON string in Java with org.json library.

import org.json.*;

String jsonString = ... ; //assign your JSON String here
JSONObject obj = new JSONObject(jsonString);
String pageName = obj.getJSONObject("pageInfo").getString("pageName");

JSONArray arr = obj.getJSONArray("posts"); // notice that `"posts": [...]`
for (int i = 0; i < arr.length(); i++) {
    String post_id = arr.getJSONObject(i).getString("post_id");
    ......
}

See more examples on this page. FastJSON is a high-performance JSON library for Java. It’s simple to use and provides a wide range of features.

Wrapping Up

Overall, Jackson is the best choice for working with JSON in Java, thanks to its excellent performance and wide range of features. However, there are other great options available, so be sure to choose the library that’s right for your project.

Java Project Ideas To Implement While Being in College

By Kathy Mercado in General 0 Comment

According to the Oracle estimations, Java runs on over 15 billion devices around the world. The TIOBE index defines Java as the 3rd most popular programming language. It’s used almost everywhere where coding is required, from mobile games and business apps to automated tests, etc. The biggest companies in the world, like Google, Apple and Android, use Java as it’s a stable language, showing no signs of going anywhere.

Many employees look for experts in Java, so your skills will be in high demand. Java developers make good money, that’s why your job can be really rewarding. What’s more, Java is beginner-friendly. So if you are afraid of complexity, there is no need to worry.

However, learning Java while still at college can be a challenge. Combining different disciplines at the same time usually feels daunting. What to do in this case? You should ask for academic help. For example, you may buy essays online for college or request assistance with your papers at special companies. Also, a good solution would be using automated online tools, such as plagiarism checkers and citation generators. No matter what kind of help you decide to use, you should prioritize things right. If learning Java is the most important thing at college, put the rest aside.

Java projects for beginners

If you are just starting your big journey in the world of Java, you should consider some project ideas listed below.

Airline reservation system

To gain your first hands-on experience, you can try working on the airline reservation system. Include the following elements to your system: e-ticket operations, online transactions, inventory and fares. Your reservation system must contain such features as reservation and cancellation of the tickets, transaction management, routing functions, quick responses to customers and reports on the daily business transactions.

Course management system

Another thing you can design as a beginner is an online management software application for educational institutions. You must include three main elements into your course management system: administrator, student and instructor modules. Administrator module is used to create accounts for students and instructors, make curriculum and manage the employees. Student module is designed for learners who need to view their coursework, get feedback and submit their assignments. Instructor module allows instructors to log in to their accounts in order to check the projects and provide guidance to students.

Data visualization software

One of the key elements of the modern tech industry is data visualization. In this project, you can learn how to deliver insights hidden in the data precisely and effectively. This is a great chance to become better at stimulating the viewer’s engagement. Note that your project must be not only functional, while conveying ideas effectively, but also aesthetically pleasing. Having data visualization projects in your portfolio will make your resume look much more appealing for employers than others.

e-Healthcare management system

If you want to learn how to provide effective solutions for the medical industry, you should try to work on the e-healthcare management system. What are the key features of this software? First of all, it must establish clear communication between doctors and patients. Secondly, it must accurately analyze hospital resources, such as laboratory equipment, administration, medicines and more. One of the main goals of an e-healthcare management system is to eliminate the problems of missing or incorrect data.

Email client software

If you are interested in email marketing, why not use your skills for developing an email system? Design a project for sending and receiving electronic mail, using Java Mail API. For this software you should use SMTP and POP3 protocols that are easy to understand for beginners. Products like this are in high demand nowadays, so you could benefit a lot from having it in your portfolio.

Electricity billing system

Even being a beginner Java developer, you can create an electricity billing system that will calculate the units consumed within a specified timeframe. In accordance with that information, an electricity billing system calculates the cost of those units. To make your software excellent, you should ensure that it features both a high speed and accuracy. It must also allow for seamless data sharing and high-security controls.

Final thoughts

Studying Java coding can be one of the best academic decisions in your life. This programming language is in high demand on the job market, so you should master your skills as soon as possible. Do it with the help of projects for beginners listed above: airline reservation system, course management system, data visualization software, e-healthcare management system, email client software and electricity billing system.

Java and Blockchain – a match made in heaven

By Roman Golovin in General 0 Comment

Java is the foundation of many products. It is no coincidence that this amazing programming language affects the cryptocurrency world (including Bitcoin). But what makes people buy USDT and how blockchain could help our world modernize for good? Let’s find out in this article.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently, in a verifiable and permanent way. Blockchain databases aren’t stored in any single location, meaning the records it keeps are truly public and easily verifiable. The data stored isn’t controlled by any one entity, meaning the system isn’t subject to the whims of any government, corporation or malicious third party.

Benefits of using blockchain

Obviously, what’s the point of discussing the topic, if we will skip the benefits of blockchain?

Decentralized

Blockchain is decentralized meaning it doesn’t have a governing body. No one can single-handedly decide to change how the blockchain project will continue to work, unless they own 51% of the blockchain. Since that is nearly impossible, blockchains are owned by nobody, unless it’s a private blockchain.

Immutable

Immutability is what makes the blockchain so revolutionary. Unlike traditional database records, which are prone to manipulation and deletion due to centralization, blockchain records are unalterable and permanent. Every blockchain transaction is time-stamped and date-stamped, giving it a timestamp of its very occurrence, allowing users to trace the origin and evolution of any data on the chain. It, therefore, enables users to verify information over time, ensuring reliability. If you decide to buy a car with Bitcoin, nobody could ever change that.

Secure

Though it was first used to track bitcoin transactions, blockchain technology has attracted the interest of a variety of industries. Major companies like IBM, Walmart and Maersk are using blockchain to run complex global supply chains with less friction, prevent fraud and reduce waste. Beyond bringing accountability to systems where trust has been an issue, the technology can also help ensure consumer privacy.

Coding skills – not much needed

Since we care about coding, we cannot move on without giving some helpful tips on how to use Java for blockchain.

Let’s implement a block

public class Block {
    private String hash;
    private String previousHash;
    private String data;
    private long timeStamp;
    private int nonce;

    public Block(String data, String previousHash, long timeStamp) {
        this.data = data;
        this.previousHash = previousHash;
        this.timeStamp = timeStamp;
        this.hash = calculateBlockHash();
    }

    // standard getters and setters
}

Then, we need to work on the hashing. Bear in mind it is very sensitive. Any data altercation could be detrimental.

public String calculateBlockHash() {
    String dataToHash = previousHash
            + Long.toString(timeStamp)
            + Integer.toString(nonce)
            + data;
    MessageDigest digest = null;
    byte[] bytes = null;
    try {
        digest = MessageDigest.getInstance("SHA-256");
        bytes = digest.digest(dataToHash.getBytes(UTF_8));
    } catch (NoSuchAlgorithmException | UnsupportedEncodingException ex) {
        logger.log(Level.SEVERE, ex.getMessage());
    }
    StringBuffer buffer = new StringBuffer();
    for (byte b : bytes) {
        buffer.append(String.format("%02x", b));
    }
    return buffer.toString();
}

From what we see, we get a case of SHA-256 (cryptography), and then generate a hash value from our input data. The byte array is a very crucial part here – it is the hash value that we transform later into a hex string (usually, a 32-digit number).

But how to mine a block?

public String mineBlock(int prefix) {
    String prefixString = new String(new char[prefix]).replace('\0', '0');
    while (!hash.substring(0, prefix).equals(prefixString)) {
        nonce++;
        hash = calculateBlockHash();
    }
    return hash;
}

We start by looking for the solution. If we don’t manage to do so, we increment the nonce and calculate our hash in a loop until we finally make it. I have to tell you – it might take a long time before you hit the jackpot.

Blockchain verification

How to verify the blockchain? After all, there are plenty of fake attempts, so we need to see if our attempt is valid.

public void givenBlockchain_whenValidated_thenSuccess() {
    boolean flag = true;
    for (int i = 0; i < blockchain.size(); i++) {
        String previousHash = i==0 ? "0" : blockchain.get(i - 1).getHash();
        flag = blockchain.get(i).getHash().equals(blockchain.get(i).calculateBlockHash())
                && previousHash.equals(blockchain.get(i).getPreviousHash())
                && blockchain.get(i).getHash().substring(0, prefix).equals(prefixString);
        if (!flag) break;
    }
    assertTrue(flag);
}

Summary

Java and blockchain are made to work together. However, it is not easy to mine blockchain. That is why, we advise you to enter pools, in order to share prizes with others but ensure you are on the winning side.

Java Performance Tuning Books for Students To Read

By Adrian Lomezzo in General 1 Comment

Java development requires more than just experience. Learning from the experiences of other people is an invaluable habit that will propel your programming career to another level.

Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

Luckily for Java lovers, some developers have offered their best insights on Java programming in books. Here are the top Java performance books that will enlighten your craft.

Java Performance: The Definitive Guide



These 400 pages will transform your mentality as a Java engineer. It focuses on approaches that form the foundation of a successful project. Some concepts addressed by Scotts Oaks include response time, throughput, and micro-benchmarking. Other areas covered in detail include memory optimization, multi-thread concept, and garbage collection analysis. You will admit that these are the pivotal elements of any programming exercise. Learning from this Java guru offers the best insights into one of the most promising programming languages.

Java Performance



The book is co-authored by Binu John and Charlie Hunt. It provides some of the most comprehensive views of performance tuning tools and JVM. It is unique because the author has focused on Oracle products, helping developers to understand this area in depth. Among the areas covered include performance tuning, performance benchmarking, and profiling. The book featured more text and less code. The technique helps you to use imagination and get into an intense understanding of coding.

Java Performance Tuning



Jack Shirazi demonstrates his mastery of Java performance by including his life experiences in the process of development. He has also provided excellent demonstrations of real-life projects. The tips mentioned in the book will also help developers kick-start their projects. For beginners, this is a book that will outline the expected journey, especially from seasoned programmers who have walked the road. Some areas given prominence include exceptions, I/O, and object creation. It is an eye-opener for any Java lover.

Systems Performance: Enterprise and the Cloud



Brendan Gregg is a certified performance architect for Java. Brendan has given a general view of performance as opposed to specific Java issues. For engineers, this is the kind of material you would want for your upcoming project because it does not restrict your thinking. It goes into incredible depth using very simple language. This makes the book easy to understand.

Books on Java programming are an eye-opener for amateurs and seasoned developers alike. They provide a chance to learn from the mistakes and successes of other people. You have an invaluable start to your programming journey.

7 Of The Best Java Podcasts Today

By Katherine Rundell in General 0 Comment

Java has already taken the coding world by storm with its promises to create better technologies for the future. Though, if you’re looking to learn about the Java programming language from a podcast, it can be hard to find a sufficient developer (or in this case, Java) podcast to learn from, with literally hundreds of podcasts to listen to these days.

So, where should you start? Don’t panic! We’re here to help!

We’ve taken the liberty of searching for the best Java podcasts for you, despite the hundreds of great ones that are out there. Plus, we want to show you the most up-to-date podcasts that you can learn the coding language from.

So, without further ado, here are 7 of the best Java podcasts that you should definitely take a listen to today!

1. Simple Programmer Podcast

Okay, so this one’s not exclusively a Java podcast. However, there’s no denying that the Simple Programmer Podcast has got lots of great Java-exclusive episodes featuring many brilliant tips, especially for beginners. The Simple Programmer Podcast even helps to direct you towards all sorts of other equally useful Java resources, like books and courses.

2. Coders Campus

Want to learn how to program using the Java programming language? Then this podcast is for you!

Coders Campus will teach you step-by-step lessons on how to use Java to create your own web applications or mobile apps. “From clear tutorials to in-depth explanations of the Java programming language, all ideas and lessons are presented in plain English for better understanding. And, all important concepts are addressed, so that listeners can excel in the field of software,” says Tyler Gregory, a Java expert at UKWritings and Boomessays.

3. Inside Java

Inside Java has anything and everything Java, since it’s brought to you directly from the people that make Java at Oracle. As these people discuss the coding language, they’ll also cover the JVM, OpenJDK, platform security, innovation projects (i.e. Loom and Panama), and other exciting developments and stories about Java.

4. Java Pub House

Want to learn how to program in Java? Then tune in to Java Pub House, where they talk about the odds and ends of Java, like “Hello world,” O/R setups, threading, learning how to troubleshoot coding issues, etc. Once you subscribe to the podcast, you’ll have access to all episodes of the podcast, whether you’re at home or on the go. And whether you’re a novice to Java, or an expert developer looking to brush up on your skills, this is the podcast for you!

5. Coding 101

A Catholic priest talking coding? No kidding!

Father Robert Ballecer joins Lou Maresca on an amazing podcast called Coding 101. In this weekly instructional, project-oriented programming show, Fr. Ballecer and Maresca teaches Java to beginners and intermediate programmers within several interchangeable modules. With a wide range of topics to talk about – special interests, “applied” programming tips and tricks, other Java programs (i.e. C++, Visual Basic, PHP, Perl, etc.), etc., Coding 101 has stood the test of time, despite no longer being in production. You can catch all the episodes, along with guest programmer interviews on their website in the TWiT Archives.

6. Bus318 – Business Programming In Java

Leaning more towards expert Java developers, Bus318 acts as a hardcore Java education, with prerequisites in Computer Science 221 with a (C) or better, at least concurrent enrollment in Business 314. From advanced topics in object-oriented data modeling, to graphical user interfaces, to text and binary I/O, to calling on integration with relational and object-oriented databases, this podcast is your go-to learning spot for Java!

7. Java Off-Heap

“The Java Off-Heap Podcast is sure to bring listeners the latest tech news when it comes to Java,” says Spencer Talbot, a tech writer at Custom Writing and Reviewal. “From Java professionals from Chicago, to going over the latest news and issues, this podcast will go in depth on all the topics, bringing in the most useful knowledge that all Java developer novices and experts can take into consideration.”

Conclusion

So, are you ready to learn Java? Then check out these 7 select podcasts that will give you great insight on coding, and mastering Java!

Happy listening, and happy coding!

What Makes Java 14 Special?

By Paul Saldivar in General 0 Comment

Java 14 has finally been released in March 2020 and brings a whole host of new features that will help ease coding frustrations.

In this article, we will break down the top 6 features that make Java 14 an outstanding update compared to the previous versions. Here we go:

1. Switch Expressions

Although Switch Expressions was just a preview feature over the previous two versions, it has now been given permanent status in version 14.

The lambda syntax was introduced for switch expressions in Java 12 and this means that multiple case labels for pattern matching could be produced. This also stopped any fall-through that led to verbose code and enforced exhaustive cases that would issue a compilation error if all input cases weren’t entered.

In the previous versions yield statements were introduced to replace a break for returning values from an expression. Within Java 14, all these features are included as standard now. We should also point out that yield is not a new keyword for Java and is just used within switch expressions.

2. Previewing Text Blocks

Another former preview item, Text Blocks were first added into Java 13 with the intention to make multiline string literals much easier to create. In particular, HTML, JSON and SWL query strings became much easier as a result.

“Text blocks do remain a preview within Java 14, but they have some interesting new additions,” says Robert Class, a journalist at NextCoursework and Australia2Write. “In particular, you can now use a backslash to display smart multiline string blocks.”

The code \s can build trailing spaces that are ignored by the compiler as a default. This then preserves all the spaces that are included before it.

3. Pattern Matching for instanceof

Most codebase creations by Java developers will include a strong use of instanceof conditions filtered in throughout the code. Generally speaking, the instanceof conditional check normally comes before an explicit typecast.

Within the Java 14, developers will be happy to know that this has been removed to make conditional extraction a lot clearer. The scope of this variable is currently limited to just the conditional block.

4. Useful NullPointerExceptions

Most developers will tell you that the null pointer exceptions have been a complete nightmare in previous versions of Java. The infamous NPEs can be exceedingly difficult to debug.

This invariably led to developers falling back on other debugging tools or trying to manually figure the variable/method that was null because the stack trace shows only the line number.

“In Java 14, we also see the introduction of a brand new JVM feature, which has enhanced insights with a descriptive stack,” suggests Anita Lockfield, a tech writer at Britstudent and Write My X. “This is not a language feature, but a development of the runtime environment.”

5. Previewing Records

Within Java, you can build classes to hold data and utilize encapsulation to control the way that the data is accessed and modified. It is an object-oriented language.

Because it uses objects, this makes manipulating complicated data types easy and straightforward. This is one of the things that makes Java popular as a platform. The problem has been that the creation of data types has been verbose in old versions, and it needs a lot of code for even the simplest case.

Within Java 14, they have introduced records as a brand-new preview feature. This new concept helps developers to include a new language feature without having to make it part of the Java standard. This means that developers can test features and provide feedback that leads to changes before those features become standard.

If you want to use the preview feature, you need to specify the command line flag, --enable-preview for the compilation and runtime. For compilation, you must also specify the sourceflag. The record becomes a much simpler way of showing a data class.

6. New APIs

There are three new APIs within Java 14 that we love. The first is java.io which contains a new annotation type called Serial. This was designed to be used with compiler checks on Serializations. This means that annotations of this type can be applied to serialization related methods and with the fields in any classes declared to be Serializable.

The second API that we enjoyed is java.lang. This class has two distinct methods for the new Record feature, including isRecord() and getRecordComponents(). These have a range of RecordComponent objects and gives up to eleven ways to retrieve things, like the details of annotations and the generic type.

Finally, the new java.util.concurrent.locks API has one new method called setCurrentBlocker. This provides an ability to un-park and park a thread. This helps avoid the same problems that previous versions have had with the Thread.suspend() and Thread.resume() methods. You can also set the Object that will be returned by getBlocker with this new API, which can help when recalling the no-argument park method from a non-public object.

Top 10 Best Apps for Programmers 2020

By James Dorian in General 0 Comment

When it comes to using programming languages, coders can make an easy choice. Python is the fastest growing language, but JavaScript is still the most popular one. A great programmer knows what language to focus on, depending on the projects they develop.

But what about other programming tools?

The language is not the only thing that you need to choose. There are too much software developing tools, so you might get confused comparing all their features. First and foremost, you need a code editor. But you also need apps that help you focus and fight procrastination. Let’s not forget collaboration in real time, which is an essential need of modern programming teams.

We have a list for you. It combines various tools that cover different aspects of a programmer’s work. We’ll list the best apps for developers at the moment.

Top 10 Apps for Developers

1. CodeRunner

A successful programming process starts with the choice of an editor. It has to be fast, and it should support multiple languages.

CodeRunner meets those standards. It’s a lightweight Mac app that supports 25+ languages, and lets you do your work in the fastest way possible. Its bracket management, auto-indenting, and code completion features are outstanding.

2. Todo.txt

Your list of programming tools needs an app that lets you plan tasks and update them as you go through the daily schedule.

Todo.txt is a simplistic app, without too many options, reminders, drop-downs, and additional features that aren’t necessary when you want to create a straightforward list of tasks. You’ll interact with it right from the command line. This may not be what a usual to-do app user would like, but it’s definitely something a programmer appreciates.

3. Marked

If you use Markdown for easy formatting, you need apps for programmers that let you see the styled version before its publication. Marked gives you that option.

In addition to the preview feature, it also gives you tools for simplifying your style, checking the grammar and spelling, lightening the word count, and achieving an optimal reading time for the visitor.

4. Appian

This list of apps for developers wouldn’t be complete without Appian – a tool that lets you develop perfect mobile apps. It makes app development as easy as it gets. According to the provider’s estimations it takes eight weeks from the idea development to the app’s completion with the use of this low-code tool.

Appian lets you achieve greater speed by automating processes and combining data from multiple sources.

5. Unity

This is one of the best 3D software developing tools on the market. It’s perfect for creating games, architecture and engineering projects, automotive models, and more.

Unity offers a great user manual, which the most popular apps for programmers often skip. With these complete lessons, you’ll easily learn how to use the tool to its full potential.

6. MusicForProgramming

A music platform is not the first idea that comes to mind when you search for the best apps for developers. However, MusicForProgramming is one of those essential tools that help you work in a focused environment.

Currently, there are 59 playlists that are specifically designed as the perfect background to a coder’s working process.

It’s much better than creating your own playlists on YouTube. Let’s be honest: it would take a lot of time for you to create 59 different playlists. Plus, when you choose your own music, you’re too attached to some pieces, which can make you distracted.

7. RescueTime

Is there a programmer who has never burned out? It’s a common situation, which leads to procrastination, dissatisfaction, and more procrastination. RescueTime can prevent the delays that you make when you feel unmotivated to work. It records how much time you spend on different apps and sites.

The reality hit will be enough for you to get back to work… seriously.

8. iTerm2

Your Mac’s Terminal is one of the essential programming tools that you use. But do you feel like it’s stuck back in time? iTerm2 is a similar, but more advanced tool.

It lets you split a tab into multiple panes, so you’ll navigate through different sessions. It also has a convenient search feature, which will find parts of your code that you need to work on. It has an autocomplete function, mouseless copy feature, easily accessible paste history, and more.

9. Unicode Table

This is an outstanding searchable database for all the Unicode characters that you plan to use. It includes alphabets, math symbols, fancy letters, flowers, stars, emoji, hearts, and much more.

You will get Unicode, CSS, and HTML codes for each character that you plan to use.

10. Codeanywhere

Gone are the days when programming was considered to be solitary work. Nowadays, we all use collaborative apps for developers, which allow us to join forces and work on different parts of the code at the same time.

This is a simple code editor, which lets you work remotely from any location. You will connect with your team, and you’ll all make changes in the code in real time. The app manages to make that process NOT messy, since it easily lets you switch between versions and check out each change that was made.

Only Use the Apps That You Need

Since the choice of tools for programmers is so great, it’s easy to start using more apps than you need to.

You need only a little software developing tools and accompanying software to support your work. Anything beyond the essentials may clog up your work environment.

That’s why we listed tools in different categories. Even if you use all of them, they won’t collide with one another. Check them out, and use the ones that can help you enhance your workflow.

The Benefits of Obfuscating JavaScript with Node.js

By Beatrix Potter in General 0 Comment

JavaScript is arguably the programming language out there, and specifically in terms of client-side programming languages, there are few alternatives to match it. Obfuscation involves deliberately creating source or machine code that is difficult for humans to understand, protecting the integrity of the initial programmers’ code. Programmers may deliberately obscure their code to protect its purpose or the implicit values embedded in it. This is primarily done to prevent tampering and reverse engineering. However, it is also important for those who sell their code, it is, unfortunately, easily copied. Obfuscating your JavaScript via Node.js does not prevent your code being copied, but certainly makes in hardly readable. Security through obscurity. Not only that, but Node.js is a language deriving from JavaScript, making the learning curve quite intuitive. Below we’ll go through the benefits and method of obfuscating JavaScript with Node.js.

Installing The Right Obfuscator

In order to get started, you need to install the JavaScript Obfuscator. This must be done before any JS code can be obscured with Node.js, as the process is reliant on the JS obfuscator module. It’s a powerful tool, with a wide array of features ensuring security for your source code. Limitless restrictions, local machine compatible, no server-data exchange, and compatible primarily with es2015 and es2016 makes it an intuitive and essential tool in protecting your code.

The logic to obfuscate code is relatively simplistic. It is capable of creating an instance of the Module, from which it is possible for you to use the obfuscate method that expects as first argument the code that you want to obfuscate. Through a series of transformations your source code is transformed into something obscure, and very difficult to read.

Process Logic

Given the popularity of JavaScript, using Node.js makes sense – particularly if you have experience working with JS on front-end applications, you will have an easy time learning Node.js for your backend applications. This makes your working environment more efficient as you are continuing to work in a relatively familiar environment.

Web Developer, Kuan-Yin T’an, of Dissertation Writer and OXEssays, suggests, “it’s really important to ensure that your workflow is compliments by the tools your using. Wasting time with other languages is inefficient, particularly given the complimentary benefits of Node.js with JavaScript. The system offers a wide variety of tools making a programmer’s life much easier – and in the end, that will only increase your output.”

Performance Positives

It is true that you are sure to find some high-performance power from using Node.js, but is important to dive into why this is the case. Node.js reads JavaScript code via Google’s V8 JavaScript engine – this engine is vital as it compiles the JS code right into the machine code. Essentially the code is implemented quicker and with greater efficiency. Additionally, the speed by which the code is executed is facilitated because of the runtime environment is support from non-blocking I/O operations.

Alanis Truijens, tech writer for AustralianHelp and Urgent Assignment Help, was clear in her own assessment, “The simplest version I can give is that Node.js functions as a JS runtime environment that allows JS coding to be executed in a server-side environment. At its core, this is an open-source platform which increases flexibility to get things done”.

Application Scalability

Using Node.js means that scaling your applications is relatively straight forward. Whether it is horizontal or vertical, it doesn’t matter, you can scale to your own needs. Additionally, it’s possible to add different resources to the single nodes when vertically scaling your applications.

Weighing It All Up

The reality is simple. Node.js has more advantages than disadvantages, and in terms of workflow it’s more efficient. What is notable about the disadvantages is that they all appear to be relatively fixable, when compared with other tools. Node.js uses JavaScript, which makes it a good system for back-end development given the intuitive learning curve. Finally, there are more businesses using Node.js, and that more than anything really makes it the complimentary system to use when obfuscating JavaScript.