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.

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.