Application development and design
As software demands become more prevalent and complex, application development and design continues to experience a wave of changes in terms of tooling and practices. Learn about the latest in this field, including breakdowns of both established and emerging languages, as well as the key practices required for successful development efforts.
Top Stories
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Tip
19 Mar 2025
Key considerations for data-intensive architectures
A shift toward data-driven decision-making amplifies the need for scalable systems that deliver real-time business insights supported by quality data. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2025
5 fundamental strategies for REST API authentication
Implementing an effective REST API authentication strategy can help protect users and their data while maintaining a seamless data exchange across boundaries. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Mar 2025
Story points and hours of effort in Scrum
Story points and hours help Agile teams calculate the amount of work and time estimated to complete tasks. Here's how these systems are different. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2025
Partner's Apple Watch referee app lets NHL stripes keep focus
Presidio designed the NHL Watch Comms App to sync with a hockey arena's game and penalty clocks and use haptic notifications to help officials keep their eyes on the game. Continue Reading
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Video
14 Mar 2025
Camel case vs. pascal case vs. snake case vs. kebab case
Want to know the differences between common code naming conventions like camel case, pascal case, snake case and kebab case? This quick tutorial has all the answers. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2025
11 tools that facilitate developer productivity
Development teams have a better experience when they use tools that integrate well together and facilitate collaboration. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2025
Java's naming conventions
Ever wonder what the difference is between snake case and camel case, and what are the rules to use them? Here's how to properly apply common naming conventions in Java. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2025
Implementing webhooks: Benefits and best practices
Webhooks are a simple technology, so make the implementation strategy simple, too. Start by designing an intuitive workflow that plans for the unexpected and prioritizes security. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2025
Use the 7 Rs to develop an app modernization strategy
Application modernization can be the bane or boon of app development. Learn how to use the seven Rs to create an effective development strategy for your business's applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2025
What is a proxy server? Definition and use cases
A proxy server is an intermediary between a user and the internet. It's a dedicated computer or software-driven service that acts as an intermediary or gateway between an endpoint or client device, such as a computer, and a server on the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2025
Top 5 Agile estimation techniques
Stakeholders want development teams to stick to rigid timelines, which doesn't align with Agile development. These five Agile estimation techniques can help bridge the divide. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2025
Difference between a statement vs. expression in programming
The decision between statement-centric and expression-oriented languages can influence an individual's programming style and the code's length, complexity and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2025
Best practices for writing clean code comments
Well-written code comments are a great tool to explain code intent. Use these tips to ensure your comments are adding value to source code, not cluttering it up. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2025
How to fix software bugs: Guide and best practices
'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' -- Benjamin Franklin, 1736. The original quote pertained to fire safety, but it still applies to software bug prevention today. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2025
The basics of working with pseudocode
Writing pseudocode is a great way to practice problem-solving skills, a crucial aspect in programming. It helps developers conceptualize and communicate their ideas. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Feb 2025
What is continuous deployment (CD)?
Continuous deployment (CD) is a strategy for software development and releases in which every code change is automatically run through a pipeline of tests and inspections before being pushed into production. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2025
Why use JavaFX in 2025?
As a modern GUI framework, JavaFX is alive and kicking with a very broad community and many active projects. Here are some resources to deepen your knowledge and spark inspiration. Continue Reading
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Video
20 Feb 2025
How to use the Spring Boot application.properties file
Need to externalize database configuration? Want to customize how Spring autoconfiguration works? The key to it all is Spring's application.properties file. Here's how to use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2025
How do you plan an iteration in Agile software development?
Iterative planning in Agile helps teams to plan and adapt, collaborate, gather feedback and deliver to customers. Follow these tips to keep product development efforts on track. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Feb 2025
What is open source and how does it work?
The term 'open source' refers to any program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2025
The 5 essential HTTP methods in RESTful API development
While HTTP methods aren't inherently complex, developers still need to understand the core RESTful API HTTP methods and why they matter. Continue Reading
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Video
18 Feb 2025
Run Llama LLMs on your laptop with Hugging Face and Python
How hard is it to run a large language model within a Python program? With a little help from PyTorch and the Hugging Face API, it's not hard at all. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2025
Optimize code using binary notation
Code optimization can be more creative than compilers and instruction-level parallelism. Here are specific ways to optimize code using hardware resources with high-level languages. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2025
Comparing low-code vs. traditional development
The lines between low-code and traditional development aren't always clear. Compare the pros and cons of each approach to judge which makes sense for your organization. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Feb 2025
How to install Visual Studio Code for Java
What's your favorite IDE? Most Java developers say Eclipse or IntelliJ, but TypeScript and Python devs often say VS Code. Maybe it's time to give Visual Studio Code for Java a try? Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2025
How to set JAVA_HOME in Windows
How do programs that need Java find it on your operating system? They search for JAVA_HOME. Here's how to set it up on your Windows machine. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2025
What is ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)?
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is the most common character encoding format for text data in computers and on the internet. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Jan 2025
JavaScript, React and object-oriented programming
This tutorial ties together JavaScript, React and object-oriented programming to show developers how to use the React framework's powerful and flexible features and functions. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2025
A guide to software design documentation and specifications
Software design documents still rank as important SDLC components -- even in the age of DevOps. Learn why they are important, how to write one and who should contribute. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2025
Top 9 smart contract platforms to consider in 2025
Platform speed, scalability, security and smart contract development support vary widely. Here's how to match features to your needs plus the lowdown on the major players. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2025
11 key Agile metrics to ensure effective measurement
Agile metrics are crucial to help software development teams track speed, efficiency and quality. Here are some important ones, and how to combine them for best results. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Jan 2025
Install Maven on Windows
Want to get started with Maven? This step-by-step guide shows you how to install Apache Maven and build your first Java application. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2025
The pros and cons of using generative AI for API testing
GenAI has the potential to reduce the API testing effort and improve the coverage and quality of testing. But finding the right patterns and workflows is critical to performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2025
What is lazy loading?
Lazy loading is a design pattern in web development that only loads necessary code components immediately, deferring nonessential components. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2025
Harnessing space-based architecture for high performance
Space-based architecture offers the modularity of a distributed microservices architecture but with submillisecond data access times. Unsurprisingly, it comes with tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Jan 2025
Install Eclipse on Ubuntu
Installing Eclipse on Ubuntu has never been easier, and the latest version of Eclipse has never been better. Here's how to get started with these two popular open source tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2025
34 must-know Agile terms
Agile is the cornerstone of countless development efforts today. Use this definitive glossary as a quick reference for Agile terminology and concepts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2025
Swing vs. JavaFX: Compare Java GUI frameworks
Swing has been used with Java GUIs since 1998, but there are good reasons to adopt JavaFX instead. Here's how to know which to choose for your next Java project. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Jan 2025
Install Java's JDK on Ubuntu
It's incredibly easy to install Java 21 on the latest version of Ubuntu. A single command will do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2025
Reverse proxy vs. load balancer: How do they compare?
If reverse proxies were plantains, load balancers would be bananas. Despite surface similarities, the two services work in different ways and support varying use cases. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Dec 2024
Level up with these 10 soft skills for software developers
Standing out in today's competitive market requires more than just exceptional technical skills. Review topical advice for building must-have soft skills for software developers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Dec 2024
Stubs vs. mocks in software testing
Running a software test and need to simulate a function or object? Here's how to choose between two common options, stubs vs. mocks, and ensure reliable and maintainable tests. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2024
Exploring cell-based architecture vs. microservices
Cell-based architecture takes fundamental concepts related to microservices and applies them across the entire software environment to make more fault-tolerant, scalable systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2024
A JavaScript functional programming basic tutorial
JavaScript's versatility makes it useful for webpages and web servers, but also functional programming. This tutorial shows how to implement JavaScript functional programming. Continue Reading
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Video
16 Dec 2024
Inversion of control vs. dependency injection
This video tutorial explains the relationship between dependency injection and inversion of control as well as how they underpin the Spring framework. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2024
Django vs. Flask: Comparing Python web frameworks
Django's batteries-included approach might be excessive for small projects. Flask is lightweight, but a lack of built-in tools can add to development time. Analyze the tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2024
Webhook security: Risks and best practices for mitigation
Webhook security is an ongoing process, with responsibility shared between providers and consumers to protect against threats and ensure a secure webhook ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Dec 2024
Maven and Eclipse tutorial
Maven is the Java industry's most popular Java build tool. Eclipse is the Java industry's most popular open source IDE. Here's how to combine the two. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2024
Why Agile estimation and planning never works
Modern application development can defy traditional project planning and delivery. Here's how to incorporate more flexibility into your Agile estimation and planning. Continue Reading
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Video
03 Dec 2024
Spring Boot, Hibernate, JPA and MySQL
Ever use ChatGPT to create a web-based front end for a RESTful Spring Boot back end? This fun video tutorial on Spring, Hibernate and JPA is your opportunity. Continue Reading
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Video
03 Dec 2024
How to install Python on Windows
Want to jump into the world of AI, ML and data science? Your first step is to install Python and get familiar with the Python programming language. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2024
Webhook vs. API: Which mechanism is better?
Moving data in one direction? Choose a webhook. Need applications to communicate with each other? Use an API. But first, compare both methods in function, cost, security and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2024
What's next for APIs? 4 API trends for 2025 and beyond
As businesses navigate tightening budgets and resources, the API marketplace will continue to play a vital role in integrating services, applications and cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2024
Understanding the 7 principles of functional programming
Java and C++ ushered in object-oriented programming, but now Python and JavaScript popularize functional programming. These seven principles of functional programming explain why. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2024
Agile estimation: Predicting the unpredictable
Agile teams' overreliance on estimates detracts from the overall goal to deliver value to the customer. Avoid these agile estimation pitfalls in your software development efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2024
13 application performance metrics and how to measure them
You've deployed your application, now what? Keep your application performing well by tracking metrics. Take a look at these 13 critical KPIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2024
Know these top 5 Scrum antipatterns
Embrace sprints, set clear goals, engage with customers -- these behaviors and others will help your teams avoid common Scrum antipatterns. Continue Reading
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Video
19 Nov 2024
Java, JDBC and SQL Server tutorial
This tutorial shows how to create a JDBC connection to Microsoft's SQL Server, and get started creating Java-based applications that are scalable and secure. Continue Reading
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Video
15 Nov 2024
Spring Initializr for Spring Boot
The Spring Initializr is the easiest way to get started with a new Spring Boot project. Here's a tutorial on how to use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2024
MySQL vs. PostgreSQL: Compare popular open source databases
This deep dive compares two popular open source database options, MySQL vs. PostgreSQL, across key categories including performance, compliance, security, scalability and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2024
Webhooks explained simply, with examples
Webhooks make significant use of basic API call mechanisms and set event triggers in a few clicks of a button -- all without the overhead of heavy request-response structures. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2024
Application refactoring: Best practices for cloud migrations
Learn what application refactoring is, its role in cloud migration, typical challenges, the best ways to ensure success -- and when to not do it at all. Continue Reading
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Video
08 Nov 2024
Spring Batch tutorial
There are two common approaches to batch processing in Spring Boot: the Tasklet and the ItemProcessor. This tutorial explains why the ItemProcessor is best for large data sets. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Nov 2024
Spring vs. Spring Boot vs. the Spring Framework
Ever wonder what the distinction is between Spring Boot and the Spring Framework? Or exactly what the term 'Spring' refers to? Here's your answer. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Nov 2024
What is Mojo programming language and what is it used for?
Mojo is a high-performance programming language initially designed to unify and simplify the development of applications across all layers of the AI stack. Continue Reading
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Video
05 Nov 2024
Create a React Hello World program
Discover a new take on the classic React Hello World program. Go beyond the basics and explore state management, event handling and best practices to build progressive web apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2024
Managing complexity: Event-driven architecture explained
Event-driven architecture is complex, but so are today's data challenges. Discover ways to manage dynamic and distributed interactions in this EDA explainer. Continue Reading
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Video
01 Nov 2024
Spring Boot CRUD operations
What's your preferred approach to perform Spring CRUD operations? I always choose Spring Data's CrudRepository. Anything else is too much work. Continue Reading
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Video
01 Nov 2024
SQLite tutorial for beginners
SQLite has an incredibly small footprint. That's one of the reasons why it's the most used database engine in the world. If you've never used it before, here's your chance. Continue Reading
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Video
01 Nov 2024
Java, JDBC and Postgres
Postgres has become popular in the Java community for many reasons. The ease of integration with Java apps through JDBC is one of the biggest. Here's how it works. Continue Reading
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Video
31 Oct 2024
Spring Boot ConfigurationProperties tutorial
Need to convert structured data in a Spring YAML or properties file into lists, maps and inner classes? Just use the @ConfigurationProperties decoration in Spring Boot. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2024
8 microservices best practices to remember
From integrating domain-driven design to securing APIs, explore a range of microservices best practices for building a resilient and scalable application. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is an application?
An application, also referred to as an application program or application software, is a computer software package that performs a specific function directly for an end user or, in some cases, for another application. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is a 3-tier application architecture?
A three-tier application architecture is a modular client-server architecture that consists of a presentation tier, an application tier and a data tier. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is acceptance testing?
Acceptance testing is a quality assurance (QA) process that determines to what degree an application meets end users' approval. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2024
Rust vs. Python: Strengths, challenges and use cases
This Rust vs. Python faceoff breaks down how the two programming languages stack up against each other in terms of performance, speed, memory management and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2024
What is a functional specification document?
A functional specification is a formal document used to describe a product's intended capabilities, appearance and interactions with users in detail for software developers. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Oct 2024
What is monolithic architecture in software?
Monolithic architecture is the traditional unified model for the design of a software program. Continue Reading
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Video
15 Oct 2024
How Spring Boot @Component and @ComponentScan annotations work
There are many ways to configure Spring's ApplicationContext. The easiest way? That's through Spring's Component and ComponentScan annotations. Here's how to use them. Continue Reading
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Video
11 Oct 2024
Git commit message conventions and best practices
Never underestimate the power of a good git commit message. Need help writing one? Here are the commonly accepted git commit message guidelines and best practices. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Oct 2024
Spring profiles in Spring Boot tutorial
Ever struggle with the constant discrepancies between dev, UAT and production? Spring profiles make such configuration issues a thing of the past. Here's how they work. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
Rust vs. C++: Differences and use cases explained
C++ was mature before Rust even existed. Does that mean developers should switch from C++ to Rust? Not always. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2024
How to solve the pinning problem in Java virtual threads
Virtual threads in Java offer many benefits, but they're not a drop-in replacement for traditional threads. Understand and plan around their limitations, most notably pinning. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2024
The interface segregation principle: A fun and simple guide
Want a fun way to learn the interface segregation principle of SOLID object-oriented design? Imagine a remote control that tries to do everything but just mucks it all up. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2024
Simplifying native interoperability in Java with JEP 454
Finalized in Java 22, JEP 454 helps developers safely and efficiently call native functions and manage memory outside of Java. Here's a rundown of how it works. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2024
What's wrong with Java? Nothing, but evaluate alternatives
Java's benefits don't always fit a given task, and a different language might be a better choice. Use these comparisons to choose the best code for your needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2024
An introduction to TypeSpec, a new API definition language
Standardizing API descriptions and converting API definitions into different formats can be challenging. TypeSpec, a new API definition language, aims to solve that. Continue Reading
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Video
01 Oct 2024
Dependency injection in Spring
There's more to dependency injection than calling parameterized constructors and passing components to methods. This tutorial examines what it means to support DI and IoC. Continue Reading
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Video
23 Sep 2024
Get started with Spring Tools Suite 4
Getting started with Spring Boot has never been easier. The Spring Tools Suite for Eclipse comes with everything you need to write, compile and test your Spring-based apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2024
Is cloud repatriation the only answer?
Cloud repatriation should be a last resort, not a repudiation of the cloud. Do you know how to fully optimize cloud workloads to avoid costly in-house investment? Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2024
What is dependency injection in object-oriented programming (OOP)?
Dependency injection is a technique used in object-oriented programming (OOP) to reduce the hardcoded dependencies between objects. Continue Reading
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Video
19 Sep 2024
Inversion of control in Spring
All enterprise development frameworks are built around inversion of control. This IoC example demonstrates how it manifests itself in frameworks like Spring and Jakarta EE. Continue Reading
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Video
16 Sep 2024
Dependency injection and inversion of control in Spring
At the heart of every Spring project, be it Spring AI, Spring MVC or Spring Data, lies a powerful dependency injection and inversion of control container. Here's how it works. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)?
BASIC, short for Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code", is an early programming language that was designed to help non-technical users and students solve easy problems with a computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Sep 2024
What is a software stack?
A software stack is a collection of independent components that work together to support the execution of an application. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2024
What is a sprint (software development)?
In Agile product development and software project management, a sprint is a set period of time during which specific work has to be completed and made ready for review. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Sep 2024
Simple Spring Hello World program
Many developers work with Spring Boot every day but don't really understand how dependency injection works. Build your foundation in Spring with this simple Hello World program. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2024
What is machine code (machine language)?
Machine code, also known as ‘machine language’ or ‘native code,’ is the elemental language of computers. It is read by the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), is composed of digital binary numbers and looks like a very long sequence of zeros and ones. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
10 dying or 'dead' programming languages
In a rapidly evolving landscape, these 10 programming languages are becoming increasingly obscure. Learn how programming languages die despite their former prominence. Continue Reading
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Video
04 Sep 2024
Model-view-controller design pattern tutorial
How well do you know the MVC design pattern? The basic concept is simple, but the details trip up many developers. This deep dive explores what MVC is and how to best implement it. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Aug 2024
Difference between the Spring Framework and Spring Boot
You can use the Spring Framework to build microservices without using Spring Boot, but should you? To answer that, you must know the difference between Spring and Spring Boot. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Aug 2024
Spring Boot vs. Spring MVC: What's the difference?
You've used Spring Boot to build microservices. You've also used Spring MVC. But what's the difference? Here we look at the differences between Spring Boot and Spring MVC. Continue Reading