Core Java APIs and programming techniques

Technologies related to Java APIs (application programming interfaces) and JDK (Java Development Kit) form the cornerstone of modern, enterprise-grade software development. Here we explore all the Java features that make the JVM great through programming tutorials, real-world code samples and expert opinions from Java champions.

Top Stories

Tip 05 Dec 2023
A primer on Java 21 virtual threads with examples

Virtual threads let developers build applications that handle potentially millions of users and ensure consistent service delivery. Here's how Java 21 virtual threads work. Continue Reading
Answer 01 Dec 2023
11 real benefits of microservices

There's a reason why so many vendors have moved from monoliths to microservices. Here are 11 real benefits microservices bring to companies. Continue Reading

Answer 01 Dec 2023

11 real benefits of microservices

There's a reason why so many vendors have moved from monoliths to microservices. Here are 11 real benefits microservices bring to companies. Continue Reading
Answer 16 Nov 2023

10 disadvantages of microservices you'll need to overcome

Not everyone is keen to adopt a cloud-native architecture, for good reasons. These common drawbacks to microservices might convince you to stick with your traditional architecture. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Oct 2023

Understanding protocol buffers vs. JSON

Protocol buffers have some compelling advantages over JSON when it comes to sending data between internal services. But is it really a replacement for JSON? Continue Reading
Tip 04 Oct 2023

9 tips to improve Python performance

Python performance gets a bad rap compared with languages such as Java. Use these tips to identify and fix problems in your Python code to tweak its performance. Continue Reading
Blog Post 18 Sep 2023

Java vs. Python: Application code comparison

When you compare Java vs. Python application development in terms of simplicity, conciseness, security and performance, Java comes out on top in every category. Continue Reading
Blog Post 04 Sep 2023

Jenkins tutorial for beginners

Need to learn Jenkins CI fast? This Jenkins tutorial will quickly get you up to speed on how to use the popular CI/CD tool. Continue Reading
Blog Post 01 Sep 2023

How to discard local changes in Git

Don't overlook a file or two when you attempt to remove and discard local, uncommitted changes in Git. Learn how to locally revert and remove uncommitted changes to files in Git properly. Continue Reading
Blog Post 30 Aug 2023

10 reasons to use Kotlin

Curious about the Kotlin language? It's an excellent choice as either a companion or alternative to Java, and offers many capabilities Java programmers wish they had all along. Continue Reading
Blog Post 24 Aug 2023

How to install Jenkins on Windows

With the Jenkins installer it's incredibly easy to download and run the popular CI/CD tool. Follow these simple steps and you'll have the continuous integration server running on Windows in no time. Continue Reading
Blog Post 21 Aug 2023

HTTP request methods explained

While there are almost 40 registered HTTP request methods, most RESTful web developers only use five of them. Here are the most important HTTP methods and examples of how to use them. Continue Reading
Blog Post 21 Aug 2023

PUT vs POST: What's the difference?

What's the difference between PUT and POST methods? Here we compare POST versus PUT in terms of idempotence, URL usage, payloads and their use in RESTful APIs. Continue Reading
Tutorial 11 Aug 2023

Understanding TypeScript generics

Programming languages such as Java, C# and Swift use generics to create code that's reusable and enforce type safety. In this tutorial, learn how generics in TypeScript work. Continue Reading
Blog Post 07 Aug 2023

How to login to Docker with a Docker Hub access token

Have you been snared by Docker's "unauthorized: incorrect username or password" error when you login at the command line? Here's how to generate an access token in Docker Hub and fix it. Continue Reading
Blog Post 06 Aug 2023

Get started with Spring Boot 3 tutorial

Need to learn Spring Boot 3? Want to quickly build a Spring Boot app with RESTful web services? This tutorial will help you create your first Spring Boot application in just minutes. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Jul 2023

The dangers of Python import and how enterprises can be safe

The Python import statement carries a security risk that developers and enterprises need to watch out for. Here's how it works and why there's no easy fix. Continue Reading
Blog Post 19 Jul 2023

Sprint vs Scrum: What's the difference?

The comparison of Scrum versus a sprint is less about differences and more about how Agile frameworks such as Scrum, SAFe and XP use short development cycles to limit risk and keep stakeholders ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 13 Jul 2023

How to enable Java 21 preview features

Java 21 includes numerous highly anticipated preview features including String templates, scoped variables and unnamed classes. Here's how to enable Java 21 preview features on your JDK. Continue Reading
Tutorial 12 Jul 2023

Understanding the TypeScript method decorator

This tutorial explores TypeScript method decorators, reusable code similar to Java annotations that lets developers apply logic in a declarative manner at design time. Continue Reading
Blog Post 10 Jul 2023

Scrum's chicken and pigs parable

In a ham and eggs breakfast, the chicken is involved, but the pig's 100% committed. That's the problematic basis of Scrum's chicken and pigs parable. Continue Reading
Blog Post 03 Jul 2023

Create your first Java AWS Lambda function in minutes

If you haven't created a Java-based AWS Lambda function before, you'll be amazed at how easy it is. This quick AWS, Lambda and Java tutorial will quickly get you started in the world of serverless ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 01 Jul 2023

The var keyword in Java

While the use of var in Java brings inferred typing to the platform, it does not negate Java's dedication to strong typing. Here's how the Java var keyword works, along with simple examples of how ... Continue Reading
Tip 30 Jun 2023

How to apply the open-closed principle in Java

How does the open-closed SOLID principle work in a Java program? Here we show you what this important principle means, and how to implement the open-closed principle in Java. Continue Reading
Quiz 20 Jun 2023

10 WebAssembly questions to test your Wasm knowledge

Test your knowledge of WebAssembly with this tough, ten-question quiz on the benefits and applications of the new Wasm standard. Continue Reading
Blog Post 06 Jun 2023

How Java instance main methods and unnamed classes work

Say goodbye to the public static void main method in Java 21 with the unnamed classes and instance main methods preview features. Continue Reading
Blog Post 04 Jun 2023

Hibernate and JPA column mapping with annotations

Effective Hibernate and JPA column mapping requires the use of the @Column annotation to set important properties such as nullability, uniqueness, precision and scale. Continue Reading
Blog Post 01 Jun 2023

How System.out in Java works

New developers are often confused by the line of System.out.println() code they write when first introduced to Java. Here's a quick explanation of what System.out.println() means. Continue Reading
Blog Post 01 Jun 2023

How to use native SQL in Hibernate and JPA

Need to use raw SQL with JPA and JPA? The Jakarta Persistence API's NativeQuery interface makes it possible to use Hibernate, SQL and JPA together in the same app. Continue Reading
Blog Post 31 May 2023

Java's print vs println method: What's the difference?

What's the difference between print and println methods in Java? Our examples show that it comes down to the fact that println adds a newline character to output, while Java's print method does not. Continue Reading
Blog Post 15 May 2023

Hibernate and JPA 3 CRUD example

Struggling to get your first JPA 3 application off the ground? Here's a quick Hibernate and JPA 3 CRUD example to help you get going with the latest version of the Java Persistence API. Continue Reading
Tip 09 May 2023

How to address Python performance problems

Python is a great language for nonprogrammers to do mathematical and scientific tasks, even if such optimization impacts performance. Here's why that's not a fair criticism. Continue Reading
Blog Post 01 May 2023

The right MySQL persistence.xml example file for JPA 3 and Hibernate 6

A quick migration from JPA 2.x to 3.x can become bottlenecked if the persistence.xml file is misconfigured. Here's what a proper persistence.xml file for JPA 3, Hibernate 6 and a MySQL database ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 30 Apr 2023

How to write your first Java program

Want to learn to code and write your first Java program? Here's a quick and fun Java programming tutorial that will have your running your first Java program in less than 10 minutes. Continue Reading
Blog Post 25 Apr 2023

Hello World in Python vs Java

'Hello World' is a silly criterion to use when comparing programming languages. Yet here we are, comparing 'Hello World' in Java vs Python. We'll let you judge the winner. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Mar 2023

JavaScript vs. TypeScript: What's the difference?

TypeScript and JavaScript are two complementary technologies that are driving both front-end and back-end development. Here are the similarities and differences between the two. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Mar 2023

How to apply the single responsibility principle in Java

How does the single responsibility model work in a Java program? Here we show you what this SOLID principle means, and how to implement the single responsibility model in Java. Continue Reading
Blog Post 29 Mar 2023

Why is the Bootstrap grid system 12 columns wide?

Ever wonder why they created a 12-column Bootstrap grid system, and not 10 or 15? It's the same reason there's 60 seconds in a minute, or 360 degrees in a circle. Continue Reading
Blog Post 28 Mar 2023

There's a new Java build system named Bld

Want to write your software build logic entirely in Java? A new build tool called Bld does exactly that, and Geert Bevin and Erik Thauvin are behind it. Continue Reading
Blog Post 19 Mar 2023

Critical Java JVM options and parameters

The easiest way to optimize your Java runtime is to supply correct JVM options and parameters. In honor of the Java 21 release, we examine the 21 most important Java JVM options you can configure. Continue Reading
Blog Post 04 Mar 2023

Real world Java applications

Java runs on billions of devices, and Java applications of importance run on systems all over the world. Here are the top 10 applications of Java technology today, plus a look at what the future ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 03 Mar 2023

Integer vs. int: What's the difference?

What's the difference between an Integer and int in Java? Here we compare these two Java data types for usage, performance and when to choose an int or an Integer in your code. Continue Reading
Blog Post 28 Feb 2023

Top 10 software myths debunked

Software myths abound in the IT industry. Here are the top 10 software devlepment myths and misconceptions, along with a full debunking of these mythical ideas. Continue Reading
Blog Post 26 Feb 2023

How to use JShell in Java

If you haven't used Java's JShell yet, you're missing out. Here's a quick Java and JShell tutorial to get you started. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Feb 2023

Why Java in 2023?

Has there ever been a better time to be a Java programmer? From new Spring releases to active JUGs, the Java platform is experiencing a renaissance. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Jan 2023

How developers can avoid remote work scams

Software developers can find good remote programming jobs, but some job offers are too good to be true. Follow these tips to spot remote job scams. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Jan 2023

Tips and tricks for TypeScript programming

For those new to TypeScript or for Java developers transitioning into JavaScript, these three TypeScript tips and tricks modern day software developers will come in handy. Continue Reading
Tutorial 06 Jan 2023

11 lessons learned from writing my first Java program

You'll be amazed how easy it is to learn Java and write powerful cross-platform applications when writing your first Java program. Some misconceptions about Java just aren't true. Continue Reading
Blog Post 09 Dec 2022

What is an octothorpe? Cool tech words and computer science slang

What is an octothorpe? How is the 'spaceship operator' used? And will saying 'shebang' get me in trouble? Here are 11 slang computer science words every developer in tech needs to know. Continue Reading
Blog Post 04 Dec 2022

How do you say Udemy? The 11 most mispronounced tech terms

How do you say Udemy? How do you pronounce JSON or GIF? There's a right way and there's a wrong way. Learn the right way to say these commonly mispronounced tech terms. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Oct 2022

The differences between Java and TypeScript devs must know

Do you know Java? Are you trying to learn TypeScript? Here are five differences between TypeScript and Java that will make the learning transition easier. Continue Reading
Tutorial 29 Sep 2022

Your top 4 Java user input strategies

From System.in to the Scanner class, there are many ways to read user input into your Java programs. Find out which Java user input strategy is best for your software needs. Continue Reading
Tutorial 29 Sep 2022

How Java's System.in reads input from the user

The Java System.in component provides universal access to console-based user input. Learn how to make your applications interactive with this Java System.in tutorial. Continue Reading
Blog Post 09 Sep 2022

Java Exception handling best practices

Don't let the complexities of Java Exception handling get you down. Follow these top 10 Java Exception handling examples and you'll be an expert in handling errors in your Java code. Continue Reading
Blog Post 08 Aug 2022

Java Scanner User Input Example

This tutorial on how to use the Java Scanner for user input will quickly show you how to import java.util, take String, int, double and char input, and teach you the difference between the ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 24 Jul 2022

How to format a Java String with printf example

The Java String printf method makes adding and formatting text incredibly easy. In this quick tutorial, you'll learn by example how to format, justify, pad and case output printed with Java's ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 18 Jul 2022

How to format a Java int or long with printf example

Here's a quick tutorial on how to use printf to format Java int, long, short and byte values. It's pretty easy to do. And the output you can generate can be very visually appealing. Continue Reading
Blog Post 18 Jul 2022

Java double brace initialization explained by example

Java's double brace initialization feature saves time and shaves off a few keystrokes when you initialize a Set or seed a List for testing. Here's a quick example of how to use Java's double brace ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 17 Jul 2022

How to format a Java table with printf example

Why not make your console output look pretty? Create, format and print data tables with Java printf statements, along with a clever combination of dashes, pipelines and printf placeholders. Continue Reading
Blog Post 11 Jun 2022

Example Java String palindrome checker program using recursion

There are many ways to write a Java String palindrome program. In this Java palindrome example we demonstrate recursion and how the use of loops, arrays, Scanner and the reverse method can improve ... Continue Reading
Blog Post 09 Jun 2022

Java length vs length(): What's the difference?

Have you ever been confused between length and length() in Java? Here we show you the difference between Java length properties and methods, and when to use them in your code. Continue Reading
Blog Post 20 Apr 2022

CDI Full vs CDI Lite: What's new in Contexts and Dependency Injection 4.0

There's an interesting change packaged inside the CDI 4.0 release that will change the way you think about the API. Version 4.0 of Jakarta Contexts and Dependency Injection (CDI) changed the ... Continue Reading
Tip 13 Apr 2022

Either log or rethrow Java exceptions, but never do both

When an exception occurs in your Java code, you can log it or you can rethrow it -- but don't do both. Here's why you must avoid that exception handling antipattern. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Apr 2022

7 tips to choose the right Java library

Your application is only as secure and reliable as the external libraries you use. Here's a list of the top 7 things to consider when choosing a software library for your project. Continue Reading
Tutorial 30 Mar 2022

An example of how suppressed exceptions in Java work

Don't ignore suppressed exceptions. In this quick tutorial we show you how to anticipate when code will throw suppressed exceptions, along with the best practices to handle them. Continue Reading
Tutorial 30 Mar 2022

A simple 'try with resources' in Java example

Java's 'try-with-resources' exception handling feature can help you write better, more effective Java code. Here's a quick example of the try with resources construct in action. Continue Reading
Quiz 21 Mar 2022

A tough, multiple choice Java exception handling quiz

Just how well do you know exception handling in Java? These 10 tough multiple-choice questions on checked and unchecked exceptions will test your error handling mettle. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Mar 2022

Fix these 10 common examples of the RuntimeException in Java

Don't let the occurrence of a RuntimeException in Java bring your code to a standstill. Here are 10 examples of how to avoid runtime exceptions in Java. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Mar 2022

Fix the 5 most common types of runtime errors in Java

The key to bug-free code is an awareness of the most common types of runtime errors in Java, along with the knowledge of how to avoid them. Continue Reading
Tutorial 11 Feb 2022

Fix the top 10 most common compile time errors in Java

Flummoxed why your Java code won't compile? Here are the 10 most commonly encountered Java compile errors, along with the fixes that will get your code working in no time. Continue Reading
Opinion 01 Feb 2022

5 tech trends that foretell the future of Java in 2022

Here's what 2022 has in store for developers, programmers and DevOps professionals who work in the server-side Java space. Continue Reading
Tip 10 Jan 2022

Binary and hexadecimal numbers explained for developers

For developers who are intimidated by bit shifts and hex operation, here's a thorough explanation of how binary and hexadecimal number systems work. Continue Reading
Blog Post 31 Dec 2021

The psychology of offering developers programming advice

Need to provide programming advice, or perhaps even harsh criticisms to a team of developers? Here's a nice way, pyscyhologically sound, way to do it. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Dec 2021

Problems with Java modules still plague developers

The Java Platform Module System promised to fix the missteps of the past. Unfortunately, it has repeated the problems that plagued OSGi and JBoss Modules. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Nov 2021

Iterator vs. ListIterator: Which interface should you choose?

When the need exists to manipulate an ordered collection, the Java Iterator runs out of steam. Learn how Java's ListIterator improves upon the more generic Iterator interface. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Oct 2021

5 best Java 17 features that developers will love

The new Java 17 release contains plenty of new features that will intrigue developers. Here are five features that should push developers off the Java 11 LTS to JDK 17. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Sep 2021

3 simple Java Hello World examples

Are you a developer who's new to Java? Here are three ways to write a Hello World program in Java on Eclipse and get started with the popular programming language. Continue Reading
Blog Post 14 Sep 2021

Every change between JDK 11 and the Java 17 LTS release

Wondering what's included in the new Java 17 LTS release? Here's a list of all the changes made to the JDK between the Java 11 and Java 17 LTS releases. Continue Reading
Guest Post 18 Aug 2021

The benefits and drawbacks of Java's fail-safe iterators

Iterators in Java are a simple mechanism to help developers avoid runtime exceptions. Let's explore the difference between fail-fast and fail-safe iterators. Continue Reading
Answer 16 Jul 2021

Kebab vs. camel case: How these naming conventions differ

What is the difference between a variable written in kebab case vs. camel case? Here we'll show you how these naming conventions differ and when to use one over the other. Continue Reading
Feature 25 Jun 2021

Java naming conventions, explained

You could start a Java variable with a dollar sign, but no one does. When you write Java code, always follow these standard Java naming conventions. Continue Reading
Answer 23 Jun 2021

Why is Java platform-independent?

Sun Microsystems architects designed Java to be cross-platform. But why? Here we look at not only why Java works across platforms, but also how it achieves its platform independence. Continue Reading
Blog Post 03 Jun 2021

Fix the ConcurrentModificationException

Has the ConcurrentModificationException been thrown in you Java app? Here are four simple ways to fix the ConcurrentModificationException in your code. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Apr 2021

10 Jenkins alternatives for developers

Looking for an alternative to Jenkins in your CI/CD environment? Consider options from Atlassian, GitLab, Spinnaker and more to see if they better fit your development needs. Continue Reading
Answer 30 Apr 2021

Camel case vs. snake case: What's the difference?

The use of white space is what separates camel case and snake case. Camel case has none, while snake case uses underscores. Let's review some examples to make this clear. Continue Reading
Blog Post 30 Apr 2021

Yes, the original name for Java was Oak

When Sun Microsystems first developed a programming language to power their Star7 entertainment controller, they named it Oak, not Java. Continue Reading
Quiz 29 Apr 2021

Test your knowledge of Java foundations

Whether you're new to Java or have worked with the language for years, you need to know the foundational building blocks. Review the basics in this Java quiz. Continue Reading
Feature 27 Apr 2021

A guide to common variable naming conventions

Every developer should know the basic variable naming conventions to more easily move from language to language. Review the common ones here like Pascal, camel and snake case. Continue Reading
Answer 23 Apr 2021

Kubernetes vs. Rancher: The differences all devs should know

How are Kubernetes and Rancher related? Here are the basics developers need to know about Kubernetes and Rancher and how they can ultimately work together. Continue Reading
Answer 15 Apr 2021

Interpreted vs. compiled languages: What's the difference?

Learn the difference between compiled languages like Go and interpreted ones like Java. One language is platform agnostic. The other can run a bit faster. Continue Reading
News 08 Apr 2021

Microsoft previews OpenJDK distro to the delight of devs

In a move meant to attract more Java developers to its Azure cloud and further support the Java community, Microsoft launched a preview of its own distribution of OpenJDK. Continue Reading
News 06 Apr 2021

Supreme Court ruling on Java APIs eases developer worries

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled for Google over Oracle in their high-stakes copyright battle over Java APIs, developers can rest easier -- but some questions linger. Continue Reading
Blog Post 30 Mar 2021

Recursion vs Iteration: What's the difference?

This Java recursion tutorial shows you how to create a recursive Java factorial function and compares these methods to iterative ones. Continue Reading
Answer 26 Mar 2021

Pascal case vs. camel case: What's the difference?

It's easy to confuse camel case and Pascal case. We'll show you the difference between the two common variable naming conventions, along with some examples. Continue Reading
News 25 Mar 2021

AdoptOpenJDK moves to Eclipse Foundation as Adoptium

The Eclipse Foundation has launched a new working group to provide governance, IP services and developer advocacy for Adoptium, the newly renamed AdoptOpenJDK distribution of the OpenJDK spec. Continue Reading
News 16 Mar 2021

Oracle delivers Java 16 to developers

Oracle has released Java 16, the latest version of the Java Development Kit (JDK) for developers. The company also moved the OpenJDK source code repositories from Mercurial to Git. Continue Reading
Answer 08 Mar 2021

How do microservices API gateways aid monolith migrations?

How do you move a set of REST resources to microservices? One way is to use an API gateway. Follow this example to learn how migrate to microservices-oriented architecture. Continue Reading
News 03 Feb 2021

Oracle adds GraalVM Enterprise to Java SE subscription

Oracle's GraalVM Enterprise compiler technology is now available to developers as part of the Java SE subscription. GraalVM increases application performance. Continue Reading
Video 15 Jan 2021

5 ways to force Java garbage collection

A developer can't technically force garbage collection in Java, but it can be made a priority. If you need to free up heap space, here are five ways to prioritize it in the JVM. Continue Reading
Feature 23 Dec 2020

What's in a name? What developers can expect in Jakarta EE 9

What Oracle called the Java EE API is now called Jakarta EE API under the Eclipse Foundation. Here's what developers can expect in the Jakarta EE 9 release. Continue Reading
Quiz 15 Dec 2020

Test your knowledge of variable naming conventions

What's the difference between snake case and camel case? Or kebab case and pascal case? Try this 10-question variable naming quiz to learn more about programming variables. Continue Reading
Tutorial 18 Nov 2020

An Apache Commons FileUpload example and the HttpClient

In this article you will have a look at the capabilities of the HttpClient component and also some hands-on examples. Continue Reading