JSRs and APIs
In this section on the Java programming language, get news, advice, and tutorials on using Java in enterprise application development. Learn why Java is so widely used in programming today, and discover tricks to use and pitfalls to avoid. It's important to stay informed about the latest Java Specification Requests (JSRs) and application programming interfaces (APIs). We bring you news about JSRs and APIs, popular Java platforms, classes, objects, IDEs, and SDKs that exist for programming in Java.
Top Stories
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
Why API naming conventions matter, and how to master the art
Naming APIs can be a daunting process, since it requires a balance between simplicity and clarity. JJ Geewax, author of 'API Design Patterns,' has some advice for developers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Jul 2022
Java Scanner String input example
Java's Scanner class provides a simple and effective way to handle user input. In this simple example, we show how to use Java's Scanner for String input with methods like next(), nextLine() and ... Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Apr 2022
What are checked vs. unchecked exceptions in Java?
Understand the difference between checked and unchecked exceptions in Java, and learn how to handle these problem conditions properly and gracefully. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Quiz
24 Jan 2022
12 tough Bootstrap 5 quiz questions for web developers
Just how well do you know Bootstrap 5? These 12 tough Bootstrap quiz questions will test your mettle. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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Feature
17 Sep 2021
5 reasons why Java is still the best programming language
Here's why Java is still the most popular programming language for everything from mobile development to enterprise and server-side applications that empower the middle tier. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Sep 2021
Java Iterator vs. Enumeration: Why Iterator is the right call
Do you need to loop through a collection of objects and need to decide between a Java Iterator or an Enumeration? Here's why you should choose an Iterator almost every time. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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Blog Post
29 Apr 2021
Java's main function explained with examples
Here's the anatomy of Java's main method. An anachronism with the rise of Servlets and JSPs, Spring Boot and Eclipse Microservice developers are seeing more of Java's main function as apps are ... Continue Reading
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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
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News
05 Apr 2021
Supreme Court sides with Google in Oracle API copyright suit
The Supreme Court ruled 6-2 that Java APIs used in Android phones are not subject to American copyright law, ending a longstanding legal battle between Google and Oracle. Continue Reading
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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
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Answer
10 Mar 2021
Synchronous vs. asynchronous microservices communication patterns
What's the difference between synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid communication for microservices? Follow the examples below to establish how microservices communicate. Continue Reading
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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
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Answer
26 Feb 2021
Should my company move its apps to microservices?
Microservices-oriented architecture is more flexible than monolithic structures, but microservices comes with costs companies need to weigh against the potential benefits. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Feb 2021
Your near-zero downtime microservices migration pattern
The possibility of extended downtime is a common reason to avoid a migration to microservices. Learn how to minimize downtime with this monolith-to-microservices migration pattern. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Dec 2020
Performance cost of autoboxing Java primitive types explained
The boxing and unboxing of Java primitive types has severe performance implications. Uncover the truth about autoboxing Java primitive types in this JDK Mission Control and JVM Flight Recorder example. Continue Reading
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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
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Answer
23 Dec 2020
What makes an effective microservices logging strategy?
System size and scale play a big role in microservices logging. Follow these best practices to develop a solid logging strategy within a microservices architecture. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Dec 2020
How is asynchronous microservices tracing best accomplished?
How can you trace a tricky workflow in an asynchronous microservices-oriented architecture? Two options include correlation IDs and distributed tracing tools. Continue Reading
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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
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Answer
18 Nov 2020
What are the most essential microservice design principles?
Don't hinder a microservices architecture because of a faulty design. Keep these five design principles in mind to build the proper components for your microservices architecture. Continue Reading
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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
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Quiz
17 Nov 2020
10 microservices quiz questions to test your knowledge
Don't sweat the details with microservices. Take this 10-question quiz to boost your microservices knowledge and impress interviewers during a job hunt. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Nov 2020
Why are curly braces in programming languages important?
Curly braces play a big role in code structure within popular programming languages such as Java, C++ and more. Here's how to properly line up code with curly brackets. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Sep 2020
A HibernateUtil class example to simplify JPA code
Developers can use HibernateUtil to mitigate access to JPA EntityManager and create more readable, less resource intensive code for data-driven applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2020
How COVID-19 created a demand for COBOL basics
An uptick in COBOL interest stems from its presence in entrenched, legacy government apps, such as unemployment or apps for emergency loans. A rush to use these apps at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us all that COBOL remains a force in 2020. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Aug 2020
5 must-listen Joe Rogan Experience podcasts for programmers
Most listeners won't expect the Joe Rogan Experience podcast to delve into topics for developers and programmers, but these five episodes are of special interest to IT professionals. Continue Reading
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Video
29 Jul 2020
How JPA EntityManager handles Hibernate transaction management
Follow this JPA EntityManager persist example tutorial to see how it can be used for transaction management and how to save changes to the database. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Jun 2020
3 ways to have JPA and Hibernate create tables in a database
JPA frameworks such as Hibernate can automatically create tables. Here are three ways to have JPA and Hibernate create tables in a database. Continue Reading
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Video
25 Jun 2020
Simple database integration with the JPA persistence.xml file
The persistence.xml file plays a significant role in all facets of JPA-based application development. Examine the file's properties for a simple configuration to ease development. Continue Reading
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Video
12 Jun 2020
Create a distraction free JPA and Hibernate dev environment
A minimalistic approach is the way to go for development with Hibernate and JPA. Create a development environment with only the basics -- a JDK, Hibernate and a text editor -- to get started. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Jun 2020
How to make multiple values per key in a Java map possible example
Need to add multiple values to a key in a Java HashMap but can't figure out how to do it? Here are three examples of how to solve the multiple values per key problem in Java. Continue Reading
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Video
27 May 2020
HashMap vs. Hashtable: Which map should you choose?
When HashMap replaced Hashtable as part of the Java 1.2 release, it moved away from how developers previously used the collections API and Java maps. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Jan 2020
Why the 8 Java primitive data types are not objects
What's the difference between Java primitive types and objects? To start, don't classify primitive types as objects. Let's explore the 3.5 categories that primitive types fall into. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2020
A brief history of Java: How it forever changed programming
The Java programming language is an important tool in an application developer's quiver. But Java has also undergone many changes on the road to becoming the standard it is today. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Jan 2020
How to properly perform Java String comparisons
Don't let incorrect Java String object comparisons bog down your code. Follow this tutorial to understand the differences between =, == and .equals. Continue Reading
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Video
20 Dec 2019
JDBC tutorial: Easy installation and setup with Apache Derby
New database developers can get up to speed with this tutorial on JDBC and Apache Derby. Follow these steps to install and connect to the Derby database on your terminal. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Dec 2019
Don't ever put a non-Java LTS release into production
Development teams should avoid non-long-term support releases at all costs. Pay attention to the Java release cycle to make sure your updates are supported. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2019
Public API strategy considerations for enterprise adoption
As organizations look for more cost-effective ways to manage data, an evolving landscape with APIs has made the technology more useful for both the business and IT side. Continue Reading
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Video
25 Nov 2019
Simple Java 8 Predicate example with lambda expressions and interfaces
Use this Java Predicate example to help developers learn lambdas, expand functional programming and reduce code verbosity in their environment. Continue Reading
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Video
19 Nov 2019
How to run Java preview features such as JDK 13 text blocks
Follow these five steps to enable the JDK 13 text blocks as part of the preview features in the latest Java release and use multi-line String literal in your code. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Nov 2019
Ideas on how to hold a successful code hackathon
Want to host a hackathon? Here are some ideas on what a company can do to host an event that solves problems and reenergizes the organization. Just don't forget the food. Continue Reading
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Podcast
16 Oct 2019
Java video games, like Minecraft, keep the language popular
The next generation of Java developers can learn the ins and outs of the language through an unlikely source: video games such as Minecraft. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2019
You need more than web app security to stop API attacks
API and web application vulnerabilities may share some common traits, but it's where they differ that hackers will target. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Sep 2019
Microsoft vs. IBM: A major shift in Java support
Once an afterthought in the Java community, Microsoft has seemingly overtaken IBM as the preeminent advocate among developers at the Oracle Code One conference. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2019
Java's popularity hinges on future developers, adaptability
Java needs to focus on the youth, adapt to emerging tech and constantly evaluate its performance to remain popular among developers. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Sep 2019
No doubt now about Java release cycle
At the Oracle Code One keynote, the recent track record of on-time releases and feature enhancements is a topic to boast about. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Aug 2019
How to install the JDK on Windows and set up JAVA_HOME
You have options when it comes to JDK installations on Windows and Linux. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a proper install and why JAVA_HOME can be helpful. Continue Reading
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Video
28 Jun 2019
Hibernate vs. JDBC: How do these database APIs differ?
Don't overthink it. Hibernate and JDBC aren't the same thing. But how do these database APIs differ? Here's a brief history lesson and explainer to find out. Continue Reading
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Video
30 May 2019
JDBC in Java: 5 facts to know before you begin
Are you new to Java programming? Here are five interesting facts about the JDBC API and what you need to know about it to ease your development pathway. Continue Reading
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Video
24 May 2019
JDBC vs. ODBC: What's the difference between these APIs?
There are more similarities between ODBC and JDBC than there are differences. But, the differences are significant. Here we highlight them. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Jan 2019
Use the Java JDeps tool to root out internal API calls
If you have internal Java API calls in your code, it will soon stop working. Here's a way to identify those calls and replace the problematic code with options on how to fix it. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2018
Stop with the unsafe internal Java API calls, or the JDK will stop it for you
Soon, any code that uses Java internal APIs will not compile, and shortly after that, code that uses classes in sun.misc will not even run. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2018
How JPA and Hibernate simplify data persistence
JPA is the Java standard for data persistence, especially for relational systems. Here, we explore how Hibernate and JPA work together to make database processes easier. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2018
Java versioning: Why Java 10 maps to version 18.3 of the JDK
When it comes to Java versioning, things have never been straightforward. Java 2 mapped to JDK 1.2. Java 5 mapped to JDK 1.5. But how did Java 10 end up mapping to JDK 18.3? Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2018
Stay ahead of Java security issues like SQL and LDAP injections
Java security best practices include validating input to prevent injection attacks and managing malicious JAR vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2018
Why use new lifecycle tools in API management platforms?
Explore how full-lifecycle API management platforms can bring discipline and maturity to enterprise API strategies and end snags in API workflows, versioning, retirement and QA. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2018
What can the Java community expect from Oracle in 2018?
Questions remain as to how bumpy the road may be as Oracle changes the release cadence and embraces OpenJDK. Is the Java community ready for the ride? Continue Reading
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Podcast
24 Jan 2018
Here's how to add Java certified developer to your resume
Ever think about acquiring your Java certification? Here we take a look at the benefits of getting Java certified and the steps to take to ensure that it happens. Continue Reading
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Podcast
09 Jan 2018
Fearless enhancement of legacy Java code with new SE features
While the Java SE 9 release has everyone talking about new features and syntax enhancements, JNBridge's Wayne Citrin insists legacy Java developers need not feel left behind. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2017
New distributed tracing API completes the feedback loop
As apps get moved to the cloud and software has no fixed address, tracing and troubleshooting are challenges. However, a new distributed tracing API promises to simplify things. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2017
What thought leaders were saying about Java SE 9 in 2017
Understandably, Java SE 9 was a popular topic of discussion in 2017, but so were DevOps and cloud native, according to this list of the 10 most popular podcasts of 2017. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Dec 2017
From bitcoin to deprecated Java, a look at 2017's top opinions
What were the most contested technology topics of 2017? On TheServerSide, issues such as bitcoin blockchains and deprecated Java methods generated the most comments and page views. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2017
Owning the Java Platform is more of a burden or a blessing
Oracle became stewards of the Java platform as a by-product of their acquisition of Sun Microsystems. But looking back, it seems that the Java Platform has been more of a burden than a blessing. Continue Reading
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Podcast
18 Oct 2017
Migrations to Oracle's Java SE 9 platform may be delayed
Oracle did a great job getting Java SE 9 released earlier this year, but modularity and various smaller updates may not be enough to get users to quickly migrate to JDK 9. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2017
Java modules and Project Jigsaw a source of JavaOne 2017 pride
It wasn't easy getting Project Jigsaw ratified, but it is now part of the Java SE 9 package, and Oracle executives at JavaOne 2017 couldn't be prouder. Continue Reading
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Podcast
03 Oct 2017
Oracle VP talks Java EE 8, Java platform update at JavaOne
Will the future involvement of the Eclipse Foundation lead to a faster and more nimble Java platform update process? Oracle's Michael Lehmann believes it will. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2017
Java SE 9, OpenJDK energize Java community at JavaOne 2017
From the release of Java 9 to the GPL of OpenJDK builds, recent Oracle announcements have energized the Java community, creating a palpable positivity at JavaOne 2017. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2017
How JSR-375 simplifies and standardizes Java EE security
Java EE security has always been a mixed bag in terms of simplicity and standardization, but the new Java EE Security API, JSR-375, plans to change all of that. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Sep 2017
Java assert
The Java assert is a mechanism used primarily in nonproduction environments to test for extraordinary conditions that will never be encountered unless a bug exists somewhere in the code. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Sep 2017
JavaOne 2017 walks a new path
It always left a bitter taste in my mouth seeing JavaOne relegated to a bunch of hotels by San Francisco's Union Square while OracleWorld filled the Moscone building. It's nice to see JavaOne 2017 and Oracle OpenWorld now sharing the same convention center. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2017
Calling 'all aboard' on the six-month Java release train
If Oracle moves to a six-month Java release cycle instead of the existing feature-driven one, what happens next? We talk to Azul's Gil Tene about Mark Reinhold's proposal. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Jun 2017
Standardized data the key to making cloud storage a commodity
Wouldn't it be nice if accessing cloud storage solutions were as easy as plugging in a toaster? Standardized data is the key. Cloud storage as a commodity is the future. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Mar 2017
Stop adding web UI frameworks like JSR-371 to the Java EE spec
Java EE's Servlet and JSP API provide a fine foundation for handling a web-based request-response cycle. Adding UI frameworks like JSR-371 to the spec only causes problems. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Mar 2017
One does not simply 'stop calling' Java's deprecated methods
They're deprecating the finalize method, adding another method to the long list of Java deprecated methods that tend not to get pruned out of the JDK's code base. Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Mar 2017
Does reading XML while writing JSON make me a bad person?
I'm always writing JSON code, loving its flexibility and forgiveness. But when I call an external service, I want to be reading XML. Does that make me a bad person? Continue Reading
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Video
08 Dec 2016
Standardizing app staging a key benefit to a Java configuration API
Payara's Mike Croft talks about the potential benefits of making a Java configuration API a standard part of the Java EE specification. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Nov 2016
Conversational UI approaches pushing AI development forward
Find out about the latest AI conversational UI approaches available for developers today from Apple, Amazon, Google, IBM, and Facebook. Continue Reading
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Podcast
03 Nov 2016
Why you should choose the Go language for microservices development
How can teams simplify microservices development, especially when scaling microservices is the key? Many are turning to the Go programming language and Go kit for answers. Continue Reading
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Podcast
03 Nov 2016
Bridging the gap between well-designed APIs and DevOps best practices
Automation is the key to running error-free operations, which means well-designed APIs that give access to tasks are among the most important DevOps best practices. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2016
JShell: Adding REPL capabilities to the JDK
At JavaOne 2016, Oracle's chief architect of the Java platform group, Mark Reinhold, discusses the addition of JShell. Learn why he's excited. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 May 2016
Why Java is the most popular programming language
Roger Smith examines why 20 years after its release, Java tops the TIOBE index as the most popular programming language. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2016
Deep machine learning can help clean the mess of big data
Turning a wave of information into something meaningful can be challenging. But that's where deep machine learning can help. Here, expert George Lawton explains how. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Apr 2016
Using BackOps to improve software development processes
Learn how BackOps understands different personality types and can improve the software development lifecycle and scale the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Feb 2016
How to install JDK 8 and write the Java Hello World application
In this tutorial, we look at how to set up a basic Java SE development environment by installing JDK 8, after which we write, compile and run the Java Hello World application. Continue Reading