10 Most Useful Sites for Java Developers
Source:
Tarun Telang Below is a list of the most effective and trustworthy web resources about Java technology. They can be useful for both experienced Java programmers and beginners. I've been using these resources for years to find the latest information about Java technologies.
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The resource contains information on almost everything you need to know about Java, including news, articles, blogs, reference materials, career options, and information related to Java projects. I recommend visiting this site regularly to stay up to date with the latest news about the Java platform.
You can't do without this resource if you want to download and install the latest version of the Java Development Kit. It also contains detailed instructions on how to run Java installation files on various platforms.
This section of the Oracle site contains reference information on the Java SE API. HTML documentation is generated from Java source code using the JavaDoc tool.
There is a large collection of tutorials and reference materials on the Java programming language. The lessons are also available as a book, The Java Tutorial, Sixth Edition (in English). You can follow this link to buy it from Amazon.
The site contains practice tests and helpful resources for learning topics ranging from Java, databases, Android, to certification preparation. This is a very good place to learn Java through practical exercises.
Here you can find projects related to Java EE, as well as projects previously hosted on Java.net. This site contains many different links to projects with additional information about them and contact information that relates to these projects.
Visit this site to follow discussions, questions and answers about Java technologies and frameworks. Javapedia.net is useful for both experienced Java and Java EE developers, as well as for beginners and students preparing for interviews.
8.TheServerSide.com _
The site contains information about the latest technologies in Java Enterprise Edition. This is a place where Java developers discuss various topics related to Java, Java EE, programming, software, and trends in server-side development. This is a very large online community for enterprise architects and Java developers, where you can find daily news, technical discussions, webinars and other useful information.
9.Java.com _
This is the place where you can find the latest Java software (games, mobile and desktop applications). This is a legal and safe resource for installing Java plugins. Unlike many other sites, there are no pop-up ads or dubious installation files that are not actually Java-related.
Here you'll find up-to-date information on how Java supports the innovation that powers our digital world. The site contains a collection of resources on the Java platform for students, hobbyists, developers and IT company executives. Although you can find many similar sites on the Internet with Java links, most of them are outdated and show information that is relevant only before Java 5. Since Java 8, the language has undergone major changes, which requires developers to take a new approach to programming in Java. The language is also evolving very quickly, with new versions of Java being released every six months.
7 Software Development Models You Should Know About
Source:
DZone The software development life cycle is the process of planning, designing, developing, testing and deploying software at the lowest possible cost, preferably in the shortest possible time. To achieve this goal, development teams must choose the right software development model that meets the requirements of the project and the expectations of all stakeholders.
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There are 7 models you should know, from Waterfall to V-Model to Scrum. Let's look at each of them.
1. Cascade model (Waterfall)
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The waterfall model is considered one of the first software development methods. Already from the name it is clear that this development process includes a linear progression in order: analysis, design, development, testing, deployment and support. Each stage is clearly defined by specific results. The waterfall model is sequential, meaning that the next stage cannot begin until the current one is completed. A stage is considered complete when the goal has been achieved and someone agrees to continue working on the project. There is no flexibility in this model—you cannot skip, go back, or change steps. As a result, the development process can be unnecessarily complex and expensive. The lack of flexibility makes this model more expensive and labor intensive compared to other models. If the requirements are unclear or misunderstood, then using this model is very risky. Additionally, this model is not ideal for long-term, complex or ongoing projects where greater flexibility is required. Although the model's shortcomings are noticeable and significant, it can be useful for small, one-off projects with limited requirements and short deadlines because it is simple and quick to set up. However, the team must ensure that all requirements are clearly defined, unambiguous and cannot change in the future. The Waterfall model has fallen out of favor as IT teams embrace more agile software development that allows for continuous improvements.
2. V-model
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The V-model, or approval and verification model, extends the waterfall model by adding a test plan. Instead of moving linearly down through the stages of software development, the V-model moves down to the coding stage, then turns around and starts moving up through the testing stages, forming a V-shape. Each stage of development corresponds to a specific testing activity. This allows the team to find bugs in specifications, code, and architecture early in the project. Adding a test plan gives the V-model a better chance of success than the waterfall model. However, the V-model remains linear, which makes it inflexible. As in the waterfall model, the team can begin the next stage only after the previous stage has been completed. This makes changes difficult, expensive and time consuming. Thus, this model is best suited for short projects with fixed, well-defined and documented requirements, but is not ideal for long-term, complex or ongoing projects.
3. Iterative (incremental) model
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Like other software development models, the iterative (incremental) model is designed to overcome some of the disadvantages of the waterfall model. It also begins with planning and ends with deployment. But unlike the waterfall model, this model involves repeating cycles throughout the process. These loops can be iterative (repeated) or incremental (step-by-step). The development process begins with a small set of requirements, and each cycle within it is accompanied by a new set of requirements. The iterative nature of this model allows the software to evolve and grow as small changes can be made throughout the process. This happens because the new iteration builds on the previous one. Developers can make changes based on experience from previous cycles. Because all requirements are not laid out at the beginning of the project and many changes are made along the way, work can begin quickly. However, resources can be quickly used up as the process is often repeated, not to mention the management becomes more complex. Although the model allows for some changes, it still consists of clearly defined processes, which sometimes lead to inflexibility. The cost of making changes is lower than the waterfall and V models, but this model is not ideal for projects where requirements may change during iteration. The iterative model creates more risks due to frequent changes, unknown costs and resource requirements, and uncertain timelines.
4. Prototyping model
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The prototyping model focuses on improving the development team's understanding of the client's wants and needs by creating prototypes. By creating a small working copy of the desired program, misunderstandings can be eliminated before full development begins. The prototype is developed, tested and finalized taking into account the wishes and comments of the customer. Once the prototype is accepted, the team begins developing the final product. A prototyping model can dramatically reduce the number of iterations. This saves time and increases the chances of customer satisfaction. However, you need to consider the time a developer spends developing prototypes. If the customer requires a lot of changes, changes his mind frequently, or makes unrealistic requests, then developing a prototype can quickly become complicated. For this reason, it is best to limit the number of iterations allowed before the prototype is accepted. Once the final prototype is in development, no further requirements or changes can be made to the plan. This is a significant drawback of the prototyping model.
5. Spiral model
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The spiral model focuses on risk assessment. As a result, any team wishing to use this model must have specialists with knowledge and skills in a specific area. The model consists of four stages: planning, risk analysis, development and evaluation. The number of turns in the spiral depends on the specific project and the requirements of the manager. On average, software development using this model takes 6 months. The Spiral model combines the features of the waterfall model and prototyping by emphasizing design, including prototyping (during the design phase), and by following steps similar to those in the Waterfall model. Continuous and iterative development allows developers to make changes and add new features. In addition, the development is systematic, which simplifies the process. The customer is involved in the review of each stage of the cycle, which can be burdensome for the development process if there is no constant communication with the customer. Since the number of cycles or iterations is not defined, there is a risk of over-budget and missed deadlines. Therefore, creating a finished product often requires a lot of expense and time.
Flexible methodology (Agile)
Agile is a methodology based on 12 principles outlined in
the Agile Manifesto . It's more of a mindset than a set of strict protocols. The Agile method is designed to develop software more efficiently than using previous models, including the waterfall model. The essence of the agile model is the focus on collaboration, communication and constant change. There are several options for Agile development. They all focus on teamwork, cross-functional collaboration, iterative development, and early customer feedback. Testing, feedback, and changes enable teams to develop and release better software. Let's look at the 2 Agile models.
6. Scrum model
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The Scrum model is the most popular Agile model. Its development iterations are known as sprints. During these 1-4 week sprints, teams evaluate the previous sprint, add new features, and plan the next sprint. Changes are not allowed after the sprint activities are defined. After each sprint, new features/elements are added which will be coded and tested in the next sprint. This continues until all features have been added and the project is deemed ready for release. Increased collaboration between cross-functional teams, and between the organization and the customer, reduces the misunderstandings and errors that often arise from poor communication. Additionally, additional steps reduce time to market. Improved communication reduces the time spent troubleshooting errors and increases the likelihood that the end user will be satisfied with the product. However, such cooperation requires significant participation from the client in the work process. You also need to take into account that if the customer requires adding too many functions, the project deadline may be delayed.
7. Kanban model
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Unlike other models, Kanban does not have distinct iterations. When a team does plan iterations, they are incredibly short sprints, sometimes as short as one day. To visually indicate the status of the project and other details, a board with notes in the form of stickers (stickers) is used. This visualization allows the team to focus on the most important feature in development at the moment. Additionally, the Kanban board emphasizes that there is room for continuous feature improvement. While the sticky note method can help motivate a team to focus on the important task, it is a poor way to define and maintain timelines. For this reason, it is very difficult to plan long-term projects. Since there is no set planning stage, changes can be made at any time. One of the common disadvantages of Kanban is the lack of time frames. This problem can get worse if changes are made constantly.
Transition to Agile
Each of these models was created to improve the software development and delivery process. Any development model can work well for specific types of projects. However, older manual models, such as the cascade model, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. IT teams and companies in general must act faster and more efficiently when creating software, meeting customer needs and keeping up with competitors. A faster, more repeatable and safer software development process is based on automation. And because the level of automation and speed is unattainable for many models, Agile methodology ends up becoming more popular.
There are 7 models you should know, from Waterfall to V-Model to Scrum. Let's look at each of them.
The waterfall model is considered one of the first software development methods. Already from the name it is clear that this development process includes a linear progression in order: analysis, design, development, testing, deployment and support. Each stage is clearly defined by specific results. The waterfall model is sequential, meaning that the next stage cannot begin until the current one is completed. A stage is considered complete when the goal has been achieved and someone agrees to continue working on the project. There is no flexibility in this model—you cannot skip, go back, or change steps. As a result, the development process can be unnecessarily complex and expensive. The lack of flexibility makes this model more expensive and labor intensive compared to other models. If the requirements are unclear or misunderstood, then using this model is very risky. Additionally, this model is not ideal for long-term, complex or ongoing projects where greater flexibility is required. Although the model's shortcomings are noticeable and significant, it can be useful for small, one-off projects with limited requirements and short deadlines because it is simple and quick to set up. However, the team must ensure that all requirements are clearly defined, unambiguous and cannot change in the future. The Waterfall model has fallen out of favor as IT teams embrace more agile software development that allows for continuous improvements.
The V-model, or approval and verification model, extends the waterfall model by adding a test plan. Instead of moving linearly down through the stages of software development, the V-model moves down to the coding stage, then turns around and starts moving up through the testing stages, forming a V-shape. Each stage of development corresponds to a specific testing activity. This allows the team to find bugs in specifications, code, and architecture early in the project. Adding a test plan gives the V-model a better chance of success than the waterfall model. However, the V-model remains linear, which makes it inflexible. As in the waterfall model, the team can begin the next stage only after the previous stage has been completed. This makes changes difficult, expensive and time consuming. Thus, this model is best suited for short projects with fixed, well-defined and documented requirements, but is not ideal for long-term, complex or ongoing projects.
Like other software development models, the iterative (incremental) model is designed to overcome some of the disadvantages of the waterfall model. It also begins with planning and ends with deployment. But unlike the waterfall model, this model involves repeating cycles throughout the process. These loops can be iterative (repeated) or incremental (step-by-step). The development process begins with a small set of requirements, and each cycle within it is accompanied by a new set of requirements. The iterative nature of this model allows the software to evolve and grow as small changes can be made throughout the process. This happens because the new iteration builds on the previous one. Developers can make changes based on experience from previous cycles. Because all requirements are not laid out at the beginning of the project and many changes are made along the way, work can begin quickly. However, resources can be quickly used up as the process is often repeated, not to mention the management becomes more complex. Although the model allows for some changes, it still consists of clearly defined processes, which sometimes lead to inflexibility. The cost of making changes is lower than the waterfall and V models, but this model is not ideal for projects where requirements may change during iteration. The iterative model creates more risks due to frequent changes, unknown costs and resource requirements, and uncertain timelines.
The prototyping model focuses on improving the development team's understanding of the client's wants and needs by creating prototypes. By creating a small working copy of the desired program, misunderstandings can be eliminated before full development begins. The prototype is developed, tested and finalized taking into account the wishes and comments of the customer. Once the prototype is accepted, the team begins developing the final product. A prototyping model can dramatically reduce the number of iterations. This saves time and increases the chances of customer satisfaction. However, you need to consider the time a developer spends developing prototypes. If the customer requires a lot of changes, changes his mind frequently, or makes unrealistic requests, then developing a prototype can quickly become complicated. For this reason, it is best to limit the number of iterations allowed before the prototype is accepted. Once the final prototype is in development, no further requirements or changes can be made to the plan. This is a significant drawback of the prototyping model.
The spiral model focuses on risk assessment. As a result, any team wishing to use this model must have specialists with knowledge and skills in a specific area. The model consists of four stages: planning, risk analysis, development and evaluation. The number of turns in the spiral depends on the specific project and the requirements of the manager. On average, software development using this model takes 6 months. The Spiral model combines the features of the waterfall model and prototyping by emphasizing design, including prototyping (during the design phase), and by following steps similar to those in the Waterfall model. Continuous and iterative development allows developers to make changes and add new features. In addition, the development is systematic, which simplifies the process. The customer is involved in the review of each stage of the cycle, which can be burdensome for the development process if there is no constant communication with the customer. Since the number of cycles or iterations is not defined, there is a risk of over-budget and missed deadlines. Therefore, creating a finished product often requires a lot of expense and time.
The Scrum model is the most popular Agile model. Its development iterations are known as sprints. During these 1-4 week sprints, teams evaluate the previous sprint, add new features, and plan the next sprint. Changes are not allowed after the sprint activities are defined. After each sprint, new features/elements are added which will be coded and tested in the next sprint. This continues until all features have been added and the project is deemed ready for release. Increased collaboration between cross-functional teams, and between the organization and the customer, reduces the misunderstandings and errors that often arise from poor communication. Additionally, additional steps reduce time to market. Improved communication reduces the time spent troubleshooting errors and increases the likelihood that the end user will be satisfied with the product. However, such cooperation requires significant participation from the client in the work process. You also need to take into account that if the customer requires adding too many functions, the project deadline may be delayed.
Unlike other models, Kanban does not have distinct iterations. When a team does plan iterations, they are incredibly short sprints, sometimes as short as one day. To visually indicate the status of the project and other details, a board with notes in the form of stickers (stickers) is used. This visualization allows the team to focus on the most important feature in development at the moment. Additionally, the Kanban board emphasizes that there is room for continuous feature improvement. While the sticky note method can help motivate a team to focus on the important task, it is a poor way to define and maintain timelines. For this reason, it is very difficult to plan long-term projects. Since there is no set planning stage, changes can be made at any time. One of the common disadvantages of Kanban is the lack of time frames. This problem can get worse if changes are made constantly.
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