Engineering With Java: Digest #43
Handpicked and Curated: The Best Java and Spring Blogs.
Introduction 📝
This week's Top Picks feature a mix of technical guides and insightful articles. You'll explore how Spring Boot configures Spring Data repositories, implements feature flags with Spring for dynamic deployments, and creates rate limiters with Redis in Java. Additionally, learn about Spring Boot's Bean Post Processing and the balance between effective and overused Java Streams. These articles are a great way to level up your development skills, covering everything from back-end practices to optimizing Java applications.
Top Picks ⭐
1. Implementing Feature Flags with Spring: A Step-by-Step Guide for Feature Deployment
This guide explains implementing feature flags in Spring with Unleash.
Feature flags allow you to enable/disable features dynamically without redeploying code, offering benefits like controlled rollouts, A/B testing, and quick rollbacks.
The tutorial outlines creating flags, adding conditional logic in your code, and storing flags using configuration files or a management service.
It also walks through integrating Unleash with a Spring Boot application, demonstrating feature flag creation and Spring integration to enable or disable features based on conditions.
2. How Spring Boot Sets Up Spring Data Repositories
The article explains how Spring Boot automatically configures Spring Data repositories.
It covers the role of
@EnableJpaRepositoriesand how Spring Boot enables repositories without requiring explicit configuration. It details how Spring Boot's@SpringBootApplicationannotation works behind the scenes to detect JPA repositories and create proxies for them, enabling seamless integration with the Spring context.It also highlights how custom repository implementations can be added, the advantages of Spring Data's automatic setup, and tips on best practices for configuration.
3. Fixed Window Counter Rate Limiter (Redis & Java)
The article explains how to implement a Fixed Window Counter rate limiter using Redis and Java. The fixed window approach limits the number of requests within a defined time window (e.g., one minute).
The rate limiter is implemented using Redis commands like
INCR,EXPIRE, andGETto manage and track requests.The article also details how to implement this logic in Java using Jedis, a Redis Java client, and provides a step-by-step guide to validating requests, checking limits, and testing the implementation.
4. How Spring Boot Handles Bean Post-Processing
The article explains how Spring Boot handles Bean Post Processing, specifically focusing on the
BeanPostProcessorinterface.It describes the two primary stages of bean creation: initialization and post-processing. It emphasizes the role of
postProcessBeforeInitialization()andpostProcessAfterInitialization()methods in modifying or interacting with beans before and after their initialization.The piece provides practical examples of using custom processors to enhance the behavior of Spring beans during the application context lifecycle.
5. Streams in Java: Mastering or Abuse
The author discusses the balance between effectively utilizing Java Streams and overcomplicating code.
While Streams, introduced in Java 8, offer a functional and declarative approach to processing data collections, their misuse can lead to code that's difficult to understand and maintain.
It also emphasizes that being a senior developer isn't about using Streams everywhere but about making pragmatic decisions to write clear, efficient, and maintainable code.
Best practices include prioritizing readability over conciseness, avoiding excessive nesting of operations, and opting for simple loops when appropriate.
The key takeaway is that clarity should always come first, and developers should choose the right solution for the problem at hand, whether that involves Streams or more traditional approaches.
Latest 🔥
1. How JVM handles exceptions
The article discusses how the JVM handles exceptions, focusing on the exception handling mechanism.
It explains how exceptions are thrown, caught, and processed using try-catch blocks, as well as how exceptions propagate.
The piece also highlights the different types of exceptions (checked and unchecked) and their respective use cases in Java.
It concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding JVM's exception handling for building robust Java applications.
2. “Doc, JavaDoc and Markdown” with Jonathan Gibbons
In Episode 34 of the Inside Java podcast, Jonathan Gibbons, a core contributor to JDK tools, discusses JavaDoc and its recent updates.
The focus is on how JavaDoc has evolved, particularly with the introduction of Markdown support for documentation comments.
Gibbons explains the importance of code documentation and how Java's transparency through JavaDoc helps developers understand the functionality of Java APIs.
He also covers code documentation practices and tools available for developers.
3. How to Edit a PowerPoint PPTX Document in Java
The article explains how to edit PowerPoint (.pptx) documents in Java using libraries like Apache POI and Aspose.Slides.
These libraries allow you to create, modify, and manipulate presentation files programmatically.
The post highlights the basic steps for opening, modifying, and saving presentations, as well as providing examples of common operations such as adding slides, inserting text, and modifying slide layouts.
It also mentions the pros and cons of using each library.
4. Create a Custom Logger to Log Response Details With Playwright Java
This article discusses the lack of built-in logging methods in Playwright Java for API testing, unlike frameworks like REST-assured.
It demonstrates how to create a custom logger using Log4J2 and Jackson Databind to log API responses.
It also mentions that Playwright does not currently support logging request bodies or headers, with a feature request pending on GitHub.
Videos🎬
1. JVM, JRE, and JDK - Fully Explained in 5 Minutes
A concise explanation of the differences between the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java Runtime Environment (JRE), and Java Development Kit (JDK).
The JDK is essential for Java development, encompassing the JRE, JVM, and additional tools like the Java compiler (
javac), debugger, and source code for standard libraries.The JRE includes the JVM and the Java Standard Library, enabling the execution of Java programs without the need for development tools.
The JVM is responsible for loading and executing compiled Java bytecode, ensuring platform independence and managing system resources such as memory and security.
watch it here
2. Spring Boot | Stored Procedures & Functions Hands-On Guide
It offers a practical tutorial on integrating stored procedures and functions in Spring Boot applications.
It covers setting up a Spring Boot project, configuring database connections, writing stored procedures and functions, and invoking them using Spring Data JPA.
The guide includes detailed explanations and code demonstrations to ensure smooth implementation and testing.
Aimed at developers, the video emphasizes practical usage, making it easier to leverage database features effectively in Spring Boot applications.
Watch it here.
Open Source🛠️
apache/openmeetings
Apache OpenMeetings is an open-source software that provides video conferencing, online meetings, webinars, and screen sharing.
It supports group collaboration, document sharing, and instant messaging. The platform is highly customizable and can be integrated with existing applications.
It includes tools for live streaming, recording meetings, and managing users.
OpenMeetings is ideal for remote communication and team collaboration.
Check out the project here.
Career Devlopment📚
1. Top 10 Java Architect Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2025
This article highlights certifications that enhance Java architects' career prospects.
It lists certifications like Oracle Certified Master (Java SE 11 Developer), Spring Professional Certification, and cloud-focused credentials like AWS and Azure Solutions Architect.
Each certification is detailed, including its importance, ideal audience, and key topics such as core Java, enterprise frameworks, cloud architecture, and design patterns.
It also aligns certifications with career goals to excel in designing scalable, secure, and efficient systems while staying competitive in the evolving tech landscape.
That's a wrap for this week! Thank you for sticking with me till the end. If you enjoyed it, please consider subscribing and sharing it with your network—it means so much! 🙌