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Open source software is revolutionizing the tech industry as more businesses and individuals turn towards this collaborative approach. Traditional proprietary software is being replaced by open source software, and it’s evident in the increasing number of successful projects. The growing popularity of open source software is making it clear that this new trend is here to stay.

What is Open Source Software?

Open source software (OSS) refers to software applications that are released under a license where the copyright holder grants users the right to study, modify, and distribute the source code of the software. The license also allows users to distribute their modified versions of the software to others, either for free or for a fee.

OSS is typically distributed under a license approved by the Open Source Initiative (OSI). The OSI-approved license ensures that the software meets specific criteria for openness, including the availability of the source code, the ability to modify the source code and distribute modified versions, and the absence of restrictions on how the software can be used.

The most well-known example of OSS is the Linux operating system, which has been developed over the years by thousands of contributors around the world. Other popular OSS applications include the Apache web server, the MySQL database, and the Firefox web browser.

Advantages of Open Source Software

Open source software offers numerous advantages to individuals and organizations. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Cost Savings

One of the most significant advantages of open source software is the cost savings it offers. Unlike proprietary software, which requires users to pay license fees, open source software is often free to download and use.

This cost-effectiveness is particularly valuable for small businesses and startups, as it enables them to access powerful software tools without having to spend large sums of money.

2. Customization Options

Open source software is highly customizable, allowing users to modify and adapt it to suit their needs. This flexibility is particularly valuable for developers and IT professionals, who can tweak the software to match their specific requirements.

Furthermore, because the source code for open source software is freely available, developers can easily find and fix bugs or security issues, improving the software over time and making it more useful for everyone.

3. Community Support

Open source software benefits from a large and dedicated community of developers and users. This community provides ongoing support and assistance, making it easier for users to learn and use the software effectively.

Furthermore, the collaborative nature of open source software development means that new features and improvements are continually being added to the software, keeping it up to date and relevant.

4. Interoperability

Open source software is often designed to be interoperable with other software, making it easier for users to integrate it into their existing systems. This is particularly valuable for businesses and organizations that use multiple software tools.

By using open source software, these organizations can avoid vendor lock-in and enjoy greater freedom and flexibility in their IT infrastructure.

5. Transparency

Open source software is built on a foundation of transparency. Because the source code for the software is publicly available, users can review it and ensure that it does not contain any malicious code or security vulnerabilities.

This transparency also promotes trust and accountability, as users can be sure that the software is behaving in the way that it is intended to.

Growing Community Support for Open Source Software

The open source community has been steadily growing over the years. As more people become interested in open source software, the community continues to expand and diversify. Many open source projects have large and active communities, with contributors from all around the world.

The growth of the open source community has even led to the creation of formal organizations and foundations dedicated to promoting and supporting open source software. These organizations provide funding, resources, and support to open source projects and their communities.

The open source community is a true testament to the power of collaboration and community support. With its growth and increasing popularity, open source software is sure to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.

Security and Reliability of Open Source Software

One of the most common misconceptions about open source software is that it is less secure and reliable than proprietary software. However, in reality, this is not the case.

Open source software is developed collaboratively by a community of developers who are passionate about creating high-quality, reliable software. Because the source code is available for anyone to view and contribute to, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of developers working to identify and fix bugs and vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, open source software is built on a foundation of transparency and accountability. This means that any security flaws or vulnerabilities are quickly identified and fixed, often before they can be exploited by hackers.

In fact, many of the world’s largest organizations, including Google, Facebook, and Amazon, rely heavily on open source software for their critical infrastructure and applications. This is a testament to the security and reliability of open source software, and reinforces its status as a trusted and essential component of modern computing.

Tools and Resources for Open Source Software

Open source software has a vast and supportive community, offering a range of resources and tools to aid in the development and utilization of open source software projects. Here are some essential resources to consider:

1. GitHub

GitHub is a widely used platform for hosting, reviewing, sharing, and collaborating on open source software projects. It provides a user-friendly interface for project management, issue tracking, and code revision control. GitHub also allows developers to showcase their work and connect with other open source software enthusiasts.

2. Stack Overflow

Stack Overflow is an online community of developers where you can ask and answer technical questions related to open source software development. It is an excellent resource for troubleshooting and finding solutions to complex programming problems.

3. Apache Software Foundation

The Apache Software Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for the development of various open source software projects, including Apache web server, Hadoop, and Cassandra. It also offers a collaborative environment for developers to work on projects together.

4. Open Source Initiative (OSI)

The Open Source Initiative is an organization that promotes and educates about the benefits of open source software and advocates for the adoption of open source software solutions. It offers resources and information on licensing, governance, and other relevant issues related to open source software development.

5. Free and Open Source Software Communities (FOSS)

FOSS is an online community of individuals and organizations that are passionate about open source software development. It provides a platform for networking, sharing ideas, and collaborating on various open source software projects.

6. GNU Project

The GNU Project is an initiative that advocates for the use and development of open source software and provides free software tools and applications. It also offers guidelines and resources for creating and distributing open source software.

These are just a few examples of the many tools and resources available to support open source software development. By utilizing these resources, you can leverage the strength of the open source software community and contribute to the continued growth and success of open source software projects.

Conclusion

Open source software is no longer a fringe movement but has become an essential part of modern computing. Through this article, we have explored the benefits of open source software, including the cost savings, flexibility, and community support it offers. Many organizations, both in the private and public sectors, have embraced open source software, and its adoption continues to grow.

Open source software has entered the mainstream, offering new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. As the development of open source software continues, it is important to embrace the trend and take advantage of the benefits it offers. The use of open source software is no longer an alternative but a necessity in maximizing productivity and enhancing innovation.

Tags: Development, MySQL, Open-Source, OSS

DevOps is a rapidly evolving field that promises to transform the way organizations build and deliver software. However, as with any change, it poses a unique set of challenges that must be overcome to achieve success.

DevOps challenges can vary depending on the organization, team, or technology involved. Nevertheless, there are common themes that have emerged over time, ranging from communication and collaboration to managing complexity, balancing speed and stability, security and compliance concerns, and automation and tooling issues. In today’s fast-paced DevOps environment, they are facing different kinds of difficulties. Today we’ll learn about some common issues that DevOps face.

Balancing Speed and Stability

One of the toughest challenges DevOps teams face is striking the balance between prioritizing speed vs stability. The demand for rapid releases and continuous delivery can often conflict with the need for system reliability and security. Putting too much emphasis on speed can lead to rushed releases, errors, and downtime, while prioritizing stability above all can result in slower releases, missed opportunities, and failure to keep up with the competition.

However, achieving a balance between these two priorities is crucial for success in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. DevOps teams need to focus on several key strategies to achieve the right balance between speed and stability:

• Automating processes: Automated testing, builds, and deployments can help streamline the release cycle and reduce the risk of errors.
• Implementing testing and quality assurance: Comprehensive testing and QA processes can help identify issues before they go live and ensure system stability.
• Managing risk: DevOps teams need to evaluate the risks of each release and make decisions on whether to prioritize speed or stability depending on the situation.
• Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration between development and operations teams can help ensure that releases are both fast and stable.

Additionally, DevOps teams need to be willing to adapt and change their strategies as the needs of the business and market change. By focusing on these key strategies, DevOps teams can strike the right balance between speed and stability and achieve success in the fast-paced digital world.

Security and Compliance Considerations

DevOps is known for its focus on speed and agility, but in the rush to deliver quickly, security and compliance are often overlooked. With highly dynamic environments and frequent changes, traditional security measures and compliance requirements can become a challenging obstacle for DevOps teams.

Security challenges in DevOps can include vulnerabilities in code, the need for continuous monitoring, and adherence to industry regulations. Compliance requirements can include mandates for data protection, risk management, and audit trails.

To address these challenges, DevOps teams must integrate security and compliance into their processes from the very beginning. This means incorporating security practices throughout the development lifecycle, using automated tools for security testing, and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance.

Another key to ensuring security and compliance in DevOps is collaboration between development, operations, and security teams. By working together, teams can identify potential security issues before they become a problem and address compliance requirements in a timely manner.

Managing security and compliance in a DevOps environment requires a proactive approach and a willingness to adapt to changing requirements. By prioritizing security and compliance, DevOps teams can deliver high-quality, secure software that meets the needs of both the business and its customers.

Automation and Tooling Complications

One of the biggest challenges DevOps professionals face is in dealing with automation and tooling complications. While automation is essential for speeding up processes and promoting consistency, it can also create complex interactions between tools, increasing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.

DevOps teams often rely on a variety of tools, which can cause complications with integration and scalability. Teams need to carefully evaluate tools to ensure compatibility, reliability, and ease of use. Continuous improvement is also essential, as new tools and technologies emerge, and older ones become obsolete.

To address these challenges, DevOps teams should focus on standardizing tooling and establishing best practices. It’s important to ensure that all team members understand how to use tools effectively, including customizations and integrations. Providing training and support can help ensure that teams are equipped to handle tooling complications and optimize existing tools.

In addition to tooling challenges, DevOps professionals may also encounter issues with automation. While automation can streamline processes and promote consistency, it can also create issues with maintaining accurate data and detecting errors. Teams need to carefully evaluate automation processes to ensure that they are effective and reliable.

Skill Shortages and Training Needs

One of the biggest challenges faced by DevOps professionals today is the widening skills gap in the industry. As organizations scramble to adopt DevOps practices, there simply aren’t enough skilled professionals available to fill the growing demand for talent.

To overcome this challenge, organizations need to invest in continuous training and upskilling programs to prepare their existing workforce for the new demands of the DevOps landscape. This can involve providing access to training courses, workshops, and certifications to help employees stay current with the latest tools and technologies.

Additionally, organizations must take steps to attract and retain top DevOps talent. This can include creating an attractive work culture, offering competitive compensation packages, and providing clear career paths and growth opportunities.

Monitoring and Performance Management

One of the biggest challenges facing DevOps professionals is the task of monitoring and managing the performance of complex systems. With so many moving parts, it can be difficult to identify and address issues before they impact the end user experience.

Continuous monitoring is vital to the success of DevOps. By leveraging data-driven insights, teams can identify performance issues and optimize system performance, ensuring a seamless user experience. However, monitoring can be complex, especially in hybrid environments, where multiple systems must be monitored and managed in real-time.

Proactive performance optimization is key to overcoming monitoring challenges. By identifying potential issues before they occur, teams can minimize the impact of disruptions and maintain system stability. This involves identifying performance baselines, setting performance targets, and continuously optimizing systems to ensure they meet these targets.

In summary, monitoring and performance management are critical components of any successful DevOps strategy. Teams must prioritize continuous monitoring, proactive performance optimization, and the optimization of critical systems to maintain system stability and deliver a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

DevOps is a rapidly evolving landscape that comes with its share of challenges. In this article, we have discussed some of the common challenges DevOps professionals face in their day-to-day work. These include communication and collaboration issues, managing complexity in hybrid environments, balancing speed and stability, security and compliance considerations, automation and tooling complications, resistance to change and cultural shifts, lack of standardization and documentation, skill shortages and training needs, and monitoring and performance management.

As the demand for DevOps continues to grow, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. This means investing in training and upskilling programs, fostering a culture of collaboration, and continuously improving processes and tooling choices.

In conclusion, the key to succeeding in DevOps lies in understanding and addressing the challenges DevOps professionals face on a daily basis. By doing so, we can create a culture of high-performance, collaboration, and innovation in the DevOps landscape.

Tags: Development, development issues, devops, issues, issues devops face

As the internet continues to evolve, new cyber threats are constantly emerging. Without proper protection, websites are vulnerable to attacks that can cause significant damage. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in top web security tools to enhance the safety of your website.

Understanding Web Security and its Significance

Web security refers to the practices and techniques used to protect websites from cyber threats and attacks. As the internet continues to evolve, so do the risks associated with website security. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly developing new methods to exploit website vulnerabilities, making it essential for website owners to stay one step ahead with robust security measures.

Website security is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a security breach can result in the theft of sensitive and confidential information, including personal data and financial information. This can damage a company’s reputation and lead to legal and financial repercussions. Secondly, a security breach can disrupt website availability and compromise its functionality, leading to lost revenue and a negative user experience. Lastly, website security is essential for maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Web Application Firewalls: Protecting Your Website Against Attacks

If you’re running a website, it’s crucial to protect it from cyber threats. One way to do this is by using a web application firewall (WAF). A WAF is a security tool that filters and monitors traffic between a website and the internet, inspecting all incoming data to identify and block potential attacks.

WAFs are designed to protect against various types of attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. By blocking these attacks before they reach the website, WAFs can help prevent data breaches, defacements, and other security incidents that can harm a website’s reputation.

How Web Application Firewalls Work

A web application firewall works by analyzing the contents of each HTTP request and response to and from a website. It uses a set of rules to determine if the traffic is legitimate or not.

For example, if a WAF detects a request that matches a known SQL injection pattern, it will block that request and prevent the attack from succeeding. Similarly, if a WAF detects an HTTP response that contains malicious content, it can block that response as well. WAFs can be deployed as hardware devices or software applications, and they can be hosted on-premises or in the cloud. Some WAFs are also available as a service, which makes them easy to deploy and manage.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates: Encrypting Data for Secure Communication

When it comes to website security, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between websites and users, ensuring that sensitive information, such as login credentials and payment details, cannot be intercepted by hackers.

Having an SSL certificate installed on your website also provides an extra layer of security and reassures visitors that their information is safe. In fact, many browsers now display a “Not Secure” warning for websites that do not have an SSL certificate installed. Obtaining an SSL certificate is relatively easy and can be done through your web hosting provider or a third-party certificate authority. There are several types of SSL certificates available, including Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) certificates, each providing varying levels of verification and security.

Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an Extra Layer of Protection

In today’s digital world, usernames and passwords are no longer enough to secure your website. Hackers use various tactics like phishing, social engineering, and brute-force attacks to gain unauthorized access. This is where two-factor authentication (2FA) comes into play. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your website login process, making it difficult for attackers to take over your website.

With 2FA, users have to provide two forms of identification to access their accounts. In addition to the usual username and password, they’ll have to enter a code that’s usually sent to their phone or generated by an app. This means that even if a hacker gets hold of your username and password, they still won’t be able to access your account without the additional form of identification. It offers a simple and effective way to protect your website against unauthorized access. It’s easy to set up and adds an extra layer of security without adding too much complexity to the login process. By implementing 2FA, you can ensure that your website remains safe and secure.

How to enable 2FA for your website?

Enabling 2FA for your website is a simple process. You can either use a plugin or a third-party service to set it up. There are many 2FA plugins available for popular content management systems like WordPress and Drupal. You can also use a third-party service like Google Authenticator or Authy.

Once you’ve installed the 2FA plugin or signed up for the third-party service, you’ll need to enable it for your website’s login process. This usually involves configuring a few settings and adding a code to your login page. Once you’ve done this, users will be prompted to enter their two forms of identification every time they log in.

It’s important to note that 2FA is not foolproof and can be bypassed in certain situations. However, it’s still a great way to add an extra layer of security to your website and protect it against most attacks.

Security Plugins: Enhancing Website Security with Add-Ons

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, it is essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your website. Along with web application firewalls (WAFs), SSL certificates, two-factor authentication (2FA), vulnerability scanners, content security policies (CSPs), and intrusion detection systems (IDS), security plugins can add an extra layer of protection to your website.

Popular Security Plugins

Wordfence Security: One of the most downloaded security plugins for WordPress, Wordfence offers features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, and login security to protect your website.

Sucuri Security: A comprehensive security plugin that offers a website firewall, malware scanning, brute force attack protection, and even a content delivery network (CDN) to speed up your website.

Jetpack Security: This plugin offers a suite of security features such as real-time backups, spam protection, and malware scanning. It also provides downtime monitoring and resolution services.

While these security plugins offer valuable protection, it’s important to note that they are not foolproof. It’s still essential to follow best practices such as regularly updating your website software, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious links and downloads.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, website security is an essential part of any online presence. By implementing the right security measures, you can help to protect your website from cyber threats and keep your visitors’ data safe. By following these best practices, you can help to keep your website safe and secure. Remember, security is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant is key to safeguarding your website from cyber threats.

Tags: Development, Jetpack, security development, Sucuri, Web, web security, Wordfence

The technological landscape is always changing, and application development is no exception. It is obvious that developers will use new tools, technologies, and frameworks as we move into 2023 to produce creative solutions that address the evolving needs of both consumers and enterprises. We’ll examine some of the most important developments in contemporary application development that are expected to have an industry-wide impact in the upcoming year in this post. Well-managed projects are successful projects. The management or development team must choose the software development approach that is most appropriate for the project at hand if they are to manage it effectively. Every approach has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages and is used for varied purposes.

The Importance of the Most Recent Technology for Mobile App Development

The mobile app market includes anything from enterprise solutions to consumer-grade messaging apps, from high-performing medical solutions to consumer-grade apps. To create an app that is stable and functional, developers must always use the most up-to-date technology stack. Only the most widely used frameworks and libraries, which serve as the foundation for creating high-quality applications for numerous platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, etc., can accomplish this.

Mobile app technologies are available in the mobile app markets and can be used to create applications that work with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, offer social media integration, offer cloud storage services, or interface with other devices.

Use of Cloud Computing

Because cloud computing is revolutionizing application development, the field of cloud engineering is constantly changing. Businesses can simply scale their IT infrastructure thanks to this, which lowers costs and boosts agility. Because it offers on-demand access to resources and services, enabling businesses to concentrate on their core capabilities, cloud technology is being adopted at an ever-increasing rate.

Application developers can create and distribute programs in a dispersed environment utilizing cloud technologies, making it simple for users to access them from any place using any internet-connected device. This trend will undoubtedly continue as more companies decide to move their IT operations to the cloud as they realize the benefits of cloud computing.

AI and Machine Learning Technology

The way we engage with applications is changing as a result of advances in AI and machine learning technologies. The user experience is being revolutionized by AI and machine learning, from tailored suggestions to intelligent chatbots. The most recent example of this is ChatGPT. Applications may now learn from user behavior and preferences thanks to these technologies, making the user experience more tailored.

These technologies are used by developers to enhance application performance, maximize resource use, and cut maintenance expenses. The accuracy and efficiency of AI and machine learning algorithms increase as more data becomes available. As AI and machine learning technologies become more widely available to developers and enterprises alike, this trend in application development will continue to change.

Development of Cross-Platform Mobile Apps

An additional development trend in applications is the integration of mobile apps with other hardware and software. The popularity of mobile devices has increased demand for applications that work across many platforms and devices. As a result, developers are utilizing tools like APIs and SDKs to make it possible for mobile apps to easily integrate with other hardware and software.

The primary driver of this trend toward application integration is the requirement to provide users with a consistent experience across all platforms and devices. As more devices become connected and open up new possibilities, developers and organizations can anticipate that this trend will continue.

Enhanced Indigenous Cyber Security

As privacy and security have grown to be key concerns for both enterprises and users, improved native cybersecurity has become a crucial trend in application development. Also, it is crucial for apps to be secure and resilient given the rise in cyber threats.

Security is now a fundamental component of application development as developers include security features into their programs from the ground up. Features like encryption, authentication, and authorization fall under this category. Additionally, developers are needed to keep enhancing native cybersecurity as cyber threats change, ensuring that programs are safe and resilient.

Demand-Side Applications

On-demand apps include a review feature, GPS tracking, and push notifications in addition to using device location to suggest local providers for any services the app user may require. Customers have immediate access to the closest services they urgently need, and businesses can connect with their customers without having to bombard them with emails and push notifications.

For the hospitality business, the healthcare industry, and even traditional grocery stores, they have proven to be game-changers. Uber and Airbnb have made millions of dollars leveraging this trend in mobile app development!

Internet of Things

The internet of things has had a big impact on how modern life is lived. A network of sensors that happen to gather data from both machines and people makes up the potent new technology. IoT is an all-encompassing word used to describe the ecosystem of devices that interact with one another and share data in order to increase productivity and provide better customer service.

With the popularity of smartphones in mind, mobile app trends are here to stay as the field of mobile app development grows exponentially. Via specialized software, users may now access their desired services on their cell phones. The same is true since apps provide rapid, personalized services.

Wrapping Up

Recent technological developments and the rise of new development approaches have caused a significant change in modern app development. To be competitive in the modern digital environment, firms must create unique, user-friendly apps. The key methodologies and trends influencing contemporary app development will be discussed in this article.

Tags: app development, Development, development in 2023, modern app development

A career as a developer in any sector is pretty challenging. The profession can appear even more daunting when you are a junior developer. The lack of formal training about real-world software development scenarios during college days leaves the developers to learn on their own. Hence, they make many novice mistakes that stick for a long time. Without proper guidance, the initial habits can slow down the junior developer’s career progression.

Everyone makes several of these beginner’s mistakes during the initial phases of their career. If you are passionate about making it big in your development sector, here is a list of the top ten common mistakes you need to be aware of as a junior developer.

Focusing on Code Instead of the Big Picture

It’s easy to get bogged down in the details when you’re starting out. But it’s important to remember that code is only a small part of the development process. Focusing on the big picture will help you understand the overall goal of your project and help you make better decisions. To come up with good solutions, you need to spend time thinking. You have to remember that the author of React did not come up with the idea for the framework in a day. You have to focus on your target and follow up on whatever you need to get to that target.

Not Knowing Their Self Worth

When developers are fresh out of their institutions or when they are out in the market looking for a job, they most likely have no idea about their worth. Depending on individuals, they either overestimate their capability or underestimate it. In either case, not knowing is not helpful to get the right start to their career.

Developers who overestimate their capabilities tend to have high expectations from their first job. They feel they are doing the company a favor. This mindset reflects in the interviews and, later, in their work.

Again, developers who underestimate their abilities tend to take the very first offer they get. They do not try to find out if they are paid as per the market standard. They also prefer not to ask what kind of work they will be offered or whether the work culture is flexible and a good fit for them.

It is not always easy to negotiate during your first job search. Circumstances can compel you to start earning as early as possible. If that is the case, surely you can latch on to the first software job you get. Once you start making money, you can further your career in your own time and money. You can also find out if a position is suitable for you by doing a bit of research on the internet. Learn about the company culture from the reviews provided by employees on various sites.

Not Reading Documentation

Junior developers rarely read documentation, or they only read it superficially. They often skip it and start working on a subject or solving their problem. But the fact is that documentation is an important source of information. And you need to read it in-depth if you want to be a successful developer.

Documentation can help you learn the syntax and usage of a language or library, as well as how to use a tool or library properly. It can also help you understand the API for a particular software system. So, be sure to read the documentation.

Not Asking Questions

A common mistake junior developers often make is they do not ask questions proactively. Some developers are shy in asking questions. Others might be hesitant because they think their query might be a silly on.

Whichever might be the reason, they need to overcome the hurdle to be successful in their career. They should ask questions every time they do not understand. People will be more than happy to explain when they are on the topic.

Sometimes, the question will not have a straightforward answer. People might give their opinion based on their knowledge. If you are not satisfied, you can ask someone else to confirm your understanding. The idea is to clear out any doubt as quickly and as confidently as possible.

Lacking of Practice

Junior developers often underestimate the importance of practice. It’s not enough to just learn the theory — you also need to practice what you have learned.

Practice makes a man perfect, and the more you practice, the better you will become at your work. Try to find opportunities to practice your skills, whether it’s through tutorials, exercises, or projects. No one is born as a great developer. They become one by working hard and practicing‌.

They should practice according to their field of work. If you are a software developer, work hard on your problem-solving skills, programming languages, and accuracy and attention to details. These sometimes may seem very easy for you, but if you want to develop these skills, then you have to practice them. Everything takes practice!

Conclusion

This list summarizes experiences shared by other developers over the year and my experience as well. As a unique individual, your experiences might vary from others. If you remain vigilant and stay away from these mistakes, you can achieve a great start as a developer. Hence, understand the mistakes and take action based on your situation. I am sure, armed with the above knowledge and perseverance, you can achieve the professional and personal goals you set for yourself.

Tags: Development

Python is a very popular programming language today and often does not need an introduction. It is widely used in various business sectors, such as programming, web development, machine learning, and data science. Given its widespread use, it’s not surprising that Python has surpassed Java as the top programming language. In this article, you will discover the top ten reasons why you should learn Python.

What is the Python

Python is a high-level, object-oriented programming language with built-in data structures and dynamic semantics. It supports multiple programming paradigms, such as structures, object-oriented, and functional programming, which was created by Guido van Rossum. It is an interpreted, general-purpose programming language. Its design philosophy emphasizes code readability with the use of significant indentation. Python is dynamically typed and garbage-collected. It supports different modules and packages, which allows program modularity and code reuse.

Python was initially started as a successor for the ABC programming language. According to the LaTeX-based early Python documentation (1991), the goal of Python was to offer a better programming language for scripting by filling the gap between C and traditional Shell scripting languages. The issue is that you can’t access C-based operating system APIs natively in Bash. On the other hand, writing Shell scripts in C is indeed more time-consuming than Bash. Python became one of the most popular languages because of the simple syntax, full-featured standard library, rich open-source library ecosystem, and advanced frameworks. New features like type hints and impressive open-source libraries/frameworks make Python suitable for enterprise apps.

Better Practical Alternative

A lot of tech companies do a series of interviews to find top engineering candidates. These interviews usually include technical, HR, and management, etc. In technical interviews, interviewers often ask candidates to write pseudocodes for various algorithmic challenges. Pseudocodes are good, but they come with a small problem. Pseudocodes typically don’t have a standard syntax, so candidates often tend to borrow some syntax from their favorite languages. As a result, candidates write various pseudocodes for one technical problem.

What if we have a standard pseudocode syntax? How about pseudocode syntax, which actually works as a programming language? Writing the Python code is undoubtedly more productive than writing traditional pseudocodes. Almost all on-site development interviews typically test candidates’ analytical skills — not how many fancy syntaxes they know in a specific programming language, so using Python in technical interviews saves everyone’s time.

Usability & Flexibility

Programmers initially used Python on personal computers for various general-purpose scripting requirements like automation. Later, programmers started writing GUI apps and web apps with Python. Now, Python programmers can use the Kivy. Again, not only is Python easy to learn but also, it’s flexible. Over 125,000 third-party Python libraries exist that enable you to use Python for machine learning, web processing, and even biology. Also, its data-focused libraries like pandas, NumPy, and matplotlib make it very capable of processing, manipulating, and visualizing data — which is why it’s favored in data analysis. It’s so accommodating, it’s often called the “Swiss Army Knife” of computer languages.

Career & Earning Potential

Going hand-in-hand with lightning speed growth, Python programming is in high demand for jobs. Based on the number of job postings on one of the largest job search platforms, LinkedIn.com, Python ranks #2 in the most in-demand programming languages of 2020.

As Python is the second-highest paid computer language, you can expect an average salary of USD 110,026 per year. Nothing to cry about! If you can land a job with Selby Jennings, you’ll earn the most. The average salary there is USD 245,862. Amazing!

Python Security

The Python Software Foundation and the Python developer community take security vulnerabilities ‌seriously. A Python Security Response Team has been formed that does triage on all reported vulnerabilities and recommends appropriate countermeasures. To reach the response team, send an email to security at python dot org. Only the response team members will see your email, and it will be treated confidentially.

The PSRT mailing list is tightly controlled, so you can have confidence that your security issue will only be read by a highly trusted cabal of Python developers. If for some reason you wish to further encrypt your message to this mailing list (for example, if your mail system does not use TLS), you can use our shared OpenPGP key, which is also available on the public key servers.

Incredibly supportive community

While programming is often misinterpreted as a solo-sport, one of the greatest tools a programmer will ever have is the support of their community. Thanks to online forums, local meet-ups, and the open source community, programmers continue to learn from and build on the success of their predecessors. GitHub is where developers store project code and collaborate with other developers. With over 1.5M repositories on GitHub and over 90,000 users committing or creating issues in these repositories, Python has the second largest GitHub community.

In addition to online communities, Python User Groups are places where developers can meet others working with Python to share resources and solutions and cheesy Python jokes.

Conclusion

Now that you know the reasons to learn Python Programming, and how it can give you a career boost, the next step is simple. You just have to learn the code and start utilizing it. Python has become the language of choice for AI researchers, who have produced numerous packages for it. Reusing, recycling and improving other programmers’ code is fundamental to being a successful programmer, which is why Python’s robust programming communities help make it a solid programming language to learn.

Tags: Development, programming language, Python

Two years after Epic Games revealed Unreal Engine 5 with a gorgeous tech demo, the next-gen game engine is officially available, Epic Games announced on Tuesday. The latest edition of the benchmark game development engine touts a new “fully dynamic global illumination” tool, plus a geometry system that allows creators to build games with “massive amounts of geometric detail.” After being available in Early Access since May 2021 and Preview since February 2022, Epic Games has now released Unreal Engine 5 which will no doubt go on to power some of the biggest upcoming releases.

Epic announced Unreal Engine 5’s launch with a Twitch and YouTube live stream showing high-performance visuals and real-time rendering. Unreal Engine 5 will also use a new World Partition system that, Epic says, “changes how levels are managed and streamed,” by dividing up the game world into a grid and streaming only its necessary cells.

Unreal Engine 5 is Epic’s latest in the line of game engines available to game developers big and small. While the release of a new game engine isn’t typically news that excites folks until video games start getting made with them, Epic first revealed Unreal Engine 5 with a blockbuster tech demo Called Lumen in the Land of Nanite, the tech demo was made to specifically demonstrate two of the marquis features of Unreal Engine 5. Lumen is a dynamic illumination tool where the light adapts to the world naturally and easily.

“With this release, we aim to empower both large and small teams to really push the boundaries of what’s possible, visually and interactively. UE5 will enable you to realize next-generation real-time 3D content and experiences with greater freedom, fidelity, and flexibility than ever before.” — Epic Games.

Epic also said that developers would be able to continue using “workflows supported in UE 4.27” but get access to the redesigned Unreal Editor, better performance, improved path tracing, and the list goes on.

A “preview” version of Unreal Engine 5 has been available for a while now, but on Tuesday it officially took Unreal Engine 4’s place as the current Unreal version: Unreal Engine 5 is out now. We can expect new Unreal-based games to use the latest engine, as well as many in-progress games, such as Stalker 2, the next Tomb Raider (also announced that day), and games from developers such as Remedy, Obsidian, and Ninja Theory. The video embedded above is a new UE5 tech demo compilation from Gears of War studio The Coalition.

Two new starter samples have also been made for developers: Lyra Starter Game, City Sample

Lyra Starter Game

Lyra Starter Game is a sample gameplay project built alongside Unreal Engine 5 development to serve as an excellent starting point for creating new games, as well as a hands-on learning resource. We plan to continue to upgrade this living project with future releases to demonstrate our latest best practices.

City Sample

The City Sample is a free downloadable sample project that reveals how the city scene from The Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 Experience was built. The project—which consists of a complete city with buildings, vehicles, and crowds of MetaHuman characters—demonstrates how we used new and improved systems in Unreal Engine 5 to create the experience.

You will also find plenty of Linux and Vulkan improvements for Unreal Engine 5 including: Nanite and Lumen (with software ray tracing only) on Linux, the Unreal Build Tool was also upgraded to support Clang’s sanitizers for Linux (and Android), Vulkan and Linux support was also added to their “GameplayMediaEncoder”, compliant 64-bit image atomics in Vulkan that fixes all validation issues with 64-bit atomics and allows the use of RADV driver (AMD + Linux) for Nanite and Lumen, multiple crashes were solved for Linux. There are some features specific to open-world games, too, which may be useful for CD Projekt Red’s new Witcher game; the studio announced last month that it’s switching to Unreal Engine 5. One of those features is World Partition, which handles the on-the-fly loading and unloading of open worlds as players move through them. Adoption of UE5 will mean different things for different studios, but the big themes are workflow streamlining and high-fidelity geometry and lighting. The 2020 Unreal Engine 5 reveals video leads with its new “micro polygon geometry system,” Nanite, and its “global illumination solution,” Lumen. With Nanite and Lumen, Epic says that developers can import film-quality 3D assets with “massive amounts of geometric detail” and set up dynamic lights without worrying about certain complex technical steps, especially those to do with optimization. The engine handles the ‘making it run on our PCs’ part, or at least more of it.

UE5 also includes new modeling and animation tools, “a fundamentally new way of making audio,” and other features meant to simplify the work of game development and keep as much of it as possible in the Unreal Engine development environment. In fact, using Epic’s Quixel Megascans (super detailed environment models) and MetaHumans (realistic, customizable human models), which are free to use in Unreal Engine projects, you can make a playable game without ever minimizing the UE5 dev kit.

Another interesting fact about Unreal Engine 5 is, like the previous version, Unreal Engine 5 is free to download and use; Epic doesn’t collect royalties on indie games until they’ve earned over $1 million in revenue. It is now available on the Epic Games launcher. If you already had the UE5 preview version installed, it’s about a 5 GB update.

Tags: Development, Software

Great empires often fall from within. 

The death knell for Visual Basic is premature, but it’s true that VB has deviated from its original vision as an “Application Construction Kit” for the masses and has lost significant market share as a result.  

Tim Anderson summed it up best:

It sounds like perfection.  Microsoft had perhaps the largest number of developers in the world hooked on a language which in turn was hooked to Windows.  Yet Microsoft took this asset of incalculable value and apparently tossed it aside.  Back in 2002, Microsoft announced that the language was to be replaced by something new, different and incompatible.  That caused rumblings that continue today.  Developers expressed emotions ranging from frustration to anger.  They felt betrayed.

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Tags: .NET, Alan-Cooper, Bill-Gates, C#, Development, Languages, Microsoft-.NET, Popfly, Silverlight, Software, VB, VB.NET, VB6, Visual Basic, Visual-Basic-.NET, Visual-Basic-6

Update: We have launched a new website and forums dedicated to people with cubital tunnel syndrome: www.cubital-tunnel.com

No programmers were harmed during development of this article.

(Not true… my cubital hurts like mad today!)

A programming career is supposed to offer advantages such as longevity and limited physical risk. Unlike an athlete or blue-collar worker whose livelihood depends on physical ability and can be cut short by injury or aging, most programmers should expect to work right up until retirement, as long as they can raise donut to mouth. But a nasty secret in the software industry is how repetitive stress injuries including carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome can make programming a literal pain and threaten your career.

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Tags: Carpal-Tunnel, Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel, Cubital-Tunnel-Syndrome, Development, Disabilities, Ergonomics, Personal, Ulnar, Ulnar-Nerve

If you are a .NET developer, how would you feel if your original C# or VB source code was published on the Web for the world to see?  That’s exactly what happens if you release your .NET software without obfuscation.

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Tags: .NET-assembly, Anti-Piracy, Development, Disassembly, Obfuscation, Obfuscator, Piracy, Reflection, Reflector, Reverse-Engineering, Xenocode