At the very beginning of last year, I decided to track my reading habits and share the best stuff here, on Baeldung. Haven't missed a review since.

Here we go…

1. Spring and Java

>> Spring Boot with Scala [java-allandsundry.com]

This is very cool if you're into Scala.

I'm personally moving towards Clojure instead of Scala, but this still looks quite interesting to me.

>> Log management in Spring Boot [frankel.ch]

How to configure logging in Spring Boot (without having to go the native XML route) – very quick and to the point (much like Boot).

>> JUnit 5 – Basics [codefx.org]

Thought last weeks JUnit 5 post was all there was? Think again 🙂

I'm super excited about finally seeing some actual progress in the JUnit space, so this series should be fun to read and follow along with.

>> (Ab)using Java 8 FunctionalInterfaces as Local Methods [jooq.org]

As always, a very nice exploration of a lambdas in Java 8.

And I can no longer call lambdas “new”, they're now just an arrow in the quiver.

>> Java EE 8 MVC: Working with form parameters [mscharhag.com]

A quick writeup that continues to explore the mapping of parameters to Controllers in Java EE 8. Very quick and to the point.

>> JetBrains Releases Kotlin 1.0 [infoq.com]

Kotlin isn't something I've done any actual work with myself. But it is the official 1.0 release of what looks to be a language with some interesting syntax choices – which doesn't happen all that often.

Also worth reading:

Webinars and presentations:

Time to upgrade:

2. Technical

>> Automate Deployment & Management of Docker Cloud/Virtual Java Microservices with DCHQ [infoq.com]

Docker containers, continuous delivery of microservices and Event Sourcing.

Yep, every word of that sentence is an overused buzzword, yet the article solid and detailed, so worth a careful read if you're doing work in this area.

>> Bind Parameters for Database Queries [martinfowler.com]

This weeks installment of the “Web Security Basics” series – getting into some foundation aspects of input sanitization.

And of course, SQL injection is not the only game in town.

>> Default HotSpot Maximum Direct Memory Size [marxsoftware.com]

Getting into some of the low level JVM details of direct memory access and sizing.

Also worth reading:

3. Musings

>> Why do you write accessor methods? [codecentric.de]

An “back to basics” style exploration of a core object oriented concept – accessor methods.

>> Splunk vs ELK: The Log Management Tools Decision Making Guide [takipi.com]

A solid guide to picking a log management tool and getting the most out of it.

>> Escaping the Legacy Skill Quicksand [daedtech.com]

Common sense advice about stepping up your tech skill game.

>> Controlling vehicle features of Nissan LEAFs across the globe via vulnerable APIs [troyhunt.com]

Hacking a connected car – this is scary stuff.

Also worth reading:

4. Comics

And my favorite Dilberts of the week:

>> You probably shouldn't put your suggestions in form of questions [dilbert.com]

>> He'll be under-communicating all day [dilbert.com]

>> It sounds better when you don't do the math [dilbert.com]

5. Pick of the Week

I recently discovered I writer that I'm thoroughly enjoying:

>> The Gervais Principle, Or The Office According to “The Office” [ribbonfarm.com]