Here we go…

1. Spring and Java

>> The Current State of Java Value Types [infoq.com]

An interesting post that highlights the possible semantics of value types in Java, along with some hurdles faced by Oracle's JVM developers as they evolve this often-requested feature.

>> Tracing a reactive flow – Using Spring Cloud Sleuth with Boot 2 [java-allandsundry.com]

A quick read showing how to capture distributed tracing data for a reactive Spring Boot application and display it in Zipkin UI. Good stuff.

>> WireMock Tutorial: Request Matching, Part Three [petrikainulainen.net]

The latest installment in this series is all about specifying expectations about the contents of a JSON request body.

>> How do find and getReference EntityManager methods work when using JPA and Hibernate [vladmihalcea.com]

A neat writeup about a lesser-known method in JPA — getReference — that can boost performance when creating @OneToOne and @ManyToOne associations. Very cool.

Also worth reading:

Webinars and presentations:

Time to upgrade:

2. Technical and Musings

>> A one size fits all database doesn't fit anyone [allthingsdistributed.com]

A refreshing review of the different types of non-relational databases at our disposal and what kinds of problems they are best suited for.

>> How did that bug happen? Git bisect to the rescue! [odino.org]

A clever command that can dramatically reduce debugging time by determining exactly which commit introduced a bug to your repository.

>> How to write a Kotlin DSL – e.g. for Apache Kafka [blog.codecentric.de]

A cool writeup demonstrating the utility of Kotlin's extension functions and lambda arguments to functions when creating a DSL.

>> Politeness or Bluntness in Code Review? Settling the Matter Once and for All [daedtech.com]

A thoughtful piece reminding reviewers to seek the proper balance between subtlety and bluntness, based on your audience — the reviewee — and their cultural norms.

Also worth reading:

3. Comics

And my favorite Dilberts of the week:

>> It's All Just Zeros and Ones [dilbert.com]

>> Ignorance is Bliss [dilbert.com]

>> Big Brother is Watching You [dilbert.com]

4. Pick of the Week

>> Say the Hard Thing [randsinrepose.com]