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What is Dart?
As a language on its own, Dart might be just another language, but when you take into account the whole Dart ecosystem, Dart represents an exciting prospect in the world of web development. In this green paper based on Dart in Action, author Chris Buckett explains how Dart, with its ability to either run natively or be converted to JavaScript and coupled with HTML5 is an ideal solution for building web applications that do not need external plugins to provide all the features.
The Semantic Blueprint (PDF)
HTML is, very simply, the tags that surround content delivered to you in your browser. It has gone through several iterations, the latest being HTML 5. This article based on chapter 2 of HTML5 for .NET Developers explains how semantic HTML can make your content more accessible and versatile.
Creating a Table View Project (PDF)
The iPhone, iPod, and iPad are great music playing devices and allow you to create playlists. Creating playlists is useful, but being able to play them is necessary to really make it worthwhile. So using the iPod access to select tracks, CoreData to store the selections, and the music player to play the music makes for a usable app. To start, you need to design a database within Xcode and have the related code generated for you. In this article based on chapter 7 of iOS 5 in Practice, author Bear Cahill shows you how to set up the project to support a table view navigation.
A Sample Shard Cluster (PDF)
MongoDB has been designed to support sharding from the start. In this article, based on chapter 9 of MongoDB in Action, author Kyle Banker demonstrates building a sample cluster to host data from a massive Google Docs-like application.
Redis Close Up and Personal (PDF)
If you are familiar with a relational database, you will no doubt have written SQL queries to relate data between tables. Redis is a type of database that is commonly referred to as noSQL or nonrelational. In this green paper based on Redis in Action, you'll see where Redis fits within the world of databases and why Redis is a useful tool for solving problems in any language (or for helping two languages interact).
Rotational Drawing (PDF)
Do you find like Matt Pearson that all the trig you have ever really needed to know could fit quite easily onto the back of a postcard? In this article, based on chapter 7 of Generative Art, the author shows you how to use a little of that trig to vandalize a circle.
Introducing Canvas (PDF)
The speed of graphics manipulation and code execution in modern browsers has opened up new doors to those intrepid souls who have started developing games using the HTML5 canvas. This article based on chapter 5 of HTML5 for .NET Developers explains the basic drawing process in canvas.
Get Behind Mule (PDF)
Mule frees you from much of the plumbing associated with enterprise application integration, allowing you to focus on your application's requirements. In this green paper based on Mule in Action, Second Edition, the authors give you a high-level understanding of Mule.
Constructing Your User Interface in Interface Builder (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 3 of MacRuby in Action, the authors Brendan Lim and Paul Crawford show you how to build a nice user interface without writing a single line of code using Interface Builder.
Data Partitioning (PDF)
This article is taken from the book OpenCL in Action. The author discusses data partitioning, an important element in implementing algorithms with OpenCL due to the size of data that has to be processed.
Using Manifests (PDF)
Scala 2.8 formalized the ability to encode type information into implicit parameters. Manifests were added specifically to handle arrays and generalized to be useful in other situations where the type needs to be available at runtime. In this article from chapter 7 of Scala in Depth, author Joshua Suereth shows how Manifests are useful in Scala to create abstract methods whose implementations diverge based on the types they work on, but the resulting outputs do not.
Inside Calculator Programming (PDF)
Graphing calculator programming is a great way to challenge yourself to create fun, immersive games or powerful math and science programs on a relatively limited device. This green paper based on Programming the TI-83+/84+ explains why a calculator really is a computer in your pocket and dives right into creating your first program with a Hello World example.
Inside HBase (PDF)
The data management technologies we're used to were not built with the Internet in mind. This network of interconnected people and devices has produced, among other things, an explosion of data far beyond anything the previous generation of technologists imagined. The result is an entire class of datasets for which no technical solution existed. Necessity, it is often said, is the mother of invention. This necessity fuelled the innovation that introduced HBase to the world. This green paper from HBase in Action explains how HBase is used to solve all manner of problems.
window.postMessage Alternatives for Legacy Browsers (PDF)
Legacy browsers—including Internet Explorer versions 6 and 7—have absolutely no support for the window.postMessage API so you have to fall back to some other approach. In this article based on chapter 5 of Third-Party JavaScript, the authors discuss four hacks: using window.name property, using window.hash property, using window.opener property, and using a Flash object.
Welcome to CoffeeScript (PDF)
CoffeeScript is JavaScript with non-essential syntax removed to give more simplicity and clarity to your code. In this article, based on chapter 2 of CoffeeScript in Action, author Patrick Lee shows you the basic CoffeeScript syntax and how it compares to JavaScript.
Introducing Ninja (PDF)
There is nothing simple about creating effective and cross-browser JavaScript code. In addition to the normal challenges of writing clean code, we have the added complexity of dealing with obtuse browser differences and complexities. To deal with these challenges, JavaScript developers frequently capture sets of common and reusable functionality in the form of JavaScript libraries. In this green paper based on Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja, the authors discuss the techniques that are used to create two of the more popular JavaScript libraries.
60 Android Hacks - VideoViews and Orientation Changes (PDF)
Landscape is way cooler than portrait when it comes to viewing a video on your cell. To make the video full screen when the device is rotated, you need to tell the system that you'll handle the orientation changes yourself. In this article, based on a technique presented in 60 Android Hacks, the author shows you how to do that by changing the size and position of VideoView.
Big Data - Data Storage in the Batch Layer with Pail (PDF)
Pail enables you to vertically partition a dataset and it provides a dead-simple API for common operations like appends, compression, and consolidation. In this article based on chapter 3, author Nathan Marz shows you how Pail makes it easy to satisfy all of the requirements you have for storage on the batch layer.
Hello! Python - Writing a Simple Chat Server (PDF)
In this article from chapter 10 of Hello! Python, author Anthony Briggs talks about extending an application using the Twisted framework to make it interactive over the Internet.
"We are the robots!" (PDF)
In this green paper based on Programming Robots the authors explore the landscape of robots and their future evolution, the barriers holding back their proliferation, and how you can help realize a world of popular robotics.
Developing Your First Master-Detail Application (PDF)
A master-detail application has a table, called the master view and rows in the table can be selected, showing a detail view. This is a very common pattern for iPhone applications and it can be seen in Mail, Contacts, Messages, Music, and countless other iPhone apps. In this article, based on chapter 6 of Quick & Easy iPhone Programming, author Bintu Harwani shows you how to develop a relatively straightforward Master-Detail application without a single line of code.
Adding Device Configuration (PDF)
When selecting devices in the device dropdown configuration list, there may be a device that is missing from the detail list and that you want to add. In this article based on chapter 2 of Flex Mobile in Action, author Jonathan Campos shows you how to add devices to your device list for your simulator.
Content Distribution Formats (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 4 of Location-Aware Applications, the authors discuss the strengths and weaknesses of three content distribution formats for location-based service (LBS) applications—GeoRSS, GeoJSON, and KML.
Building a Test API for Your Application (PDF)
This article from The Art of Unit Testing shows you how to use inheritance in your test classes, create test utility classes and methods, and how to make your API known to developers.
Creating a Web-Based Rule Editor (PDF)
You want to be able to change the content of a rule without too much hassle so you can have direct influence on the behavior of your business processes. In this article, based on chapter 12 of Activiti in Action, the authors show you how Activiti and Drools integrate nicely together to achieve this flexibility with just a few lines of code.
An MVC 3 Application in Action (PDF)
This article based on chapter 4 of HTML5 for .NET Developers shows you some important MVC framework features that are relevant to HTML application builders.
Going Beyond a Simple User Task (PDF)
Workflow is an important part of developing process applications. In a lot of cases, not all tasks in a process can be executed automatically by invoking web services or other external resources. In this article, based on chapter 10 of Activiti in Action, the authors introduce you to subtasks and task delegation that's supported via the Activiti API and partially via the Activiti Explorer.
Silverlight Effects (PDF)
Effects in Silverlight come in two primary forms: built-in effects, implemented in the native Silverlight hardware-accelerated runtime code; and pixel shaders, implemented by folks like us using a combination of managed code and High Level Shader Language (HLSL) and run in software. In this article, based on chapter 23 of Silverlight 5 in Action, author Pete Brown discusses both types of effects.
Taking the Same Picture Three Different Ways (PDF)
With hardware that would make even James Bond jealous we can take stunning pictures with quality that rivals many cameras on the market. In this article based on chapter 4 of Flex Mobile in Action, author Jonathan Campos discusses three ways to get camera data into your mobile applications.
CoffeeScript vs. JavaScript (PDF)
CoffeeScript is JavaScript—the same language with a different accent. At the core JavaScript is an elegant programming language with simple but powerful features, but it has some gnarly edges that over time are making less and less sense to a growing number of language users. In this green paper, based on CoffeeScript in Action, author Patrick Lee discusses why CoffeeScript is a good option for a language that compiles to JavaScript.
Inside Silverlight (PDF)
Silverlight is a cross-platform .NET runtime, cross-browser plug-in, and a set of Windows-based developer tools for building RIAs. In this green paper, based on Silverlight 5 in Action, you'll learn about the types of applications Silverlight is well-suited for and check out the features and capabilities introduced since Silverlight 2.
The Building Blocks of Agile ALM (PDF)
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) brings the best of two worlds together, Agile and ALM. In this green paper, based on Agile ALM, author Michael Hüttermann introduces the concepts essential to understanding the Agile ALM.
A Tour of Arduino (PDF)
Arduino is a microcontroller so small that it fits in the palm of your hand. In this green paper based on Arduino in Action, author Martin Evans discusses Arduino's history, pin layout and main components, and the various versions used in different industries, including fashion.
Open Source in a Cloud (PDF)
In this green paper, based on Cloud Computing in Action author Rod Cope explains what the cloud is and what you can do with open source in the context of cloud computing.
Introducing the Ext JS framework (PDF)
Ext JS 4.0 is a revolution for JavaScript frameworks. This green paper, based on Ext JS in Action, Second Edition, takes a broad look at the Ext JS framework and also shows what's new in Ext JS 4.0.
What is Enterprise Search? (PDF)
In this green paper, based on Enterprise Search in Action, the author discusses the features of Enterprise Search, a solution for searching, finding, and presenting enterprise-related information on a large scale.
HTML5 Right Here Right Now (PDF)
HTML5 is the first version that embraces the web as a platform for web application development, defining not only a series of new elements that can be used to develop rich internet applications, but also a range of standard JavaScript APIs for browsers to implement natively. This green paper based on HTML5 in Action, shows you how you can use HTML5 in your web applications right away while learning how to provide fallbacks or workarounds for users with older or incompatible browsers.
What is Hadoop? (PDF)
Hadoop is a platform that provides both distributed storage and computational capabilities. In this green paper based on Hadoop in Practice, author Alex Holmes provides a look at Hadoop from an architectural perspective, examines how it is being utilized in the industry, discusses some weaknesses, ending with a brief look at some alternative technologies.
Introducing Flex Mobile (PDF)
With the latest release of Flex, we can easily make applications that run on the web, desktop, or wide range of mobile phones and tablets with the same codebase and familiar development techniques between each platform. In this green paper based on Flex Mobile in Action, author Jonathan Campos explains why Flex is wonderful for application development.
Introducing Spring (PDF)
In this green paper based on Spring in Practice, the authors give a brief rundown of each the components that make up the framework and specifically of dependency injection.
Android—the Big Picture (PDF)
In this article based on chapter 5 of Android in Action, Third Edition, the authors introduce the platform and provide context to help you understand Android and where it fits in the global cell phone scene.
Introducing the Restlet Framework (PDF)
This green paper based on Restlet in Action tells the story of REST and gives you an overview of the Restlet technology.
Nesting CSS Rules (PDF)
One of the most annoyingly repetitive aspects of CSS is writing selectors. This article, based on chapter 2 of Sass and Compass in Action, explains how Sass enables you to put rules within rules and then unpack these nested rules into CSS, eliminating all of that retyping of selectors.
Foundations of Taming Text (PDF)
This article, based on chapter 2 of Taming Text, shows how content is extracted and how to use tools to identify the syntax and semantics of language and other important elements of digital text.
A Quick Tour of Python (PDF)
In this green paper based on Hello! Python, author Anthony Briggs covers the basics that you'll need to know in order to get started programming in Python. You will learn some high-level details: what programming is and the philosophy of programming.
A Quick Tour of SQL Server (PDF)
In this green paper based on Learn SQL Server 2012 in a Month of Lunches, author Grant Fritchey discuses some of the challenges facing DBAs in enterprise environments and how policy-based management can be used in assisting with such challenges.
The World of SOA Patterns (PDF)
This green paper from SOA Patterns explains patterns that will help you make the right decisions for the particular challenges and requirements you'll face in your SOA projects.
When HTML Meets .NET (PDF)
This green paper based on HTML5 for .NET Developers, discusses the importance of semantic web, lists the reasons why JavaScript needs to be a first-class language in your skill set, and provides an overview of the options available from the .NET framework, with a special emphasis on Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).
The Basics of Metaprogramming (PDF)
In this green paper based on Metaprogramming in .NET, the authors discuss the definitions and show examples of metaprogramming in .NET.
Introducing the World of BPM (PDF)
In this green paper based on Activiti in Action the authors discuss the topic of business process management (BPM) and then explain why the BPMN 2.0 specification is an important industry standard.
The Premise of Machine Learning (PDF)
This green paper based on Machine Learning in Action explains what machine learning is, where it is already being used, how it might help you in the future, and some common approaches to solving problems with machine learning.
The Node.js Framework (PDF)
This green paper based on Node.js in Action, discusses how Node took the event-driven approach and made it accessible by pairing the well-known JavaScript language with a powerful, yet relatively simple, API.
Solving Real-World CSS Problems with Compass (PDF)
This green paper, based on Sass and Compass in Action, introduces the Compass framework and takes a look at how Compass can help solve stylesheet challenges you probably face every day.
Three Ways to Use Third-Party JavaScript (PDF)
In this green paper based on Third-Party JavaScript, the authors discuss some real-world use cases of third-party scripts: embedded widgets, analytics and metrics gathering, and client API wrappers.
Scala—a Blended Language (PDF)
Scala is a language that blends various techniques seen from other programming languages. This green paper from Scala in Depth explains how Scala attempts to leap between the worlds by offering its developers object-oriented programming features, functional programming features, a very expressive syntax, statically enforced typing, and rich generics—all on top of the Java Virtual Machine.
Exploring Google Web Toolkit (GWT) (PDF)
Tools are great, but Google Web Toolkit (GWT) is more than just a tool for writing JavaScript application in Java. GWT is a platform with which you can build extraordinary complex applications that run in the browser without any proprietary plug-ins. This green paper from GWT in Action, Second Edition provides a glimpse into each tool in GWT.
Making Your Life Simpler—How Groovy Can Leverage Your Existing Java Skills (PDF)
Java is a large, powerful language, but it's showing its age. In this article, based on chapter 1 of Making Java Groovy, author Kenneth Kousen is not advocating rewriting all your Java code in Groovy; he recommends that you consider adding test cases in Groovy.
Why you should care about SOA governance? (PDF)
When you apply good SOA Governance practices, you can create high-quality services that can be easily used by your consumers and behave exactly as expected. SOA Governance makes it easier for you to create new services, upgrade the existing ones, and monitor the business use of your services. This green paper from SOA Governance in Action explains why SOA Governance is important and the benefits you get once you have SOA Governance in place.
What is Spring Roo? (PDF)
In this green paper based on Spring Roo in Action, the authors show how Roo is accessed via the Roo Shell and then how to configure and run a web-based application. Next, they explain how Roo creates and manages your application. Finally, discuss how using Roo can simplify application code, reducing repetitive tasks.
OSGi and the Enterprise—Why Now? (PDF)
Enterprise OSGi can be thought of as a new way of using the Enterprise Java programming model so that it incorporates OSGi features or a new way of using OSGi so it incorporates Java EE features. In this green paper, based on Enterprise OSGi in Action, the author explains what modularity is and why it is so important in software engineering.
Dipping Your Toes in Clojure (PDF)
As a language, Clojure is arguably the most different from Java. In this article, based on The Well-Grounded Java Developer, the authors show you Clojure's most important conceptual variations from Java—the treatment of state and variables.
RabbitMQ Server Management (PDF)
In RabbitMQ speak, a node is an Erlang node running an Erlang application. Don't get scared off by the mention of Erlang; you don't need to be an Erlang aficionado to understand what's going on. It's very similar to what happens with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This article, based on chapter 3 of RabbitMQ in Action, shows you how to start and stop nodes in RabbitMQ.
The Most Popular Collaborative Models (PDF)
Specification by Example is conceptually different from traditional specification or testing processes, especially in the way it relies on collaboration. Manning author Gojko Adzic interviewed a number of teams to see how they approached collaboration on specifications. Their approaches varied greatly, from large all-hands workshops to smaller workshops, and even to informal conversations. In this article, based on chapter 6 of Specification by Example, Adzic describes the most common collaboration models along with specific benefits of each.
JMX Support in Spring Integration (PDF)
Java Management Extensions are a standard way of exposing runtime information about a running Java application to allow monitoring and runtime management of the application. In this article, based on chapter 14 of Spring Integration in Action, the author discusses the out-of-the-box support for exposing information about message channels, message sources, and message handlers and Spring Integration's support for adapting JMX concepts to Spring Integration messages and vice versa.
Choosing a Cloud Vendor (PDF)
Choosing a cloud vendor is a momentous decision. In this article, based on chapter 8 of The Cloud at Your Service, we look at the business considerations important in choosing a cloud provider by examining the key criteria for evaluating various vendor offerings.
A Gentle Introduction to OpenCL (PDF)
OpenCL's data structures and functions are unique. Even the most introductory application is difficult for a newcomer to grasp. You really can't dip your foot in the pool—you either know OpenCL or you don't. In this article based on OpenCL in Action, author Matthew Scarpino explains how host applications work and then shows how kernels execute on a device. Then, he walks us through an example application with a kernel that adds 64 floating-point values together.
How Closures Work (PDF)
Closures are one of the defining features of JavaScript. Without them, JavaScript would likely be another hum-drum scripting experience, but, since that's not the case, the landscape of the language is forever shaped by their inclusion. In this article based on chapter 4 of Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja, the authors explain how closures work.
Stochastic Gradient Ascent (PDF)
Gradient Ascent uses the whole dataset on each update. This is fine with 100 examples but, with billions of data points containing thousands of features, it is unnecessarily expensive in terms of computational resources. This article, based on chapter 5 of Machine Learning in Action, discusses Stochastic Gradient Ascent and how to make modifications that will yield better results.
Pulling RabbitMQ Out of the Hat (PDF)
Message queuing simply is connecting your applications together with messages that are routed between them by a message broker like RabbitMQ. This green paper, based on chapter 1 of RabbitMQ in Action, introduces the history of messaging and RabbitMQ.
Introducing Sencha Touch (PDF)
In this green paper based on Sencha Touch in Action, the authors take you on a into the world of Sencha Touch, discussing what Sencha Touch is and what problems it intends to solve. You discover the Sencha Touch widgets and some of the ways you should think about developing your mobile application to avoid future performance issues.
Java as a platform and a language (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book The Well-Grounded Java Developer: Covers Java 7 from Manning Publications. The authors introduce Java 7 and showcase Project Coin, a collection of small yet effective new features. You'll find out about the new syntax, such as an improved way of handling exceptions (multi-catch). You'll also learn about Automatic Resource Management and how it helps you to avoid bugs in the code that deals with files or other resources.
What's in Expression Blend? (PDF)
Blend is a visual design tool that generates XAML, increases your productivity, provides rapid prototyping, and greatly simplifies visual tasks. This green paper from the author of Expression Blend in Action covers the key players involved in this exciting technology and where Blend fits into the mix.
Portable Computer that Makes Calls (PDF)
The iPhone is so much more than a phone that it should hardly be called a phone at all. In this green paper, based on iOS 5 in Practice, author Bear Cahill tells us what makes iPhone development so special.
What's so special about EJB? (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book EJB 3 in Action, Second Edition from Manning Publications. The authors explain why EJB is considered a groundbreaking technology that raised the standards of server-side development.
MongoDB's Query Selectors (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 5 of MongoDB in Action, author Kyle Banker discusses MongoDB's general description queries, their semantics, and types.
Creating Tags (PDF)
In this article based on chapter 10 of Rails 3 in Action, the authors explain how to create the interface for adding tags to a new ticket in a ticket-tracking application.
Developing the business logic (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 4 of Activiti in Action, the authors explain business logic tasks involved in a loan request process. To do that, they first take a look at the script task and, then, implement the Java service tasks. At the end of the article, the authors show the BPMN 2.0 XML they created and test the process with Eclipse.
Looping over Databases on a Server (PDF)
In this article from chapter 2 of SQL Server DMVs in Action, author Ian Stirk discusses a quick method of creating temporary tables, which is needed when we want to loop over all databases on a server, extracting the results as we go.
The shared MIME-info database (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 4 of Tika in Action, the authors discuss Shared MIME-info Database specification, which, among other things, defines an XML format for media type information.
Action Message Format and Data-centric Flex (PDF)
In this article based on chapter 11 of Flex 4 in Action, the authors discuss the different flavors of Action Message Format. They also explain how to build data-centric applications with Flash Builder and using data-centric Flex with ColdFusion.
Accessing the UIAccelerometer (PDF)
This article is taken from the book iPhone and iPad in Action. The authors discuss UIAccelerometer, a class that you can use to receive acceleration-related data.
Extensions: Finding and Adding Modules (PDF)
There are two kinds of extension for PowerShell v2: modules and snapins. In this article, based on chapter 5 of Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches, author Don Jones explains how to find and add modules.
Computing Average Log-Likelihood (PDF)
In this article, Mahout in Action author explain log-likelihood, a probability score measure that can be used with multiple target categories.
Examining functional concepts in Google Collections (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Scala in Depth. The author explains how Google Collections API enhances the standard Java collections through immutable data structures and functional interaction with collections.
The HTML doctype (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Hello! HTML5 and CSS3. The author discusses doctype, which HTML5 doesn't need for validation but still needs to be triggered for legacy browsers to render pages in standards-compliant mode.
Scala does more with less code (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Scala in Action. The author shows how Scala is capable of accomplishing the same goals as Java with fewer lines of code.
Machine Learning with Watson: The Greatest Achievement of Artificial Intelligence to Date (PDF)
This article, related to Machine Learning in Action, discusses the inner workings of Watson, the computer built by IBM to compete in Jeopardy! and beat the two greatest human players the game has ever known. Watson's achievement was building a massive system that could quickly generate an answer or choose not to answer. Watson used the computing power to run multiple natural language processing algorithms on a question and combine the answers from these algorithms.
Composite controls (PDF)
This article is taken from the book ASP.NET 4.0 in Practice. The authors discuss
how to how to build composite controls using ASP.NET.
Collecting payment through PayPal (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Lift in Action. The author explains how Lift's module provides out-of-the-box support for the online payment service provider PayPal.
Clustering Wikipedia articles (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Mahout in Action. The authors show how to run clustering on Wikipedia articles to extract related articles and help the editors group them.
A Quick Tour of Binary JSON (BSON) (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 3 of MongoDB in Action, author Kyle Banker talks about binary data format used for representing documents in MongoDB.
Implementing the Game Menu (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 11 of Windows Phone 7 in Action, the authors explain how to implement starting, pausing, and resuming game play.
Authentication parameters (PDF)
In this article, Lift in Action author Tim Perrett discusses authentication parameters that allow you do both test for access in a general way and also allow you to use HTTP authentication modes.
Building the Right Scope (PDF)
In this article from chapter 4 of Specification by Example, author Gojko Adzic explains how to work together with business users to come up with the right stories and that the key idea to achieve that is not to start with user stories but with business goals and derive the scope from that.
Build Automation Tools (PDF)
In this article, based on chapter 3 of Continuous Integration in .NET, the authors discuss the tools that help with software build automation, zeroing in on MSBuild as the best choice for the .NET developer using Windows and Visual Studio.
Introducing the Windows Phone (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book Windows Phone 7 in Action from Manning Publications. The author introduces Windows Phone, which combines a new operating system, a powerful hardware platform, and several web services to provide a great experience for the busy Life Maximizer.
Creating a simple tracer plugin/addon (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Griffon in Action. The authors discuss creating a plugin/addon as an event handler. They use an AOP-like approach to intercept controller actions and model properties, which allows the programmer to find out when and how the data has changed.
Designing a persistent toy (PDF)
This article is taken from the book The Joy of Clojure. The authors discuss structural sharing using xconj and how it eliminates the need for full copy-on-write.
Invoking REST web services with jQuery (PDF)
This article is taken from the book ASP.NET 4.0 in Practice. The authors discuss enabling AJAX in ASP.NET applications using jQuery.
Defining functions (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Scala in Action. The author explains how to define a function and pass functions as a parameter to another function.
Building your own function objects (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Scala in Action. The author explains using objects as functions.
Specification by example: key process patterns (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Specification by Example. The author explains the set of process patterns that facilitate change in software products to ensure that the right product is delivered efficiently.
The power of the shell (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches from Manning Publications. The author explains that learning PowerShell helps you do a better job by allowing you take full control of a product's administrative functionality.
Introducing OpenCL (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book OpenCL in Action from Manning Publications. The author explains the inner workings of OpenCL and uses a card game analogy to explain OpenCL operation.
All for one and one for all: the iOS platform (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book iOS 4 in Action from Manning Publications. The author introduces the iOS 4, and then goes over the key specifications of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Lastly, the author discusses the iPhone and iPad uniqueness and multi-touch interaction.
The cornerstones of iPhone programming (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book Quick & Easy iPhone Programming from Manning Publications. The authors give you an overview of what you need to get started as a new iPhone programmer.
Introducing MacRuby (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book MacRuby in Action from Manning Publications. The authors cover the basics of Objective-C and Ruby—the two languages, which together make up MacRuby. Lastly, they discuss the foundations of MacRuby itself.
Conquering Administrative Challenges with Powershell and WMI (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book PowerShell and WMI from Manning Publications. The author explains how PowerShell and WMI provide a set of tested techniques that will enable you to administer your Windows environment in a faster and easier way.
Reading and writing the product data in Spring Batch (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Spring Batch in Action. The authors show how to configure the Spring Batch flat file ItemReader and how to write our own ItemWriter to handle writing products to the database.
iText in Action, Second Edition (PDF)
This article is taken from the book iText in Action, Second Edition. The author explains how to replace a font embedding a font file after the fact.
Error handling in Camel (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Camel in Action. The authors talk about recoverable and irrecoverable errors in Camel as well as the provided error handlers.
Technique: HTTP the Java way (PDF)
This article is taken from the book Android in Practice. The authors demonstrate how to send simple HTTP requests to a Web server using Java's standard HTTP networking facilities.
Diving into the MongoDB shell (PDF)
MongoDB's JavaScript shell makes it easy to play with data and get a tangible sense for documents, collections, and the database's particular query language. We'll begin by getting the shell up and running. Then, we'll look at how JavaScript represents documents, and we'll go ahead and learn how to insert documents into a MongoDB collection. This article is based on MongoDB in Action.
Clojure and RabbitMQ (PDF)
We can use the code we wrote in this article as a basis for real applications to handle events in an asynchronous manner. Further, we can expand our event processing capacity simply by starting up more instances of our handlers. This idea forms the basis of using messaging to scale up applications. This article is based on Clojure in Action.
What is Sandboxing? (PDF)
Running applications in full trust is the easiest way to build powerful applications but requires that you and your administrators are in total control of the code that is being deployed. You and your power users can use Sandboxed solutions to deploy applications. This makes sure that your SharePoint farm always is safe and your applications are monitored. This article is based on SharePoint 2010 Web Parts in Action.
Macros combining forms (PDF)
One potential use case for macros is taking one form of an expression and transforming it into another form. This article, based on the book The Joy of Clojure takes a look at using macros to combine forms.
Inter-portlet communication using Portlet 2.0 (PDF)
This article introduces features from both Portlet 1.0 (JSR-168) and Portlet 2.0 (JSR-286). The author shows various features of the Portlet API so that you can begin thinking about how you want to start implementing your own portlets. This article is based on Liferay in Action.
Monetizing IP (PDF)
LBS offers developers great opportunities to capitalize on their efforts by tapping into a burgeoning market for location-aware applications and services. Check out this article to learn more! This article is based on Location Aware Applications.
Ruby on Rails, the framework (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book Rails 3 in Action from Manning Publications. The authors explain how Ruby on Rails allows rapid application development and describe the core features and terms. For the table of contents, the author forum, and other resources, go to http://www.manning.com/katz.
A document database for the modern web (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book MongoDB in Action from Manning Publications. The author explains how MongoDB provides a comprehensible representation of a product, with all of its information hierarchically organized in a JSON-like structure, and query capabilities that are designed specifically for manipulating structured documents. For the table of contents, the author forum, and other resources, go to http://www.manning.com/banker.
The case for the digital Babel fish (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book Tika in Action from Manning Publications. The authors explain how a computer program that uses Tika becomes able to understand a myriad of different program files without the need to maintain the originating applications. For the table of contents, the author forum, and other resources, go to http://www.manning.com/mattmann.
Introducing Spring Batch (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book Spring Batch in Action from Manning Publications. The authors discuss Spring Batch, a batch-oriented framework, which builds on top of the Spring Framework, a de facto standard for writing enterprise applications on the Java platform.
Deconstructing Android (PDF)
This green paper is taken from the book Android in Practice from Manning Publications. The authors provide an in depth overview of what Android is and the motivation behind it.
Introduction to Apache ActiveMQ (PDF)
The authors of ActiveMQ in Action introduce ActiveMQ, an open source, JMS 1.1 compliant, message-oriented middleware (MOM) from the Apache Software Foundation. ActiveMQ provides high availability, performance, scalability, reliability and security.
Getting Started Taming Text (PDF)
Grant Ingersoll and Thomas S. Morton (authors of Taming Text) provide proven tips and tools for building applications that help users manage the tidal wave of communication that swamps their lives.
A Quick Liftoff with jQuery (PDF)
Remy Sharp (author of jQuery for Designers) gives a high-level overview of jQuery, a DOM scripting library designed to help designers and developers manipulate web pages without the hassles that typically come with DOM scripting.
Declaring and Using Closures (PDF)
This article, based on Groovy in Action, Second Edition, offers a definition for closures, before explaining how to declare and invoke closures in Groovy.
Designing and Architecting for Internet Scale: Sharding (PDF)
Jothy Rosenberg and Arthur Mateos (authors of The Cloud at Your Service) discuss the concept of sharding, a concept employed heavily by Google referring to how the practice of partitioning databases so they scale infinitely. Sites like Yahoo!, Flickr, and Facebook employ sharding to manage huge user communities.
When Are Private Clouds a Good Idea? (PDF)
The authors of The Cloud at Your Service define what a private cloud is and discuss issues to consider before deploying private clouds.
The Phrase Object: A List of Chunks with Leading (PDF)
Bruno Lowagie, creator of iText and author of iText in Action, Second Edition, describes the Phrase object, and shows how to create constraints for different fonts and set the leading.
Wrapping Tables in Columns (PDF)
Bruno Lowagie, creator of iText and author of iText in Action, Second Edition, shows how to add a PdfPTable at absolute coordinates by wrapping the table inside a ColumnText object.
Introducing GWT (PDF)
This green paper based on GWT in Action, Second Edition introduces the Google Web Toolkit (GWT), an easy way to write sophisticated and reliable AJAX applications.
Location Based Services Past, Present, and Future (PDF)
The authors of Location-Aware Applications discuss what exactly a Location Based Service (LBS) is, how they're implemented today, and how they will be evolving in the near future.
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Integration Patterns (PDF)
Debasish Ghosh, author of DSLs in Action, discusses integration in which the involved languages interoperate within the constraints of the underlying virtual machine.
OTP Applications (PDF)
The authors of Erlang and OTP in Action describe how to package up your code and get it to fit nicely into a normal OTP system, which is a common point of confusion for those that are new to the system.
Demystifying OSGi Bundles (PDF)
The authors of Spring Dynamic Modules in Action cover theory about the META-INF/MANIFEST.MF metadata, and how to create an OSGi bundle from an existing library.
Liferay Is a Different Portal (PDF)
Richard Sezov introduces Liferay Portal, discusses basic portal concepts, and walks you through the portal design process. To learn more about Liferay, you can pick up the Liferay in Action MEAP.
The Range of Scala (PDF)
This green paper, based on Scala in Action, defines Scala and explains how its multiparadigm model provides programmers with the power of abstraction from both functional and object-oriented programming models.
Introducing Lift (PDF)
The author of Lift in Action, Timothy Perrett, discusses the foundation of Scala and Lift and outlines the major conceptual differences between Lift and more traditional frameworks.
Introducing Spring Integration (PDF)
The authors of Spring Integration in Action provide a high-level overview of how the Spring Integration framework extends the Spring programming model into the realm of Enterprise Integration Patterns.
What Is the Natural User Interface? (PDF)
Joshua Blake, author of Multitouch in .NET, defines what a natural user interface is, how it's currently evolving, and how NUIs will be play a role in the devices coming out.
What Is Groovy? (PDF)
The authors of Groovy in Action, Second Edition explain the benefits of Groovy, including its seamless integration with Java, the richness of its features, and the areas of applicability.
Welcome to ASP.NET MVC 2 (PDF)
The authors of ASP.NET MVC 2 in Action explain the model-view-controller pattern and feature a basic application to show how you can create views and controllers.
SharePoint Workflows for your Business Processes (PDF)
Phil Wicklund discusses a workflow, how it relates to your business processes, and how they function within the SharePoint platform. Learn more by checking out SharePoint 2010 Workflows in Action.
Clojure Philosophy (PDF)
Michael Fogus and Chris Houser explain the philosophy behind Clojure, including the weaknesses of existing languages that Clojure addresses. To learn more, check out The Joy of Clojure.
The Anatomy of Web Parts (PDF)
Wictor Wilen describes Web Parts, a self-contained application that can be used and customized within a SharePoint site. For more on Web Parts, check out Wictor's MEAP, SharePoint 2010 Web Parts in Action.
What Is Cloud Computing? (PDF)
Jothy Rosenberg and Arthur Mateos demystify common misperceptions regarding Cloud technology, and lay out the taxonomy of associated terms. To get more on Cloud computing, check out their book The Cloud at Your Service.
Groovy SwingBuilder and Threading (PDF)
Andres Almiray and Danno Ferrin, authors of Griffon in Action, explain why a lack of proper threading is a problem, show a possible solution, and then take a closer look at SwingBuilder's threading options.
OOP in Clojure (PDF)
Michael Fogus and Chris Houser, authors of The Joy of Clojure, identify the shortcomings of object-oriented programming and show how Clojure, in most cases, improves the techniques.
Implementing Multi-Machine Monitoring (PDF)
Bruce Payette, author of Windows Powershell in Action, 2nd Edition, builds a solution for multi-machine monitoring.
Generative Art: A Practical Guide Using Processing (PDF)
Matthew Pearson, author of the upcoming book Generative Art, explores the middle ground between programming and art; using the mechanical to create the organic.
Introducing iText (PDF)
Bruno Lowagie, the creator of iText and author of iText in Action 2nd Edition, introduces the iText library. iText enables developers to create PDFs on the fly, based on any number of things including real-time database information, user input, or as a batch process.
Welcome to the DMV Goldmine (PDF)
DMVs are views on SQL Server metadata, which can be used to improve the performance of your SQL queries. In this green paper, Ian Stirk, author of SQL Server DMVs in Action, describes how DMVs can help fix common SQL issues.
Adding a Map to an Application (PDF)
Need to a map to your iPhone app? Brandon Trebitowski, author of iPhone in Action, 2nd Edition, gives you two methods to implement a map and control how it's displayed for your users.
Introducing Unit Testing in Java (PDF)
Lasse Koskela, author of Unit Testing in Java, introduce the essential concepts of unit testing in Java, describe related technologies, and provide real-world examples to illustrate how they work.
Introduction to Portals and Portlets (PDF)
Ashish Sarin, author of Portlets in Action, introduces essential concepts and benefits of Java Portlet technology, and how it can streamline and enrich a web user's experience.
Meet Mahout (PDF)
The authors of Mahout in Action introduce readers to Mahout, a machine learning library that is scalable. You'll see how this Java library provides a fertile framework for testing and deploying new large-scale algorithms. You'll also learn the correct pronunciation of Mahout.
Introduction to Continuous Integration in .NET (PDF)
This green paper from Continuous Integration in .NET introduces essential concepts of CI and examines CI server possibilities. CI is a process that aims at minimizing tedious integration problems, which can sometimes take longer than developing the code.
Flex 4 in Action (PDF)
The authors of Flex 4 in Action introduce readers to the Flex technology and how it fits in with Adobe ecosystem. Flex enables non-Flash programmers to leverage the widespread Flash platform, while not locking out developers from the HTML world.
Camel in Action (PDF)
Claus Ibsen, author of Camel in Action, introduces readers to Apache Camel. Camel's focus is on simplifying integration, and it brings a few novel innovations to the table.
DSLs in Action (PDF)
Debasish Ghosh, author of DSLs in Action, explains what a Domain Specific Langauge is, why it's useful and what traits determine a well-designed DSL.
Distributed Agile (PDF)
The authors of Distributed Agile in Action introduce distributed development and agile development separately, before presenting a Distributed Agile approach that can help resolve many issues and streamline total development.
F# A Multi-Paradigm Language on the .NET Platform (PDF)
Amanda Laucher, author of F# in Action, introduces essential F# concepts and explains why its an important addition to the .NET ecosystem.
Introduction to Clojure (PDF)
Amit Rathore, author of Clojure in Action, introduces the basics of Clojure, describes where the language comes from and shows why it is so powerful.
Introducing jQuery (PDF)
A relative latecomer to the world of JavaScript libraries, jQuery has taken the web development community by storm, winning the support of MSNBC, SourceForge, Trac, Drupal and even Microsoft and Nokia. This green paper from jQuery in Action, Second Edition, introduces the fundamentals of jQuery and illustrate how it works.
SpringSource dm Server (PDF)
The dm Server2.0 is a comprehensive platform for running, managing and monitoring modular enterprise applications. Check out this intro to the SpringSource dm Server from the authors of SpringSource dm Server 2.0 in Action book.
Rethinking Web Development with REST and Restlet (PDF)
Based on Restlet in Action, this green paper introduces essential concepts of REST and describes the Restlet technology, which leverages the REST architecture and opens the doors to all the features of the web.
Backup Types (PDF)
In SQL Server 2008, there are various types of server backups: full backup, differential backup, transactional log backup and COPY_ONLY backup. Rod Colledge, author of SQL Server 2008 Administration in Action describes each of these in detail, including time, cost and risk factors.
Injecting Objects in Sealed Code (PDF)
Many third party libraries come in binary form and cannot be altered to work with dependency injectors. So without control of this "sealed code", what can be done to make it work with dependency injection? Dhanji Prasanna, author of Dependency Injection, gives some suggestions in this excerpt.
Building ASP.NET Applications (PDF)
Extracted from ASP.NET 4.0 in Practice, this green paper gives an overview on using the .NET Framework 4.0 and covers ASP.NET architecture, new features of ASP.NET 4.0, and new features of IIS 7.5.
What is Spring DM? (PDF)
Excerpted from Spring Dynamic Modules in Action, this green paper introduces the subject of Spring DM, outlines its benefits for OSGi applications and walks through its initial deployment.
Build Artifacts (PDF)
In Brownfield development, how you arrange your build artifacts can determine how much control you have over your final compiled assemblies. The authors of Brownfield Application Development in .NET offer some helpful recommendations on how to best organize these build artifacts.
Separation of Concerns/Single Responsibility Principle (PDF)
When a class has too many responsibilities it becomes that much harder to maintain. Developing with the Single Responsibility Principle in mind will result in leaner and more manageable code. Learn more in this excerpt from Brownfield Application Development in .NET.
Taking a Domain-Centric Approach (PDF)
As part of a chapter from Brownfield Application Development in .NET on implementing a strong layering scheme in an existing Brownfield application, this segment discusses taking a domain-centric layering approach when refactoring your code.
Welcome to the Future: Introducing JavaFX (PDF)
JavaFX provides programmers with a specialized tool for graphically-rich programing across a variety of devices—desktop and web apps today and PVRs and Blu-Ray disc software tomorrow. For more info, check out JavaFX in Action.
Griffon in Action (PDF)
When building desktop applications on Griffon you'll get high productivity gains and avoid some frustrating obstacles. Take your desktop development to another level as Andres Almiray and Danno Ferrin, authors of Griffon in Action, introduce the core concepts behind Griffon.
Using Plain-Text Files for Data Persistence (PDF)
The authors of Ruby in Practice key in on YAML as the best plain-text data persistence tool that offers the richest combination of complexity on the data-end and "editability" on the text-end.
Windows Powershell (PDF)
Bruce Payette, founding member of the MS PowerShell team and author of Windows Powershell in Action, 2nd Edition, introduces the Powershell language and runtime, which were designed from scratch to be an optimal environment for the modern Windows OS.
Basics of Algorithms for Applying Collective Intelligence (PDF)
In this excerpt from Collective Intelligence in Action, Satnam Alag introduces the fields of content and collaborative filtering, and discusses how intelligence is represented and extracted from text.
Improving Your Results Based on User Clicks (PDF)
This excerpt from Algorithms of the Intelligent Web presents a probablistic technique for conducting user click analysis. The authors discuss how clicks can be leveraged to dynamically optimize search queries and even personalize search queries on web applications.
Event Processing in Action (PDF)
This introductory chapter from Event Processing in Action details various examples of computerized event processing in use, looks at the reasons for using event-driven computing systems, and explains the main concepts of event-driven computing.
OSGi Application Frameworks (PDF)
This green paper is based on OSGi in Depth. Application Frameworks provides developers with the tools and the instructions to build a custom application framework using OSGi.
Erlang and OTP in Action (PDF)
This green paper is based on Erlang and OTP in Action. Erlang is a programming language that runs entirely on processes, so that multiple activities can be running simultaneously, or concurrently without running into event loops or thread pooling.
C++ Concurrency in Action (PDF)
Based on the book C++ Concurrency in Action, this green paper delves into the new C++ standard (referred to as C++0x), which is scheduled to be published in 2010. The new standard will support multi-threaded programs, allowing for concurrent programming in C++. To learn more about multithreading and concurrent programming, check out this green paper.
Introducing Hadoop (PDF)
This green paper is based on Hadoop in Action. Hadoop is an open source framework implementing the MapReduce algorithm behind Google's approach to querying the distributed data sets that constitute the internet. This definition naturally leads to an obvious question, "What are "maps" and why do they need to be "reduced?"
Introducing Apache Tuscany (PDF)
This green paper is based on Tuscany SCA in Action. This overview of the Apache Software Foundation's Tuscany project looks at how Apache Tuscany provides a comprehensive infrastructure for Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) development, deployment and management.
Grails in Action (PDF)
This green paper is based on Grails in Action. It explains how Grails came to be such a popular Java web framework and gives seven big ideas on why Grails is one of the best options out there for your next big application project.
OSGi in Action (PDF)
This green paper is based on the book, OSGi in Action and introduces OSGi, the modularity layer for the Java platform. The authors discuss why such a modularity layer, though, not new, is only just now picking up steam.
Discovering Mule (PDF)
This green paper is based on Mule in Action and introduces the origins and general architecture of Mule, the lightweight and modular solution that could scale from an application-level messaging framework to an enterprise-wide highly distributable object broker.
What Are Domain Specific Languages? (PDF)
This green paper is based on Building Domain Specific Languages in Boo and introduces the essential concepts of DSLs, explains how they provide solutions beyond what standard programming languages can afford, and makes a strong case for using Boo to develop DSLs.
Targeting Android (PDF)
This green paper is based on Unlocking Android and explains the essential concepts of the Android platform, describes the features of the Android stack, and provides practical examples to illustrate how it works.
Intelligent Web Applications: An Overview (PDF)
This green paper is based on Algorithms of the Intelligent Web and discusses real-world examples, provides tips on implementing intelligence in your own applications, and presents a few design guidelines which can help avoid common pitfalls.
Getting Started with the ASP.NET MVC Framework (PDF)
This green paper is taken from ASP.NET MVC in Action and introduces the essential concepts of the ASP.NET MVC framework, dissects the MVC pattern, and provides real-world examples to illustrate how it works.
Dependency Injection: What's All the Hype? (PDF)
This green paper is taken from Dependency Injection and introduces the essential concepts of DI, describes related technologes and earlier solutions and provides real-world examples to illustrate how it works.
Gnuplot (PDF)
This green paper is based on Gnuplot in Action and introduces Gnuplot, probably the most widely used open-source program to plot and visualize data.
Functional Programming in .NET (PDF)
This green paper based on Functional Programming for the Real World looks at several aspects of functional programming and their application in F# and C# 3.0 with LINQ.
Hot Backups with Lucene (Green Paper - html)
This excerpt from the upcoming Lucene in Action Second Edition introduces a new feature of release 2.3 that enables backing up an index without pausing indexing or restarting searches.
What is Brownfield Development? (PDF)
An excerpt from Brownfield Application Development in .NET by Kyle Baley and Donald Belcham
What is the Zend Framework? (PDF)
An overview of the Zend Framework and its benefits by the author of Zend Framework in Action.
Indexing Associated Objects (PDF)
Excerpted from Hibernate Search in Action.
Routing and Transformations in Service Mix (PDF)
Excerpted from Open-Source ESBs in Action.
Hello! Wicket (html)
Creating Secure Web Applications with Apache Wicket
Excerpted from Wicket in Action.