Is Java all you need? - Anders Noras

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the evolution of Java development and the rediscovery of its built-in capabilities. Reflecting on Microsoft's developer personas from 2008, the speaker contrasts the shift from complex frameworks to leveraging core Java tools like its HTTP client and file handling. The role of modern tools like GitHub Copilot in helping developers rediscover Java’s power is also explored. Emphasizing the importance of simplicity, the speaker encourages developers to use Java’s native features unless a third-party library is truly necessary, highlighting the value of writing efficient, pure Java code.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microsoft developed personas for developers in 2008: Mort (everyday programmer), Elvis (creative programmer), and Einstein (innovative programmer).
• 😀 The Java programming community during that time was dominated by frameworks like Spring and EJBs, with little focus on Java's inherent capabilities.
• 😀 Rediscovering Java's capabilities is the focus of the chapter—Java itself offers many built-in features that are often overlooked.
• 😀 The Java Base Class Library (BCL) includes tools for HTTP requests, file handling, and even a full HTTP server, which are valuable but often ignored.
• 😀 Java developers often rely on third-party libraries (like OK HTTP) without fully utilizing built-in Java functionality.
• 😀 Tools like GitHub Copilot can help developers navigate Java's Base Class Library, aiding in writing pure Java code and improving productivity.
• 😀 It’s important to use external libraries only when there's a genuine need, rather than relying on them out of habit.
• 😀 The Mort persona represents the ideal of a programmer who is effective and content with using Java to get the job done, without needing to prove technical superiority.
• 😀 Java’s capabilities make it well-suited for modern development, including serverless functions and deployments.
• 😀 The shift towards serverless architectures and deploying pure Java code can simplify and streamline the development process.

Q & A

What are the three developer personas defined by Microsoft in 2008?

The three developer personas defined by Microsoft in 2008 are Mort, the everyday programmer who just wants to get the job done; Elvis, the creative programmer focused on building lasting solutions; and Einstein, the innovative developer interested in creating groundbreaking frameworks.

How did the Java programming community evolve during the age of frameworks?

During the age of frameworks, Java developers largely focused on using frameworks like Spring and EJBs. The Java language itself was often overlooked, with developers primarily relying on these frameworks to build their applications rather than exploring the core features of Java.

What is the main message of the speaker regarding the use of Java?

The speaker encourages developers to rediscover and leverage Java's built-in capabilities, rather than relying too quickly on external libraries or frameworks. They suggest that Java's base class libraries are often sufficient for many tasks.

What are some of the Java built-in tools that the speaker suggests using instead of external libraries?

The speaker mentions Java's built-in HTTP request client, the Neo framework for file handling, and the built-in HTTP server in Java as tools that developers can use instead of relying on external libraries like OK HTTP or third-party frameworks.

What role does GitHub Copilot play in modern Java development?

GitHub Copilot assists developers by suggesting code that incorporates Java's base class libraries. It helps developers write Java code more efficiently, even when they may have forgotten about certain built-in features or APIs.

Why does the speaker emphasize using Java before resorting to external libraries?

The speaker emphasizes using Java's native tools because they are often sufficient for many programming tasks. They suggest that developers should not immediately turn to external libraries unless there is a clear need, thus promoting a more thoughtful and efficient approach to coding.

What is the 'Mort' persona, and how does it relate to the speaker's message?

The 'Mort' persona represents developers who are practical and focused on getting the job done efficiently. The speaker aligns with this persona, suggesting that developers should aim to be effective and content with using Java's inherent tools, rather than trying to reinvent solutions with complex frameworks.

How did Java developers previously approach building applications, and how has this changed?

Previously, Java developers were often more focused on using external frameworks like Spring and EJBs. Over time, however, the speaker suggests a shift toward rediscovering Java's native capabilities, as many tasks can be accomplished without relying on complex external frameworks.

What is the speaker’s view on using external libraries or frameworks?

The speaker believes that external libraries and frameworks should only be used when there is a legitimate need. Developers should not default to using them out of habit but should first explore what Java can offer natively to solve the problem at hand.

What is the importance of 'rediscovering Java' in the context of modern development?

Rediscovering Java means returning to its core capabilities, allowing developers to simplify their workflows and avoid unnecessary dependencies. By using Java's built-in features, developers can be more efficient, focusing on the problem at hand rather than overcomplicating solutions with external tools.