#102 Gathering Nerds and Java Gatherers with Venkat Subramaniam
Aug 17, 2024
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Venkat Subramaniam, a Java expert and conference speaker, dives into the exciting world of the upcoming dev2next conference. He discusses the innovative Stream Gatherers API in JDK 22 and its advantages over traditional functional programming. The conversation highlights the significance of custom solutions for conference management and the role of technology in optimizing these processes. Venkat also shares insights on error handling in functional programming and the future evolution of Java, emphasizing ongoing learning and the impact of AI on modern coding practices.
The upcoming dev2next conference aims to explore diverse programming topics and features noteworthy speakers, emphasizing the integration of AI in software development.
The new Gatherers feature in Java's stream API provides developers with enhanced flexibility in custom data processing within functional pipelines.
Deep dives
Developer Retreat Announcement
A developer retreat is scheduled to take place in Crestview, Colorado, from August 28th to September 1st. The event is designed to facilitate informal discussions and collaborative coding among developers, particularly those involved in remote work. Participants can choose to camp or stay in local accommodations, and there’s no registration fee, making it accessible for everyone interested. The retreat aims to foster community building and peer interaction in a relaxed environment.
Dev to Next Conference Details
The Dev to Next conference is set for the first week of October, following a previous delay due to unforeseen circumstances in 2020. The event will feature various speakers, including Bruce Eckle and James Ward, who will present their new book on effective-oriented programming. Attendees can expect a diverse range of topics, covering architecture, DevOps, current trends, and more, with an emphasis on integrating AI into programming practices. The program committee has diligently evaluated over 430 proposals to curate an exciting lineup of sessions.
The Importance of Automation and Testing in Development
Venkat Subramaniam elaborates on the significance of automation and test-driven development (TDD) in creating the conference's website. He emphasizes the advantages of automated testing in identifying errors early in the development process, which proves crucial when dealing with financial transactions. His commitment to quality is reflected in the meticulous attention to the CI/CD pipeline, which they developed over the Thanksgiving weekend to ensure smooth deployment and ongoing updates. This experience underscores the broader importance of implementing rigorous technical standards to optimize development efficiency.
The Introduction of Gatherers in Java
Gatherers are a new feature in Java's stream API that allows developers to insert custom steps in functional pipelines, enhancing flexibility and control. This intermediate operation enables users to handle data more effectively, particularly when they require custom processing that does not fit existing methods like filter or map. Venkat illustrates the potential of Gatherers by comparing them to existing options, such as the peak function, and highlights the advantages of using them in both sequential and parallel processing. Despite their advanced nature, these tools promise to empower developers to create more complex and refined software solutions.