When to use a Java framework like Spring?

I have recently been writing a lot about microframeworks and my enthusiasm for them. Even though I think they are amazing, they are not always the answer. In this article, I will explore use cases, where a fully featured framework may be just what you need. Continue reading “When to use a Java framework like Spring?”

The Key to a Successful Software Architecture

Recently I have read and reviewed “Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin. Very entertaining book. It made me think about the main quality that good software architectures exhibit. What is this quality? It is the existence of clear boundaries and well-defined modules. If you don’t agree with me- keep reading and I am sure we will find some common understanding. Continue reading “The Key to a Successful Software Architecture”

The Quest for Simplicity in Java Microservices

There is great value in simplicity. When things are simple, they are easier to understand, easier to extend and easier to modify. They are better. Simplicity is the ultimate compliment you can give to an architecture or a framework. In this article, I look at how four different frameworks- Spring Boot, Javalin, Vert.x and Micronaut; approach this quest for simplicity. Continue reading “The Quest for Simplicity in Java Microservices”

CIA World Factbook API with Functional Spring

I have recently been very interested in microframeworks. One thing notably missing from that article is Spring in the context of a microframework. You may be surprised, but it is possible to write very lightweight APIs with Functional Spring. In this article, I will show you how, by turning CIA World Factbook into a REST API. Continue reading “CIA World Factbook API with Functional Spring”

The rise of Java Microframeworks

Together with the growing popularity of microservices and light-weight REST API, we are witnessing another trend in Java: the rise of Java Microframeworks. Javalin, Micronaut, Spark and many more make building REST APIs a breeze. In this article, I look at this exciting space and share my opinions on their use. Continue reading “The rise of Java Microframeworks”

WebFlux in practice – asynchronous service with WebClient

Building reactive microservices with WebFlux is fun and easy. In this article, I will show you how to build a reactive “synonyms” service. Making asynchronous API calls with WebClient is likely the most common scenario for a real-life reactive microservice. Continue reading “WebFlux in practice – asynchronous service with WebClient”

Getting Started with Kafka in Spring Boot

Kafka seems to only be gaining in popularity. A few years ago you could mostly see it in Big Data engineering context. These days, Kafka is starting to power more common message-oriented architectures. In this article, I want to give you a basic introduction to working with Spring Boot and Kafka. Continue reading “Getting Started with Kafka in Spring Boot”