G2's Software Development Journey: May 2019

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Review: WebAssembly vs JavaScript for barcode scanning

For barcode scanning, leverage WebAssembly moreso than JavaScript (but not replacing JavaScript).

Interesting Read

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/replacing-javascript-with-webassembly-how-ebay-made-a-web-app-50x-faster-by-switching-programming-languages/

Review: Google, Microsoft with Brilliant for Quantum Computing

If you are looking for a place to practice programming in quantum computing, then you probably would like this article.

https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/26/microsoft-brilliant-quantum-computing-curriculum/

I haven't had a chance to look into this, but I'm sure I will once quantum computing rises in my list of priorities. Overall, I think just hearing about this is great!

Cheers!

Review: Microsoft Teams application

TL;DR: Watch this - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE1LGec?pid=ocpVideo0-innerdiv-oneplayer&postJsllMsg=true&maskLevel=20&market=en-us

New Way for Team Productivity

If you haven't already watched Microsoft announce its new application for team collaboration called Microsoft Teams, then I strongly recommend checking it out. At first, I thought this will compete against Slack. After watching the full demo however, I easily can envision how this tool will replace email. (This is where Slack is slacking - in promoting their tools as the new business tool for all professionals to get work done.)

No longer will people communicate via email and manage work via email. No, people need to work faster and smoother instead of waiting to be driven by email conversations. So I think what Microsoft has done here is AMAZING! If a professional can maximize this application (office tool), then s/he will be a game changer at work.

Microsoft Teams - Demo

Microsoft Teams - Vision Promo (2016)

If you also take a look into their pricing plan with using Teams, then you'll see how this tool just makes better sense than continuing with email, email configuration and management, and email support.

Useful Links

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Review: NativeScript, Flutter, and other mobile app dev tools

I'm just now learning about NativeScript and am impressed. So what other programming languages and development tools for mobile development have I been missing?

Well, I heard of Flutter, but how does this compare with NativeScript? I hear both of these can be used to developed mobile apps for both, Android and iOS.

Of course, one advantage that Flutter is proclaiming is their ability to show the app not just on mobile devices, but on desktops and all other devices. So, an app developed with Flutter will display beautifully on a computer and tablet just as much as a smartphone or iPhone. Flutter is also backed by Google whereas NativeScript is backed by the open source community (which gives an advantage for Apple developers and perhaps non-Googlers too).

NativeScript

Well, let's hear the introduction for using NativeScript.

Flutter

Now, let's hear the introduction for using Flutter.

Learn More - Different App Tools

To learn more about the different tools for developing cross-platform applications, I found this article to be insightful. No need to repeat what someone else has already searched and reported on, right?

https://codeburst.io/react-native-vs-nativescript-vs-xamarin-vs-flutter-vs-ionic-vs-cordova-vs-pwas-196810954450

Here's a quick snippet from the article that I found very useful.

Whether or not the framework is best among the others is something that I think is debatable and also depends on who the main targeted audience is. Do most of my users use an iPhone? If so, then I'm most likely focused on which framework produces that best look on an iPhone and secondly on other smartphones. If the app that I'm developing is primarily for Facebook users, then I'm going to heavily consider developing using ReactNative. So, I think the choice lies with the user-base and not the developers.

Awesome Table Summary by CodeBurstIO

Mobile App Development for non-Developers

There are also plenty of platforms for non-developers to use in developing a mobile application. I have add these in the references below.

Reference

Friday, May 24, 2019

Review: GitHub finally has "Sponsor Me"

I'm really happy to hear GitHub finally have this feature of letting people conveniently sponsor each other (i.e. financially supporting each other) because we like the work a person (or group of people) are doing.

Happy Coding Indeed!

Read Articles

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Review: The Infinite Game - How to Lead in the 21 Century

tl;dr: See summary below.

Even in the world of technology, it's important to understand how to lead. Else, you'll get left behind. Now, this doesn't mean that you have to lead everyone and become the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg. But, this does mean that you should want to become the next point guy on your team or even an adviser to your team lead when a decision pertains to a specific context like, for example, "optimizing team ergonomics for better team collaboration."

But, how do you lead in a world filled with leaders? How do you become a leader when the whole world is promoting leadership? Furthermore, how do show leadership when many recruiters are looking for experts who can lead?

If you don't already know the answer, then I'll direct you to Simon Sinek.

My Summary

"In an infinite game, there is no such thing as win or lose; only ahead or behind." - Simon Sinek

The only real competitor in an infinite game is - yourself.

5 Things to become an Infinite Game Leader

Just Cause
Trust in Teams
Worthy Adversary
Existential Flexibility
Courage to Lead

Happy Leading!

My Side Note

Simon Sinek antagonistically quotes Milton Friedman saying, "~~He said, 'the responsibility of business is to maximize profits within the bounds of the law~~.'"

"If businessmen do have a social responsibility other than making maximum profits for stockholders, how are they to know what it is?" - Milton Friedman (more quotes , movie)

This kind of mindset (and lack of heart) is really bad. If I may and I'm no Simon Sinek, then I would like to add one more thing to his points on becoming a person with an "infinite game" mindset. When leading, know that your team will have high-performing times and low-performing times. Although corporations still push for a single performance review, know that it's unrealistic to believe that each individual will function at the level of high-performance, always. A good leader recognizes the high performing days and the low performing days while accepting the whole person (i.e. team member). A good leader encourages his/her team to focus on team performance rather than individual performance. After all, no business survives on an individual.

If interested, see Adam Smith's original vision for Capitalism.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Review: Robinhood the app

"democratize America's financial system..." - Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood)

This is great - to see how the FinTech industry is finally creating a channel for Main Street to challenge Wall Street. Even if Robinhood fails, it will be for the betterment of society and show other fintech companies how to continue empowering the average American.

The American Economy

Far too long, banks have been the middle man of the American economic system and controlling the middle class (as well as the poor class). If you're like me, then you too were also pissed about how our federal government bailed banks out of the crisis they caused back in 2008 during the housing bust. And banks had no reviving method except through America's hardworking taxpayers' money (i.e. taxes). So, our American government continues to support an outdated financial system that doesn't help each American citizen. In the same way politics is starting to reshape, it's about time our economy also reshapes in interest for the American people (and not just American rich people).

The Global Economy

Even though this is centered on America, like most technologies this will become an international influence and make other national economies figure out how to empower citizens and advance the international economy including laws with international trade. After all, the world is more globally integrated and it's time our governments figured how to let people buy/sell without having to worry about import/export regulations (which in many ways don't really protect people but only super rich people). Economic justice needs to be practiced. It's already in demand.

Cheers!

References

Review: Facebook's F8 2019

"The Future is Private." - Mark Zuckerberg

Security, Privacy, Virtual Reality, & "Personal" Social Services

Per his words, "this is the next chapter" in the world of technology. Although FB is focusing more on privacy and have even outlined 6 new principles that the company will apply to all FB technologies developed, I do like how they are advancing the world of virtual reality (like Microsoft) especially in gaming and how they are trying to enhance the social services on platform like FB like the SecretCrush. On Instagram, people will be able to shop. On WhatsApp, people can send payments. On Messenger, SMS will be much faster and secure. There's also Spark AR and Portal.

Addressing Concerns

To some, these technologies may sound damaging on the perspective of encouraging people to have face-to-face interactions. This concern is valid considering that humans are not only social species but also a physical touch species. As such technologies intend to advance how humans interact and steer society (including in political elections), humans will need to figure out how to live with these technologies and use them as substitutes for the necessities of well-being.

Cryptocurrency (and Blockchain)

Another area I found interesting is Facebook Payments (via WhatsApp) and an announcement after F8 Conference called Libra (i.e. the FB cryptocurrency). Here's a short clip by ColdFusion TV although I don't agree with the author and believe that in some countries this currency will actually benefit society (i.e. countries that struggle with currency regulations).

FB 2019 - Six Principles

If you're interested, here are the principles of FB vision in 2019:

Private Interaction
Encryption
Reduced Performance
Safety
Interoperability
Secure Data Storage

Cheers!

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Review: Data Science replacing Film Studies in Sports

Disclaimer: My post here isn't to diminish the importance of gender equality in the workplace especially in sports, but to emphasize the significance of data analytics in sports.

Sports use to function purely on the brains of coaches and even some general managers. However, today many sport franchises are building and relying on a team of "brains" especially data scientists.

Here's a wonderful story telling the role of data science in professional sports.

Data Science replacing Coaching Film Studies

What I love most about this story and new trend in sports strategy is my first memory seeing this in action by my head coach in football. My high school head coach would spend hours analyzing film on opponents to catch any advantage that our team could use to win the games when we played our opponents.

Example

Specifically, there was one team that had one specific offensive lineman that would position his stance according to the offensive play. If the team was going to RUN the football, then this lineman would position his right foot slightly behind his left foot (although still squared up to block) indicating he was ready to run and block any defensive lineman. If the team was going to PASS the football, then this lineman would position both feet directly squared indicating he was going to sit still and block (i.e. prepare for pass protection which is more reactive in blocking). Our defense captain even called out the play (whether it was a "run" or "pass") which created more confusion and frustration for our opposing team. Clearly, we beat this opposing team when we played them.

Rising Potential

In the NBA, we are seeing a lot of the advantages with data science especially with the rising numbers of scoring three-pointers. I'm sure there are other advantages being studied currently but I'm curious to know the defensive advantages which have yet to be highlighted like rebounding.

Let's see where else data science will become the "brains" behind the "brawns".

Happy Coding!

Review: Google's Glass, FB's Oculus Quest, and MS prediction

A few years ago, Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella made a profound prediction on the next three technologies that will revolutionize our worlds. The first one was on virtual reality (VR) including mixed reality and augmented reality (AR). In this review, I'll quickly give an update on how I believe Mr. Nadella's prediction is spot-on.

Microsoft

If you have watched the Microsoft Build 2019, then you will have seen the mixed reality highlight where multiple people collaborating on a project were sharing the same "Spatial" (as Microsoft called it). In this Spatial, a mixed reality allows people on various devices to experience a discussion around a project while not having to be physically present in the same room.

Facebook

If you're keeping up with Facebook, then I hope you have seen this video clip below where FB is making big advances in the gaming and entertainment world with connecting friends even more than just on social media. They are providing a fun experience in addition to the social aspect. How cool is that?

Google

If you're wondering where Google is, then you should check out this article. What was once thought (and advertised) as a project discontinued - is actually a surprise to consumers as this Glass product is re-announced in its next version.

Read Article

https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/20/18632689/google-glass-enterprise-edition-2-augmented-reality-headset-pricing

Conclusion

So, whether we like it or not, virtual reality seems to be the first next technology that is making advances to reshape our society. Stay tuned and I hope you get to experiment with these technologies before it becomes mainstream. Ready Player One is closer than we think.

Get Ready, Player!

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Review: Google I/O 2019

In my previous post, I spoke a bit about the Microsoft Build 2019 and their amazing updates (mainly in respect to business and gaming). Here I'd like to give a little insight into the highlights of Google I/O 2019. Most of Google's amazing updates has evolved around the mobile world and its Pixel smartphone. Take note of their impressive user controls with respect to user security and privacy.

Google I/O 2019 Highlight (by CNET)

Happy Googling!

Review: Microsoft's rise in the world of Blockchain + MS Build 2019

I am caught by surprise to read this article.
https://www.coindesk.com/microsoft-launches-decentralized-identity-tool-on-bitcoin-blockchain

Apparently, Microsoft is making big moves in the world of blockchain technology - and I didn't even see this coming. I know they announced it at their Build 2018, but the follow through is incredible. See below for the introduction on Microsoft Build 2018 - Intro to Blockchain.

The fact that a foundation was created with Microsoft as a founding member to begin addressing the identity problems in blockchain technology is a great sign of advancing the blockchain world and it's great for Microsoft's future.

Learn more at Decentralized Identity Foundation.

Here's a term I'll need to add into my memory: "decentralized identity (DID)".

Well, in addition to this great news is the recap of Microsoft Build 2019.

Microsoft Build 2019

Vision Keynote Highlights
Full Vision Keynote

Microsoft Build 2019 - Fluid Framework

Microsoft Build 2019 - Spatial

Microsoft Build 2019 - Teams

Microsoft Build 2019 - Four Platforms

In case the videos flew over your head or you just need a recap quickly, here are the four platforms that Microsoft will focus on in the coming years.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 & Power Platform
Microsoft 365
Microsoft Gaming
Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Build 2018 (Refresher)

Microsoft Build - Introduction to Blockchain

Voting Technology

Microsoft's Partnership in "Free & Fair" (Voting Technology)

Happy Inventing!

References

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Review: Mozilla advocating data privacy with AI

I'm glad to see how proactive Mozilla is with advocating for data security and data privacy. As the world of technology continues to grow and become more personal with user information, we need policies that protect people. If the government is going to be slow, then why not use public persuasion especially in the private sectors?

Thanks Mozilla!

Read Article

“Consider This: AI and Internet Health” by Mozilla

https://link.medium.com/AFxVqSFAGW

Monday, May 13, 2019

Review: Mozilla's good point on security policies with Amazon

In short, Mozilla makes a good point about third parties need a security policy for users especially those connected to Amazon.

Read Article
https://link.medium.com/s2tKcO50EW

Code, but do so with security!

Review: GitHub's Package Registry

I love what GitHub is doing here with their Package Registry. As one of the largest, if not the largest, coding repositories in the world, they are making it easier for the open source communities to download libraries and specific packages for continual advancement in the world of development. After all, who likes to reinvent the wheel? Furthermore, who likes to wait for a committee to approve a library or package before the world can use it?

Sure, there are benefits in waiting for a committee to verify a library or package. So, I'm not saying that committees and organizations are bad. Not at all! But, I am saying that we, developers, need a route where we don't have to wait if we want to experiment.

But, it's early and maybe too early to make opinions. I, myself, need to play with it and see what happens.

Read Article
https://github.blog/2019-05-10-introducing-github-package-registry/

Happy Coding!

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Review: An Everyone Culture

Okay, confession - I haven't read this book yet. However, it's now in my reading list and I'm excited to learn more.

Amazon book summary

I first heard about this book on this company's website: NextJump. I have a very similar mindset like these guys, wow.

What caught my attention is hearing that they have a "lifetime employment policy". Like, fo'real? Is this what a Deliberately Development Organization (DDO) is?

I first learned of NextJump's culture as an example used in this YouTube by Simon Sinek.

Cheers!

Review: Microsoft & Cray accelerate supercomputing in the cloud

This is fantastic news! The capability to super-compute in the cloud is another big milestone towards the vision laid out by Microsoft. Who better to partner on such a mission than Cray?

Read Article
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/supercomputing-in-the-cloud-announcing-three-new-cray-in-azure-offers/?cdn=disable

Don't know why or can't connect the dots? Then check out this article.
https://www.netapp.com/us/info/what-is-high-performance-computing.aspx

Or, watch the video by Cray: