Here are a few technology news stories that I’ve read in the past week or so.
How to Convert a PDF to PNG or JPG in Java
This article reviews three Conversion APIs that will allow you to convert any PDF document into an image. This includes conversion to a PNG or JPG array with one image created per page in your document. The article also discusses how you can merge and stack your PDF pages for conversion into a single PNG, or “tall” image. The goal for this tutorial is to simplify and improve your versatility for document display and sharing. Furthermore, as most documents can be converted to PDF, you can apply these APIs to any file, post-PDF-conversion. Read the DZone article.
Popular JavaScript Frameworks to Build API and Microservices
This Dzone post discusses the most popular JavaScript frameworks used to build APIs and Microservices. Microservices and APIs are often being confused for each other. In reality, they are 2 separate concepts altogether, where API is a communication pattern and microservices are an architectural pattern. Read the DZone article.
How to Build Real-Time Notification Service Using Server-Sent Events (SSE)
Most of the communication on the Internet comes directly from the clients to the servers. The client usually sends a request, and the server responds to that request. There are some scenarios in which the server needs to send a message to the client without the preceding request. In such cases, developers have a couple of options: use short and long polling, webhooks, websockets, or event streaming platforms like Kafka. However, there is another technology, not popularized enough, which in many cases, is just perfect for the job. This technology is the Server-Sent Events (SSE) standard. Read the DZone article.
Facebook Announces Beta Messenger API Support for Instagram
Facebook announces updates to the Messenger API to support Instagram messaging, giving businesses new tools to manage their customer communications on Instagram at scale. The new API features enable businesses to integrate Instagram messaging with their preferred business applications and workflows; helping drive more meaningful conversations, increase customer satisfaction and grow sales. The updated API is currently in beta with a limited number of developer partners and businesses. Read the Facebook announcement.
IBM Unveils New Capabilities for Preserving Aging Infrastructure Using AI, 3D Modeling and Data Capture
IBM announces new capabilities in IBM Maximo for Civil Infrastructure to help prolong the lifespan of aging bridges, tunnels, highways, and railways. New enhancements include the ability to deploy on Red Hat OpenShift for hybrid cloud environments, as well as new AI and 3D model annotation tools that can provide deep industry and task-specific insights to support engineers. “Tools like AI, predictive maintenance, drones and hybrid cloud will play an important role in meeting the challenge of rising infrastructure costs, and helping these vital structures endure for future generations,” said Bjarne Jørgensen, Executive Director, Asset Management at Sund and Baelt. “These solutions can help determine the exact need for maintenance in near real-time to assist organizations in extending the lifetime of structures.” Read the press release.
13 Tools to Monitor Remote Teams (Plus Tips)
How do employers ensure that their remote teams remain productive? This is where remote monitoring tools come into the picture. Remote monitoring tools are an excellent way for companies to continue moving with the tide without compromising the productivity of their remote employees or micromanaging them. This DZone article discusses 13 of the most popular remote monitoring tools.
Building a C++ VCL Customer/Sales Master/Detail/Charting Application with 1 Line of Code
These days low-code development is en vogue. Various research groups, such as Gartner, put the low-code application development platform market at ~$10M billion in 2019 and project CAGR to be greater than 20% from 2020 to 2027. This post shows how you can build a Windows C++ Customer/Sales, Master/Detail/Charting application that only needs 1 line of code.
Things to consider when running visual tests in CI/CD pipelines
This blog post contains a summary of the author’s recent webinar and focuses on demos that show how to handle visual testing in CI/CD. The demos focused on 3 different CI/CD scenarios: Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions and Container Based Pipelines.
An Open Source Sorting Algorithms Visualizer
This GitHub project is a tool, made with python and pygame, for visualizing sorting algorithms in an educational way. The project’s purpose is to portray several sorting algorithms so the user can understand how a computer “move some pieces” to achieve the goal of having sorted data at the end!
A faster way to prototype your APIs using OpenAPI 3 and Swagger UI
The goal of this GitHub project is to create a generator that conveniently creates API definitions in the OpenAPI 3 format using marshmallow classes and saves them into a YAML file. You can think this project as programmable API definitions/documentation for your API (your API can be written in any language, not only in Python). Python is used here just for convenience of describing classes and has less code yet strong typing. Then you can inject the generated YAML file with Swagger UI to any project (just a page that renders Swagger UI HTML code which requests the generated YAML file).
Fun With SQL Using Postgres and Azure Data Studio
Azure Data Studio is a cross-platform database tool for data professionals using the Microsoft family of on-premises and cloud data platforms on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is very easy to install and offers a modern editor experience with IntelliSense, code snippets, source control integration, and an integrated terminal. It’s engineered with the data platform user in mind, with the built-in charting of query result sets and customizable dashboards. You can learn more about it from the official website on this link. ADS also has notebooks that are similar to Jupiter notebooks for python and other languages and are great for combining formatted text with code. You can execute queries via a query window or via a notebook window. This post discusses some of the basics and at the same time shares the author’s experience using Azure Data Studio.
AppSec vs. DevSecOps, and what that means for developers
Traditional application security is different in two key ways from what has come to be known as DevSecOps. First, modern software companies are integrating application security into their DevOps pipelines, so security becomes part of the flow. Second, it’s also about DevOps being built into application security. In this SD Times article, Patrick Carey, who leads product strategy in the Software Integrity Group at security solutions provider Synopsys, explains these differences. By building application security into your automated development environment, he said, security “is initiated through events, rather than necessarily a phase where somebody at the end of the line, whose job it is to make sure that you didn’t screw up and code a vulnerability,” does the testing. On the other side of that coin, building DevOps into AppSec, eliminates the gates created by traditional DAST or pen-testing tools, creating instead guardrails that allow the team to move forward with relatively low friction but to stay on track. In the traditional gated pass-fail system, “if you fail you got your vulnerability report that just said you know there were a bunch of vulnerabilities, but oh, by the way we can’t tell you exactly where those are in your code; your developer’s going to have to go figure that out.”
5 edge computing predictions for 2021
The new business models that will push edge computing “from science project to real value” in 2021 are largely based around two factors, Forrester said: Cloud platforms having to compete with artificial intelligence, and the widespread proliferation of 5G will make edge use cases more practical. With those two drivers in mind, Forrester made five predictions about how the tech world will evolve in 2021 that will directly impact edge computing. Read the article that lists Forrester’s predictions.
Some C++ developers also use Python for their application development. There are several ways to integrate the two languages together. One way is to create Python extension modules containing C++ functions that implement new object types and functions. Another way is to use the Boost Python C++ library that enables interoperability between the Python and C++ languages. A third way is to use the productivity, resusability, and encapsulation of components to to integrate C++Builder and Python. In this chapter you’ll learn how to use the Python4Delphi open source components in your VCL applications.
Introduction to Python4Delphi (and C++Builder)
Python for Delphi (P4D) is a set of free components (MIT Open Source License), created by Kiriakos Vlahos author of the popular PyScripter Python IDE, that wrap up the Python DLL into Delphi. The components allow you to create or extend your Delphi and C++Builder applications to execute Python scripts, create new Python modules and new Python types. You can also create Python extensions as DLLs and much more.
You’ll find Python4Delphi on GitHub at https://github.com/pyscripter/python4delphi. The GitHub project includes a readme file, installation notes, supported platforms, how Python4Delphi finds your Python distributions, tutorials and demos.
Jim McKeeth recently hosted a webinar with Kiriakos, “Python for Delphi Developers Part 1 – Introduction” (replay is available on YouTube). A Part 2 Python for Delphi Developers will take place on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 7am Pacific Time. While this webinar series focuses on Delphi programming, it also provides information about the Python4Delphi components and Python programming that can help C++Builder developers.
While the webinar and Python4Delphi speaks to Delphi developers, C++Builder developers can compile and install the components for use in their Win32 and Win64 C++ VCL applications. To build and install the Python4Delphi components you can use all editions of C++Builder (community, professional, enterprise and architect) and RAD Studio (professional, enterprise and architect) for versions 10.3.3, 10.4 and 10.4.1. If you only have C++Builder, you’ll learn how to use the included Delphi DCC32 and DCC64 command line compilers to build the Delphi component package project and install the components.
Installing Python for Windows (32 and 64 bit)
Before you start using the Python4Delphi components in your C++Builder VCL applications you’ll need to make sure you have Python for Win32 and Win64 installed on your computer.
To find Python distributions installed on your computer, use the “where python.exe” Windows command.
By default, Python for Win32 installs into the C:\Users\david\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39-32\ folder (or wherever you tell the install to put the distribution).
By default, Python for Win64 installs into the C:\Users\david\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\ folder (or wherever you tell the install to put the distribution).
Installing Python4Delphi and Using the Components
The following are the steps I followed to download and build the Python4Delphi components for use with C++Builder 10.3.3, 10.4 and 10.4.1. While I used RAD Studio (which includes C++Builder and Delphi), you can also use C++Builder along with the Delphi command line compilers to compile and install the components.
Step 1 – Download the latest release of the Python4Delphi
Grab the python4delphi-master.zip file (https://github.com/pyscripter/python4delphi) and unzip it to your hard drive (I put it in my C:\Users\david\Documents\Embarcadero\Studio\Projects/ folder).
Step 2 – In the IDE open the Python_D package project file (RAD Studio editions)
In the C++Builder 10.4.1 RAD Studio IDE, open the Python_D.dproj package project file (you’ll find it in the “python4delphi-master\Packages\Delphi\Delphi 10.4+” folder).
Step 3 – Add an $IFDEF around the requires DesignIDE unit
Look at the Python_D.dpk source file, if you don’t see an $IFDEF around the DesignIDE unit, add it to avoid a compiler error when using the Win64 C++ compiler – DesignIDE is only required for Win32 since the IDE is a 32-bit Windows app.
Notice (in the source code above) that the LibSuffix Delphi compiler directive is set to “AUTO”. This can be done in source code or in the Project | Options | Description page (in the image below) to match the package file suffix with other compiled package files. The suffix is applied before the file extension. In drop down list, you can select the $(Auto) option for the suffix to represent the compiler version suffix for binary package files.
There is a separate Python_D.dpk package source file for versions 10.3 and earlier in the “python4delphi-master\Packages\Delphi\Delphi 10.3-” folder. In this package source file there are $IFDEFs to set the LIBSUFFIX for several recent Delphi compiler releases.
If you are going to use this earlier Python_D.dpk project you may need to comment out (or remove) the “{$R *.res}” statement at the front of the package source file (it may have already been removed in the latest commit of Python4Delphi).
Step 4a – Build and Install the Python4Delphi components with RAD Studio
There are two ways to build and install the components depending on whether you have RAD Studio or one of the C++Builder editions. If you only have C++Builder skip to “Step 4b” to learn how to use the Delphi command line compilers for Win32 and Win64.
Set the Python4Delphi Project Options for the Delphi Compiler | C/C++ Output file generation for Win32 and Win64 platform (all configurations – debug and release). Build and Install the Python4Delphi components for Win32 and Win64 targets.
Building and installing the components will make sure you have the generated C++ header files, package import library files and package static library files for your C++ VCL Win32 and Win64 projects.
From the help file: the “Generate all C++Builder files (including package libs)” option generates the package and all Delphi pieces, along with all necessary header files (.hpp), package import library file (.bpi), and package static library file (.lib and .a) for C++ projects. This is the default in desktop platforms.
Set the Delphi Compiler Search Path to include the Python4Delphi source directory so that the compiler will find any required include files and other files.
Step 4b – Use the Delphi command line compilers to Build and Installing the components
You can use batch files (or other script files) that run the Delphi command line compilers for Win32 (DCC32.exe) and Win64 (DCC64.exe). These Delphi compilers (included in the bin folder) will build the Python4Delphi package file and create the C++ header files, compiled package file, static library and other files required for use in your C++ applications.
In the C++Builder IDE, use the Components | Install Packages menu item and click the “Add…” button.
Navigate to the C:\Users\Public\Documents\Embarcadero\Studio\21.0\Bpl folder (the number will depend on which version of C++Builder you have) and select the Design time package (BPL) file and click the Open button. This will add the package and components to the IDE. You’ll now see “Components for Python” in the list of Design time packages. Highlight the entry and click the Components button to display the list of components in the package.
Step 4c – Verify that the generated Python4Delphi files for C++ use are generated
After you compile the Python4Delphi package project for Win32 and Win64 target platforms the following files will be generated:
In the IDE you’ll now see the components in the Component Palette window.
Building Your First C++Builder Python4Delphi VCL Application
Using RAD Studio, I opened the Python4Delphi Demo1 Delphi project and tested it to make sure that I had the components and Python working. C:\Users\david\Documents\Embarcadero\Studio\Projects\Python4Delphi\python4delphi-master\Demos\Demo01
Use File | New | C++Builder VCL application to create a starting C++Builder project (note: the source code for the project is in a zip file listed in the References section). I copied all of the components from the Delphi version of the Demo01 form file.
Demo01Unit.dfm file
object Form2: TForm2
Left = 0
Top = 0
Caption = 'Demo 01 Python (C++, VCL)'
ClientHeight = 344
ClientWidth = 534
Color = clBtnFace
Font.Charset = DEFAULT_CHARSET
Font.Color = clWindowText
Font.Height = -11
Font.Name = 'Tahoma'
Font.Style = []
OldCreateOrder = False
PixelsPerInch = 96
TextHeight = 13
object Splitter1: TSplitter
Left = 0
Top = 153
Width = 534
Height = 3
Cursor = crVSplit
Align = alTop
Color = clBtnFace
ParentColor = False
ExplicitWidth = 536
end
object Memo1: TMemo
Left = 0
Top = 156
Width = 534
Height = 144
Align = alClient
Font.Charset = DEFAULT_CHARSET
Font.Color = clWindowText
Font.Height = -13
Font.Name = 'Consolas'
Font.Pitch = fpVariable
Font.Style = []
Lines.Strings = (
'print(2+2)')
ParentFont = False
ScrollBars = ssBoth
TabOrder = 0
end
object Panel1: TPanel
Left = 0
Top = 300
Width = 534
Height = 44
Align = alBottom
BevelOuter = bvNone
TabOrder = 1
object Button1: TButton
Left = 0
Top = 6
Width = 115
Height = 25
Caption = 'Execute script'
TabOrder = 0
OnClick = Button1Click
end
object Button2: TButton
Left = 167
Top = 6
Width = 91
Height = 25
Caption = 'Load script...'
TabOrder = 1
OnClick = Button2Click
end
object Button3: TButton
Left = 264
Top = 8
Width = 89
Height = 25
Caption = 'Save script...'
TabOrder = 2
OnClick = Button3Click
end
end
object Memo2: TMemo
Left = 0
Top = 0
Width = 534
Height = 153
Align = alTop
Font.Charset = DEFAULT_CHARSET
Font.Color = clWindowText
Font.Height = -13
Font.Name = 'Consolas'
Font.Pitch = fpVariable
Font.Style = []
ParentFont = False
ScrollBars = ssBoth
TabOrder = 2
end
object PythonEngine1: TPythonEngine
IO = PythonGUIInputOutput1
Left = 32
Top = 32
end
object OpenDialog1: TOpenDialog
DefaultExt = '*.py'
Filter = 'Python files|*.py|Text files|*.txt|All files|*.*'
Title = 'Open'
Left = 240
Top = 32
end
object SaveDialog1: TSaveDialog
DefaultExt = '*.py'
Filter = 'Python files|*.py|Text files|*.txt|All files|*.*'
Title = 'Save As'
Left = 328
Top = 32
end
object PythonGUIInputOutput1: TPythonGUIInputOutput
UnicodeIO = True
RawOutput = False
Output = Memo2
Left = 128
Top = 32
end
end
Compile and Run the C++ VCL Demo program and try some Python code
In the TMemo at the bottom of the form, type in some Python code. In my example I print the sum of two numbers, print the value of Pi from the Python math library and print the Python version # from the Python platform library. You can also use the Load and Save script buttons to bring up dialog boxes to load and save Python script files. Click the Execute script button to see the results show up in the upper TMemo.
Delphi 32-bit compiler (DCC32.exe) cmd line help (from C++Builder Community Edition 10.3.3)
Embarcadero Delphi for Win32 compiler version 33.0
Copyright (c) 1983,2018 Embarcadero Technologies, Inc.
Syntax: dcc32 [options] filename [options]
-A<unit>=<alias> = Set unit alias
-B = Build all units
-CC = Console target
-CG = GUI target
-D<syms> = Define conditionals
-E<path> = EXE/DLL output directory
-F<offset> = Find error
-GD = Detailed map file
-GP = Map file with publics
-GS = Map file with segments
-H = Output hint messages
-I<paths> = Include directories
-J = Generate .obj file
-JPHNE = Generate C++ .obj file, .hpp file, in namespace, export all
-JL = Generate package .lib, .bpi, and all .hpp files for C++
-K<addr> = Set image base addr
-LE<path> = package .bpl output directory
-LN<path> = package .dcp output directory
-LU<package> = Use package
-M = Make modified units
-NU<path> = unit .dcu output directory
-NH<path> = unit .hpp output directory
-NO<path> = unit .obj output directory
-NB<path> = unit .bpi output directory
-NX<path> = unit .xml output directory
-NS<namespaces> = Namespace search path
-O<paths> = Object directories
-P = look for 8.3 file names also
-Q = Quiet compile
-R<paths> = Resource directories
-TX<ext> = Output name extension
-U<paths> = Unit directories
-V = Debug information in EXE
-VR = Generate remote debug (RSM)
-VT = Debug information in TDS
-VN = TDS symbols in namespace
-W[+|-|^][warn_id] = Output warning messages
-Z = Output 'never build' DCPs
-$<dir> = Compiler directive
--help = Show this help screen
--version = Show name and version
--codepage:<cp> = specify source file encoding
--default-namespace:<namespace> = set namespace
--depends = output unit dependency information
--doc = output XML documentation
--drc = output resource string .drc file
--no-config = do not load default dcc32.cfg file
--description:<string> = set executable description
--inline:{on|off|auto} = function inlining control
--legacy-ifend = allow legacy $IFEND directive
--zero-based-strings[+|-] = strings are indexed starting at 0
--peflags:<flags> = set extra PE Header flags field
--peoptflags:<flags> = set extra PE Header optional flags field
--peosversion:<major>.<minor> = set OS Version fields in PE Header (default: 5.0)
--pesubsysversion:<major>.<minor> = set Subsystem Version fields in PE Header (default: 5.0)
--peuserversion:<major>.<minor> = set User Version fields in PE Header (default: 0.0)
--lib-version:<version> = Output package name version
--lib-suffix:<suffix> = Output package name suffix
Compiler switches: -$<letter><state> (defaults are shown below)
A8 Aligned record fields
B- Full boolean Evaluation
C+ Evaluate assertions at runtime
D+ Debug information
G+ Use imported data references
H+ Use long strings by default
I+ I/O checking
J- Writeable structured consts
L+ Local debug symbols
M- Runtime type info
O+ Optimization
P+ Open string params
Q- Integer overflow checking
R- Range checking
T- Typed @ operator
U- Pentium(tm)-safe divide
V+ Strict var-strings
W- Generate stack frames
X+ Extended syntax
Y+ Symbol reference info
Z1 Minimum size of enum types
Stack size: -$M<minStackSize[,maxStackSize]> (default 16384,1048576)
Delphi 64-bit compiler (DCC64.exe) cmd line help (C++Builder Community Edition 10.3.3)
Embarcadero Delphi for Win64 compiler version 33.0
Copyright (c) 1983,2018 Embarcadero Technologies, Inc.
Syntax: dcc64 [options] filename [options]
-A<unit>=<alias> = Set unit alias
-B = Build all units
-CC = Console target
-CG = GUI target
-D<syms> = Define conditionals
-E<path> = EXE/DLL output directory
-F<offset> = Find error
-GD = Detailed map file
-GP = Map file with publics
-GS = Map file with segments
-H = Output hint messages
-I<paths> = Include directories
-J = Generate .obj file
-JPHNE = Generate C++ .obj file, .hpp file, in namespace, export all
-JL = Generate package .lib, .bpi, and all .hpp files for C++
-K<addr> = Set image base addr
-LE<path> = package .bpl output directory
-LN<path> = package .dcp output directory
-LU<package> = Use package
-M = Make modified units
-NU<path> = unit .dcu output directory
-NH<path> = unit .hpp output directory
-NO<path> = unit .obj output directory
-NB<path> = unit .bpi output directory
-NX<path> = unit .xml output directory
-NS<namespaces> = Namespace search path
-O<paths> = Object directories
-P = look for 8.3 file names also
-Q = Quiet compile
-R<paths> = Resource directories
-TX<ext> = Output name extension
-U<paths> = Unit directories
-V = Debug information in EXE
-VR = Generate remote debug (RSM)
-VT = Debug information in TDS
-VN = TDS symbols in namespace
-W[+|-|^][warn_id] = Output warning messages
-Z = Output 'never build' DCPs
-$<dir> = Compiler directive
--help = Show this help screen
--version = Show name and version
--codepage:<cp> = specify source file encoding
--default-namespace:<namespace> = set namespace
--depends = output unit dependency information
--doc = output XML documentation
--drc = output resource string .drc file
--no-config = do not load default dcc64.cfg file
--description:<string> = set executable description
--inline:{on|off|auto} = function inlining control
--legacy-ifend = allow legacy $IFEND directive
--zero-based-strings[+|-] = strings are indexed starting at 0
--peflags:<flags> = set extra PE Header flags field
--peoptflags:<flags> = set extra PE Header optional flags field
--peosversion:<major>.<minor> = set OS Version fields in PE Header (default: 5.0)
--pesubsysversion:<major>.<minor> = set Subsystem Version fields in PE Header (default: 5.0)
--peuserversion:<major>.<minor> = set User Version fields in PE Header (default: 0.0)
--lib-version:<version> = Output package name version
--lib-suffix:<suffix> = Output package name suffix
Compiler switches: -$<letter><state> (defaults are shown below)
A8 Aligned record fields
B- Full boolean Evaluation
C+ Evaluate assertions at runtime
D+ Debug information
G+ Use imported data references
H+ Use long strings by default
I+ I/O checking
J- Writeable structured consts
L+ Local debug symbols
M- Runtime type info
O+ Optimization
P+ Open string params
Q- Integer overflow checking
R- Range checking
T- Typed @ operator
V+ Strict var-strings
W- Generate stack frames
X+ Extended syntax
Y+ Symbol reference info
Z1 Minimum size of enum types
Stack size: -$M<minStackSize[,maxStackSize]> (default 16384,1048576)
C++ Demo project and Delphi command line package build batch files (zip file)
Here are a few technology news stories that I’ve read in the past week or so.
Microsoft’s 10 app store principles to promote choice, fairness and innovation
For software developers, app stores have become a critical gateway to some of the world’s most popular digital platforms. We and others have raised questions and, at times, expressed concerns about app stores on other digital platforms. However, we recognize that we should practice what we preach. So, today, we are adopting 10 principles – building on the ideas and work of the Coalition for App Fairness (CAF) – to promote choice, ensure fairness and promote innovation on Windows 10, our most popular platform, and our own Microsoft Store on Windows 10. Read Microsoft’s blog post.
PostMan’s 2020 State of the API Report
Every year, Postman surveys industry members to get a picture of the API industry—to understand who is working with APIs, how they are getting their work done, and where they see the industry going. More than 13,500 developers, testers, executives, and others took our 2020 survey and provided insights on everything from how they spend their time to what they see as the biggest issues and opportunities for APIs. Three key findings: API investments stay strong, The pandemic has changed the world, but it didn’t stop APIs, and APIs are the nucleus of digital transformation. Read and download the report on the Postman website.
Hybrid cloud is where the action is
Multicloud is definitely a thing. However, it’s not exactly clear what that “thing” is. According to new survey data from database vendor MariaDB, 71% of survey respondents report running databases on at least two different cloud providers today. Yet when asked what would keep them from going all in on a cloud database, a vendor’s “lack of a multicloud offering” ranked dead last. In other words, everyone is doing multicloud, but no one knows why. Read Matt Assay’s InfoWorld article.
Nvidia claims Cambridge-1 is the U.K.’s fastest supercomputer
Cambridge-1, which Nvidia expects to come online by year-end 2020, is a joint project between GSK, AstraZeneca, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College London, and Oxford Nanopore. Built on Nvidia’s DGX SuperPOD architecture, it’s anticipated to deliver over 400 petaflops of AI performance and 8 petaflops of Linpack performance. That would rank it 29th on the TOP500 list of the world’s most powerful supercomputers and among the top three most-energy-efficient machines in the Green500. Read Kyle Wiggers’ VentureBeat article.
Aptum’s Global Cloud Impact Study reveals this with 62 percent of respondents citing complexity and abundance of choice as a hindrance when planning a cloud transformation. One of the biggest sources of complexity that crops up in more advanced cloud projects are legacy systems. The “abundance of choice” or the need to select the best of breed is a prime culprit. This usually results in a technological smorgasbord, where hundreds of decoupled cloud dev and migration teams make their own calls around what technology to use. Complexity naturally arises when it’s time to join and coordinate those apples and oranges. Read David Linthicum’s InfoWorld article.
The art of code reviews
According to Phil Hughes, front-end engineer at GitLab, it’s about how you provide and convey that feedback — and that’s an art form and a skill that is learned over time. “Reviewing code efficiently is a skill that gets learned the more you do it. Spending time coming up with a workflow that works for yourself is just as important”. Read the SD Times article by Christina Cardoza.
An AI can simulate an economy millions of times to create fairer tax policy
Scientists at the US business technology company Salesforce think AI can help. Led by Richard Socher, the team has developed a system called the AI Economist that uses reinforcement learning—the same sort of technique behind DeepMind’s AlphaGo and AlpahZero—to identify optimal tax policies for a simulated economy. The tool is still relatively simple (there’s no way it could include all the complexities of the real world or human behavior), but it is a promising first step toward evaluating policies in an entirely new way. “It would be amazing to make tax policy less political and more data driven,” says team member Alex Trott. Read the MIT Technology Review article by Will Douglas Heaven.
The most valuable software developer skills in 2020
Which developer skills are the most valuable in today’s market? We’ve pored through the data to find the most bankable developer skills for the coming years—and how best to set yourself up for success in a fraught job market: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, Some skills are hotter than others, Going cloud native, Ordering the full stack, Data is still the new oil, and Formal education isn’t everything. Read the InfoWorld article by By Scott Carey.
Justices wary of upending tech industry in Google v. Oracle Supreme Court fight
The dispute concerns about 11,500 lines of code that Google used to build its popular Android mobile operating system, which were replicated from the Java application programming interface developed by Sun Microsystems. At the end of an hour and a half of arguments, Justice Stephen Breyer, who at one point read aloud some code, seemed to be the only sure vote. Several of the other justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, suggested they were sympathetic to Oracle’s copyright claims. Several of the court’s conservatives, including Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Samuel Alito, noted that Google’s allies had warned that the “sky will fall” if Oracle won. But those comments were also peppered with skepticism. “I’m not aware that the sky has fallen in the last five or six years,” Kavanaugh said, noting that Google had lost its first appeals court battle in the case in 2014. Read the CNBC article by Tucker Higgins.
Section 230 will be on the Chopping Block at the Next Big US Congressional Hearing
Will Section 230 be on the chopping block at the next US congressional tech hearing. Hearing will focus on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the key law that shields online platforms from legal liability for the content their users create. What is clear: Tinkering with such a foundational law could have a huge cascade of effects for the internet as we know it and isn’t something to be undertaken lightly — if at all. Read the TechCrunch article by Taylor Hatmaker.
To the moon and beyond: How HoloLens 2 is helping build NASA’s Orion spacecraft
When workers for Lockheed Martin began assembling the crew seats for a spacecraft designed to return astronauts to the moon and pave the way for human exploration to Mars, they had no need for paper instructions or tablet screens to work from. Everything they needed to see, including animations of how pieces fit together, engineering drawings and torque values for tightening bolts, was visible in HoloLens 2 devices that they wore. Read the TechXplore article by Jennifer Langston, Microsoft.
While Raspberry Pi boards are great for doing all kinds of tasks and they’re capable of doing object recognition, they can be a little slow when it comes to real-time image recognition. In 2019, Nvidia came out with an A.I.-focused Pi competitor in the $99 Jetson Nano. Fast forward to 2020 and Nvidia is back with a 2GB version of the Jetson Nano that sells for a more reasonable $59 and, for consumers in some markets (including America), comes with a compatible USB Wi-Fi dongle in the box. Due out later this month, the new Nvidia Jetson Nano 2GB is designed to make A.I. more accessible to hobbyists, kids and aspiring developers. Read the Toms Harware article by Avram Piltch.
Microsoft’s VS Code comes to Raspberry Pi and Chromebook – new v1.50 update is out
An official Microsoft build of the Visual Studio Code editor is now available for Linux Armv7 and Arm64 architecture devices, extending Microsoft’s popular cross-platform code editor to Chromebooks, the Raspberry Pi and rival Arm-based single-board Linux computers such as Odroid. Read the ZDNet article by Liam Tung.
Why Apple needed the FDA to sign off on its EKG but not its blood oxygen monitor
The features on the Apple Watch that track heart rate and heart rhythm, though, have a key difference from the blood oxygen monitor: the heart-tracking features are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the oxygen monitor is not. Apple went through a long, extensive process to develop and validate an EKG feature so that the watch could detect a condition called atrial fibrillation. It didn’t need to do the same thing for the pulse oximeter. Blood oxygen monitors, or pulse oximeters, are considered Class II medical devices by the FDA. Read TheVerge article by Nicole Wetsman.
JDK 16: What’s coming in Java 16 (due March 2021)
Java Development Kit (JDK) 16 has begun to take shape, with proposed features including concurrent thread-stack processing for garbage collection, support for C++ 14 language features, and an “elastic metaspace” capability to more quickly return unused class metadata memory to the OS. Read the InfoWorld article by Paul Krill.
Microsoft launches Playwright for Python for automating testing
Microsoft is trying to make it easier for developers to automate their end-to-end tests. The company has announced a preview of Playwright for Python, which allows developers and testers to write such tests in Python. According to Microsoft, automated end-to-end tests have become more important than ever as teams build apps that run on a number of different kinds of devices. The increase in the number of targets coupled with increased delivery speed has put more pressure on the testing process, and automation is crucial to enable testing at the speed it needs to be done. Playwright for Python provides timeout-free automation, which makes it more reliable. Read the SD Times article by Jenna Sargent.
Definitely not Windows 95: What operating systems keep things running in space?
To deal with unforgiving deadlines, spacecraft like Solar Orbiter are almost always run by real-time operating systems that work in an entirely different way than the ones you and I know from the average laptop. Operating systems used in space add at least one more central criterion: a computation needs to be done correctly within a strictly specified deadline. When a deadline is not met, the task is considered failed and terminated. And in spaceflight, a missed deadline quite often means your spacecraft has already turned into a fireball or strayed into an incorrect orbit. There’s no point in processing such tasks any further; things must adhere to a very precise clock. Read the ArsTechnica article by Jacek Krywko.
GitHub Code scanning is now available!
One year ago, GitHub welcomed Semmle. We’ve since worked to bring the revolutionary code analysis capabilities of its CodeQL technology to GitHub users as a native capability. At GitHub Satellite in May, we released the first beta of our native integration: code scanning. Now, thanks to the thousands of developers in the community who tested and gave feedback, we’re proud to announce that code scanning is generally available. Read the GitHub blog post by Justin Hutchings.
4 common C programming mistakes — and 5 tips to avoid them
Common C mistake: Not freeing malloc-ed memory (or freeing it more than once). Common C mistake: Reading an array out of bounds. Common C mistake: Not checking the results of malloc. Common C mistake: Using void* for generic pointers to memory. Read the InfoWorld article by Serdar Yegulalp.
Do you need to add printer support to your C++ applications using the Visual Component Library (VCL) or FireMonkey (FMX) GUI ? In this blog post I’ll show you how to build Windows applications that support printing image bitmaps using the VCL and FMX frameworks. One of my favorite C++Builder RTL features is that both frameworks provide similar printer components and ways of programming with only a few subtle differences.
Build VCL and FMX Application Projects
Use the “File | New | Windows VCL Application – C++Builder” menu item and create a starting C++ VCL application. Save the product to a folder.
Next, in the Project Window, right mouse click on the ProjectGroup node and select the “Add New Project…” menu item.
In the popup dialog choose to create a Multi-Device Application.
Click the OK button and on the next screen choose to create a “Blank Application”.
Use the File | Save All menu item (or type Shift+Ctrl+S) to save both starting projects and the project group to a folder.
Each of the VCL and FMX projects have a main form (.dfm and .fmx extensions respectively). While most of the IDE will look the same, if you select each form’s unit you will see different looks for each of their form designers.
There are many videos, articles and help files that describe the details of each designer (check out links in the reference section below). For now, let’s dig into the VCL and FMX printer examples I’ve created.
A Simple UI for each Printer Test Project
On each of the VCL and FMX main forms you’ll see the following components.
Each project’s main menu contains a File and Destination menu. The Destination menu item allows the user to choose to override the printing destination (Printer or File).
The File menu provides an OpenPictureDialog (VCL) or OpenDialog (FMX), PrintPicture dialog for choosing the printer and other printing options, PrinterSetup dialog to set additional printer setup options, Panel (aligned to the top of the form)with a label and ComboBox which will list the available printer device names, and an Image component (aligned to the client area) to contain the picture bitmap.
The VCL and FMX forms look like the following.
Right mouse click on the form and choose “View as Text” from the popup menu. Now you can see all of the form and component properties and sub-properties that have been set from their default values. You can also make changes in this text form mode but be careful to not make any errors.
To switch back to the form mode click the right mouse button (or hit Alt-F12) and choose “View as Form” from the popup menu.
VCLPrintUnit.dfm (View as Text)
object MainVCLForm: TMainVCLForm
Left = 0
Top = 0
Caption = 'Printer Test (C++, VCL)'
ClientHeight = 473
ClientWidth = 667
Color = clBtnFace
Font.Charset = DEFAULT_CHARSET
Font.Color = clWindowText
Font.Height = -11
Font.Name = 'Tahoma'
Font.Style = []
Menu = MainMenu1
OldCreateOrder = False
OnShow = FormShow
PixelsPerInch = 96
TextHeight = 13
object Image1: TImage
Left = 0
Top = 41
Width = 667
Height = 432
Align = alClient
Proportional = True
ExplicitLeft = 104
ExplicitTop = 102
ExplicitWidth = 424
ExplicitHeight = 317
end
object Panel1: TPanel
Left = 0
Top = 0
Width = 667
Height = 41
Align = alTop
TabOrder = 0
object Label1: TLabel
Left = 10
Top = 12
Width = 41
Height = 13
Caption = 'Printers:'
end
object PrintersComboBox: TComboBox
Left = 57
Top = 9
Width = 250
Height = 21
TabOrder = 0
Text = 'PrintersComboBox'
end
end
object PrintDialog1: TPrintDialog
Options = [poPrintToFile]
Left = 176
Top = 56
end
object PrinterSetupDialog1: TPrinterSetupDialog
Left = 304
Top = 64
end
object OpenPictureDialog1: TOpenPictureDialog
DefaultExt = 'bmp'
InitialDir = 'c:\temp'
Left = 56
Top = 56
end
object MainMenu1: TMainMenu
Left = 424
Top = 64
object File1: TMenuItem
Caption = 'File'
object File2: TMenuItem
Caption = 'Open Picture'
OnClick = File2Click
end
object PrintPicture1: TMenuItem
Caption = 'Print Picture'
Enabled = False
OnClick = PrintPicture1Click
end
object PrinterSetup1: TMenuItem
Caption = 'Printer Setup'
Enabled = False
OnClick = PrinterSetup1Click
end
object PrintPicture2: TMenuItem
Caption = 'Exit'
OnClick = PrintPicture2Click
end
end
object Destination1: TMenuItem
Caption = 'Destination'
object PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem: TMenuItem
Caption = 'Print to Printer'
Checked = True
OnClick = PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItemClick
end
object PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem: TMenuItem
Caption = 'Print to File'
OnClick = PrintToFileDestinationMenuItemClick
end
end
end
end
FMXPrintUnit.fmx (View as Text)
object MainFMXForm: TMainFMXForm
Left = 0
Top = 0
Caption = 'Printer Test (C++, FMX)'
ClientHeight = 380
ClientWidth = 640
Position = Designed
WindowState = wsMaximized
FormFactor.Width = 320
FormFactor.Height = 480
FormFactor.Devices = [Desktop]
OnShow = FormShow
DesignerMasterStyle = 0
object Image1: TImage
MultiResBitmap = <
item
end>
Align = Client
Size.Width = 640.000000000000000000
Size.Height = 339.000000000000000000
Size.PlatformDefault = False
end
object PrintDialog1: TPrintDialog
Options = [poPrintToFile]
Left = 68
Top = 40
end
object PrinterSetupDialog1: TPrinterSetupDialog
Left = 190
Top = 42
end
object OpenDialog1: TOpenDialog
DefaultExt = 'bmp'
Filter = '*.bmp'
InitialDir = 'c:\temp'
Left = 312
Top = 44
end
object MainMenu1: TMainMenu
Left = 418
Top = 46
object FileMenu: TMenuItem
Text = 'File'
object OpenBitmapMenuItem: TMenuItem
Locked = True
Text = 'Open Bitmap'
OnClick = OpenBitmapMenuItemClick
end
object PrintMenuItem: TMenuItem
Enabled = False
Locked = True
Text = 'Print'
OnClick = PrintMenuItemClick
end
object PrinterSetupMenuItem: TMenuItem
Enabled = False
Locked = True
Text = 'Printer Setup'
OnClick = PrinterSetupMenuItemClick
end
object ExitMenuItem: TMenuItem
Locked = True
Text = 'Exit'
OnClick = ExitMenuItemClick
end
end
object DestinationMenu: TMenuItem
Text = 'Destination'
object PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem: TMenuItem
Locked = True
IsChecked = True
Text = 'Print to Printer'
OnClick = PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItemClick
end
object PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem: TMenuItem
Locked = True
Text = 'Print to File'
OnClick = PrintToFileDestinationMenuItemClick
end
end
end
object Panel1: TPanel
Align = Top
Size.Width = 640.000000000000000000
Size.Height = 41.000000000000000000
Size.PlatformDefault = False
object PrintersComboBox: TComboBox
Position.X = 72.000000000000000000
Position.Y = 8.000000000000000000
Size.Width = 233.000000000000000000
Size.Height = 22.000000000000000000
Size.PlatformDefault = False
end
object Label1: TLabel
Position.X = 8.000000000000000000
Position.Y = 9.000000000000000000
Size.Width = 57.000000000000000000
Size.Height = 17.000000000000000000
Size.PlatformDefault = False
Text = 'Printers:'
end
end
end
Additional comments about component properties and event handlers are included in the source code for the projects.
The Source Code
Below you will find the header files for the VCL and FMX form units. The header files will show the component declarations, event handlers and any public/private declarations.
Below you will find the source code for the VCL and FMX form units.
VCLPrinterUnit.cpp
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#include <vcl.h>
#include <Vcl.Imaging.GIFImg.hpp>
#include <Vcl.Imaging.jpeg.hpp>
#include <Vcl.Imaging.pngimage.hpp>
#include <Vcl.Printers.hpp>
#pragma hdrstop
#include "VCLPrintUnit.h"
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#pragma package(smart_init)
#pragma resource "*.dfm"
TMainVCLForm *MainVCLForm;
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
__fastcall TMainVCLForm::TMainVCLForm(TComponent* Owner)
: TForm(Owner)
{
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainVCLForm::File2Click(TObject *Sender)
{
if (OpenPictureDialog1->Execute()) {
Image1->Picture->LoadFromFile(OpenPictureDialog1->FileName);
PictureLoaded = true;
PrintPicture1->Enabled = true;
PrinterSetup1->Enabled = true;
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainVCLForm::FormShow(TObject *Sender)
{
PictureLoaded = false;
PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem->Checked = true;
PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem->Checked = false;
// get printers list and put in combobox
PrintersComboBox->Items = Printer()->Printers;
// make the currently selected printer the Item in the ComboBox
PrintersComboBox->ItemIndex = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < Printer()->Printers->Count-1; i++) {
if (Printer()->Printers->Strings[Printer()->PrinterIndex] == PrintersComboBox->Items->Strings[i]) {
PrintersComboBox->ItemIndex = i;
}
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainVCLForm::PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
// set menu item checked for print to printer
PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem->Checked = true;
PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem->Checked = false;
// set PrintDialog PrintToFile checkbox off
// Note: to allow user to override the menu item - make sure
// PrintDialog Options poPrintToFile is set to true
// so that the PrintToFile checkbox appears in the dialog
PrintDialog1->PrintToFile = false;
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainVCLForm::PrintToFileDestinationMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
// set menu item checked for print to file
PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem->Checked = false;
PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem->Checked = true;
// set PrintDialog PrintToFile checkbox on
// Note: to allow user to override the menu item - make sure
// PrintDialog Options poPrintToFile is set to true
// so that the PrintToFile checkbox appears in the dialog
PrintDialog1->PrintToFile = true;
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainVCLForm::PrintPicture1Click(TObject *Sender)
{
// check if a picture is loaded
if (PictureLoaded) {
if (PrintDialog1->Execute()) {
// Call BeginDoc - to get the dimensions for selected printer
Printer()->BeginDoc();
try {
// use StretchDraw to do full size bitmap printing
// notes:
// printer settings can be made using the
// PrintDialog and PrinterSetupDialog
// you can also control page layout in code:
// Property is Orientation:
// poPortrait
// poLandscape
Printer()->Canvas->StretchDraw(
Rect(0, 0, Printer()->PageWidth,Printer()->PageHeight),
Image1->Picture->Graphic);
}
__finally {
// end the document and the printing will begin
Printer()->EndDoc();
}
}
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainVCLForm::PrinterSetup1Click(TObject *Sender)
{
// Printer Setup
PrinterSetupDialog1->Execute();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainVCLForm::PrintPicture2Click(TObject *Sender)
{
Application->Terminate();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
FMXPrinterUnit.cpp
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#include <fmx.h>
#include "FMX.Printer.hpp"
#include "System.SysUtils.hpp"
#pragma hdrstop
#include "FMXPrintUnit.h"
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#pragma package(smart_init)
#pragma resource "*.fmx"
TMainFMXForm *MainFMXForm;
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
__fastcall TMainFMXForm::TMainFMXForm(TComponent* Owner)
: TForm(Owner)
{
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainFMXForm::PrintMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
TRectF SrcRect, DestRect;
if (PrintDialog1->Execute()) {
// Set the default DPI for the printer. The SelectDPI routine defaults
// to the closest available resolution as reported by the driver.
// Printer->ActivePrinter->SelectDPI(1200, 1200);
// Printer->ActivePrinter->ActiveDPIIndex = 1; // you can also the DPI index
// Set canvas filling style
// Printer->Canvas->Fill->Color = claBlack;
// Printer->Canvas->Fill->Kind = TBrushKind(1);
// Start printing
Printer::Printer()->BeginDoc();
// Set the Source and Destination TRects
SrcRect = TRectF(0, 0, Image1->Bitmap->Width, Image1->Bitmap->Height);
DestRect = TRectF(0, 0, Printer::Printer()->PageWidth, Printer::Printer()->PageHeight);
// Print the picture, on all the surface of the page and all opaque.
Printer::Printer()->Canvas->DrawBitmap(Image1->Bitmap, SrcRect, DestRect, 1);
// Finish the printing job
Printer::Printer()->EndDoc();
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainFMXForm::OpenBitmapMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
// open a bitmap for printing
if (OpenDialog1->Execute()) {
Image1->Bitmap->LoadFromFile(OpenDialog1->FileName);
PrintMenuItem->Enabled = true;
PrinterSetupMenuItem->Enabled = true;
PictureLoaded = true;
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainFMXForm::ExitMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
// exit the application
Application->Terminate();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainFMXForm::PrinterSetupMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
// use the Printer Setup dialog box
PrinterSetupDialog1->Execute();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainFMXForm::FormShow(TObject *Sender)
{
// on form show event handler
PictureLoaded = false;
PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem->IsChecked = true;
PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem->IsChecked = false;
// populate the ComboBox with the printer device names
PrintersComboBox->ItemIndex = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < Printer::Printer()->Count-1; i++) {
PrintersComboBox->Items->Add(Printer::Printer()->Printers[i]->Title);
// set the ComboBox ItemIndex to the active printer
if (Printer::Printer()->Printers[i]->Title == Printer::Printer()->ActivePrinter->Title) {
PrintersComboBox->ItemIndex = i;
}
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainFMXForm::PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
// set menu item checked for print to printer
PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem->IsChecked = true;
PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem->IsChecked = false;
// set PrintDialog PrintToFile checkbox off
// Note: to allow user to override the menu item - make sure
// PrintDialog Options poPrintToFile is set to true
// so that the PrintToFile checkbox appears in the dialog
PrintDialog1->PrintToFile = false;
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TMainFMXForm::PrintToFileDestinationMenuItemClick(TObject *Sender)
{
// set menu item checked for print to file
PrintToPrinterDestinationMenuItem->IsChecked = false;
PrintToFileDestinationMenuItem->IsChecked = true;
// set PrintDialog PrintToFile checkbox on
// Note: to allow user to override the menu item - make sure
// PrintDialog Options poPrintToFile is set to true
// so that the PrintToFile checkbox appears in the dialog
PrintDialog1->PrintToFile = true;
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
C++Builder Product Page – Native Apps that Perform. Build Windows C++ Apps 10x Faster with Less Code
C++Builder Product Editions – C++Builder is available in four editions – Professional, Enterprise, Architect and Community (free). C++Builder is also available as part of the RAD Studio development suite.
From his CppCon 2020 talk description: This is an exploration of a design space close to the hardware and of the use of C++ in that space, rather than a standards proposal or the presentation of a mature tool chain. And, no, by “primitive”, I don’t mean “old-fashioned, C-like” code; some of the general techniques are old, but some of the code requires C++17 and much could be done better given features we are unlikely to get even in C++23.
Links to other replays of Bjarne’s talks at past CppCon (the C++ conference) events
You will find ISO C++ articles, news, books, podcasts, training courses, events, videos, product news, standardization activities, etc. on the Standard C++ Foundation site.
Here are a few technology news stories that I’ve read in the past week or so.
Reading Code Is a Skill
The problem is not that we shouldn’t write readable code. Of course we should aim to write readable code, if only for our own poor selves further down the line (there is no one less capable of reading my code the following week than me). The problem is that these two issues are not mutually exclusive. It’s not “write readable code” or “learn to read code”. Read the DZone article by Trisha Gee.
When a digital twin becomes the evil twin
A digital twin is a digital replica of some physical entity, such as a person, a device, manufacturing equipment, or even planes and cars. The idea is to provide a real-time simulation of a physical asset or human to determine when problems are likely to occur and to proactively fix them before they actually arise. Read the InfoWorld article by David Linthicum.
The NVIDIA-Arm merger could change how we work
If the merger between Arm and NVIDIA is approved (I expect Great Britain, the EU, and China will have reservations), the result could be a massive change in AI capability. And, given that Arm is dominant in mobile devices and IoT, and NVIDIA is dominant in both graphics and AI training, it’s a merger that could have a dramatic impact on how we work as well. Read the ComputerWorld article by Rob Enderle.
Don’t write off government algorithms: Responsible AI can produce real benefits
There are many cases in which government bodies can deploy AI technology in lower risk, high-impact scenarios that can improve lives, particularly if they don’t directly use personal data. So before we leap full pelt into AI cynicism we should consider benefits as well as risks it offers, and demand a more responsible approach to AI development and deployment. Read the TechXplore article by Allison Gardner.
Postman’s New Schema Validation Feature Helps Encourage API Spec Literacy
Postman, an API development platform provider, has announced that its API Builder is gaining the ability to validate API schemas in real-time via a new UI pane that is accessible in the tool’s define tab. The addition of this functionality helps to provide developers with real-time feedback and encourage API specification literacy. Read the ProgrammableWeb article by Kevin Sundstrom.
Microsoft open-sources fuzzing test framework
Microsoft is looking to help developers continuously fuzz-test code prior to release, via the open source OneFuzz framework. Described as a self-hosted fuzzing-as-a-service platform, OneFuzz enables developer-driven fuzzing to identify software vulnerabilites during the development process. Read the InfoWorld article by Paul Krill. Access the OneFuzz framework on GitHub.
IoT Platform – Binding the IoT Ecosystem Together
The word IoT has meant many different things to different people, none of it is wrong in any sense. It has been just a matter of perspective. Device and sensor manufacturers think of it as the sensors at the center of the IoT ecosystem with some connectivity and software around the sensors to capture and transmit data. Network services providers think of IoT as a secure network that connects a bunch of commodity sensors to a backend data store. BI and Big Data platform providers think of their role in IoT as the most important; after all if you cannot process a large amount of data coming through and extract intelligence from it, what’s the point in putting all these sensors and networks in place. Read this DZone article by Seemant Ahuja
Tourists on Tech’s Toll Roads
The recent trend is toward systems that are increasingly more closed. Unfortunately it’s only the latest in an ongoing cycle throughout the history of computing between open highways and private roads. Each swing in the pendulum moves from public, open, shared innovation that lays the open roads to private companies who use those public roads to build their for-profit toll roads. Those companies fight to ensure that no matter what signs you follow, you end up on their private road. Read the blog post by Kyle Rankin.
4 Python type checkers to keep your code clean
Over the last few years, though, Python has added support for type annotations, inspiring a whole culture of software devoted to type checking Python during development. Python doesn’t check types at runtime — at least, not yet. But by taking advantage of a good type checker, riding shotgun with you in your IDE of choice, you can use Python’s type annotations to screen out many common mistakes before they hit production. Read the InfoWorld article by Serdar Yegulalp.
Interview with Homage’s Gillian Tee on how technology can serve the world’s aging population
For the second time this year I’m refactoring a program from a single purpose to have two or more modes of operation. Both times the start and end result is similar, just the processing is different. A classic case of using polymorphism. The first program was a tool to process videos from speakers, find a face and export the subframe around it into a new video. The first mode was a good approach to test it, and gave results for some speakers. The second mode did a complete scan first, and then gave a smoother video for some videos. Read the Meeting C++ blog post by Jens Weller.
It’s been almost 50 years since I took a Linear Algebra and Matrices course as one of my Computer Science electives at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA. The textbook for the course was “Mathematics Of Matrices: First Book Of Matrix Theory And Linear Algebra” by Philip J Davis. While I have used arrays and vectors in many programming projects, I have to be honest and say that I have not used a lot of matrix math in my code.
Now that the Eigen C++ Template Library is available for download inside the C++Builder IDE using the GetIt Package Manager, I decided to re-introduce myself to matrix math, manipulations and linear algebra (not bad for a 69 year old software engineer). This blog post will show C++ developers how to download, install and use the Eigen C++ library using C++Builder and VCL.
Installing Eigen via the GetIt Package Manager
Inside the C++Builder IDE, use the Tools | GetIt Project Manager menu item to bring up the list of available add-on components, libraries and demos. Type “Eigen” in the search box to see what is available.
Click the Install button to download, install, build and run tests the Eigen C++ library with your release of C++Builder (I used C++Builder version 10.4.1). As part of the Eigen installation you will see two additional windows.
Once the download and installation is completed, you can start using Eigen in your applications. To learn more about the Eigen C++ Template Library I’ve included some reference links at the end of this post. To dust off my matrix and linear algebra cobwebs and learn a little bit about Eigen, I created three sample C++Builder VCL applications using Eigen.
Simple Eigen Test C++ VCL Application
This first example Button onClick event handler displays the Eigen version number, creates a 3×3 matrix, populates it with random floating point numbers (between -1 and 1) and uses the addition, subtraction and multiplication operators.
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#include <vcl.h>
#pragma hdrstop
#include <Eigen/Dense>
using Eigen::MatrixXd;
using Eigen::IOFormat;
#include "MainUnit.h"
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#pragma package(smart_init)
#pragma resource "*.dfm"
TForm1 *Form1;
// create string stream from Eigen Matrix
static std::string ConvertToString(const Eigen::MatrixXd& mat){
std::stringstream ss;
IOFormat CleanFmt(Eigen::FullPrecision, 0, ", ", "\n", "[", "]");
ss << mat.format(CleanFmt);
return ss.str();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
__fastcall TForm1::TForm1(TComponent* Owner)
: TForm(Owner)
{
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TForm1::Button1Click(TObject *Sender)
{
// first sample app adapted from Eigen documentation and put in VCL app
// display Eigen version number
EigenVersionLabel->Caption = "Eigen version: "
+ IntToStr(EIGEN_WORLD_VERSION)
+ "."
+ IntToStr(EIGEN_MAJOR_VERSION)
+ "."
+ IntToStr(EIGEN_MINOR_VERSION);
// define a 3x3 matrix of doubles
MatrixXd m(3,3);
// Fill matrix with random numbers between -1 and +1
m.setRandom(3,3);
// Change three matrix items using + - and *
m(0,2) = m(0,0) + m(0,1);
m(1,2) = m(1,0) - m(1,1);
m(2,2) = m(2,0) * m(2,1);
// output matrix using strings
MatrixOutputMemo->Lines->Clear();
MatrixOutputMemo->Lines->Text = ConvertToString(m).c_str();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matrix Operations C++ VCL Application
The second Eigen C++ VCL application exercises several Eigen operations including adding and subtracting two matricies, multiplying and dividing a matrix by a scalar, multiplying two matricies, transposing a matrix, invert a matrix and sum all elements of a matrix. There are many additional features to explore in Eigen for vector and matrix operations.
In the UI for the application you’ll see a RadioGroup for selecting one of the operations, three StringGrids to display matrix contents, an EditBox for inputing a scalar (I used Pi), and a Label for the summing result.
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#include <vcl.h>
#pragma hdrstop
#include <Eigen/Dense>
using Eigen::MatrixXd;
#include <System.SysUtils.hpp>
#include "MainUnit.h"
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#pragma package(smart_init)
#pragma resource "*.dfm"
TForm1 *Form1;
MatrixXd x(3,3);
MatrixXd y(3,3);
MatrixXd z(3,3);
void TForm1::displayMatricies() {
// display contents of x, y and z matricies
int numberRows = x.rows();
int numberColumns = y.cols();
for (int r=0 ; r < numberRows ; r++) {
for (int c = 0; c < numberColumns; c++) {
StringGridX->Cells[r][c] = FloatToStrF(x(r,c),ffFixed,5,3);
StringGridY->Cells[r][c] = FloatToStrF(y(r,c),ffFixed,5,3);
StringGridZ->Cells[r][c] = FloatToStrF(z(r,c),ffFixed,5,3);
}
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
__fastcall TForm1::TForm1(TComponent* Owner)
: TForm(Owner)
{
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TForm1::FormShow(TObject *Sender)
{
// populate x and y matricies and their string grids with random numbers
x.setRandom(5,5);
y.setRandom(5,5);
z.setZero(5,5);
// clear selections in the string grids
TGridRect gr;
gr.Left = StringGridX->ColCount;
gr.Top = StringGridX->RowCount;
StringGridX->Canvas->Brush->Color = clWindow;
StringGridX->Canvas->FillRect(Rect(StringGridX->Left,StringGridX->Width,StringGridX->Top,StringGridX->Height));
gr.Left = StringGridY->ColCount;
gr.Top = StringGridY->RowCount;
StringGridY->Canvas->Brush->Color = clWindow;
StringGridY->Canvas->FillRect(Rect(StringGridY->Left,StringGridY->Width,StringGridY->Top,StringGridY->Height));
gr.Left = StringGridZ->ColCount;
gr.Top = StringGridZ->RowCount;
StringGridZ->Canvas->Brush->Color = clWindow;
StringGridZ->Canvas->FillRect(Rect(StringGridZ->Left,StringGridZ->Width,StringGridZ->Top,StringGridZ->Height));
// display current values of matricies
displayMatricies();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TForm1::Button1Click(TObject *Sender)
{
// do the operation that is currently selected in the Radio Button Group
// 0 = addition, 1= subtraction, 2 = multiplication,
// 3 = division, 4 = dot product
switch(RadioGroup1->ItemIndex) {
case 0: // addition
z = x + y;
break;
case 1: // subtraction
z = x - y;
break;
case 2: // multiply x by scalar and save result in z
z = x * StrToFloat(ScalarEdit->Text);
break;
case 3: // divide x by scalar and save result in z
z = x / StrToFloat(ScalarEdit->Text);
break;
case 4: // multiply x * y and save result in z
z.noalias() = x * y;
break;
case 5: // transpose x and save result in z
z = x.transpose();
break;
case 6: // invert x and save result in z
z = x.inverse();
break;
case 7: // sum all elements of x and save in result
ResultLabel->Caption = "Result: "+FloatToStr(x.sum());
break;
}
// display current values of matricies
displayMatricies();
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shopping Linear Algebra C++ VCL Application
I wanted to use a “real world” linear algebra example to showcase a few additional features of the Eigen C++ template library. There are many matrix and linear algebra courses and examples out on the Internet. After a quick search I decided to use “Real-world Applications of Linear Algebra Tools” by E. Ulrychova, postgradual student at the University of Economics, Department of Mathematics, Prague, Czech Republic.
The scenario has three people who want to each shop for baked goods at only one of two stores. Each person has a quantity of rolls, buns, cakes and breads that they want to purchase. Each store has a list of prices that they charge for each of the baked goods. This linear algebra example calculates a spending analysis for each person at each store to show where each person should shop.
The user interface includes a button to run code that calculates the lowest shopping cost for each person, a StringGrid for the baked goods demand matrix for each person, a StringGrid for the store pricing for each baked good, and a StringGrid for the results of the optimal spending analysis for each person.
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#include <vcl.h>
#pragma hdrstop
#include <Eigen/Dense>
using Eigen::MatrixXd;
using Eigen::VectorXd;
using Eigen::IOFormat;
#include "ShoppingUnit.h"
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
#pragma package(smart_init)
#pragma resource "*.dfm"
TForm1 *Form1;
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
__fastcall TForm1::TForm1(TComponent* Owner)
: TForm(Owner)
{
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
void __fastcall TForm1::Button1Click(TObject *Sender)
{
// Calculate results of spending analysis by person by store
// R = PQ
// from:
// Real-world Applications of Linear Algebra Tools
// by E. Ulrychova, postgradual student
// University of Economics, Department of Mathematics, Prague, Czech Republic
// https://www.mff.cuni.cz/veda/konference/wds/proc/pdf06/WDS06_106_m8_Ulrychova.pdf
int r,c; // row and column indexes used throughout this event handler
// matricies used for spending analysis
MatrixXd DemandMatrix(4,3); // Q
MatrixXd PriceMatrix(2,4); // P
MatrixXd ResultMatrix(2,3); // R
// vectors used for dot product analysis of spending by person by shop
VectorXd DemandVector(4);
VectorXd PriceVector(4);
// Demanded quantity of foodstuffs per person (3 people, 4 foodstuffs)
DemandMatrix << // Q
6,3,3, // foodstuff quantities for rolls for each of the 3 people
5,6,4, // foodstuff quantities for buns for each of the 3 people
3,2,3, // foodstuff quantities for cakes for each of the 3 people
1,2,1; // foodstuff quantities for breads for each of the 3 people
// Prices for each foodstuff in each shop (4 foodstuffs, 2 shops)
PriceMatrix << //P
1.50,2.00,5.00,16.00, // prices for foodstuffs at Shop 1
1.00,2.50,4.50,17.00; // prices for foodstuffs at Shop 2
// Calculate results of spending analysis by person by store
// R = PQ
int ResultMatrixNumberRows = ResultMatrix.rows();
int ResultMatrixNumberColumns = ResultMatrix.cols();
for (r=0 ; r < ResultMatrixNumberRows ; r++) {
for (c = 0; c < ResultMatrixNumberColumns; c++) {
// create price and demand vectors
DemandVector = DemandMatrix.col(c);
PriceVector = PriceMatrix.row(r);
// use dot product of demand and price to get a result
ResultMatrix(r,c) = DemandVector.dot(PriceVector);
}
}
// set heading and column strings for Demand Matrix rows and columns
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[1][0] = "roll";
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[2][0] = "bun";
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[3][0] = "cake";
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[4][0] = "bread";
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[0][1] = "p1";
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[0][2] = "p2";
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[0][3] = "p3";
// set heading and column strings for Price Matrix rows and columns
PriceMatrixStringGrid->Cells[1][0] = "s1";
PriceMatrixStringGrid->Cells[2][0] = "s1";
PriceMatrixStringGrid->Cells[0][1] = "roll";
PriceMatrixStringGrid->Cells[0][2] = "bun";
PriceMatrixStringGrid->Cells[0][3] = "cake";
PriceMatrixStringGrid->Cells[0][4] = "bread";
// set heading and column strings for Result Matrix String Grid rows and columns
ResultStringGrid->Cells[1][0] = "s1";
ResultStringGrid->Cells[2][0] = "s1";
ResultStringGrid->Cells[0][1] = "p1";
ResultStringGrid->Cells[0][2] = "p2";
ResultStringGrid->Cells[0][3] = "p3";
int DemandMatrixNumberRows = DemandMatrix.rows();
int DemandMatrixNumberColumns = DemandMatrix.cols();
// populate string grid with the Demand Data
for (r=1 ; r <= DemandMatrixNumberRows ; r++) {
for (c = 1; c <= DemandMatrixNumberColumns; c++) {
DemandMatrixStringGrid->Cells[r][c] = FloatToStrF(DemandMatrix(r-1,c-1),ffFixed,5,3);
}
}
int PriceMatrixNumberRows = PriceMatrix.rows();
int PriceMatrixNumberColumns = PriceMatrix.cols();
// populate string grid with the Price Data
for (r=1 ; r <= PriceMatrixNumberRows ; r++) {
for (c = 1; c <= PriceMatrixNumberColumns; c++) {
PriceMatrixStringGrid->Cells[r][c] = FloatToStrF(PriceMatrix(r-1,c-1),ffFixed,5,3);
}
}
// With the supplied data this program shows it is optimal
// for person p1 to buy in the shop s2,
// for person p2 to buy in shop s1
// and person p3 will pay the same price in shop s1 and s2
int ResultNumberRows = ResultMatrix.rows();
int ResultNumberColumns = ResultMatrix.cols();
// populate string grid with the results
for (r=1 ; r <= ResultNumberRows ; r++) {
for (c = 1; c <= ResultNumberColumns; c++) {
ResultStringGrid->Cells[r][c] = FloatToStrF(ResultMatrix(r-1,c-1),ffFixed,5,3);
}
}
}
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------
C++Builder Product Page – Native Apps that Perform. Build Windows C++ Apps 10x Faster with Less Code
C++Builder Product Editions – C++Builder is available in four editions – Professional, Enterprise, Architect and Community (free). C++Builder is also available as part of the RAD Studio development suite.
Set strings for the package library filename’s prefix, suffix and version
Define the use of the package (designtime, runtime or both)
Specify how the package is built (rebuild as needed or explicit rebuild)
In previous versions (version 10.3 and earlier) of C++Builder and Delphi developers building packages needed to manually set their package’s library suffix setting. The DocWiki “What’s new in version 10.4.1” mentions a new IDE projects option for setting the library suffix:
“Package AUTO libsuffix: packages can now have an automatic version suffix, instead of manually updating and specifying the right version suffix with each new release. (The compiler quietly supported this in 10.4, but full support for the feature in the IDE and package project settings is introduced in 10.4.1.)”
While you can still set a string for the library filename suffix, selecting the new ComboBox choice, “$(Auto)”, allows the compiler to set the suffix to match the package build version used by the compiler. For each target build (debug and release) and OS platform the resulting package filename follows a pattern:
Win32 and Win64: <prefix>Package1<suffix>.<version>.bpl
Android: <prefix>Package1<suffix>.so.<version>
macOS and iOS: <prefix>Package1<suffix>.<version>.dylib
Creating and building a package with Delphi and C++Builder version 10.4.1, choosing the $Auto option for the suffix and setting other Description page settings results in a filename like the test package project images shown below.
C++Builder Product Page – Native Apps that Perform. Build Windows C++ Apps 10x Faster with Less Code C++Builder Product Editions – C++Builder is available in four editions – Professional, Enterprise, Architect and Community (free). C++Builder is also available as part of the RAD Studio development suite.
There’s lots of ISO C++ news and content happening including the unanimous voting approval of ISO C++20, CppCon2020 (starts Monday September 13, 2020) with Bjarne Stroustrup’s opening keynote “The Power and Beauty of Primitive C++”, TIOBE’s Index for September 2020 headline “Programming Language C++ is doing very well”, C++ programming tips and tricks articles and more.
Links to recent ISO C++ news and articles
CppCon 2020 Opening Keynote – The Beauty and Power of “Primitive” C++ – this keynote is an exploration of a design space close to the hardware and of the use of C++ in that space, rather than a standards proposal or the presentation of a mature tool chain. And, no, by “primitive”, I don’t mean “old-fashioned, C-like” code; some of the general techniques are old, but some of the code requires C++17 and much could be done better given features we are unlikely to get even in C++23. Monday, September 14, 2020 8:45 to 10:00 MDT(Mountain Daylight Time).
TIOBE Index for September 2020 – Headline: “Programming Language C++ is doing very well” – Compared to last year, C++ is now the fastest growing language of the pack (+1.48%). I think that the new C++20 standard might be one of the main causes for this. Especially because of the new modules feature that is going to replace the dreadful include mechanism. C++ beats other languages with a positive trend such as R (+1.33%) and C# (+1.18%).
C++20 approved, C++23 meetings and schedule update by Herb Sutter – On Friday September 4, C++20’s DIS (Draft International Standard) ballot ended, and it passed unanimously. This means that C++20 has now received final technical approval and is done with ISO balloting, and we expect it to be formally published toward the end of 2020 after we finish a final round of ISO editorial work.
Concept archetypes by Andrzej Krzemieński – Concepts in the form added in C++20 used to be called lite. This is because they do not provide one quite important functionality: having the compiler check if the author of a constrained template is only using operations and types allowed by the constraining concept. In other words, we can say that our template only requires operations A and B to be valid, but we can still use some other operations inside and this is fine with the compiler. In this post we will show how this is problematic, even for programmers aware of the issue, and how to address it with concept archetypes.
6 Efficient Things You Can Do to Refactor a C++ Project by Bartlomiej Filipe (Bartek) – Bartek took his old pet project from 2006, experimented, refactored it and made it more “modern C++”. This article contains lessons learned and six practical steps that you can apply in your projects.
volatile and Other Small Improvements in C++20 by Rainer Grimm – This article completes Rainer’s tour through the C++20 core language features with a few small improvements. One interesting of these minor improvements is that most of volatile has been deprecated.
The implication of const or reference member variables in C++ by Lesley Lai – In the conventional wisdom of the C++ community, non-static const or reference data variables are considered problematic. There are solid reasons on why you should avoid const or reference member variables in C++. Nevertheless, like many things in C++, “avoid” does not mean “never use.” And they can occasionally still find some uses.
Using Vim for C++ Development by Adem Budak – Adem shares how he uses Vim as C++ development environment, adding things like code completion, linting, formatting and snippet support. If you come from the IDE land and have been set your options with the checkbox on a GUI, you might need a mental shift to use text based configuration tools, like Vim.
LLVM 10 bolsters Wasm, C/C++, and TensorFlow by Serdar Yegulalp – LLVM 10, an upgrade of the open source compiler framework behind a number of language runtimes and toolchains, is available today after a number of delays. The biggest addition to LLVM 10 is support for MLIR, a sublanguage that compiles to LLVM’s internal language and is used by projects like TensorFlow to efficiently represent how data and instructions are handled. Accelerating TensorFlow with LLVM directly is clumsy; MLIR provides more useful programming metaphors for such projects.
Two VCL Example Applications that Use C++Builder and the C++ Boost Libraries by David I – Boost is a set of open source C++ libraries that build on the ISO C++ programming language. In some cases, the Boost library functionality has become part of recent ISO C++ standards. RAD Studio allows you to install a subset of Boost that has been fully tested and preconfigured specifically for C++Builder. Use the GetIt Package Manager to install the Boost libraries for the Win32 classic C++ compiler, Win32 Clang-enhanced C++ compiler and Win64 Clang-enhanced compiler.
C++ developers often ask about ISO C++ language support in releases of Embarcadero C++Builder. This post includes links and information about the C++ compilers, Dinkumware Standard C++ libraries and Boost libraries that are included in C++Builder 10.4 Sydney Release 1.
David Millington, Product Manager for C++Builder keeps the Embarcadero C++Builder information updated on the C++ Reference compiler support page. On this page you can look at the different ISO C++ language releases to see what many compilers support in their compiler releases.
Dinkumware Standard Library
The Dinkumware Standard C++ Library is the implementation of the C++ Standard Library that C++Builder uses for applications on the 32-bit Windows, 64-bit Windows and macOS target platforms.
The libraries include containers such as vectors, lists, sets, maps, and bitsets. Dinkumware also includes algorithms for common operations, such as sorting a container or searching inside a container.
Dinkumware version 8.03a is available specifically for C++ application development on target platforms that support the Clang enhanced compilers. Dinkumware version 5.01 is provided to support the classic C++ compiler.
Note: C++Builder does not currently support the use of the Dinkumware Standard C++ Library on mobile platforms. On mobile platforms, the SDK’s standard library platform is used.
Boost Libraries
C++Builder supports different versions of the Boost libraries depending on the C++ compiler that you use to compile your application.
C++Builder Product Page – Native Apps that Perform. Build Windows C++ Apps 10x Faster with Less Code
C++Builder Product Editions – C++Builder is available in four editions – Professional, Enterprise, Architect and Community (free). C++Builder is also available as part of the RAD Studio development suite.
Desktop First UX Summit – Sept 16th & 17th, 2020
The FREE Desktop First UX Summit is your chance to learn from the best UI and UX industry experts and practitioners and take your desktop applications to the next level.
Move beyond the Mobile-First design of just stretching a small UI to fill a desktop screen. Learn how to take the most advantage of the most powerful platform and make your users more productive. Sponsored by Embarcadero’s RAD Studio 10.4 Sydney.
Here are the first two of many talks being given at the Desktop First UX Summit: