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Java Profiler Tools to Consider in 2023

Developers are constantly in search of tools that can assist them in crafting top-notch software. Java, a programming language that has held a prominent position in the field for more than 27 years, is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to Java development. Now, while we know Java itself as a strong programming language, without profiler tools, it would not be as efficient. 

High-functioning, efficient, quality custom software comes from optimizing performance and refining solutions as much as possible. When it comes to Java frameworks, this is often a priority as developers need to plan for contingencies and identify performance issues before they impact the software.

Java Profilers

So why would a developer use this? What real benefit is there when using a Java profiler to build custom enterprise software? 

A Java profiler is what monitors Java bytecode and builds the operation at the JVM level. These tools perform several profiling features which include:

  • CPU profiling: Helps developers identify which parts of their code are the most CPU-intensive and may be causing performance bottlenecks. By optimizing these sections of code, developers can reduce CPU usage and improve overall application performance.

  • Memory profiling: These tools track memory usage, object creation, and memory leaks within an application. They help developers identify excessive memory consumption, memory leaks (where memory is not properly released after use), and inefficient memory allocation patterns. 

  • Garbage collector: The garbage collector (GC) in Java is responsible for automatically managing memory by reclaiming memory occupied by objects that are no longer in use which prevents memory leaks. By analyzing this data, developers can fine-tune garbage collector settings to minimize disruptions and optimize memory management.

  • Thread JSbehavior: This type of profiling helps developers detect issues such as deadlocks (when threads are stuck and cannot proceed), contention (multiple threads competing for resources), and excessive thread creation. Optimizing thread behaviour ensures efficient utilization of system resources.

  • Function execution: Function execution profiling focuses on tracking the performance of individual functions or methods within your Java code. Profiler tools provide information about which functions consume the most CPU time and how often they are called. This is great for fine-tuning code to improve overall application efficiency.

These aspects of profiler tools not only improve the quality of the software but also contribute to cost savings and a better user experience. The reason there’s an emphasis on avoiding memory leaks is because they can lead to performance degradation, varying with the application's runtime, which can potentially result in system-wide crashes. By assessing the effectiveness of thread utilization, developers can proactively avert deadlocks and reduce issues, thereby safeguarding the responsiveness of the application.

Different Types of Profiler Tools

Many Java users, particularly novice programmers, often confine themselves to relying solely on standard JVM profilers when it comes to debugging. However, in cases where applications exhibit more intricate designs, a comprehensive analysis to pinpoint potential bugs may require a broader array of tools or additional time investment. Within the realm of Java profiling, there are three distinct categories of tools tailored for such purposes:

Lightweight Profilers

Lightweight Java transaction profilers are injected directly into the codebase and can be specialized in either aspect-oriented programming (AOP) or the Java Instrumentation API. AOP-based profilers are embedded within the start and end methods, providing insights into the time required for an entire performance cycle. Meanwhile, the Java Instrumentation API allows for instrumentation during the execution process.

Lightweight profilers offer the advantage of consuming fewer system resources and ease of setup. However, it's important to bear in mind that their applicability is often confined to specific areas, necessitating the use of supplementary tools for monitoring other aspects of application performance.

APM Tools

Application Performance Management (APM) Java profiling tools are explicitly engineered for scrutinizing the production landscape. They diverge from standard and lightweight Java Profiler Tools (JPT) in terms of instrumentation rules designed not to disrupt CPU cycles. APM operates by sampling traces within defined time frames, delivering a direct insight into performance methodologies during runtime.

Standard JVM Profilers

Standard Java profilers are the most prevalent choice among developers for tracking the creation and execution of methods. They can be seamlessly integrated into the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or function as standalone tools, facilitating the monitoring of CPU utilization, garbage collection, and thread behaviour.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that despite their widespread use, standard JVM profilers do present certain limitations:

They necessitate direct integration into the code, thereby constraining their utility within development environments. While some tools can independently perform thread analysis and garbage collection, their performance might be constrained. Operating in parallel with the application, these profilers can potentially impact processing power, thereby affecting the overall performance of the application.

Top Profilers to Consider

So with what we know about profilers now, what can we say about the options out there for developers today?

Here are some profile tools you’ll want to become familiar with:

JProfiler: A comprehensive professional tool for analyzing running JVMs, it uses CPU profiling, memory, SQL queries, and thread profiling.

YourKit Java Profiler: This is a commercial profiler that runs on multiple platforms and provides thread visualization, garbage collection, CPU profiling, and memory profiling. It’s good for both the production and development stages.

Java VisualVM: A free and open-source tool included with the JDK. It offers process configuration, performance monitoring, memory usage, and thread visualization. It's also lightweight and user-friendly.

VisualVM+: This is an enhanced version of Java VisualVM, with additional features like CPU sampling, heap dump analysis, and thread dump analysis for more detailed performance insights.

NetBeans Profiler: Integrated into the NetBeans IDE, this free profiler includes CPU profiling, memory profiling, and thread profiling, which makes it ideal for NetBeans users.

Java Flight Recorder: A commercial profiler by Oracle that also uses CPU profiling, memory profiling, and thread profiling. It’s really good for profiling Java applications in production environments.

Stackify Retrace: Yet another commercial Java profiler tool offering CPU profiling, memory profiling, and thread profiling. This one is designed for monitoring Java application performance in production environments.

The Takeaway

When it comes to Java development, profiler tools are just another piece of a much bigger puzzle. Issues can come at you promptly during development, and profilers are going to help you respond just as quickly. But without proper expertise or guidance, you might find yourself running into walls. 

At ISU Corp, we help you mitigate that risk, and take on an owner’s mindset to ensure our services match your needs.

Written By Ben Brown

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

 
 

Top Programming Languages in High Demand

No matter how advanced Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning gets, programming languages remain the foundation of a well-rounded software system, interface, automation tool, you name it. We’ve been in this game for over 18 years, and we’ve seen changes and downturns of all sizes, yet still, we’re able to overcome adversity because of the immense level of value that comes from customized IT solutions.

It’s truly been amazing to see the innovation and evolution of software development, tools, and of course programming languages and how we leverage them. Today there are a handful of languages in-demand that developers should think about for their careers in addition to personal projects. To give you an example, for data science - Python, for web development - JavaScript, and for systems programming - Rust.

When you're a company delivering custom IT solutions, your programming languages need to be categorized to meet the needs of each industry you serve. For example, the languages we use to approach a LIMS system implementation in a laboratory are going to be a lot different than how we approach web development. It’s the small details that matter in software development; by 2024, it’s expected that there will be 28.7 million software developers globally

How can these upcoming developers prepare themselves for such a competitive landscape? By mastering the basics and those small details.

The Basics of Code

The most basic it can get when it comes to software development is understanding that every line of code, every variable declaration, and every algorithmic choice plays a crucial role in crafting your solution. When we look at programming languages in a broad sense we can categorize them into three distinctions: 

Interpreted languages: Translates code into machine code on the fly which is great for rapid development and prototyping. Some languages include JavaScript, PHP, and Python.

Compiled languages: These tend to be faster and more efficient than interpreted languages, as the code is translated directly into machine code which is great when developing performance-critical applications like a video game or operating system. Some languages include C, C++, and Java.

Scripting languages: Task automation and web development are the bread and butter of these languages. They’re often paired with other programming languages to create more complex applications. Some of these languages include JavaScript, Python, and Perl.

What’s in Demand?

We’re witnessing a massive shift in the way we interact with technology; everything is becoming automated and simplified which has a massive influence over which programming languages are used most. With that said, here is what we’ve organized as some of the most in-demand programming languages right now:

TypeScript/JavaScript

TypeScript and JavaScript stand out as highly sought-after languages in the landscape for many reasons but the key ones to note are:

  • Their prevalence in web development.

  • Their versatility in everything from front-end and back-end development to the creation of mobile applications.

  • It’s ability to help developers identify and rectify errors at an early stage of the development cycle.

C#

Developed by Microsoft, C# is a great language for Windows desktop applications, web development, and video game development. It's in high demand because of its power, ease of learning, and broad industry applications.

PHP

PHP is a server-side scripting language that’s also great for web development due to its simplicity and compatibility with different web servers and databases. It's particularly popular in industries like e-commerce, social media, and any content management systems.

Python 

Python is inevitable in terms of popularity. It’s a versatile, widely used high-level programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It finds applications in scientific computing, data analysis, AI, web development, and more. Its popularity has surged recently, making it especially highly in demand right now among beginners due to its user-friendly syntax and library support. Key benefits today for developers using Python to note:

  • Hundreds of libraries and frameworks.

  • Widely used in big data, machine learning, and cloud computing.

  • A first-choice language for many developers, due to its simplicity.

  • High demand for the language = bigger salary

Ruby

Ruby is primarily used in web development. It’s best known for its simplicity and readability and is in high demand across industries that also include e-commerce, social media, and content management systems. Ruby on Rails, a popular web framework, further bolsters its use in web development.

Java

Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language valued for its portability, security, and scalability. It’s extensively used in mobile app development, web applications, and enterprise software across a ton of different industries.

GO

GO is a newer age language that Google created 15 years ago to address some of the problems they were facing while developing their software infrastructure. GO was created to be a programming language that was easier to use but still had the useful characteristics of Java and C++. Knowing GO today is great for system and network planning as well as large-scale distributed systems. It’s also good to use for cloud-native apps.

C/C++

This is great for building a foundation for many other programming languages, which when you’re trying to learn to program can be invaluable. C/C++ is still heavily used in many industries, including gaming, finance, and aerospace which would present some great job opportunities for developers looking for work today. It’s often used for system programming, embedded systems, and high-performance applications.

Building Your Programming Arsenal

When you’re looking at prioritizing which programming language to learn, several key factors should be taken into account:

Type of Application: The kind of application you’re looking to develop is the most critical factor. Your choice of language has to align with the requirements and characteristics of your project.

Complexity of the Application: The complexity of your project plays a big role in influencing what you use. Make sure that what you select is well-suited to handle the intricacy of your application.

Efficiency: Language efficiency is essential, especially for performance-critical applications (Video games, medical imaging systems, transaction processing systems, etc.). Consider whether the language can meet your requirements for speed and resource optimization.

Ease of Learning: The ease of learning the language is obviously super important for beginners. Opt for a language with a beginner-friendly syntax if you're just starting.

Availability of Resources: While valuable, the availability of resources like documentation and community support is a secondary consideration. It should support your choice of language rather than dictate it.

The Takeaway

There’s a lot that goes into even the most basic principles of programming. That’s why when your company is looking for someone to take on an important project - you need a team of experienced professionals who can guide you to success.

ISU Corp specializes in project takeovers and software outsourcing - we’d love to match your problems with our solutions. But for developers on the come up in the market, the best thing you can do is be as versatile as possible, because that’s what companies need to thrive.

Written By Ben Brown

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.

 
 

The Importance of ESG in Software Development

ESG is a massive movement in the global market that’s forcing businesses to adjust their approach to sustainability and corporate practices. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices are measured in scores that are beginning to dictate whether people invest in the company or not. 

The scores generally go from 0-100; anything below 50 is bad and will impact the company's reputation, bottom line, and long-term potential. Anything above 70 is great and consumers will look at the company as though supporting them is supporting the good of people and the planet.  

This recent commercial from Apple will give you a good idea of how that looks:

When it comes to software and technology, companies are under a ton of pressure to minimize their carbon footprint, reduce energy consumption, and implement eco-friendly practices throughout the software development lifecycle. 

The “S” or the social component is measured based on the work environment (diversity and inclusivity). This is going to be crucial for attracting and retaining talent. 

And lastly, when it comes to the governance of technology - the focus is on using data ethically and being transparent when making decisions. Data privacy is a focal point, especially now with six million data records being exposed in the first quarter of 2023.

Finding Your Solution

Sustainable IT isn’t an easy or replicable task but it’s absolutely necessary for companies to prioritize as we go forward with heightened environmental and ethical awareness. Custom software is a massive influence in this sense as it’s the focus of sustainable technology and can completely change the image of a company looking to improve its ESG.

These are some ways custom software enhances this process:

ESG practices for custom software development are like an umbrella that encompasses the process of tracking, managing, improving, and repeat. Microsoft is one of the best examples of this, and they check each box adequately:

Environmental sustainability: Microsoft wants to become carbon-negative by 2030 and to remove all the carbon it has emitted since it was founded by 2050. The company also invested in renewable energy and has implemented sustainable practices in its offices and data centers.

Social responsibility: Microsoft has implemented a handful of social responsibility initiatives, like giving $3.2 billion in donated and discounted technology to over 300,000 nonprofits serving over 1.2 billion people globally.

Governance practices: In the ESG report from Microsoft, they talk about prioritizing transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making (As you would hope). In addition, the company has also set goals to improve its cybersecurity and data privacy practices. 

Managing and tracking this entire process in addition to the logistics aspect of technical adjustments are made possible through custom software. KPI monitoring, automating workflows, IoT tracking of energy usage, scalable metrics, and accessible data storage systems, all fall under the IT umbrella. 

Not Investing in Technology 

One way or another, the market is headed in this direction - companies who don’t pivot can expect the following: 

Missed Opportunities: Stakeholders are looking at ESG as a benchmark of a company's longevity. Without it, companies are going to struggle to attract environmentally and socially conscious customers as well as investors.

Increased Risk: Without adequate technology investments in data security and privacy, companies run the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. These incidents can not only damage the company's reputation but also lead to financial losses and legal liabilities.

Competition: Imagine your competitor not investing in ESG practices, but you do. Would you say you have a leg up when it comes to marketability? If your answer is yes - why are you still in the reversed role?

ESG Going Forward

The futures for both ESG and technology are promising, and their relevance in the marketplace is only expected to grow. How will the two merge? Will AI embody quality assurance managers for companies' ESG practices? How will your company leverage each component?

Most companies don’t know where to begin, which is why we created this free tool to get you started on the right foot. While it won’t create an ESG plan for you, it can help you make informed decisions and navigate the dynamic landscape of sustainability and technology.

Written By Ben Brown

ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.