Chapter 1: Understanding gRPC and REST APIs

In the realm of web services, a common question arises: What is gRPC, and how does it measure up against REST APIs? REST, or Representational State Transfer, is a widely adopted architectural style for designing web APIs, collectively referred to as REST APIs. Conversely, gRPC operates on a request-response basis, utilizing the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) protocol. Notably, gRPC primarily supports HTTP GET and POST methods for communication. This section aims to clarify these concepts and their implications in modern software development.

The first video titled "gRPC vs RESTful APIs - Pros, Cons and When to Use One over the Other" delves into the advantages and disadvantages of these two technologies. It discusses scenarios where one may be preferable over the other, providing insights into their application.

Chapter 2: Java 17+ Deployment Update

As we progress in our industry, it's essential to stay updated on the deployment of Java 17+. The Spring Framework 6 and Spring Boot 3 are set to launch in late 2022, specifically designed for a Java 17+ environment, which is an LTS (Long-Term Support) version. The transition from Spring Framework 5.3 to JDK 17 is recommended, followed by an upgrade to Spring Framework 6. This new version ensures a robust experience while maintaining compatibility with applications running on earlier JDK versions.

Chapter 3: NoSQL vs Java Frameworks

This chapter compares the various strengths and weaknesses of Java frameworks that interface with databases. On one side, we have NoSQL databases like MongoDB, Redis, Neo4J, and Cassandra. On the other, Java frameworks such as Spring, Quarkus, Jakarta EE, and Micronaut connect with these databases. This section highlights the competitive landscape of cloud technologies, examining the trade-offs that developers must consider.

The second video, "REST API vs gRPC, which one should you use in breaking a monolith (Vladimir Dejanov)," provides an in-depth look into the decision-making process when choosing between these two API styles, particularly in the context of microservices architecture.

Chapter 4: Coaching for Java Persistence

Vlad Mihalcea, a notable Java Champion and a vital contributor to the Hibernate ORM project, emphasizes the importance of open-source engagement. He has addressed numerous Hibernate and JPA inquiries on platforms like StackOverflow, earning accolades for his contributions. His commitment to discovering and sharing new techniques is evident through his blog. Mihalcea's approach inspires developers to take the initiative to create new tools when existing solutions fall short.

Chapter 5: Kafka Clusters: Single vs. Multiple

A critical question arises in the Kafka community: Is it better to have a single Kafka cluster for the entire organization or to split it into multiple clusters? This section discusses the benefits of a monolithic Kafka setup, emphasizing its efficiency in managing data streams across the enterprise. The analysis also covers the reasons for potentially separating Kafka clusters based on specific use cases and organizational needs.