5 Factors To Consider Before Buying A Budget Smartphone

The budget smartphone segment has grown rapidly in last few years. You no longer need to burn a hole in your pocket to buy a smartphone. You can get a great smartphone without shelling much money. Android One brought smartphone revolution in the country. New manufacturers like Micromax and Xiaomi are launching high-end spec smartphones at low prices. However, there are few things that you should keep mind before choosing a budget smartphone for yourself.

1. Expectations: 

Most buyers think that low-cost smartphones are slightly less performer as compared to high-end flagship devices. This increases the expectations of the buyer and leads to disappointment. Some smartphones like Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G and Micromax Yu Yureka have bridged this performance gap and come close to high-end smartphones. However, buyers must remember why these phones are called budget smartphones. You will have to compromise on display resolution, build quality, processor speed, RAM, battery and camera quality. Even if the lens of camera is of 13MP, it may not have give that high output quality.

2. Cutting Corners: 

Smartphone manufacturers cut down some features to bring down the cost of phone. Like, a budget smartphone may sport 4GB internal storage but out of which, you will get only 2GB for your use. The large screen sounds like a good idea but it may have low resolution or may be even same resolution as small-screen phones. You may not get some cutting edge connectivity options like WiFi Direct, NFC and new Bluetooth 4.0.

3. Hardware: 

You must check hardware specifications while buying a new smartphone. Some budget phones are running on entry-level hardware. You must check the processor, RAM and user available storage. Some other specifications such as display size, resolution, connectivity and battery must be checked and compared with other budget smartphones. You should demo the budget smartphone of your choice before making final purchase.

4. Software Interface: 

There is wide availability of Android, Windows Phones and even some old Blackberry smartphones in budget segment. You must check the OS version before choosing the budget phone. Budget phones do not get every minor software update. In case of Windows Phone, always look for a device that runs Windows Phone v8 or later. Some OEMs build OS with their own custom UI. You should experience the software interface before making final purchase.

5. Support: 

Most smartphones have one-year warranty. Some of them have extended warranty option as well. But what’s the use of warranty if there is no service center near by. Check out the company’s official website to look for service centers. You can refer some user forums to check the after sales support quality of the particular company. Some companies suffer from lack of availability for spare parts. 




Courtesy:- EFYTIMES News Network

Key Differences Between Comparator And Comparable In Java

Comparator and comparable are important interfaces in Java API, they are used for comparison. Sometimes newbies are confused about use case of these two interfaces as they both are used for comparison. Both are used for sorting list of objects in Java. However, there are some major differences between comparable and comparator. Today we have listed six key differences between these two interfaces in Java API.

1. Comparator interfaces is in utility class, it is located in java.util package. While, comparable interface is located in java.lang package which is essential for Java objects.

2. The syntax of Comparable includes ‘compareTo (Object toCompare)’ which means it accepts an object and uses Generics from Java 1.5 onwards. Where as the syntax for Comparator defines ‘compare(Object obj1, Object obj2) which is method for comparing two objects.

3. Comparator is used to compare current object represented by the keyword with another object. While, Comparator can compare two arbitrary objects passed to ‘compare()’ method in Java.

4. The key difference in Comparator and Comparable is, you can use only one compareTo() for an object. However it is possible to use multiple Comparator for comparing objects on different parameters.

5. Many Java classes use Comparator and Comparable for comparison defaults to ‘Comparable’ as it provides overloaded method to work with any arbitrary Comparator. For example, Collections.sort() method is used to sort collections in Java, they can either be sorted in natural order by using java.lang.Comparable or by using an implementation which accepts java.util.Comparator interface.

6. Both compareTo () and compare () methods in Java are used with equals () implementation. Hence, the return has to be zero. If two methods are equal by equals() method than compareTo () and compare () must return zero. If your implementation fails to follow this guideline, they object may break invariants of Java collection classes which rely on compare () or compareTo (). 



Courtesy:- EFYTIMES News Network

Java vs. JavaScript: Similarities and Differences

So... what is the difference between Java and JavaScript anyway?

They are both similar and quite different depending on how you look at them. First their lineage:

Java is an Object Oriented Programming (OOP) language created by James Gosling of Sun Microsystems. JavaScript is a scripting language that was created by the fine people at Netscape and was originally known as LiveScript. JavaScript is a (very) distant cousin of Java in that it is also an OOP language. Many of their programming structures are similar. However, JavaScript contains a much smaller and simpler set of commands than does Java. It is easier for the average weekend warrior to understand. 

You may be wondering what OOP means by now. Object Oriented Programming is a relatively new concept, whereas the sum of the parts of a program make up the whole. Think of it this way: you are building a model car. You build the engine first. It can stand alone. It is an engine and everyone can see it's an engine. Next you build the body. It can also stand alone. Finally, you build the interior including the seats, steering wheel, and whatnot. Each, by itself is a object. But it is not a fully functioning car until all the pieces are put together. The sum of the objects (parts) make up the whole.

Continuing with the model car example, when you built the engine, you didn't use any of the parts that would later build the seats (a 350 four-barrel engine with a seat belt sticking out if the piston would look pretty silly). The point is that all the parts that made up the engine were of a certain class of parts. They all went together. Ditto with the body and then the interior.

The point is that in these languages, you build objects out of classes of commands to create the whole. Understand the terminology? Good. Moving along...

Java and JavaScript are Still Two Different Animals

Now let's talk about how Java and JavaScript differ. The main difference is that Java can stand on its own while JavaScript must (primarily) be placed inside an HTML document to function. Java is a much larger and more complicated language that creates "standalone" applications. A Java "applet" (so-called because it is a little application) is a fully contained program. JavaScript is text that is fed into a browser that can interpret it and then it is enacted by the browser--although today's web apps are starting to blur the line between traditional desktop applications and those which are created using the traditional web technologies: JavaScript, HTML and CSS.

Another major difference is how the language is presented to the end user (that's you when you're surfing). Java must be compiled into what is known as a "machine language" before it can be run on the Web. Basically what happens is after the programmer writes the Java program and checks it for errors, he or she hands the text over to another computer program that changes the text code into a smaller language. That smaller language is formatted so that it is seen by the computer as a set program with definite beginning and ending points. Nothing can be added to it and nothing can be subtracted without destroying the program.

JavaScript is text-based. You write it to an HTML document and it is run through a browser. You can alter it after it runs and run it again and again. Once the Java is compiled, it is set. Sure, you can go back to the original text and alter it, but then you need to compile again.

Java applets run independent of the HTML document that is calling for them (and Java is also what runs many appliances and mobile devices, and does not require a web browser). Sure, they appear on the page, but the HTML document did little more than call for the application and place it. If the programmer allows it, oftentimes parameters can be set by the HTML document. This includes the background color of the applet of the type of text it displays, etc. The delivery of the applet is done through a download. The HTML document calls for the application, it downloads to the user's cache, and waits to run. JavaScript is wholly reliant on the browser to understand it and make it come to life.

The Benefits of JavaScript

In my opinion, JavaScript's main benefit is that it can be understood by the common human. It is much easier and more robust than Java. It allows for fast creation of web page events. Many JavaScript commands are what are known as Event Handlers: They can be embedded right into existing HTML commands. JavaScript is a little more forgiving than Java. It allows more freedom in the creation of objects. Java is very rigid and requires all items to be denoted and spelled out. JavaScript allows you to call on an item that already exists, like the status bar or the browser itself, and play with just that part. JavaScript is geared to web pages. Java is geared toward where it is needed most at the time.

Both will create great web page events. Both can offer interaction between the user and your Web page. But they are not created equally by any means.

So to answer the question of which to use where... use whichever fits your needs. That sounds like a cop-out answer, but remember that the applets and JavaScript are most often offered on the Net as fully functioning items. You simply grab them from the Net and use them on your page (provided you are given permission). There are many, many sites out there that do nothing more than hand out applets or JavaScript. Gamelan.com is a good one for applets. Take a look at javascripts.com for over 2300 free JavaScript scripts. The HTML Goodies Appletand JavaScript Tutorials will teach you how to implement these items on your pages. They will not teach you to write the languages, but rather instruct you on placing functioning applets and JavaScript scripts on your Web pages. It is a good introduction to the formats. Once you know how to get these pups on your pages, you'll understand more about their structures and can then more easily attempt to learn the language and create functioning JavaScripts or applets yourself.

9 Mistakes To Avoid While Building First Mobile App

The world has moved from building simple apps for specific use-case. Many companies have moved from creating apps for small reasons, they have become more mature in creating new mobile applications. Individual mobile app developers have started coding more mature apps. Today we have listed nine common mistakes that you should avoid while building your first mobile application.

1. Application Thinking: 

Traditional thought process for application building doesn't work in today’s world. Applications are priced very high for their capabilities, some apps are valued for few specific tasks as well. Organisations are tempted to bring the do-it all standard of conventional applications to the do-a-few-things-really-well standard of an app. This doesn't really work. You must avoid this temptation.

2. Purposeful: 

You must list the desired features for your app and delete half of them. Every feature you introduce in backlog of your app comes out. Your application must offer simple yet purposeful mobile experience and eliminate the bloat of unnecessary features.

3. OS Specific Apps: 

The days are gone when it was perfectly fine to build apps that run on single set of devices for fixed screen size and OS. Even today companies make mistake of building their app for one operating system or platform and then expand once they have tested user base. This OS version specific approach doesn't work. Developers must build apps that work on all versions of particular OS.

4. Cross-Platform: 

Developers often fail to build apps for multiple platforms. But in today’s world, you cannot have good user acquisition if you fail to build apps that work on multi-OS and multi-Device. Developers must build cross-platform apps. And there are far too many development tools that let you build or port your existing application to another platform.

5. Apps Without API: 

Good mobile apps are data hungry. They transfer and communicate the data from enterprise system to SaaS repositories all the time. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) solve this pain very easily. Developers get simplified access to data and service while building apps with help of APIs. Good mobile APIs act as center of your innovation. For better viability of your app, you must consider developing API along with the app.

6. Agile Isn’t Fast: 

Agile method of development for an app project isn't fast way of execution. Building mobile apps require you to optimise your whole delivery process at stable velocity. Users often expect steady stream of feature updates. The only way to meet expectation is to come out with MVP (minimum viable product) as early as possible. You can improve your app base and start working on additional features along with growth.

7. MVP Approach: 

The typical approach of MVP is not easy, you need to employ analytics to find out user interaction on the app. The MVP approach requires discipline and willingness to listen. Developers still need to realize that MVP approach will take some discipline but it will be worth it.

8. Analytics: 

Implementing analytics with your first app is an important aspect. The mobile world today comes with wealth of information than you have ever imagined before. The mobile apps bring different variables like user location, device type, app version, operating system, device orientation etc number of factors to the table. It is tricky to capture all this data and make quick sense of it with next release. The best solution is to implement analytics with your first app and sort through the findings and improve each subsequent release continuously. Developers need to understand that you cannot manage what you cannot measure.

9. Smart Users: 

Users have more mature approach towards mobile apps today. They expect access to elegant and easy-to-use services in mobile app these days. When you start building your app, keep end user in mind and optimize the features. Developers need to create targeted, context-aware amazing mobile experience that people love. 

Courtesy:- EFYTIMES News Network

10 Programming Languages To Learn In 2015 To Secure An IT Job!

Having in-depth knowledge of programming languages is a must to get a job in IT. The tech industry is constantly evolving and you need to keep up with the development pace to get a decent job. IT Job seekers are always interested in knowing the languages required to start career. Today we have listed ten programming languages that you should learn to get job in IT in 2015.

1. Java: 

Java is the backbone of all systems being built in today’s world. It is a programming language of choice for IoT, enterprise architecture and even cloud computing. The language has been preferred by many IT professionals and leaders for over a decade now. Google and Oracle are in middle of patent battle for Java.

2. C#: 

C# is known as fundamental of all the languages. If you master C#, you can learn server based languages. You can use C# to work on Windows client, server and database applications and much more. Visual C# is most preferred C# code editor. The editor provides user friendly interface for designers and developers.

3. JavaScript: 

JavaScript is widely used for front-end and user interface design of applications that we see today. The language is known as the language of the web. JavaScript is used to add interactivity to web pages. The language supports all major web browsers.

4. PHP: 

PHP is being used for more than 15 years for backend. PHP has been backbone of all popular content management systems like WordPress, Drupal etc. The language was created by Rasmus Lerdord in 1994.

5. C++: 

C++ is go-to language for high volume/frequency trading. The language has been standardized by International Organisation for Standardization (ISO). C++ is a general purpose language. It is the hottest programming language that you must know to crack job in IT.

6. Python: 

Python is object oriented language that is used for web apps. This is an open source programming language that can be used for modifications and reuse. The demand for Python experts has increased to 96.9 per cent in big-data related job positions in last one year.

7. C: 

C is the fundamental programming language. It is father of all the languages. It was created by AT&T Bell Labs by Dennis Ritchie in 1969. C is still being used for machine level operations. C is known as small, fast and powerful programming language for building software for embedded systems. The language can also be used for working with system kernels.

8. SQL: 

SQL is most in demand programming language. It was widely used for relational database management systems. The in-depth knowledge of SQL is must for Data Analysts. Microsoft SQL Server database certification is ranked as the best database certification of 2015.

9. Ruby: 

Ruby has interested learning curve. The language is very easy to learn. It is used for web programming. The language is known for its scalability. Ruby on Rails is widely used web framework for creating websites and web apps.

10. Objective-C: 

Objective C is a superset of C programming language. The language is primarily sued for writing software for OS X and iOS. It is backbone for all the functionality and software for Apple devices. Apple has recently introduced all new Swift programming framework which will give strong competition to Objective-C. 

Courtesy:- EFYTIMES News Network

9 Ways To Learn How To Code!

Programming is one of the most important skills to boost your career in IT. Programming sharpens your logical thinking and improves your productivity. Learning curve of programming is quite interesting too. In today’s world, programming has become one of the essential factor in getting a job. Here are nine tips and resources to help you learn how to code.

1. Why Do You Want To Learn: 

First decide the direction before getting on the track. If you want to be professional programmer, figure out why do you want to be. Try to evaluate your areas of interest and skillset. You can sign up for professional courses. There are many websites that offer professional course for programming. Google has a list of suggested skills and courses for software engineer aspirants.

2. Right Language: 

The first programming language that you learn is very important as it is the fundamental step for your career as a programmer. Remember that there is nothing such as ‘best programming language’. All programming languages have their merits and demerits. Some languages are more beginner-friendly than rest. Experts suggest that always start with machine level language like C or C++.

3. Start Small: 

Irrespective of what language you choose, you should start at very beginning. You can learn how to code in eight weeks a;so. But you should start with introductory part, do not start with advance level of programing tutorials. Start with basics and be patient as you progress. Practice a lot and break down the practice project in simple steps for better understanding.

4. App Designed For Kids: 

There are many programs and courses that are designed to teach kids how to code. Some educational projects like Scratch.jr are very helpful. You should definitely give it a try in the process of learning how to code. You can start with basics of programming with fundamental courses online.

5. Use Online Training Sites: 

There are lot of free online training sites like Codeacademy, Edex, Udemy which offer great courses. You can use tutorials from KhanAcademy, code.org and many other organisations which have brilliant introductory tutorial that teaches basics of programming.

6. Take A Course: 

Online Computer Science courses offer a great educational experience as compared to offline training at educational academy and university. Some online courses are designed to teach you fundamental skills that are required to become a programmer. You can even build a university level computer science education with help of free online courses.

7. Free Programming Books: 

You can find number of online tutorial books and PDFs that are really helpful in learning how to code. There is a huge collection of free books available on Github that covers over 24 programming languages. Books come very handy as they have detailed how-to guide and tutorials.

8. Coding Games: 

Coding games are great tool to learn programming. You can easily build simple or complex games for yourself. Some teaching sites like Code Combat and CodinGame are great tools to build coding games in an efficient way.

9. Mentor: 

Getting a mentor is the best option for learning how to code. Online communities are very active and helping programmers. Online sites like Hack.pledge() connect you to a mentor or you can sign up to mentor someone. Sharing the knowledge is best way to nurture it.

Courtesy:- EFYTIMES News Network