Jon Hoffman – författare

Instead of religion influencing political outcomes, this analysis examines how politics influences religious outcomes. Dominant analyses examining the utilization of religion as a tool of statecraft in the Middle East remain overwhelmingly fixated on how Islam influences the foreign policies of different state actors – not how political considerations often influence the forms Islam assumes and how religion itself is often molded according to strategic considerations of political elites. That Islam, due to its “unique” or “exceptional” relationship with politics, drives political outcomes at the international level in the Middle East is a myth this book shatters by demonstrating how the political considerations of ruling elites – specifically, the intersection of domestic and foreign threats – influence and constrain the kinds of religious soft power strategies adopted by states in the region.This book develops a comprehensive analytical framework for the notion of “religious soft power” capable of incorporating power-based, identity-based, and ideational variables to examine how states couple religion with their broader foreign policy conduct. This framework is applied to the Middle East through the specific examination of three countries - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates - in the period following the Arab Uprisings to demonstrate how specific religious narratives, identities, histories, and ideologies are constructed by political elites in the Middle East for the advancement of what are inherently political objectives, namely the imperatives of regime preservation and power projection.

Instead of religion influencing political outcomes, this analysis examines how politics influences religious outcomes. Dominant analyses examining the utilization of religion as a tool of statecraft in the Middle East remain overwhelmingly fixated on how Islam influences the foreign policies of different state actors – not how political considerations often influence the forms Islam assumes and how religion itself is often molded according to strategic considerations of political elites. That Islam, due to its “unique” or “exceptional” relationship with politics, drives political outcomes at the international level in the Middle East is a myth this book tackles by demonstrating how the political considerations of ruling elites – specifically, the intersection of domestic and foreign threats – influence and constrain the kinds of religious soft power strategies adopted by states in the region.This book develops a comprehensive analytical framework for the notion of “religious soft power” capable of incorporating power-based, identity-based, and ideational variables to examine how states couple religion with their broader foreign policy conduct. This framework is applied to the Middle East through the specific examination of three countries - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates - in the period following the Arab Uprisings to demonstrate how specific religious narratives, identities, histories, and ideologies are constructed by political elites in the Middle East for the advancement of what are inherently political objectives, namely the imperatives of regime preservation and power projection.

Learn to build fast and robust applications on the Linux platform with SwiftKey FeaturesCreate robust applications by building a strong foundation in the Swift LanguageUtilize Swift 3 on the embedded Linux platform for IoT and Robotic projectsBuild more flexible and high-performing applications on desktop, server, and embedded Linux platformsBook DescriptionSwift is a modern, fast, and safe programming language created by Apple. Writing Swift is interactive and fun, the syntax is concise yet expressive, and the code runs lightning-fast. Swift’s move to open source has been embraced with open arms and has seen increased adoption in the Linux platform.Our book will introduce you to the Swift language, further delving into all the key concepts you need to create applications for desktop, server, and embedded Linux platforms. We will teach you the best practices to design an application with Swift 3 via design patterns and Protocol-Oriented Programming. Further on, you will learn how to catch and respond to errors within your application. When you have gained a strong knowledge of using Swift in Linux, we’ll show you how to build IoT and robotic projects using Swift on single board computers. By the end of the book, you will have a solid understanding of the Swift Language with Linux and will be able to create your own applications with ease.What you will learnInstall Swift on the Linux platformExplore the power of the Swift languageGet to know the proper design techniquesUnderstand Swift's new Core LibraryImplement popular design patterns with SwiftIntegrate C libraries with SwiftUsing Swift on Single-Board ComputersLearn how to add concurrency to your application with Grand Central DispatchLearn how to work with Swift GenericsLearn how to use the Protocol-Oriented design paradigmWho this book is forThis book is for Linux developers who are interested in quickly learning how to use Swift to create exciting applications on Linux platforms.

Unleash the power of Swift and discover the skills required to build incredible robust iOS applicationsAbout This Book* Write expressive, understandable, and maintainable Swift 2 code with this hands-on course* Unveil the complex underpinnings of Swift to turn your app ideas into reality* Specialize in developing real iOS apps, and 2D and 3D video games using Swift and Cocoapods* Dive deep into protocol extensions, learn new error handling model and use featured Swift design patterns to write more efficient codeWho This Book Is ForThis course would be for app developers who are new to developing for iOS or OSX and are trying to get grips with Swift for the first time.What You Will Learn* From a solid understanding of the Swift 2 language* Get to know the practical aspects of how a computer program actually works* Understand the paradigms used by Apple's frameworks, so you are not intimidated by them* Create a server in Swift to deliver JSON data to an iOS app* Take advantage of Cocoapods to use third-party libraries* Build games with SpriteKit and SceneKit* Develop an app running on the cloud to act as an API server for your client's apps* Dive into the core components of Swift 2 including operators, collections, control flow, and functions* Create and use classes, structures, and enums including object-oriented topics such as inheritance, protocols, and extensions* Develop a practical understanding of subscripts, optionals, and closures* Master Objective-C interoperability with mix and match* Access network resources using Swift* Implement various standard design patterns in the Swift languageIn DetailThe Swift--Developing iOS Applications course will take you on a journey to become an efficient iOS and OS X developer, with the latest trending topic in town. Right from the basics to the advanced level topics, this course would cover everything in detail. We'll embark our journey by dividing the learning path into four modules. Each of these modules are a mini course in their own right; and as you complete each one, you'll gain key skills and be ready for the material in the next module.The first module is like a step-by-step guide to programming in Swift 2. Each topic is separated into compressible sections that are full of practical examples and easy-to-understand explanations. Each section builds on the previous topics, so you can develop a proficient and comprehensive understanding of app development in Swift 2. By the end of this module, you'll have a basic understanding of Swift 2 and its functionalities.The second module will be the an easy-to-follow guide filled with tutorials to show you how to build real-world apps. The difficulty and complexity level increases chapter by chapter. Each chapter is dedicated to build a new app, beginning from a basic and unstyled app through to a full 3D game. The last two chapters show you how to build a complete client-server e-commerce app right from scratch. You'll be able to build well-designed apps, effectively use AutoLayout, develop videogames, and build server apps.The third and the last module of our course will take an example-based approach where each concept covered is supported by example code to not only give you a good understanding of the concept, but also to demonstrate how to properly implement it.Style and approachThis course includes all the resources that will help you jump into the app development .This course covers all the important aspects Swift application development and is divided into individual modules so that you develop your skill after the completion of a module and get ready for the next. Through this comprehensive course, you'll learn how to use Swift programming with hands-on examples from scratch to finish!

Build fast and powerful applications by harnessing the power of protocol-oriented programming in Swift 4About This Book• Leverage the power of protocol-oriented programming in your applications and learn from real-world use cases• Create a flexible code base with protocols and protocol extensions• Leverage the power of generics in Swift 4 to create very flexible frameworksWho This Book Is ForThis book is for Swift developers who want to learn and implement protocol-oriented programming in their real-world applications..What You Will Learn• Understand the differences between object-oriented programming and protocol-oriented programming• Explore the different types that Swift offers and what pitfalls to avoid• Delve into generics and generic programming• Learn how to implement Copy-On-Write within your custom types• Implement several design patterns in a protocol-oriented way• Design applications by prioritizing the protocol first and the implementation types secondIn DetailSwift has become the number one language used in iOS and macOS development. The Swift standard library is developed using protocol-oriented programming techniques, generics, and first-class value semantics; therefore, every Swift developer should understand these powerful concepts and how to take advantage of them in their application design.This book will help you understand the differences between object-oriented programming and protocol-oriented programming. It will demonstrate how to work with protocol-oriented programming using real-world use cases. You will gain a solid knowledge of the various types that can be used in Swift and the differences between value and reference types. You will be taught how protocol-oriented programming techniques can be used to develop very flexible and easy-to-maintain code.By the end of the book, you will have a thorough understanding of protocol-oriented programming and how to utilize it to build powerful and practical applications.Style and approachThis book is written for developers who learn best by working with code, so every concept discussed in this book is reinforced with real code examples.

Mastering Arduino is a practical guide that teaches you the electronics and programming skills you need to create advanced Arduino projects from the ground up.Key FeaturesCovers enough electronics and code for users at any levelIncludes complete circuit diagrams for all projectsFinal robot project combines knowledge from all the chaptersBook DescriptionMastering Arduino is an all-in-one guide to getting the most out of your Arduino. This practical, no-nonsense guide teaches you all of the electronics and programming skills that you need to create advanced Arduino projects. This book is packed full of real-world projects for you to practice on, bringing all of the knowledge in the book together and giving you the skills to build your own robot from the examples in this book. The final two chapters discuss wireless technologies and how they can be used in your projects. The book begins with the basics of electronics, making sure that you understand components, circuits, and prototyping before moving on. It then performs the same function for code, getting you into the Arduino IDE and showing you how to connect the Arduino to a computer and run simple projects on your Arduino.Once the basics are out of the way, the next 10 chapters of the book focus on small projects centered around particular components, such as LCD displays, stepper motors, or voice synthesizers. Each of these chapters will get you familiar with the technology involved, how to build with it, how to program it, and how it can be used in your own projects. What you will learnExplains the basics of electronics and circuits along with the Arduino IDE and basic C operationsUse sensors to build a mini weather stationControl LEDs using codePower a robot arm using stepper motorsRemotely control your Arduino using RF, Bluetooth LE, and Bluetooth ClassicMake a sound tone generator with buttonsWho this book is forMastering Arduino is for anybody who wants to experiment with an Arduino board and build simple projects. No prior knowledge is required, as the fundamentals of electronics and coding are covered in this book as well as advance projects.

Harness the power of the latest edition with this in-depth and comprehensive guide to the Swift languageKey FeaturesFifth edition of this bestselling book, improved and updated to cover the latest version of the Swift 5 programming languageGet to grips with popular and modern design techniques to write easy-to-manage Swift codeLearn how to use core Swift features such as concurrency, generics, and copy-on-write in your codeBook DescriptionOver the years, the Mastering Swift book has established itself amongst developers as a popular choice as an in-depth and practical guide to the Swift programming language. The latest edition is fully updated and revised to cover the new version: Swift 5.Inside this book, you'll find the key features of Swift 5 easily explained with complete sets of examples. From the basics of the language to popular features such as concurrency, generics, and memory management, this definitive guide will help you develop your expertise and mastery of the Swift language.Mastering Swift 5, Fifth Edition will give you an in-depth knowledge of some of the most sophisticated elements in Swift development, including protocol extensions, error handling, and closures. It will guide you on how to use and apply them in your own projects.Later, you'll see how to leverage the power of protocol-oriented programming to write flexible and easier-to-manage code. You will also see how to add the copy-on-write feature to your custom value types and how to avoid memory management issues caused by strong reference cycles.What you will learnUnderstand core Swift components, including operators, collections, control flows, and functionsLearn how and when to use classes, structures, and enumerationsUnderstand how to use protocol-oriented design with extensions to write easier-to-manage codeUse design patterns with Swift, to solve commonly occurring design problemsImplement copy-on-write for you custom value types to improve performanceAdd concurrency to your applications using Grand Central Dispatch and Operation QueuesImplement generics to write flexible and reusable codeWho this book is forThis book is for developers who want to delve into the newest version of Swift. If you are a developer and learn best by looking at and working with code, then this book is for you. A basic understanding of Apple's tools would be beneficial but not mandatory. All examples should work on the Linux platform as well.

Embrace the Protocol-Oriented Programming paradigm, for better code maintainability and increased performance, with Swift programming.Key FeaturesLeverage the power of Protocol-Oriented Programming in your applicationsLeverage generics to create very flexible frameworksLearn how to implement common design patterns in a protocol-oriented wayBook DescriptionProtocol-oriented programming is an incredibly powerful concept at the heart of Swift's design. Swift's standard library was developed using POP techniques, generics, and first-class value semantics; therefore, it is important for every Swift developer to understand these core concepts and take advantage of them. The fourth edition of this book is improved and updated to the latest version of the Swift programming language.This book will help you understand what protocol-oriented programming is all about and how it is different from other programming paradigms such as object-oriented programming. This book covers topics such as generics, Copy-On-Write, extensions, and of course protocols. It also demonstrates how to use protocol-oriented programming techniques via real-world use cases. By the end of this book, you will know how to use protocol-oriented programming techniques to build powerful and practical applications.What you will learnLearn the differences between object-oriented programming and protocol-oriented programmingUnderstand why value types should be prioritized over reference typesDelve into protocols, protocol inheritance, protocol composition, and protocol extensionsLearn how to implement COW (Copy-On-Write) within your custom value typesUnderstand how memory management works in Swift and how to avoid common pitfallsDesign applications by starting with the protocol rather than the implementationWho this book is forThis book is intended for Swift developers who have, at minimum an introductory knowledge of the Swift programming language and would like to understand how they can use Protocol-Oriented Programming techniques in their applications.

A comprehensive guide for programming enthusiasts who wish to gain a firm command of the fundamentals and advanced Swift conceptsKey FeaturesSixth edition of this bestselling book, improved and updated to cover the latest version of the Swift 5.3 programming languageGet to grips with popular and modern design techniques to write easy-to-manage Swift codeUse core Swift features such as concurrency, generics, and copy-on-write in your codeBook DescriptionOver the years, Mastering Swift has proven itself among developers as a popular choice for an in-depth and practical guide to the Swift programming language. This sixth edition comes with the latest features, an overall revision to align with Swift 5.3, and two new chapters on building swift from source and advanced operators.From the basics of the language to popular features such as concurrency, generics, and memory management, this in-depth guide will help you develop your expertise and mastery of the language.As you progress, you will gain practical insights into some of the most sophisticated elements in Swift development, including protocol extensions, error handling, and closures. The book will also show you how to use and apply them in your own projects. In later chapters, you will understand how to use the power of protocol-oriented programming to write flexible and easier-to-manage code in Swift. Finally, you will learn how to add the copy-on-write feature to your custom value types, along with understanding how to avoid memory management issues caused by strong reference cycles.By the end of this Swift book, you will have mastered the Swift 5.3 language and developed the skills you need to effectively use its features to build robust applications.What you will learnUnderstand core Swift components, such as operators, collections, control flows, and functionsIdentify how and when to use classes, structures, and enumerationsUse protocol-oriented design with extensions to write easy-to-manage codeLeverage design patterns with Swift to solve commonly occurring design problemsApply copy-on-write for your custom value types to improve performanceAdd concurrency to your applications using Grand Central Dispatch and operation queuesImplement generics to write flexible and reusable codeWho this book is forThis book is for beginners with a basic understanding of programming and experienced developers looking to learn Swift programming. Familiarity with Apple's tools will be beneficial but not mandatory. All examples should also work on the Linux and Windows platforms

Become proficient in Swift 6 using advanced techniques and modern programming practices to effortlessly build high-performance applicationsKey FeaturesPerfect your application development capabilities using the latest features of Swift 6.2Learn advanced techniques like concurrency, memory management, Generics, and Swift TestingApply best practices in Swift to write clean, scalable, and maintainable codePurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionThis seventh edition of Mastering Swift 6 is your ultimate guide to harnessing the full power of Swift. Whether you're aiming to optimize the performance of your applications or looking to explore the exciting new features in Swift 6.2, this book has you covered. The author distills his 28 years of experience in the Engineering and IT fields to help you dive deep into advanced concepts and techniques, such as concurrency, memory management, and Generics, all essential for creating high-performance applications.The chapters take you on a flexible journey, covering Swift 6.2’s newest features alongside advanced programming topics such as reflection, concurrency, and Generics. Packed with best practices, testing strategies, and modern programming techniques, this book equips you with the skills to develop scalable, high-performance applications with confidence.Whether you're looking to stay competitive or simply want to excel in Swift 6, this book provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.What you will learnOptimize your application's performance to meet the demands of the modern userDevelop readable, well-structured code by utilizing Swift development strategiesUse reflection with the Mirror API to observe your application's execution at runtimeConquer advanced topics, such as concurrency, memory management, and genericsFind out how to use result builders and how to create custom operators in SwiftEffectively test your Swift code with the all-new Swift Testing frameworkWho this book is forThis book is for developers who have a fundamental grasp of the Swift language and aspire to take their development skills to the next level by learning about the advanced topics and techniques of the Swift language. All examples are compatible with Linux, in addition to the MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, VisionOS, and WatchOS platforms, unless otherwise noted.