Apress Pocket Guides – serie

Leverage the power of the Shadow DOM API to quickly create encapsulated code that keeps markup and styles separate within websites. Using little more than a text editor or free software, this project-oriented book simplifies the process of creating and manipulating the Shadow DOM API code in the browser for websites or online applications. You'll use a starting toolset to develop future projects, incorporate them into an existing workflow, and allow them to simplify complex components. This makes them more robust and less brittle when used in websites. You'll also see that websites do not have to convert the whole work process immediately; you can incorporate as little or as much as needed of the API, and build on this as your skills develop. We live in an age where speed and simplicity are of the essence. Beginning Shadow DOM API shows you the perfect way to create encapsulated code that can run in multiple frameworks with a minimum of fuss.You You'll LearnImplement the Shadow DOM API in a projectGain an appreciation of pointers using the Shadow DOM APIManage issues and security when using the Shadow DOM APIMake components and code more reusable, while maintaining desired stylingWho This Book Is ForWebsite developers who are already familiar with frameworks that Shadow DOM API, but do not want to have to use the heavy weight of a full-sized framework to add features such as DOM encapsulation to their code.

This book is your essential guide to mastering Snowflake’s SQL API, offering a comprehensive understanding of this powerful tool. In today’s data-driven world, robust, flexible, and scalable solutions are crucial, and Snowflake’s Data Cloud platform is a game-changer in cloud data warehousing and analytics. The book includes examples using both Snowflake and the Laravel PHP Framework, assuming basic knowledge of SQL and Laravel. Key topics include SQL API development, SQL basics, advanced techniques, data security, performance tuning, best practices for data warehousing, integrations, real-world use cases, future trends in data analytics, and leveraging PHP in Laravel for dynamic web applications. This book equips you with the skills to unlock insights, make data-driven decisions, and stay ahead in your industry. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, enhance your organization’s data infrastructure, or confidently make data-driven decisions, Mastering Snowflake SQL API with Laravel 10 is a must-have resource for excelling in integrated data analytics and cloud data warehousing. What You Will LearnMaster SQL fundamentals and advanced techniquesExplore data loading, security, and performance optimizationKeep up-to-date on best practices for efficient data warehousingGain insights into real-word use casesPrepare for future Snowflake and data innovations Who This Book is ForData professionals, IT managers, business executives, students, and data enthusiasts.

Discover the exciting new APIs introduced by Java’s Project Loom. This quick guide covers all the essential concepts the Java developer needs in order to understand virtual threads, structured concurrency, and scoped values.Authors Ron Veen and David Vlijmincx clearly explain the superiority of virtual threads, introduced in Java 21, over the traditional Java threads of the past 25 years. Then they dive into how structured concurrency streamlines interactions by treating related threads as a unified unit of work, akin to the impact of structured programming on regular programming. From there, the authors explore the third Project Loom API and scoped values, clarifying their advantages over regular ThreadLocals and providing efficient usage insights. The book concludes with an exploration of common scheduling strategies.By the end of this book, you will have a solid understanding of the concepts behind Project Loom and will be able to immediately apply this knowledge to your own code. You WillDiscover what virtual threads are, why they were created, and how to use them in your codeGain insight into how concurrency improves the observability of codeWrite your own StructuredTaskScopes tailored to your needsUnderstand why you should replace ThreadLocals with Scoped ValuesKnow the different strategies for multithreaded computer programs Who This Book is ForJava developers of any level. This knowledge is so fundamental to staying relevant in the Java job market that every developer needs to understand it for their career development.

Empower yourself with the knowledge, insights, and practical tools required to successfully implement and leverage Viva Engage to drive organizational success. You will learn how to use Viva Engage to foster unity throughout your organization, facilitating connections among leaders, colleagues, and communities. It offers a platform where individuals can collaborate to generate solutions and innovations, showcase their expertise, and cultivate a sense of belonging in the workplace.  As a component of the Microsoft Viva employee experience platform integrated within Microsoft 365, Viva Engage empowers you to enhance connectivity, understanding, purpose, and development within your organization, leveraging your current infrastructure.The book begins by introducing Viva Engage, highlighting its various use cases and how it fits into the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem. You will learn steps and best practices for implementing Viva Engage within your organization. You will also learn how Viva Engage can be leveraged to improve communication and engagement between leaders and employees. Integrating Viva Engage with other Microsoft 365 tools is discussed, followed by utilizing it for remote work environments. You will be guided with ethical considerations and compliance while working with Viva Engage. After reading this book, you will have the skills to effectively implement and utilize Viva Engage, optimizing its capabilities for enhanced performance.What You Will LearnDiscover strategies for driving user adoption and engagement with Viva Engage among employees at all levels of the organizationIntegrate Viva Engage with other Microsoft 365 tools and services, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Yammer, to create a seamless digital workplace experienceUnderstand various compliance regulations and standards that may apply to organizations using Viva Engage, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2Explore the security features and controls available within Viva EngageWho This Is Book ForLeaders and managers interested in leveraging Viva Engage to enhance employee engagement, communication, and collaboration within their organizations

For many entrepreneurs, raising finance is the most important moment in their startup journey. For introverts, this can also be the time when they are at their weakest as well as a time when they absolutely, positively, cannot fail. This book will lead the reader to design that pitching process in the most positive and useful way for their abilities and their strengths.Having the confidence of knowing a presenter's message is clearly constructed and the interaction is engineered for maximum impact will make the presenter more relaxed and therefore, more confident. Featuring a series of case studies and a concise writing approach, this book will guide you through a proven method tested with investors in Europe, the USA and Asia.Author Richard Tierney shares his three decades of global experience as a business coach and media producer across many sectors. When done, The Three Slide Pitch Deck will lead you to greater conversion, greater investment, and more successful business ventures.You willUnderstand that preparation is the key to success.Focus the pitch process to your strengths.Review case studies that show you how to pitch in differing circumstance.See how you and your company can stand out from the crowd.Who This Book is ForIntroverted entrepreneurs, company founders and start-ups seeking finance.

In today's global market, supply chain management has become more critical than ever. This book delves into the strategic, operational, and technological aspects of supply chains, offering insights and practical solutions to create a seamless and resilient supply network. The main topics covered are production planning and inventory control, logistics and distribution, sustainability, risk management and future trends.Companies are facing unprecedented challenges, from geopolitical uncertainties and trade wars to natural disasters and global pandemics. These disruptions can have significant impacts on the supply chain, leading to delays, increased costs, and loss of customer trust.  By addressing these critical areas, this book aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to optimize your supply chains, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable success in a dynamic and challenging environment.Whether you are a seasoned supply chain professional or a newcomer to the field, From Source to Shelf provides valuable insights and practical guidance to help you master the art of supply chain management.What You Will LearnUnderstand the fundamental components and functions of supply chain management.Develop and implement effective supply chain strategies that align with overall business objectives.Navigate the complexities of modern supply chain management.Leverage cutting-edge technologies and implement sustainable and resilient practices.Who This Book is ForSupply Chain professionals, managers, and consultants.

Delve into learning the strategies for producing impressive graphics without overspending. This all-inclusive manual equips small business proprietors with the knowledge and skills to utilize open source tools, graphics and photo libraries and how to put them to good use.Learn how to tap into a vast collection of premium stock photos from Pexels and Pixabay to elevate your visual content. Additionally, delve into the innovative capabilities of AI technology, transforming the process of graphic design and production. Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or a novice in the field, this guide serves as your pathway to visually appealing and cost-effective marketing materials.  Cost-Effective Image and Graphic Solutions for Small Businesses is your guide to creating impressive and effective graphics that won’t strain your budget. Discover powerful no-cost image editing programs such as Paint.NET, GIMP, and FotoSketcher to incorporate into your visual designs as well as affordable web-based solutions for creating marketing materials such as business cards, posters, flyers, social media posts, and more. There are even tips for saving on large-format visuals, and graphics for company vehicles.You Will Learn To: Enhance your professional visual identity for your businessUtilize programs such as Paint.NET to touch up photos, and create business cards, flyers, and other graphic materialsUse GIMP as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop for photo editing and raster illustrationsTurn photographic images into art with the easy-to-use FotoSketcherMake scalable vector graphics using InkscapeNavigate royalty free stock photo libraries and archives available for both personal and commercial useExplore web-based solutions for creating professional-looking marketing materials such as business cards, postcards, flyers, and social media postsUtilise AI to generate compelling images, idea and contentWho is This For:This book is for any small business owner, manager or graphics designer requiring the means to create quality graphics and visuals on a tight budget

Ace your software engineering job interviews by preparing yourself for the concurrent programming rounds. This book fills the gap in practical resources designated for concurrency interview prep. It simplifies complex concepts in C++ and provides example questions to help you approach your interview with confidence.Today, interviews for software engineering roles typically include several different rounds: coding, system design, behavioral, and domain knowledge. The domain knowledge round can vary based on the job description, but one extremely common focus is concurrent programming. While not intended to be a comprehensive reference, this book distills the essential interview insights drawn from author Bonan Liu’s personal experiences to stand out from the competition. Key topics include mutexes and locks, condition variables, thread abstraction, STL features, and lock-free implementations, with each concept reinforced through practical exercises like building a file handler cache and implementing read/write locks.Software interviews are more than just exams; they are hours-long conversations with real people. You'll not only develop a solid understanding of concurrency, but also learn how to best showcase your expertise to enhance your performance throughout the entire process, including general coding rounds.What You Will LearnAcquire foundational knowledge of concurrent programming in C++.Practice relevant interview questions for each section of this knowledge.Develop strategies for best demonstrating learned skills in the general coding round.Who This Book Is ForSoftware engineers seeking new career opportunities, particularly SDE II, Senior SDE, and Staff SDE roles. Interviewers might also gain insight into concurrent programming to enhance the evaluation of their candidates, securing top talent.

The ability to deliver software quickly and efficiently is paramount to a company’s success. This book is a comprehensive guide to continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD), providing insights and practical strategies for streamlining the software delivery pipeline for speedy and efficient deployments. You’ll start by reviewing the fundamentals of CI/CD, and how it enables teams to automate the building, testing, and deployment of software, for faster and more reliable releases. The book then examines CI/CD pipelines, tooling, caching, and how to leverage these tools to expedite delivery workflows, before highlighting the increased importance of testing and monitoring during that process. You’ll also gain insights into various testing methodologies and learn how to implement them effectively within your CI/CD pipelines. However, the journey towards accelerated software delivery is not just about technology. It also requires a cultural shift within your software development team. The book accomplishes this by delving into strategies for getting apprehensive team members on board. CI/CD Unleashed provides the tools and techniques you need to ensure the quality and reliability of your software, while staying relatively agnostic regarding things like language and framework choices.You Will Understand the advantages continuous integration and continuous delivery provide.Explore how to automate the building, testing, and deployment of software for faster releases.See how CI/CD can aid a cultural shift within software development teams.Implement CI/CD best practices to deliver streamlined and more cost-effective deployments for your organization.Review WIP limits, small batch releases, and the importance of fostering a blame-free culture.Apply various testing methodologies such as unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.Who This Book Is ForSenior software engineers, technical leaders, and business managers who are looking to deliver change for their customers, and make their business quicker.

Explore the world of IoT and discover how various methodologies are used to manage edge devices and data flow through different layers. This concise guide takes a practical approach to designing scalable IoT systems and how cloud computing helps to maintain them.With a keen eye on data flow, you’ll examine how to work with different components and how to process and store data. You’ll work with different protocols like MQTT and see how they can be used in combination with standard web protocols for managing IoT systems. Finally, you’ll look at key topics such as device management, event handling, OTA, device security, device-to-cloud communication, cloud-to-device communication, and more. This guide is your fast track to building IoT systems and gaining an in-depth understanding of the core components of edge and cloud computing.What You Will LearnBuild scalable IoT systemsFind out how IoT components communicateUnderstand data pipelines in IoTWho This Book Is ForBeginning to intermediate level readers who want to understand the process through which the data flows from an edge device to the cloud, to manage IoT systems.

Set up web forms from scratch using the most popular React form library in use today, React Hook Form. This book is a succinct and practical guide to building robust, scalable and reusable forms. From social media and YouTube video posts, to product listings on e-commerce sites, most information on the web is entered through forms. In this book, you’ll learn how to properly handle forms in React, how to scale them, and how to handle validations, etc.There are many ways to handle forms in React so it’s good practice to have a standard in place. This book will show you how to do so. Once in place, you’ll be able to code powerful, bug-free forms. Additionally, the book highlights the important role React Hook Form plays in scalability when designing forms. You’ll look at how to handle recurring features, such as password fields and profile sections so they can be easily reused across the applications where they are required. Validations are also crucial in building forms.You’ll also see how React Hook Form provides a nice interface for hooking up validations by using either standard native validations or by using a third-party validation library like Yup or Zod. When completed, Web Forms with React will provide you the knowledge and confidence to build strong, and reusable web forms in React from the ground up.What You Will LearnExplore Web Forms standards and best practicesUnderstand the importance of scalability, robustness and reusability when making formsSet the standard on how to handle and set up forms using ReactAdd complex validations in React forms Who This Book Is ForWeb developers new to React with some prior knowledge of JavaScript and TypeScript. React developers who have experience in building forms but are trying to find a new performant and scalable alternative.

In a world where cybersecurity threats evolve daily, it’s time to leave traditional, flawed security models behind. This book introduces a groundbreaking approach that applies the quantum principle of superposition to user authentication. Just as a particle exists in multiple states until observed, a user’s presence on a network remains undefined until their Digital ID is verified. Once verified, their identity collapses into a single truth—eliminating any risk of impersonation or fraud.This book demonstrates how Digital IDs transform the very foundation of network security. Unlike conventional methods, where user identity is indirectly represented through data, this model ties a user’s existence directly to their Digital ID. By securing user presence—and absence—this new authentication model offers unparalleled protection from unauthorized access and common cyber threats like stolen credentials or malicious impersonation.It equips cybersecurity professionals, C-suite executives, and decision-makers with practical, actionable steps for seamlessly integrating this new technology into existing infrastructures. Readers will explore how Digital IDs create a secure, private interface when connected to the network, and how they prevent unauthorized actions when the user is absent. This innovative shift moves security from reactive mitigation strategies to proactive solutions that ensure both trust and control.What You Will Learn:The difference between indirect and direct authentication and how the current cybersecurity approach is fundamentally flawed.Practical steps for implementing digital IDs and direct user interaction to eliminate common cyber threats.How to shift from reactive mitigation strategies to proactive, long-term security solutions that significantly reduce vulnerabilities.Straightforward, actionable insights on how to transform current cybersecurity infrastructures for more robust protection.Who This Book is for:This book is written primarily for cybersecurity professionals such as CISOs, CTOs, CIOs, network architects, and IT security managers. These readers have a deep understanding of current cybersecurity challenges but are seeking innovative, more effective solutions to overcome systemic flaws in today’s network security models.Secondary audiences include business leaders and decision-makers in organizations, who need to understand the strategic importance of cybersecurity innovations like Digital IDs and Direct User Interaction. Tertiary audiences might include students or researchers in cybersecurity who want to explore alternative security models.

At a high level, to understand asynchronous programming, you need to be familiar with task programming, efficient use of the async and await keywords, and a few more important topics. However, task programming is the first major step towards modern-day asynchronous programming. This book tries to simplify the topic with simple examples, Q&A sessions, and exercisesThe book starts with an introduction to asynchronous programming and covers task creation and execution. Next, you will learn how to work with continuing and nested tasks. Next, it demonstrates exception handling with different scenarios. Towards the end, you will understand how to manage task cancellations through examples and case studies. After reading this book, you can write efficient codes for multithreaded, asynchronous, and parallel development in C#.What You Will Learn:Dig deep into task programming which is an essential part of the concurrent and multithreaded developments.Learn modern-day C# features that are foundations of asynchronous programmingHow the advanced features in C# such as delegates, lambdas, generics, etc. can be used in concurrencyWho This Book is For:C# and .NET developers

Secure your RESTful APIs with confidence and efficiency. This straightforward guide outlines the essential strategies and best practices for protecting sensitive data when developing RESTful APIs for your applications.Inside, you’ll explore the fundamental functionalities to implement industry-standard authentication authorization mechanisms for Java applications. With chapters covering key security concerns, data protection, and designing and testing secure APIs, this book provides a hands-on approach to protecting user data, validating inputs, and implementing security mechanisms such as JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and OAuth2 authentication.This book offers a focused introduction without unnecessary complexity. Whether you are a beginner or busy professional, this is the only book designed to help you secure your RESTful APIs in no time. What You Will LearnUnderstand the fundamentals of RESTful APIs and why it is critical to secure themIdentify common security risks concerning RESTful APIs and explore effective protection techniquesKnow how to design and test RESTful APIs, including with input and response data validationReview examples of how to secure JSON Web Token (JWT) and OAuth3 with RestFUL APIs Who This Book is ForWeb developer beginners who want to learn how to develop Security RESTful APIs applications

Discover how to use Large Language Models in the Spring Framework. This quick guide equips developers with insights into the strengths and limitations of Spring AI and how to leverage the model for typical use cases.First, you will orient yourself to the new and exciting landscape of AI and Spring integration. You will learn how to issue simple queries, asking the right questions to get the results you want. From there, you will be empowered to select the right model for functionality and refinement, building a simple yet effective chat bot using real-world examples. Additionally, the book explores how to generate images, refine them, and how to send source images when appropriate. Lastly, the book focuses on how Spring AI and LLMs affect the developer landscape, including pitfalls and ethical concerns.Designed for fast adoption, this book provides targeted guidance on integrating AI and LLMs into your projects within days. Through a pragmatic approach, it emphasizes direct utilization of the API. What You Will LearnExplore popular use cases for LLMsGain insight into the Spring AI module, including its capabilities and limitationsKnow how to create effective queries and interactions for AI-driven conversations and image generationDiscover strategies for selecting an appropriate LLM service and modelAcquire skills to AI-proof your job and understand why it is NOT a replacement What This Book Is Spring developers who are new to AI and focused on the essentials without exhaustive framework details. This is an optional supplement to the more comprehensive  Apress book, Beginning Spring 6.

Ensure robust web security for your Java applications in just a few days. This recipe-driven, practical pocketbook provides a straightforward guide to quickly developing and deploying secure enterprise applications using the Spring 6 Framework, Spring Boot 3, and the H2 database.The book is organized into problems and corresponding recipes, offering solutions for both small and large challenges. First, you will learn how to install all essential development tools, such as IntelliJ IDEA, JDK v17, and Maven. Then you will dive into recipes on using Spring Security 6 with JSP tags and Thymeleaf and integrating security features through Spring Boot 3 Initializr. Finally, you'll be equipped to build your own Spring Boot project using Spring Security, Spring Data JDBC, and the H2 database.This recipes guide is ideal for readers who want to get up and running with only the essential security features in a fraction of time. Its simplified approach offers immediate results for securing Java applications. What You Will LearnSet up and configure Spring Security 6 installation toolsExplore the basics of integrating Spring Security 6 with JSP tags, Thymeleaf, and Spring Boot 3 InitializrBuild and deploy a secure Spring Boot application using Spring Data JDBC and the H2 database Who This Book Is ForBeginners in Spring Security 6, Boot 3 Initializr, and H2 DB, and assumes you have some basic web development and security experience. It is suitable for busy readers who are seeking a simple, focused approach for immediate results. For more comprehensive coverage, detailed explanations, and advanced topics, we recommend Pro Spring Security: Securing Spring Framework 6 and Boot 3-based Java Applications.

In a world where cyber threats are growing exponentially in number and complexity, it’s time to ask the tough question: What are we doing wrong? We’ve been tackling cybersecurity the same way for years, yet the bad actors continue to stay ahead. Financial losses mount, and the talent gap in the cybersecurity industry remains a persistent challenge. It’s time to break the cycle.This book takes a bold, fresh look at cybersecurity by shifting the focus away from the technical jargon and putting the spotlight on the people who matter most—you. Whether you’re a student, a professional, a parent, or a business leader, this book is designed to help you understand cybersecurity’s role in everyday life and how you can make a difference. From the classroom to the boardroom, there’s a shared responsibility in keeping our digital world safe.Unlike traditional cybersecurity books filled with complex terminology and tech-heavy concepts, this book humanizes the topic. It provides practical, real-world solutions for protecting yourself, your family, your workplace, and your community. You’ll learn not just the how but also the why—why cybersecurity matters and why it's a people-first issue that concerns all of us, regardless of our background or profession.Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or you're looking to build a security-first culture within your organization, this book equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make an impact. With a focus on democratizing cybersecurity knowledge, this guide is your call to action, offering accessible insights to foster a more secure digital future for everyone. What You Will LearnProtect yourself and the people you care aboutJourney into cybersecurity without having to break anythingEducate students about keeping safe in the digital worldBuild bridges between the educational and professional worldsEstablish a cybersecurity culture as a business leader Who This Book Is ForWhether you’re a student, professional, parent, or business leader, this book is designed to help you understand cybersecurity’s role in everyday life and how you can make a difference. From the classroom to the boardroom, there’s a shared responsibility in keeping our digital world safe.

This book is a comprehensive guide written for software engineering professionals who are, or aspire to be, in leadership positions. It begins with essential soft skills, teaching you how to build an influential presence, make confident decisions, guide teams through challenges, and inspire excellence by setting high standards.It continues with sections on acquiring talent, managing, and supporting your team. Learn to write job descriptions that attract top talent, set up a smooth hiring pipeline, and seamlessly onboard new hires. Discover how to structure teams to minimize cognitive load and foster collaboration. Gain actionable insights into goal-setting, including defining OKRs, tracking progress, setting clear expectations, and conducting meaningful evaluations to recognize top performers and support growth.In the final section, the book delves into the technical aspects of leadership. Explore how to choose the right tech stack, establish coding standards, and manage technical debt effectively. Additional chapters offer guidance on evaluating Agile practices, setting clear communication protocols, and balancing quality with delivery speed.Also packed with technical actionable advice from two decades of real-world experience, this book equips you to lead with confidence and drive impactful results.What You Will Learn- How to transition from individual contributor to a leadership position- How to develop your  presence, influence, and make difficult decisions- How to craft attractive job descriptions, identify, interview, and hire top talent- How to set expectations, evaluate performance, and promote deserving employees- How to deliver effective feedback- What best practices to introduce to your teams- How to deliver high-quality, impactful software projectsWho This Book is ForSenior Engineering Managers, Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, and CTOs. And software engineering professionals who aspire to be in these positions.

Learn about the most common and known threats and attacks in the gaming industry. Cybersecurity is a critical concern in the gaming industry due to the significant financial investments, personal data, and intellectual property at stake. Game developers, publishers, and players all have a vested interest in maintaining a secure gaming environment.This pocketbook is about why cybersecurity in the gaming industry is essential to protect player data, maintain a secure gaming environment, and safeguard intellectual property. Both players and game developers need to remain vigilant, educate themselves about potential threats, and employ best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. We will describe the most common type of targeted games facing cybersecurity attacks as well as some of the most common types of cyber threats faced by the gaming industry such as malware, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, data breaches, etc. What You Will Learn Describes the importance cybersecurity in the gaming industryExplains key aspects of cybersecurity in the gamingDescribes the common types of cyber threats faced by the gaming industry Who Is This Book ForThe book assumes you have strong gaming development and security knowledge. The book will be written mainly for developers who want to learn how to choose the right tools, what are the best practice, the threats, and vulnerabilities

Unlock the power of design patterns to elevate your software architecture. This pocket book provides an in-depth guide to five essential creational design patterns, crucial for building robust, scalable, and maintainable applications in C#.With step-by-step implementation in C# and a focus on practical applications, this book will empower you to enhance your software solutions and sharpen your design skills. The book starts by covering the simple factory pattern first where you will learn object creation with clear, single-responsibility classes followed by the factory method pattern. Next, you will go through the prototype, singleton, and builder patterns. In the end, you will demonstrate dependency injection with real-life examples. The book breaks down complex concepts into practical examples and concise explanations, making it an invaluable resource at every level of experience.What You Will Learn:Gain insights into the concepts of design patterns.Will be familiar with real-world applications of design patternsGets a hands-on experience for each of the patterns using the latest version of C#.Some of the alternatives to these patterns with their pros and cons.Who This Book Is For:OOP, C# developers who want to learn and practice design patterns to upgrade their development skills.

This new edition of Building a Virtual Assistant for Raspberry Pi will provide new features to your virtual assistant, Melissa, adding advanced capabilities to her. Updated to the latest Python release (Python 3), the book will follow the same structure as its previous edition with new features discussed as you move forward.After walking you through the various STTs, TTSs, and implementation of these components with the Python 3, you will learn about Large Language Models (LLMs) and how to run them on Raspberry Pi. You will build applications/modules for Melissa that will be used by the LLM. The book will feature Plugin Architecture Implementation for Melissa, allowing users to script their own interactions with Melissa. You will also enable Melissa to interact with resources on the internet. In addition to Melissa's voice controlled interface for notes management, this edition will also enable Melissa to be intelligent to assist you with your tasks.Adding to Melissa’s voice interface from the first edition, you will use an LLM to make Melissa intelligent. You will learn about function calling, providing Melissa access to tools. In conclusion, you will make a smart virtual assistant that runs on Raspberry Pi. What You'll LearnImplement plugin architecture to enable quicker scriptingDevelop modules for conversational interaction with the assistantRun the local LLM instance to empower Melissa with intelligenceInteract with both public and restricted APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)Who This Book Is ForAnyone who has built a home automation project with Raspberry Pi and now want to enhance it by making it voice-controlled. The book would also interest students from computer science or related disciplines.

Unlock the secrets of practical data analysis with the Data Flow Map framework—a game-changing approach that transcends tools and platforms. This book isn’t just another programming manual; it’s a guide to thinking and communicating about data at a higher level. Whether you're working with spreadsheets, databases, or AI-driven models, you'll learn how to express your analytics in clear, common language that anyone can understand.In today’s data-rich world, clarity is the real challenge. Technical details often obscure insights that could drive real impact. The Data Flow Map framework simplifies complexity into three core motions: source, focus, and build. The first half of the book explores these concepts through illustrations and stories. The second half applies them to real-world datasets using tools like Excel, SQL, and Python, showing how the framework works across platforms and use cases.A vital resource for analysts at any level, this book offers a practical, tool-agnostic approach to data analysis. With hands-on examples and a universal mental model, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle any dataset, align your team, and deliver insights that matter. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Data Flow Map framework will transform how you approach data analytics.What You Will LearnGrasp essential elements applicable to every data analysis workflowAdapt quickly to any dataset, tool, or platformMaster analytic thinking at a higher levelUse analytics patterns to better understand the worldBreak complex analysis into manageable, repeatable stepsIterate faster to uncover deeper insights and better solutionsCommunicate findings clearly for better decision-makingWho This Book Is ForAspiring data professionals and experienced analysts, from beginners to seasoned data engineers, focused on data collection, analysis, and decision making

This succinct, advanced-level guide to Angular Signals is built around a real-life shopping cart application designed for experienced Angular developers who want to level up their skills and see how to implement Signals in complex, production-grade applications.Through the creation of a shopping cart app, you will explore how to model application state with Signals, manage side effects, and integrate Signals into key Angular features such as HTTP APIs, routing, guards, directives, and more. The book begins with establishing the application structure for scalability and then moves on to modelling product and cart state with Signals. This is followed by a chapter on Effects, APIs, and Async Data with Signals. The book then moves on to discussing component communication and Routing, Guards and Auth. The penultimate chapter deals with performance, testing and debugging of the shopping cart application that you will have learnt how to create. The final chapter involves patterns for migrating from RxJS or NGRX to Signals.The book is a must-have if you are seeking to move beyond tutorials and into real-life implementation of Signals in scalable commercial applications.What You Will LearnArchitect a Signals-first Angular applicationApply Signals in routing, guards, directives, and UI communication patternsMigrate existing services or RxJS patterns to SignalsTest and debug Signals-heavy applications confidentlyWho This Book Is ForExperienced Angular developers, tech leads, and architects who want to learn how to integrate Signals into their applications for both new and existing projects.

Operational Technology (OT) refers to hardware and software used to monitor, control, and manage industrial processes, infrastructure, and assets across sectors like manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utilities. It includes systems such as Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA, PLCs, and DCS.ICS Security is the protection of industrial automation and control systems that manage critical operations like power generation, water treatment, and oil and gas production. Its goal is to safeguard confidentiality, integrity, and availability while mitigating risks from cyber threats, disruptions, and unauthorized access.With this book, our goal is to help readers understand how to secure complex industrial environments by providing a clear introduction to ICS and OT security.We will begin by explaining what ICS and OT are, how they differ from traditional IT, and why those differences matter. From there, the discussion will focus on the increasing importance of ICS/OT security—particularly in the context of IT and OT convergence, where systems and data are becoming more interconnected.You will also gain an understanding of the key components that make up Industrial Control Systems and how they work together to monitor and control industrial operations. These components—including SCADA, PLC, HMI, and DCS—are essential for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and security in industries like manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure. What you Will Learn·       The major differences between IT and OT security·       Key components of Industrial Control Systems·       The major challenges in ICS/OT security·       Why ICS/OT security is very important in the digitalization era·       The most common and widely used ICS/OT standards, tools, and frameworksWho This Book is for:Beginners of OT Security environment. The book assumes you have an understanding of the IT Security environment and will be a great book for those who wish to learn the major differences and key elements of ICS and OT Security.

In today’s digital age, organizations face growing cyber threats targeting user identities and access credentials. Identity and Access Management (IAM) helps secure identities, manage privileges, and enforce security policies—making it essential for zero-trust security, compliance, and efficiency.Privileged Access Management (PAM), a specialized branch of IAM, focuses on protecting and monitoring privileged accounts such as administrators, root users, and service accounts. Because these accounts have elevated access, they are prime targets for cyberattacks.Together, IAM and PAM safeguard access to systems, applications, and data, playing a vital role in cloud security, IoT, and enterprise environments by preventing unauthorized access and mitigating insider threats.Readers will learn:·        Why securing identities is critical today·        Key differences between IAM and PAM·        Major access management risks and challenges·        Common IAM and PAM solutions (e.g., Azure AD, Okta, CyberArk, BeyondTrust, SSH Communications Security)

Ever wanted to construct a robust and efficient API architecture that revolves around operations? This focused pocket guide takes you through that process step-by-step, providing you with the knowledge to build an operation-oriented API using the PHP programming with the Symfony framework.Practical PHP APIs with Symfony is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to create a single API endpoint that embraces the concept of operations. We will utilize the robust features of Symfony to build an environment where operations are the focal point of our API design. This focused guide assumes a certain understanding of the Symfony framework and is not intended as an introductory text to the topic.With this in mind, we will cover essential Symfony topics such as dependency injection features, security authentication and background operations with Symfony Messenger, all with the aim to get you up and running with operation-oriented APIs as quickly and easily as possible.You Will:Learn the principles of constructing an API architecture centered around operationsGain insights into the Symfony features that facilitate the development of operation-oriented APIsLearn how to create a single API endpoint that manages and executes various operationsExplore essential Symfony topics, including dependency injection, security authentication, and the use of Symfony Messenger for background operationsDevelop skills to discover, manage, and execute operations within your APIs, using practical examples for better comprehensionThis Book is For:Developers and software engineers with prior knowledge andunderstanding of the Symfony framework who wish to deepen their knowledge in building operation-oriented APIs, as well as those who are looking to know more about API design.

Among the many features that make C# a powerful and versatile language, delegates, events, and lambda expressions stand out for their innovation and practical impact.This pocketbook will guide you to learn these core elements, offering a beginner-friendly yet thorough exploration through clear explanations, real-world code examples, Q&A sessions, and hands-on exercises. Diving into functional programming using delegates, implementing the observer design pattern with events, or streamlining your code with lambda expressions, this book helps you understand not just how these features work, but why they matter. You’ll learn how they interrelate and how they're used in modern C# development, including their role in LINQ and event-driven programming.Ideal for developers looking to sharpen their skills and gain confidence, this book ensures you walk away with the knowledge to write cleaner, more expressive, and maintainable C# code.What You Will Learn:Gain insights into advanced C# concepts with hands-on examplesWork with .NET 10, which supports C# 14, using Visual Studio Community EditionMaster delegates, events, and lambda expressions in real-world scenariosBuild confidence to tackle technical interviews in C#Who This Book is For:Developers and programmers in C# and .NET

This book is your fast-track pocket guide to mastering SQL, designed for absolute beginners. This step-by-step book covers everything from basic queries to advanced optimization techniques, ensuring you learn to write SQL correctly. You'll explore essential topics such as data retrieval, filtering, sorting, joins, aggregations, and data modifications, while gaining insights into performance optimization—critical for real-world applications.The seven-day plan includes real-world scenarios, hands-on exercises, and common mistakes to avoid. While traditional SQL books focus on syntax and how to use complex functions, this book emphasizes clear, readable, and efficient query writing that applies to real-world business questions. This book is ideal for aspiring data analysts, software developers, business professionals, and job seekers preparing for SQL interviews. The book helps you develop skills that are immediately applicable and relevant in the AI age.Written by seasoned data professionals, this book is not just about speed—it's about building habits that industry experts rely on. The book outlines the questions to expect in your busines and how to answer them. By the end of this journey, you’ll have the confidence to write robust, optimized queries that make a real impact in any database environment.What You Will LearnWrite SQL queries with confidence—from basic SELECT statements to complex joins, aggregations, and subqueries—so you can extract meaningful insights from any databaseDevelop professional-grade SQL skills by mastering best practices for writing clean, efficient, and scalable queries that stand out in the industryUnlock the secrets of query optimization, indexing, and execution plans to write high-performance SQL that runs faster and more efficientlyApply SQL to real-world datasets across industries such as healthcare, retail, and finance, ensuring you're job-ready from day oneAce SQL interviews at top tech companies by practicing real-world problems, tackling optimization challenges, and avoiding common pitfalls that trip up candidatesWho this Book Is ForAbsolute beginners who want to learn SQL, step by step, with a structured and practical approach. It is perfect for individuals with little to no prior experience in databases or programming, but who aspire to build a strong foundation in SQL for data-related careers.

With dev teams evolving, developers and coders are increasingly tasked with not just the technical elements of their product or project, but also writing about it. Technical Writing for Developers aims to be a swift 'how to' guide on utilising HTML, Markdown and other key technologies like JavaScript and GitHub for document markup and writing, giving quick overviews on key topics and their practical applications for both developers and technical writers, especially those who are involved in a 'Docs as Code' environment. We start with a brief overview of technical writing for developers before jumping straight into core technologies, what they are and where it could be used,  providing several "hands-on" examples to get you started. These are meant to be concise to give you a taste of each, to give  you an idea of where to get started and how each technology can be applied and utilized in your product. You Will: Utilize key web technologies for technical writingApply the basic skills required with real-world code examples with sample documentsApply these skills into your daily projects and routines This Is For:Developers who already know how to use HTML, JavaScript and Markdown but want to know how to utilize it for writing documentation , as well as Technical Writers, Content Strategists, Product Managers and Marketers looking for a quick entry point to key technologies when it comes to the 'Docs as Code' ecosystem.