Software Development US Blog Posts

The fast-moving world laced with technology has created a convenient environment for companies to provide better services to their clients. Cloud computing is one aspect brands strive hard to incorporate into their services. The service accounts for easier accessibility and storage options for customers to sustain their requirements at any time of the day without needing to be in touch with their hefty complex storage devices.  The prevalence of cloud computing services in our daily lives has created a demand for skilled experts. Consequently, the cloud computing industry is hovering for a prosperous future. Experienced professionals seeking to establish themselves in this domain are in high demand. The rapid assimilation of cloud computing services into our daily lives has led to the need for learned professionals owning expertise in the domain. As a result, the cloud computing industry has a bright future, and the current market demand is exceptional for experienced people looking out to make a name in the zone.  If you wish to be a part of this globally emerging market, you must have one significant skill necessary to perform the role well. AWS, or Amazon Web Services, is a cloud computing platform companies rely on for their storage, server, networking, security, remote computing, and many such features used by leading industry brands such as Netflix and Adobe. Thus, to make a career in cloud computing, you must excel in AWS interviews. Here are some of the AWS interview questions and answers to help you prepare for the big day! 10 Questions and Answers for AWS Interview  Q1: Explain what is AWS? Amazon provides a complete cloud computing platform known as Amazon Web Services (AWS).It offers many scalable and cost-effective services, including computing power, storage options, and databases where you can access these services through the internet. The advantage of AWS is that users can quickly deploy and manage applications without investing in hardware upfront. By taking care of infrastructure management, security, and maintenance complexities, AWS allows businesses and developers to focus on innovation and growth. AWS offers dependable and adaptable cloud solutions to businesses of any scale and industry, with data centers located worldwide. Q2: What are the primary services offered by AWS? Services offered by AWS can be divided into four categories. These categories constitute networking, computing, storage, and security. Each of these four includes several cloud-run products curated for cross-functional uses by individuals, companies, and governments. Some of them include EC2, Lamba, CloudFront, Elastic File System, VPC, LightSat, etc., joining together to deliver attributes of a real computer but on the cloud. Learn Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career. Q3: What is S3? Amazon S3, also known as Amazon Simple Storage Service, is a storage solution based in the cloud. It allows users to conveniently store and retrieve data anywhere and anytime through a web service interface. With its scalability and durability, Storing large amounts of data is made easy with Amazon S3. It is an excellent option to consider.This platform is widely used by developers worldwide. Users can enjoy the benefits of this reliable online backup service with a flexible pricing model that allows them to pay only for the storage they use. Q4: What is Cloudfront? Cloudfront is a content delivery network comprising the distribution of proxy servers globally, as people can access content data based on their geographical location. Cloudfront follows geotargeting as it lets the servers curate content on their webpage based on people’s geographical data without changing the URL. Also, the servers cache content and allow local users easy access to stream or download web content.  Q5: What is AWS SNS? The Simple Notification Service (SNS) provided by Amazon Web Services allows publishers to efficiently send notifications to subscribers using a push notification system. It is designed to support various communication scenarios between applications and individuals, making it a versatile solution for multiple purposes.  SNS ensures high availability by replicating messages across multiple availability zones, which improves reliability. Its user-friendly interface and APIs make integration with existing applications simple. With its global infrastructure, SNS offers fast message delivery with low latency worldwide. This scalable and dependable service plays a crucial role in real-time information sharing, making it an indispensable tool for modern cloud-based architectures and seamless communication between applications and users. Q6: What is AWS Disaster Recovery Solution? AWS Disaster Recovery Solution is the most prominently known AWS feature that helps reduce data loss due to its fast, reliable recovery systems dealing with possible network failures or attacks. In addition, disaster Recovery Solution creates backups or data replicas to keep data saved under any uncertain times. The program also helps generate better productivity as it is cost-effective, high-performance, and replicates data to protect from seasonal fluctuations in lower recovery times. Q7: What is Cloudformation in AWS? Juggling various AWS services can get complicated. Hence, Cloudformation is created to solve concerns with its library full of templates and extra AWS resources. Instead of seeking resources with every possible use, a library full of templates is easier to access. The program collects AWS resources to manage them in an organized manner for businesses and developers.  Q8: What are Availability zones and Regions in AWS? Availability zone in AWS stands for the geographical area where cloud services are centered and operate with redundant power and networking infrastructure. These availability zones are present inside the regions. The difference between these two is that the region constitutes a separate geographical area while the availability zone comprises multiple isolated places within regions.  Q9: Explain VPC in AWS. Virtual Private Cloud of VPC in AWS is a cloud computing service that provisions isolated networking clouds for better connectivity and networking. What sets it apart from the AWS service is that you have full control over your virtual experience. This means you can customize and use the network configuration according to your requirements. Furthermore, the virtual private cloud ensures protection against any interference or public access. Q10: What is the VPC-Peering Connection? VPC peering establishes a connection between two VPCs enabling it to route traffic between them. For example, creating a VPC peering connection can help transfer heavy files over the created link. However, VPC peering connection can only be established if the receiver accepts or rejects the request. How to prepare for the AWS interview? Besides practicing interview questions and answers, follow the basic interview preparation structure to stay ready. The essentials for the interview are researching about the company, comprehending the job description, and creating a well-formatted application. Finally, review fundamental AWS lessons for a quick revision. Make sure you know the basics well and answer the questions with utmost confidence and precision. Ensure you know the basics well and answer the questions confidently and precisely. If you wish to gain more insight and experience in the relevant sphere, head over to upGrad’s online program. upGrad offers a Master of Science in Computer Science program by Liverpool’s John Moores University, created for learners worldwide to earn proficiency in computer science specialization fields including Cyber Security, Full Stack Development, and Cloud Computing. The program is specifically designed to educate learners on up-to-date software development and other relevant programs to keep up with the changing times and trends.  upGrad strives to provide education that aligns with the latest market practices attracting over 40,000 learners from more than 85 countries. The curriculum, developed by industry experts and experienced faculty, integrates cutting-edge skills. Conclusion The AWS interview is no different from any other interview. As long as you have the right knowledge about its components and their apt functioning, the interview process will turn smoother. Run through all the found resources to polish your knowledge. Apart from individual preparation, digital training and certificates are some recent ways people are trying to brush up their AWS skills. 

Java 8: What Is It? Let’s conduct a quick refresher and define what Java 8 is before we go into the questions. To increase the efficiency with which Java applications may be developed and operated, Java has published Java 8, which was made available to the public on March 14, 2014. Java is undeniably one of the first names that come to our mind when we talk about software development. A primary driving power behind the global digital lifestyle, Java is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language developed by James A. Gosling in the mid-1990s, together with Patrick Naughton and Mike Sheridan.  With its many perks that include platform independence, object-oriented nature, and ease of learning, Java finds a host of applications in the software industry; be it Android applications, web-based applications, or desktop GUI applications, computers without Java are legit unimaginable.  The latest addition to the incredible functionalities of Java is Java 8, an open-source project released on March 18, 2014. Regarded as a revolutionary release for software development platforms, Java 8 is packed with upgrades and new features to the Java programming, tools, libraries, and JVM. The Oracle Corporation currently manages it. Needless to say, Java 8 interview questions are a hot topic in the field of software development. Moreover, if you are a fresher looking to make it big as a software developer or a related job title, let us walk you through the top Java 8 interview questions and answers you should go through as part of your D-day prep. In addition, we will talk about some popular upGrad courses that will help you get a step closer to your dream job! Why do you think Java SE 8 is so beneficial? It has been decided that programmers would benefit greatly from Java SE 8’s release. In particular, these are: It simplifies and clarifies the code. The addition of Lambda Expressions and Functional Interfaces to Java SE 8 increased code reusability. With Java 8, it’s easier to keep up with updates and run tests on code. It aids in the creation of incredibly scalable code and interfaces. Aids in the creation of alternative programs. This facilitated the creation of database-like activities. It boosts the efficiency of a wide range of programs. Java SE 8 allows for more efficient programming. Top 15 Java 8 Interview Questions and Answers 1. What are the new features added to Java 8? The essential features included in Java 8 include: Functional interfaces Lambda expression Method references Stream API Date time API Optional Default method Nashorn, JavaScript Engine 2. What are functional interfaces? Functional interfaces are interfaces that have only one abstract method. These interfaces are implemented using a Lambda expression. Thus, to use a Lambda expression, we need to create a new functional interface or use the predefined one of Java 8. 3. What are the characteristics of the Lambda function? Main characteristics of the Lambda function include: A method defined as Lambda expression can be passed as a parameter to a different method. There is no requirement of declaring the parameter type since the compiler can fetch the same from the parameter’s value. A method can exist independently without belonging to a class. Using a single parameter does not require parentheses, but the same can be done using multiple parameters. There is no need to use curly braces if the body of expression has only a single statement. 4. What is the structure of the Lambda expression? Lambda expression has the following structure: (Argument List) ->{statements;} or (Argument List) ->{expression;} 5. What are method references? Method references in Java 8 are a particular type of Lambda expression used for creating simple Lambda expressions by referencing existing methods. The different kinds of method references are – reference to a static method, reference to a constructor, and reference to an instance method. 6. What are Default Methods in Java 8? Default methods are those methods of the interface which have a body and utilize default keywords. Default methods have the property of backward compatibility. It means that if we add the default method in an interface, we will be able to provide the default implementation without affecting the implementing classes. However, if JDK modifies any interface that does not have the default method, then the classes that implement the said interface will break. 7. What is an optional class? Optional classes are special wrapper classes in Java 8 for avoiding NullPointerExceptions. NullPointerExceptions occur when we fail to perform Null checks. Optional classes encapsulate optional value that is either present or not. 8. Give some examples of standard Java pre-defined functional interfaces? The functional interfaces introduced by Java 8 include Predicate, Consumer, Supplier, etc. But popular pre-defined functional interfaces from earlier Java versions include the following: Runnable: For executing the instances of a class over another thread with no return value and no arguments. Comparable: For sorting objects in the natural sort order. Comparator: For sorting different objects as per user-defined order. Callable: For executing the instances of a class over another thread with no arguments. It either throws an exception or returns a value. 9. Name the various categories of pre-defined functional interfaces and their uses. The various categories of pre-defined functional interfaces are: Function: For transforming arguments in returnable value. Operator: For performing reduction type operations that accept the same input types. Consumer: Accepts arguments but does not return any values. Supplier: Returns a value but does not accept any arguments. Predicate: For performing a test and returning a boolean value. 10. What are some date and time APIs in Java 8? LocalTime, LocalDate, and LocalDateTime are the core date and time API classes in Java 8. These classes are local to the context of the observer and denote the current time and date in the context of the observer. 11. What were the drawbacks of the old date and time? The old date and time suffered from the following limitations: Java 8 time and date API meet the ISO standards, but the old date and time had a poor design. While the latest Java 8 date and time API is thread-safe, Java.util.Date was mutable and not thread-safe. In terms of performance, Java 8 is faster than the older date and time regime. 12. What is the difference between a Predicate and a Function? A Predicate and a Function differ in the following respects: While Predicate has the return type as boolean, Function has the return type as the object. A Predicate is written as Predicate<T> and accepts a single argument. A Function also accepts a single argument but is written as Function<T,R> Here, T denotes the type of input to the function, and R represents the type of result. 13. What are Stream APIs, and why do we need them? Stream APIs are a new feature in Java 8, a special class used for processing objects from a source such as Collection. Stream APIs are needed for: Supporting aggregate operations and simplifying processing Faster processing and better performance Supporting functional-style programming Parallel operations 14. What is the use of the limit() method in Java 8? The Stream.limit() method is used for specifying the limit of the elements. If we specify the size of the limit(X), it will return the Stream of size ‘X.’ 15. What are PermGen and MetaSpace? Up to Java 7, PermGen was an area used by JVM to store classes. PermGen was replaced by MetaSpace in Java 8. The major benefit of MetaSpace over PermGen is in terms of size. While PermGen had a fixed maximum size and could not grow dynamically, MetaSpace does not have any size constraint and is capable of dynamic growth. 16. What is Optional in Java 8? The Optional object is a container for other, non-null objects. Null without a value is represented as a non-mandatory object.  The Optional class provides many helper methods that may be used in place of testing for null values, allowing for more flexible handling of items that may or may not be accessible.  Instead of utilizing null references, the Optional class provides a type-level alternative for encoding optional data. 17. What is a Static Method? Why do we need Static methods in Java 8 Interfaces? Static methods are connected with a certain class or interface and might be either utility or helper methods. It’s not connected to anything in particular. The following justify our requirement for Static Methods: Instead of placing interface-specific utility methods in a separate Utility class, we may maintain them in the interface itself. There is no need to retain Utility Methods in specialized Utility Classes like Collections, Arrays, etc. Separation of Duties that is easy to understand. That is, there is no need for a separate Utility class to house the many Utility operations available in the Collections API. The API may be easily extended. The API is simple to keep up with. 18. Do you have any background working with Java in a real-world setting? If you are a seasoned programmer going in for an interview, you should expect this question. To the best of your ability, please respond with an honest account of your prior work in a production setting supporting Java development. 19. Is there a particular Java Developer certification you hold that sets you apart from the competition? As well as giving you an in-depth understanding of the technology you wish to master, a certification from a reputable organization will look great on your CV. You may show the interviewer that you have put in the time and effort necessary to understand the technology by working on real-world projects at the industry level, which are included in the certification process. Certification in a particular technology will lend legitimacy to your resume. It will give you a leg up in terms of information, education, and preparedness for interviews. Here’s What You Can Do Next Preparing for tech interviews can be a real hassle if you are not prepared well. By preparation, we do not simply mean going through truckloads of mock questions but also ensuring that your fundamentals are clear as crystal. And what better way to taking the first step towards your goals than signing up with upGrad? upGrad is a leading online higher education platform offering industry-relevant programs and courses in collaboration with the best-in-class faculty and experts. With top university partners including Liverpool John Moores University, IIIT Bangalore, IIT Madras, and Duke Corporate Education, upGrad amalgamates the best teaching practices and latest technology to provide an immersive and world-class learning experience. upGrad’s educational programs and courses have impacted over 500,000 working professionals. In addition, it has a paid learner base of over 40,000 spread across more than 85 countries. If you wish to pursue a career in software development or related fields, upGrad’s Master of Science in Computer Science and Executive PG Program in Software Development are two courses you should check out. With upGrad 360-degree career support, peer learning opportunities, and industry networking, the unique programs are curated to help learners master the know-how of software development.  1. Master of Science in Computer Science (19 months) Program Highlights: Master’s degree from the prestigious Liverpool John Moores University. Six unique specializations to choose from – Big Data, Full Stack Development, Blockchain Development, DevOps, Cloud Computing, and Cyber Security. Comprehensive coverage of 30+ programming languages, tools, and software with four years of unlimited content access. More than 500 hours of content with 30+ case studies and projects, 10+ live sessions, and industry mentorship 2. Executive PG Program in Software Development (13 months) Program Highlights: Recognition from the prestigious IIIT Bangalore. Six unique specializations to choose from – Big Data, Full Stack Development, Blockchain Development, DevOps, Cloud Computing, and Cyber Security. Hands-on exposure to over 30 industry-relevant assignments, case studies, and projects with coverage of 30+ tools and software. 400+ hours of content, over ten live sessions, and mentorship from leading faculty and industry experts. Conclusion Having a relevant academic degree is the first step towards a bright career in software development. upGrad’s robust courses in Computer Science and Software Development are designed to prepare candidates for varied job roles, including that of Software Developer, Big Data Developer, Data Engineer, Big Data Engineer, and Big Data Architect. The next step is preparing for the job interviews, where questions on the various programming languages and tools are pretty typical. Java being the programming language of choice for developers across multiple platforms, Java 8 interview questions are mandatory in the interviewee’s preparation agenda. 

Agile methodology interview questions can sometimes be challenging to solve. Studying and preparing well is the most vital factor to ace an interview with scrum success. So, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on scrum interview questions as well as answers to help you gain access to numerous job opportunities. Learn Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career. Keep reading to master your following Agile interview with the Agile interview questions and answers listed here.  22 Questions on Agile Methodology for Interviews and Answers 1. Discuss the concept of velocity within Agile. Answer: Velocity is a measurement calculated through the sum of all effort estimates based on user stories completed during an iteration. It is a way of predicting the amount of work Agile can do during a sprint and how long it will be required to finish an entire project. 2. Discuss the benefits of Pair Programming and why it is important. Answer: It is a process where two programmers work as a team, in which one programmer writes code while another reviews it. Both can change their roles. Benefits: Better code quality: As the second partner examines the code in tandem decreases the risk of making a mistake. The transfer of information is straightforward: One experienced partner can instruct another about the strategies and methods. 3. Discuss the Iterative and Incremental development process of Agile. Answer: The iterative and incremental development process is as follows: Iterative Design: Software is developed and handed over to the customer in response to feedback; the software is released in cycles and sprints. If the customer requests some modifications, the development team plans for the 2-second release that can be finished in a few sprints, and so on. Example: Release 1 software is created in five sprints and distributed directly to the client. Incremental development: Software develops in increments or parts. Each increment is only a small portion of the need completed. 4. What is an example of a test stub? Answer: A test stub is a small program that emulates a particular component within the system and replaces it. Its output is identical to that of the part it is replacing. 5. What is the difference between the product backlog and the sprint backlog? Sprint Backlog Product Backlog This is usually managed by the team that develops it. It contains only those features and requirements relevant to the particular sprint. It is regarded as a subset of the backlog of products.  It is typically owned and managed by the owner of the project. It is more focused on the ultimate purpose that the solution is aiming for. It typically contains every characteristic of the product along with the specifications of the product. It’s a compilation of everything needed to complete the entire procedure. It breaks down each step into a sequence of steps. 6. What is the distinction between the Agile methodology and traditional methodology for Software Development? Answer: The primary distinction between the two is as follows: Agile Software development: It is a method of iterative development employed to create complex software. With this approach, project teams can have the flexibility to adapt and ensure that the product is in line with the client’s requirements.   Classic Software Design: It is a linear method that is employed to develop simple software. This method is used when every process step typically occurs in a sequence. It is best suited in projects where the probability of changes is not significant in the project’s scope. 7. What is when you say agile development of software? Answer: It is an agile software process where performance and design are the main focus. The implementation and layout phases, in addition, incorporate additional tasks such as helping to meet needs and testing into these. In addition, it is more attentive to the expansion of coding than content. It has two development agendas: a) Group A developmental agenda: Needs integration and assessment- about one and a half months Policy design- two months The coding stage is four months long. Network integration and testing two months of network integration and testing Examine user acknowledgment-five weeks b) Group B developmental agenda: Since this plan is ad-hoc, it is divided into multiple levels. Reduplication is the process of determining the same amount of time. When each iteration is finished, a strong product and an innovative feature should be incorporated. 8. What is a Product Backlog? Answer: In agile teams, agile teams manage to keep their basic needs in check even after falling backward, and it’s called the Product Backlog within Scrum. 9. What is the role of product backlogs? Answer: A) It provides a listing of new features B) It alters the existing characteristics C) It corrects the bugs D) changes the structure 10. What is agility beneficial in responding to changes? Answer: They were adept at constructing the diversity of values shared in the context of trust and mutual respect, as well as the social values that resulted in an agile manifesto. 11. What is the purpose of standing-up meetings daily? Answer: A daily stand-up meeting is vital for any team which teams discuss, What percentage of work has been done? What plans are there to solve technical problems? What are the steps to take in order to finish the project, etc.? 12. What is the difference between the traditional Waterfall model and Agile testing? Answer: Agile testing is conducted in conjunction with the development process, unlike traditional waterfall models, where testing occurs after the development. Parallel, the agile testing process is carried out with small components, whereas with a waterfall approach, testing is carried out on the entire application. 13. Talk about Refactoring in brief. Answer: Modification to the code without altering its function to enhance performance is referred to as Refactoring. 14. State the principles of agile testing. Answer: The principles of agile testing are as follows: Continuous testing to guarantee that the product is being improved Constant feedback to make sure the product fits the needs of the business Testing requires active participation from team members in jobs like development and testing. The business team and user reps can be actively involved to help quickly gather input for each iteration. Clear and concise code guarantees that it is error-free throughout the iteration. 15. What exactly do you refer to by Refactoring? Answer: Refactoring is an essential process that involves the alteration or modification of the software’s internal structure with no change to its functionality or behavior outside of it. Developers alter or tweak using code to modify and enhance the structure of software. The most well-known and widely utilized refactoring technique in the agile software development process is known as Red-Green. Refactoring makes code more accessible, understandable, and tidy. The habit of constantly refactoring aids in making it easier to add and maintain the code. 16. What are Spike and Zero Sprint in Agile? Answer: Spike: This is typically a reference to a complicated and extensive customer story within software development that can’t be determined until the development team runs an investigation with a timebox.  Zero Sprint: The term is usually used to refer to the initial step or pre-preparation stage that occurs before the start of the sprint. It covers all tasks like setting up the development environment, making a backlog, etc. 17. What are the most viral values in accordance with the Agile manifesto? Answer: This is among the key questions for agile interviews that are primarily included in the agile manifesto. Individuals and information, useful software, intercourse with consumers, and the alteration of response are among the most crucial values. 18. Name one of the well-known tools that can be used to facilitate rapid software development. Answer: Atlassian Jira is a famous tool used for rapid software development. 19. Who is responsible for the management of the backlog of agile’s products? Answer: It is the Product Holder who is responsible for the product. 20. What is the best way for an agile team to achieve transparency on the backlog of articles? Answer: Every day, the team can work on refining the backlog with the assistance of the proprietor of the item. This allows for transparency in the backlogs. The backlogs are downloaded to check for future modifications. 21. Give examples of Quality strategies that are agile. Answer: Some quality strategies of Agile include: Refactoring Small feedback cycles Dynamic analysis of code Iteration 22. What is a tracer bullet? Answer: It could be described as a spike in the current architecture or the most current best practice set. Tracer bullets aim to look at how an end-to-end process would function and examine the potential. Popular Courses & Articles on Software Engineering Popular Programs Executive PG Program in Software Development - IIIT B Blockchain Certificate Program - PURDUE Cybersecurity Certificate Program - PURDUE MSC in Computer Science - IIIT B Other Popular Articles Cloud Engineer Salary in the US AWS Solution Architect Salary in US Backend Developer Salary in the US Front End Developer Salary in US Web developer Salary in USA Scrum Master Interview Questions How to Start a Career in Cyber Security Career Options in the US for Engineering Students .wpdt-fs-000020 { font-size: 20px !important;} Conclusion If you’ve read the above 22 agile methodology interview questions, you now have some understanding of the agile interview and the potentially asked agile methodology interview questions and answers. It is important to be aware of your fundamentals to crack any interview. If you want to learn about agile methodology from the best in the industry, check out upGrad’s Master of Science in Business Analytics course. This course will help you easily learn about agile methodologies in tackling interview questions on agile methodology. You can also check out our free courses offered by upGrad in Management, Data Science, Machine Learning, Digital Marketing, and Technology. All of these courses have top-notch learning resources, weekly live lectures, industry assignments, and a certificate of course completion – all free of cost! 

Computer science is an ever-evolving field with various topics and project ideas for computer science. It can be quite overwhelming, especially for beginners. To help you get started, this comprehensive guide provides ten interesting computer science domains and different computer science project ideas in each domain to explore.  These project ideas can be used as mini-projects for CSE or final-year projects for computer science. That way, you will not only have implemented your knowledge but also developed real-life computer science skills to strengthen your portfolio. The list of possible computer science project topics is exceptionally vast and ever-growing. So, to keep things simpler, we have divided the field into different domains that are currently active. We then list different project ideas for computer science under each of these domains so that you can make your pick!  Learn Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career. So, let’s get started and explore the world of computer science! 1. Data Science The data science field of computer science uses algorithms to find meaning and insights from data. Data scientists are often responsible for managing and analyzing large data sets. This data can come from many different sources, such as customer surveys and data from sensors like heart rate monitors. Once the data is collected, data scientists use data analysis tools to extract insights and information.  Data science projects are commonly used to help businesses manage their data more efficiently. These projects can help businesses categorize data, organize data sets, and even detect irregularities in the data that could pose a security threat. If you’re interested in data science, start by exploring tools used by data scientists and familiarizing yourself with the terminology and concepts. Once you grasp the basics, you can explore more advanced concepts and topics. Some of the computer science projects you can explore in this domain include:  Fake News Detection Using Python.  Detection of Road Lane Lines Sentimental Analysis Speech Recognition Gender Detection and Age Prediction Detecting Frauds 2. Machine Learning Machine learning is a computer science field that uses mathematical models to train computers and machines to learn from existing data. The concept of machine learning originated from the field of artificial intelligence. Today, machine learning is used in diverse industries and applications.  For example, it predicts customer behavior and informs marketing strategies. It’s also used in healthcare to identify and predict disease outbreaks and epidemics. If you’re interested in machine learning, start by exploring tools used by ML scientists and researchers and equip yourself with the required basics. Once you’ve done that, here are some computer science project ideas to explore in this domain:  Sales Forecasting Recommender Systems Stock Price Prediction Email Spam-Filtering System Sign Language Recognizer Music Genre Classification System 3. Image Recognition The subfield of computer science, computer vision, studies how computers can understand images. Computer vision is useful for several applications; the most prominently known is image recognition. For example, it can be used to detect if a package has been delivered and where it needs to be delivered.  Reading fundamental computer vision and image recognition textbooks is the best way to strengthen your foundation. Once you’ve done that, you can explore the following computer science projects involving computer vision and image recognition: People Counting System Detecting Colors in Images Object Tracking QR Code Scanner Object Recognition 4. Natural Language Processing Natural language processing, also known as NLP, studies how computers can understand human language. NLP can be used for many applications, including spam detection and sentiment analysis. Sentiment analysis determines the overall attitude or feeling towards a specific product or service. For example, it can determine if a customer review is positive or negative.  The best way to approach NLP is by getting hands-on with different possibilities in the field. For that, you can look at the following computer science project ideas to get started: Customer Support Bot Language Identifier System Autocomplete System Predictive Text Generator Media Monitor 5. Web Development Web development is building websites to host your content and services. It can be a challenging project, but it can also be gratifying. There are two main types of web development you can explore. Front-end web development is designing and building an interface for a website. Back-end web development is setting up and managing a website’s underlying code. The best way to get around web development is by first strengthening your front-end basics of HTML, CSS, and Vanilla JavaScript. From there, you can dive deeper and explore other JS libraries used for front-end and back-end work. To get comfortable working with these, you can try out any of the following computer science projects in web development: Online Complaint Registration and Management System Organ Donation System Student Feedback Review System E-Commerce Platform  Online Faculty Staff Directory for Universities Social Media Platforms / Communities Product Ratings / Reviews Platform 6. Blockchain A blockchain is a decentralized database that uses a distributed network to store data and run programs. A peer-to-peer network of computers manages the decentralized database. These networks, also known as nodes, verify transactions and maintain the integrity of the database.  Blockchain technology is used to power several different applications, including cryptocurrencies. Start by exploring the different types of blockchain and familiarizing yourself with the terminology and concepts. You can use the following final-year project ideas to familiarize yourself with the working of blockchain:  Crowdfunding Platform Using Smart Contracts Peer-To-Peer Ridesharing Blockchain-Based Voting System Loyalty Points Exchange System Fake Products Identification System 7. AI & Robotics Artificial intelligence and robotics are two topics that go hand in hand. Artificial intelligence refers to designing computers that can think and learn like humans, while robotics refers to designing machines capable of performing tasks and interacting with humans. Artificial intelligence and robotics are used to power a variety of different applications. For example, robots can be used in manufacturing plants to assemble products and clean the workspace. Here are some mini projects for CSE you can work on if you wish to explore the field of AI and Robotics: Stair Climber Robot Pick and Place Robotic Vehicle Mobile Autonomous Robot Solar Floor Cleaner Robot Robotic Arm Controlled by Touch Screen Display 8. Game Development Game development is another rapidly-evolving field in Computer Science. This field is particularly useful for people interested in computer graphics, such as vector graphics, raster graphics, and 3D graphics.  If you’re interested in creating games, you can start by researching game engines and development. Once you’ve got an idea of what games are all about, you can explore game development topics, such as 3D game development and artificial intelligence in games. In terms of final year project ideas in this domain, here are some that you can try out:  Rock, Paper, and Scissor Games using Python Sudoku Games Racing Games Pinball Games Card Games Board Games Puzzle Games Social Network Games 9. Cybersecurity The cybersecurity field studies the protection of computers and networks from cyber threats, such as viruses and malicious hackers. If you’re interested in cybersecurity, you can explore the various sub-branches of cybersecurity, like network security, programming, and database administration. Once you’ve got a better idea of what cybersecurity is all about, you can try out any of the following computer science project ideas to get more hands-on with your knowledge:  Anomaly Detection, Intrusion, Prevention  Stalking Threats  Geopolitical Cyber Security Systems Cyber Security Data Analytics 10. Virtual Reality Virtual reality is an immersive computer-generated experience. In virtual reality, you can immerse yourself in a computer-generated environment. This environment can be anything from sitting in space to exploring the ocean. VR is mainly used for gaming, but its implementation in other industries, like healthcare and education, is actively observed. If you’re interested in virtual reality, you can explore the following project ideas:  Ruined Castle Walk VR Game Farming in Village Simulation using VR  Large Warehouse Simulation Modern Apartment Simulation 11. Network Security Network security field deals with preventing unauthorized use, access, modification, or inspection of confidential information. As a result, network security is an extremely important domain of work for the fruitful functioning of businesses. To explore network security, you can check out the following computer science project ideas:  A Survey of Desktop-Grid Scheduling Scalable Data Race Detection for Lock-intensive Programs with Pending Period Representation Core Maintenance in Dynamic Graphs: A Parallel Approach based on Matching 12. Internet of Things IoT describes an intricately connected network with multiple different physical objects containing sensors and smart software in order to facilitate the exchange of information. IoT is an ever-growing domain of work, and there are expected to be around 22 billion IoT devices by 2025. Here are some project ideas for you to explore under this domain:  Smart Agriculture System Weather Reporting System Face Recognition Bot Air Pollution Monitoring System Liquid Level Monitoring System Popular Courses & Articles on Software Engineering Popular Programs Executive PG Program in Software Development - IIIT B Blockchain Certificate Program - PURDUE Cybersecurity Certificate Program - PURDUE MSC in Computer Science - IIIT B Other Popular Articles Cloud Engineer Salary in the US AWS Solution Architect Salary in US Backend Developer Salary in the US Front End Developer Salary in US Web developer Salary in USA Scrum Master Interview Questions How to Start a Career in Cyber Security Career Options in the US for Engineering Students .wpdt-fs-000020 { font-size: 20px !important;} In Conclusion As you can see, there is a reasonable amount of project domains as well as ideas if you are willing to spend some time and understand things in depth. However, if you wish to dive even deeper, more than these projects alone might be required. It would be best if you also have an in-depth conceptual and theoretical understanding of crucial areas in computer science.  To help you with that, upGrad offers a Master of Science in Computer Science in collaboration with LJMU as well as IIIT-Bangalore. This course comes with six specializations from which you can select one and pave your career. Experience the upGrad advantage and avail the benefits of personalized mentoring and real-life problem-solving. Check out our course page and get yourself enrolled soon!

Cryptocurrency is the emerging form of virtual currency, which is undoubtedly also the talk of the hour, perceiving the massive amount of attention it is seeking globally. It uses encryption to prevent counterfeiting. Most cryptocurrencies are intangible, but some have ventured into the physical realm through credit cards.  Although it is still not legally recognized in many countries, it has received significant exposure in the past few years and has received legal status from many countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Denmark, France, etc. However, investing in cryptocurrency can be a gamble if it is done without proper research. You can easily learn cryptocurrency trading with a reliable course online though knowing its fundamentals is a prerequisite before enrolling for a specialization course.  If you want to get an overview of how does cryptocurrency work and understand the technology that drives it, keep reading this article.  How does cryptocurrency work? Blockchain technology is what runs the show for cryptocurrency. It records transactions and keeps track of who owns what cryptocurrency. The computer is used to solve complex mathematical problems through a technique called mining. This helps in earning coins that, in turn, aid in the construction of cryptocurrency units. Users purchase the currencies from brokers and use encrypted wallets to store and spend them suited to their needs. Many people also learn cryptocurrency trading to invest in better opportunities.  Records are preserved across several computers on a network using a blockchain’s distributed ledger. Each computer is referred to as a node. These nodes do the verification and storage of data. When new transactions are concluded, they are added to a “block” of data, which is subsequently added to the chain. As new transactions occur, the entire ledger can be updated.  What is Blockchain technology? In order to understand how does cryptocurrency work, you must comprehend the basics of blockchain technology.  A blockchain is simply a digital ledger of transactions. It is replicated and distributed across the blockchain’s complete network of computer systems. Blockchain is significant because it eliminates the risk of fraudsters tampering with your data. Besides being used in cryptocurrency, it is also used in many other industries like banking, real estate, pharma, etc.  Advantages of using cryptocurrency Secure transactions Security is a major concern for most people when it comes to cryptocurrency. The blockchain ledger is built on many mathematical problems that are difficult to decode. Hence your privacy and security are never at risk. It is also interesting to note that cryptocurrency uses pseudonyms that are not related to any user, account, or stored data that may be traced to a profile. So it has a very tight security system. Fast transaction Cryptocurrency transactions are typically lightning fast. Not only domestic transactions but also cross-border transactions are completed conveniently. This is possible because there are minimal barriers to overcome.  Decentralized system Cryptocurrencies are mostly decentralized. Many cryptocurrencies are under the control of the creators who use them and people with a considerable amount of coins. Sometimes, it is also controlled by a firm to develop it before it is launched into the market. Decentralization contributes to the currency being free from monopoly and also in restraint because no single entity can determine its value and flow. This helps in keeping the coin stable and secure. Fast growth The cryptocurrency market is growing at an exponential rate. Projections of its growth indicate an increase of 16.43% annual rate (CAGR 2022-2027), resulting in a total of US$74.30 billion by 2027.  Cost-effective The charges per transaction are much lower in cryptocurrency. Usually, cross-border transactions can be expensive due to the high charges charged by the companies assisting transactions. On the other hand, cryptocurrency transactions are cost-effective, affordable, and much lesser when compared with conventional financial services.  Safeguard against inflation  Cryptocurrencies act as a kind of inflation protection. Various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin incorporate supply-control systems and can operate as an inflation hedge. For example, the total amount of coins that will ever be produced in Bitcoin has a strict limit. As demand grows for Bitcoin, its value rises, keeping up with the market, and, in the long term, this helps prevent inflation. Disadvantages of Cryptocurrency Subject to price volatility Investing in the crypto market can be a challenging game. Since this market thrives on speculation, it is subject to price volatility. While your profits might skyrocket, you must also be prepared to accept losses.  Illicit transactions While the privacy maintained in cryptocurrency is beneficial, it also has a downside. Due to the high privacy standards, governments often fail to trace users’ details. This results in illegal transactions and poses a threat to society at large.  Financial losses Although it is an advantage that the security system is extremely robust, if any user forgets their login credentials, they will practically never get back their coins. The coins they have in their wallet will remain as they are. This can result in serious financial losses.  No chance of retrieval of money  Sometimes, users might carry out transactions by mistake. In cryptocurrency, funds are not getting back even if the transfer was made by mistake. Due to this, fraud can become rampant, and any steps cannot be taken against related entities because their details cannot be tracked.  No proof of long-term profitability  Although the projections about the cryptocurrency market look very bright, it has been around only since 2008. This time frame is insufficient to prove that cryptocurrency is a wise long-term investment decision.  Trending cryptocurrencies  While most of us might have heard of the widely talked about cryptocurrency- ‘Bitcoin’, several others are gaining prominence with time. Here is a list of some popular cryptocurrencies- Ethereum  The second most heard cryptocurrency is Ethereum. It is often seen as an alternative to Bitcoin. Like all other cryptocurrencies, Ethereum is dependent on Blockchain technology. Ethereum’s purpose is to establish a decentralized suite of financial products that anybody on the planet can freely access. Dogecoin Dogecoin was introduced in 2013 when its creators, Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, launched it as a joke reflecting on the cryptocurrency market’s huge speculation. Dogecoin, unlike its contemporaries, is considered to be an inflationary coin. You can trade in Dogecoin with merchants who accept it.  Litecoin  Litecoin has innovated and established speedier payment systems and processes to allow for more transactions. Litecoin is a digital currency that enables low-cost payments to anyone on the earth. Like other cryptocurrencies, Litecoin is a transnational payment network that is open source and entirely decentralized. Polkadot Polkadot is a Proof of Stake (PoS) cryptocurrency. The purpose of Polkadot is to provide compatibility with other blockchains. The protocol is connected to blockchains with and without permission and oracles. This allows the collaboration of systems under one entity. Tether Tether is a stablecoin that aims to smooth out price fluctuations to attract users who may otherwise be wary. The price of Tether is set at $1 per coin. Tether is widely employed as a middleman when traders move from one cryptocurrency to the other. They use Tether instead of returning to dollars.  XRP XRP is a cryptocurrency supported by the XRP Ledger and introduced by Ripple, its parent company. While its validation software is available to anyone, it maintains distinct node lists.  If you want to invest in cryptocurrency, you must learn crypto currency in detail with Blockchain Certificate Program by upGrad. It will not only help you make wiser investment decisions when it comes to putting your money in cryptocurrency but also learn more about blockchain technology and its applications in various other industries. Key highlights Learn more about Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric. Learn about Blockchain applications in banking, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. Mentorship from industry professionals on an individual basis. Obtain certification from a Top 10 US Public University. Conclusion  Venturing into cryptocurrency needs fundamental conceptual knowledge based on blockchain, its parent technology. This can only be achieved through extensive study that a reliable online course or detailed books can offer you. While our list works as a great kickstart to tickle your interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain, blockchain and crypto programs from educational platforms like upGrad can be a wise decision. Following the growing demand for crypto professionals, starting today would help you future-proof your career. 

SQL (Structured Query Language) has been around for decades and is a powerful language used to manage and manipulate data. If you’ve wanted to learn SQL but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place! This ultimate guide to SQL is the perfect step-by-step SQL tutorial for beginners in 2022. You’ll learn SQL basics, how to write queries, and more advanced topics such as managing databases, creating tables, and using views through this SQL server tutorial. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently use SQL to store and retrieve data for your projects. So, let’s get started! What is the Difference Between SQL and NoSQL? SQL (Structured Query Language) is a server language used to store and manage data. It’s often used in conjunction with relational databases, which store data in tables with columns and rows.  SQL is a type of database management language (DBML) that is structured, meaning that it follows a set format and rules. There are several different types of DBMLs, including SQL, NoSQL, and NewSQL. NoSQL is a type of DBML that does not include SQL. It’s a more open-ended language, meaning it can be applied to various data models, unlike SQL, which is more structured and works best with relational data models. NewSQL, on the other hand, is a more modern version of SQL that includes some updates, such as new data types. Checkout Software Development Courses at upGrad. Setting up a Database for your Project The first step in any SQL tutorial is learning to set up a database for your project. If you’re using a cloud database service such as Firebase, you don’t need to set up your own database. But if you’re working on a project that requires a local database, there are a few things you need to do.  First, open your command line and navigate to your project’s directory using the “cd” command (e.g., cd Desktop/myProject/).  Create a database using the following SQL query: CREATE DATABASE ‘myDatabaseName’. You can then close the command line and open your preferred SQL editor, such as Visual Studio Code or SQL Server Management Studio. Once you have set up your database, now you can get behind SQL basics and try around different queries and commands to see them in action in real time.  How to Write SQL Queries Now, let’s talk about how to write basic SQL queries.  Every SQL query has three basic parts: The SELECT clause, the FROM clause, and the WHERE clause.  The SELECT clause is where you specify which data you’d like to retrieve. The FROM clause specifies the tables from where you can retrieve the data. The WHERE clause specifies which conditions the data must meet to be included in the results. Here’s an example of a simple SELECT query:  SELECT * FROM ‘customers’;  This query will pull all customers from the ‘customers’ table. Here’s another example:  SELECT ‘firstName’, ‘lastName’ FROM ‘customers’ WHERE ‘customers’. ’state’ = ‘Texas’;  This query will select the firstName and lastName fields from the ‘customers’ table and only include customers who live in Texas. You can build on these basic queries and execute more complex and interlinked commands as well, depending on what you wish to achieve. However, the basic structure of all of those SQL queries will also be the same as described above. The syntax remains the same! Check our US - Data Science Programs Professional Certificate Program in Data Science and Business Analytics Master of Science in Data Science Master of Science in Data Science Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science Executive PG Program in Data Science Python Programming Bootcamp Professional Certificate Program in Data Science for Business Decision Making Advanced Program in Data Science The Basics of Creating Tables, Views, and Indexes Now that we have briefly gone through some SQL basics, especially executing queries, let’s take this SQL tutorial to the next level and talk about tables, views, and indexes. Starting with tables.  Creating tables in SQL is easy – you just need to use the CREATE TABLE query and specify the table name and its columns. For example:  CREATE TABLE ‘customers’ ( ‘id’ INT PRIMARY KEY, ‘firstName’ VARCHAR(40) NOT NULL, ‘lastName’ VARCHAR(40) NOT NULL, ‘state’ VARCHAR(40) NOT NULL, ‘emailAddress’ VARCHAR(40) NOT NULL )  Here is a breakdown of the query mentioned above:  Using the query, we are creating a table by the name ‘customers’. The table has the following attributes (or columns): 1. Id – with data type as ‘int’. This attribute is also a Primary Key, which means that one cannot leave this detail empty while filling the table and also that this attribute will be used while referencing this table from some other table.  2.firstName – with data type as ‘varchar’ with a maximum length of 40 characters. This attribute is set as Not Null, which implies that this field also cannot be left empty.  3. Likewise, lastName, state, and emailAddress are three more attributes with the same properties as the firstName attribute. Once you’ve created the table, you can insert data into it using the INSERT INTO query, like INSERT INTO ‘customers’ (‘id’, ‘firstName’, ‘lastName’, ‘state’, ‘emailAddress’) VALUES (1, ‘John’, ‘Doe’, ‘Texas’, ‘john.doe@example.com’);  You can also delete tables by using the DROP TABLE query like so: DROP TABLE ‘customers’;  Now, let’s talk about views. Views are basically tables that exist only in SQL’s memory. Views are helpful because they can be used to manipulate data without actually modifying the original data.  Let’s say you have a table with customers’ information called ‘customers’, and you want to know the average age of all customers. To do this, you can create a view called ‘averageAge’ that sums up the ages of all customers and divides the total by the number of customers. Likewise, you can also create indexes. Indexes can be thought of as a tool to retrieve data from the database in a faster manner. The users cannot see the indexes, they are just in order to speed up searches/queries. You can do this by using the following syntax:  CREATE INDEX index_name ON table_name (column1, column2, …); Advanced topics in SQL: Using Transactions and Stored Procedures Transactions allow you to group multiple SQL queries together so that they only succeed or fail as a whole. This is useful if you need to run multiple queries because they might interact with each other and cause problems if they’re not grouped together.  You can start a transaction using the BEGIN TRANSACTION query and end it using the COMMIT TRANSACTION query. You can also use the ROLLBACK TRANSACTION query to end the transaction and discard any changes.  You can use a stored procedure if you need to group multiple queries together. Just like you would use a function in other programming languages, a stored procedure is a piece of code you can use in SQL. You can create a stored procedure using the CREATE PROCEDURE query and end it using the DROP PROCEDURE query. How to Optimize your SQL Queries for Better Performance Now that you know SQL basics and how to write queries, let’s talk about how to optimize your SQL queries for better performance.  Ensure your data is organized and your tables aren’t too large. Large tables can cause your queries to run slowly, as well as cause potential issues with your database.  Make sure that your indexes are created correctly. If your data is relational, then indexes can help speed up your queries.  Since the database engine processes SQL queries, make sure that your database engine is optimized and fast. Optimize your database engine by adjusting its settings, such as the number of concurrent connections, thread settings, and CPUs. SQL Resources for Beginners Now that you’ve reached the end of this SQL guide, you’re well on your way to becoming an SQL pro! If you’d like to continue learning, there are a few resources that you can check out. The first one is named “Learn SQL the Hard Way”. This resource is a complete step-by-step guide that teaches you everything you need about SQL. It even includes exercises at the end of each chapter to help you practice what you’ve learned. Another great resource is the “W3Schools SQL Tutorial”. This website also has a comprehensive SQL tutorial that’s easy to understand and follow.  In Conclusion We gave you a complete yet brief overview of SQL in this article. The idea is to help you get started in your SQL journey so that you get comfortable handling projects. After all, SQL (or database management, in general) sits at the core of any software development endeavor. This is especially true if you’re aspiring to become a full stack developer – because then, you would be expected to know and be comfortable working on front-end and back-end, as well as performing database management activities.  At upGrad, we understand the importance of full-stack development in today’s day and age and also believe that a well-rounded full-stack developer needs proper training and practice on all important fronts. In line with that, we have launched a 13-month Executive Post Graduate Program in Software Development – Full Stack Development. The course takes you through the world of full-stack development, accompanied by industry experts and leaders.  Check out the course for more details, and get yourself enrolled soon! 

The field of cyber security is evolving at a rapid pace, giving birth to exceptional opportunities across the field. While this has its perks, on the other hand, the changing techniques and theories mean you have to keep upskilling yourself to keep up with the changing trends and technologies. What you learned cyber security field a few years ago might not work in 2022. That is why it is important to keep researching constantly.  As an excellent source of knowledge, the internet will enable you to grasp trending topics, but the foundation strength is what only a good book can provide you.  Comprehending the significance of books in the area of cyber security, we have created a list of the top ten best cyber security books for beginners and professionals hoping to cement their status in the domain.  Why is Cyber Security Important?  Before we delve into the list of cyber security books, let us refresh our memory about what cyber security really means. Technically, cyber security refers to techniques and practices one can employ in order to protect data, systems, and networks from unauthorized access on the internet.  All computerized systems need cyber security to be protected against unauthorized intervention. The prime role of cyber security is to protect data confidentiality from unethical elements. With a variety of sophisticated issues such as data breaches, cyber-attacks, and identity theft, cyber security professionals must be strengthened using the right resources. The given cyber security books for beginners and professionals can help you embark on a well-informed cyber security path.  Best Cyber Security Books You Should Read to Improve Your Skills  Cyber security also includes the topic of ethical hacking, as cyber security professionals have to test systems against hacking by performing ethical hacking on websites and systems. That is why some books on the list also feature ethical hacking techniques.  Hacking: The Art of Exploitation Author:  Jon Erickson The market’s most famous cyber security and hacking book, Hacking, has two editions, published in 2003 and 2008. It is one of the most comprehensive books on hacking and how a hacker thinks. It gives you insights into how you can predict a hacker’s moves and provides a step-by-step guide on building a system that counters unethical hacking. In the second edition, you can find a hacker’s perspective on C-Programming. The second edition also has a live CD with a complete Linux environment. The book also avoids technical jargon and speaks in a language anyone can understand. This is an excellent book for beginners and experienced alike.  Checkout Software Development Courses at upGrad. The Art of Invisibility Author: Kevin Mitnick  Kevin Mitnick has been dubbed the world’s most famous hacker. This book is an insight into the scary world of big data and large companies that spy on every move of our mundane human lives. With his immense knowledge about how large establishments take advantage of normal people, the author has set out to warn the readers about their moves and even gives insights on protecting yourself against constant observation. Even though we know the lack of real privacy on the internet, we also learn how to protect ourselves from these threats, thanks to Mitnick. This book should be read by everyone and not just cyber security professionals.  Practice Malware Analysis Author: Michael Sikorski and Andrew Honig The digital world, as we all know, is constantly threatened by malware and viruses of different kinds. One of the main jobs that IT professionals and cyber security experts have today is combating these threats on a regular basis. The book is a comprehensive guide to malware-related data. Even though you have a solid grasp of internal concepts and coding to combat malware threats effectively, this book defines and relays those concepts very well. To read and understand this book, you have to have some basic cybersecurity knowledge, but it provides great insight into malware combat.  Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking Author: Christopher Hadnagy  This is probably the only book in the list that focuses on the human influence of hacking rather than technical ones. Humans and human errors are usually the reason behind a security breach, not technical errors. If you want a cynical and twisted look inside virtual criminals’ minds and understand how to use it to your advantage, you have to read this book. This book does not depend on the technicalities of hacking and cyber security, which are constantly changing, but on the human mind, which works predictably and can be manipulated for personal advantage.  Ghost in the Wires  Author: Kevin Mitnick  Even though we have already seen a book by Mitnick on the list, we also have to include this one. But unlike the previous book, where Mitnick provided insight into how to protect your privacy under the constant surveillance of your digital presence, this book is a thriller sharing the author’s daring endeavors of hacking into multi-million dollar corporations. The world’s most famous and most wanted hacker shares his story in this memoir that everyone should read.  Hacking: A Beginners’ Guide to Computer Hacking, Basic Security, And Penetration Testing Author: John Slavio  If you are new to the world of cyber security and want to begin your ethical hacking career, this book is a must-read for you. You can find comprehensive studies about the history of hacking, types of hacking attacks, hackers, important hacking tools, and much more. You can also learn about mobile and email hacking and penetration testing. The book is a compact guide for beginners in ethical hacking. Computer Hacking Beginners Guide  Author: Alan T. Norman  Another exceptional book for beginners who are looking for a comprehensive guide to the world of computer hacking is written by Alan Norman. This book contains all the techniques and tools used by black, white, and grey hat hackers. You will learn how a system can be compromised due to attacks and how you can identify such attacks to tackle them successfully. The book is an excellent source of ethical hacking tips to polish your skills. Check our US - Data Science Programs Professional Certificate Program in Data Science and Business Analytics Master of Science in Data Science Master of Science in Data Science Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science Executive PG Program in Data Science Python Programming Bootcamp Professional Certificate Program in Data Science for Business Decision Making Advanced Program in Data Science The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook  Author: Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto  Web applications are always vulnerable to various threats online. But this book can help you understand, identify, and prevent attacks on web applications and keep them safe from fraudulent activities. You can find step-by-step methods, complete with remoting frameworks, hybrid file attacks, and much more, on how to defend various web applications against threats.  Cult of the Dead Cow  Author: Joseph Menn  The name of the book is also the name of the hacking supergroup that it talks about. The Cult of the Dead Cow was founded in Texas, USA, in the year 1984. Politician Beto O’Rourke has said that he was also part of the group. The book talks about how this group functioned and how it was the driving force behind the development of TOR. The book narrates how the cult might have saved the world as they led many corporations across the world to improve their security protocols critically. The book is highly informative and provides insight into the history of hacking, which can be an interesting read for many. Threat Modelling: Designing for Security  Author: Adam Shostack  This last book on the list is more for professionals and less for casual readers. If you are a cybersecurity professional, this book is a must-read. It delves into the threat modeling practices that large corporations have used to ward off online threats and virtual attacks successfully. White hat hackers can reap valuable insights from this book, making it a must-read. Conclusion  Now that you have a comprehensive reading list of cyber security and ethical hacking books for casual reading and in-depth learning, you can embark on your challenging journey of becoming a cyber security professional. With sophisticated hacking techniques being involved in attacking systems maliciously, the field of cyber security is strengthening itself to repel the growing challenges, leading to better career opportunities for talented cyber professionals. If you are a cyber security aspirant looking to strengthen your skillset, check out upGrad’s Master of Science in Computer Science program.  Offered under two reputed institutes, Liverpool John Moores University and IIIT-Bangalore, the course is curated by leading industry experts, helping you gain in-demand skills such as DevOps, Big Data programming, Cyber Security, Blockchain, and more!

Language is used as a form of communication between two people. One person expresses their thoughts and opinions, whereas the other listens and comprehends those words. Similarly, language is used in computers to communicate between the developer’s commands and the computer’s outputs. In order for the computer’s software to carry out a certain function, it needs to receive the instructions in the form of its programming language. Each programming language caters to a specific type of system. Not all programming languages are supported in all software. Therefore, knowing which are the most in-demand and highest-paying programming languages in the industry is imperative to pave a lucrative and successful career. Learn Software Development Courses online from the World’s top Universities. Earn Executive PG Programs, Advanced Certificate Programs or Masters Programs to fast-track your career. Most Popular and Highest Paid Programming Languages in the US 1. Clojure It is an extensive purpose programming language. It is the most demanding programming language in US because it runs on Java Script platforms, Java Virtual Machine, and Common Language Runtime. Since it has access to all Java libraries and frameworks, both Clojure and Java programming languages can solve each other’s issues which couldn’t have been solved alone.  It is a dialect of ‘Lisp’, which means it shares the same data and philosophy as Lisp. Most companies use Clojure as it can handle a significant amount of data. Developers use it for Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining. The average annual salary of developers who use this programming language is USD 105,000, making it one of the highest-paid programming languages.  2. Lisp Lisp is an abbreviation of ‘List Processing’, which helps make swift and efficient changes to data charts. It uses various dialects, and its codes can be easily interpreted. Most programming developers need a compiler to translate their source codes into machine codes or even into another programming language.  However, Lisp doesn’t need a compiler as its vast in-built dialect deciphers each code very easily. Although it’s an old programming language, it is still quite popular since it’s easy to learn and performs well on shorter codes. The average annual salary of developers who use this programming language is USD 75,000. 3. Erlang Erlang is one of the most used programming languages in the telecommunication industry. It executes codes and other functions on high availability without getting overworked. It has a fault-tolerant built-in support system that can troubleshoot issues, distribute information, segregate each data in the right subcategory, and perform quick actions for quick results. Most text messaging companies use this programming language, including WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.  Unlike other programming languages, which claim to have no bugs or crashes, Erlang focuses more on how to deal with them as soon as they occur. Its lightweight processes help the developers to restart the system and provide self-healing properties. The developers can be assured that they will earn an annual median salary of USD 124,000. 4. Ruby Ruby is an open-sourced scripting programming language. It is popular as it works on all platforms, such as Windows, all versions of UNIX, Mac OS, etc. Ruby is unique because it follows the Principle Of Least Astonishment (POLA). This feature allows Ruby to run its tasks effortlessly, minimizing complex confusion for the users and developers. It is very easy to use Ruby syntax.  Since it supports multiple programming models, it increases the developers’ productivity. It is highly used in website development, desktop applications, automation assistance, data processing, etc. Employers who learn and use this programming language can easily expect an annual salary of USD 104,000. 5. Elixir In order to build a scalable distributed system, a programming language must have access to various concurrent tools (where multiple computations are happening simultaneously). Elixir is one such programming language and by far one of the most powerful and reliable ones. It is very similar to the Erland programming language as they have similar characteristics for developing software.  The average salary of a developer who uses Elixir is USD 109,000 annually. To execute data workflows, Elixir uses software known as BEAM. It helps to deal with high-volume applications and concurrencies. This language runs in the Erlang Virtual Machine, providing high performance and fault tolerance abilities. 6. Rust Rust is one of the fastest-running typed programming languages that ensures safety. Unlike many other highest paying programming languages that are too complex and not user-friendly. Most programming languages cannot control an overwhelming workplace load and compromise efficiency. On the other hand, Rust tries to maintain a healthy balance between high technical capacity and a smooth user experience.  It is fast and memory efficient. It has a user-friendly compiler that handles any crashes smoothly. Usually, when a programming language uses simpler codes, the quantity has to be increased to carry out more tasks. Rust supports complex codes that execute more tasks in minimal encodings. The average salary of a developer who uses Rust is USD 124,000 annually. 7. Python It is a general-purpose scripting programming language. The developer doesn’t need to compile the codes before running it, as the interpreter executes it at runtime. Whether it’s a complex level of programming that consists of applications and server protection or simple text processing like worldwide web browsers, Python can do it all very efficiently. It runs on different hardware platforms, and unlike other programming languages, it has the same interface. It is scalable as it provides strong support to large programs. Big renowned companies like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, etc., use Python as their programming language. The average annual salary of a Python developer is around USD 76,229. 8. Scala Scala is an object-oriented, functional programming language. In certain complex applications where fixing bugs is too chaotic, Scala troubleshoots them and provides a quick solution. It converts the codes into bytecodes and runs on Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Each of Scala’s programs is broken down into smaller groups, and each group can be processed separately and simultaneously, making the entire process faster and more effective.  It is an upgraded version of Java programming language, created to execute the programs in a narrow form, discarding lengthy codes. It also supports many libraries and APIs, which helps the developers with more data information. Various criticisms that were arising in Java have been addressed in Scala. Using this programming language, employees can expect an annual salary of USD 122,000. 9. Perl It is a dynamic programming language that is object-oriented and procedural. The name PERL stands for ‘Practical Extraction and Report Language’, which is prominently used for quick prototyping and for large-scale development projects. It is a cross-platform programming language that runs on over a hundred platforms, whether a fixed mainframe or a portable structure. Any program written using the Perl language is known as ‘Perl Scripts’. It is used for text manipulation.  It has an in-built role in shell programming, which utilizes system facilities and segregates data into various sections. The text-manipulating feature of Perl uses various tools for processing texts with XML, HTML, and various other programming languages. It is also known as the ‘duct tape of the internet.’ The average annual salary of a developer using the Perl programming language is USD 102,000. 10. Go Go is also known as ‘Go Language’ or ‘GoLang’. It is an open-sourced and general-purpose programming language. Google was facing issues with its old and complex programming language, and that’s when Go 1.0 was launched. It soon became the most demanding programming language in US as it was very simple, efficient, and easily readable. The syntax used in this programming language is similar to the C programming language. So, most developers already familiar with C found it easy to learn and use Go.  It can compile large amounts of data in seconds without being overburdened. Unlike other general-purpose programming languages, Go is multipurpose for cloud computing, data science, web development, and much more. Creators need a programming language that can perform large-scale automation, and Go is best suited for that. The annual salary for Go developers is USD 122,000. How Can Learning Programming Languages Help Boost Your Career? People who approach learning programming and codes often wonder whether the struggle with it is worth it. In today’s time, where data surrounds us all, you should know that learning these top-paying programming languages can significantly boost your career. Once you learn how to program using in-demand languages, you will find yourself in a niche where it will be easier to connect with other developers. Networking with them will open doors to ample opportunities. There are various other benefits that you should pay attention to. Read ahead: Improves Your Data Analysis and Data Visualization Skills Since programming languages are the core foundations of data analysis and data visualization, they will help you improve your data analysis skills. Designing complex data panels and transcripts are some of the perks of learning high-level languages such as the ones mentioned above.  Improves Problem-solving Skills When developers deal with complex codes, they navigate their way through them by breaking them down into smaller codes. This ultimately helps them tackle complex codes by converting them into simpler versions. The entire process can enable developers to learn problem-solving skills. In order to solve any complex situation, a methodological approach is required. It helps in bringing a new perspective towards the problem and ultimately leads to a solution.  Allows You to Be a Part of a Revolutionary Future Learning programming languages, codes, data science, etc., will act as your tools to contribute to innovating the future. Technological advancements such as robotics, automated technologies, and systems for cars, banks, and other areas will demand special skills. Only learned and experienced developers will be given such prosperous opportunities, so ensure you’re prepared for it. Gives You a Fair Job Opportunity and Security Programming languages are universal. As a developer, if you know your programming language thoroughly, you can be employed in any company in the world. You need not learn anything from scratch or worry about any technical changes in the workplace if you’re changing countries. You’ll be highly employable no matter where you choose to go. This provides fair job opportunities and ensures the security of having a job. Popular Courses & Articles on Software Engineering Popular Programs Executive PG Program in Software Development - IIIT B Blockchain Certificate Program - PURDUE Cybersecurity Certificate Program - PURDUE MSC in Computer Science - IIIT B Other Popular Articles Cloud Engineer Salary in the US AWS Solution Architect Salary in US Backend Developer Salary in the US Front End Developer Salary in US Web developer Salary in USA Scrum Master Interview Questions How to Start a Career in Cyber Security Career Options in the US for Engineering Students .wpdt-fs-000020 { font-size: 20px !important;} Conclusion Having the right source of knowledge is as important as having the right skills. Since programming languages are a complex subject, you need a good mentor for better understanding. UpGrad offers an Advanced Certificate Programme in Blockchain, which will help you become an efficient data developer, further enhancing your programming skills and knowledge of the upcoming innovations in Blockchain technology.

The field of cyber security is evolving at a rapid pace, giving birth to exceptional opportunities across the field. While this has its perks, on the other hand, the changing techniques and theories mean you have to keep upskilling yourself to keep up with the changing trends and technologies. What you learned cyber security field a few years ago might not work in 2022. That is why it is important to keep researching constantly.  As an excellent source of knowledge, the internet will enable you to grasp trending topics, but the foundation strength is what only a good book can provide you.  Comprehending the significance of books in the area of cyber security, we have created a list of the top ten best cyber security books for beginners and professionals hoping to cement their status in the domain.  Why is Cyber Security Important?  Before we delve into the list of cyber security books, let us refresh our memory about what cyber security really means. Technically, cyber security refers to techniques and practices one can employ in order to protect data, systems, and networks from unauthorized access on the internet.  All computerized systems need cyber security to be protected against unauthorized intervention. The prime role of cyber security is to protect data confidentiality from unethical elements. With a variety of sophisticated issues such as data breaches, cyber-attacks, and identity theft, cyber security professionals must be strengthened using the right resources. The given cyber security books for beginners and professionals can help you embark on a well-informed cyber security path.  Best Cyber Security Books You Should Read to Improve Your Skills  Cyber security also includes the topic of ethical hacking, as cyber security professionals have to test systems against hacking by performing ethical hacking on websites and systems. That is why some books on the list also feature ethical hacking techniques.  1. Hacking: The Art of Exploitation Author:  Jon Erickson The market’s most famous cyber security and hacking book, Hacking, has two editions, published in 2003 and 2008. It is one of the most comprehensive books on hacking and how a hacker thinks. It gives you insights into how you can predict a hacker’s moves and provides a step-by-step guide on building a system that counters unethical hacking. In the second edition, you can find a hacker’s perspective on C-Programming. The second edition also has a live CD with a complete Linux environment. The book also avoids technical jargon and speaks in a language anyone can understand. This is an excellent book for beginners and experienced alike.  2. The Art of Invisibility Author: Kevin Mitnick  Kevin Mitnick has been dubbed the world’s most famous hacker. This book is an insight into the scary world of big data and large companies that spy on every move of our mundane human lives. With his immense knowledge about how large establishments take advantage of normal people, the author has set out to warn the readers about their moves and even gives insights on protecting yourself against constant observation. Even though we know the lack of real privacy on the internet, we also learn how to protect ourselves from these threats, thanks to Mitnick. This book should be read by everyone and not just cyber security professionals.  3. Practice Malware Analysis Author: Michael Sikorski and Andrew Honig The digital world, as we all know, is constantly threatened by malware and viruses of different kinds. One of the main jobs that IT professionals and cyber security experts have today is combating these threats on a regular basis. The book is a comprehensive guide to malware-related data. Even though you have a solid grasp of internal concepts and coding to combat malware threats effectively, this book defines and relays those concepts very well. To read and understand this book, you have to have some basic cybersecurity knowledge, but it provides great insight into malware combat.  Check Out upGrad’s Software Development Courses to upskill yourself. 4. Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking Author: Christopher Hadnagy  This is probably the only book in the list that focuses on the human influence of hacking rather than technical ones. Humans and human errors are usually the reason behind a security breach, not technical errors. If you want a cynical and twisted look inside virtual criminals’ minds and understand how to use it to your advantage, you have to read this book. This book does not depend on the technicalities of hacking and cyber security, which are constantly changing, but on the human mind, which works predictably and can be manipulated for personal advantage.  6. Ghost in the Wires  Author: Kevin Mitnick  Even though we have already seen a book by Mitnick on the list, we also have to include this one. But unlike the previous book, where Mitnick provided insight into how to protect your privacy under the constant surveillance of your digital presence, this book is a thriller sharing the author’s daring endeavors of hacking into multi-million dollar corporations. The world’s most famous and most wanted hacker shares his story in this memoir that everyone should read.  7. Hacking: A Beginners’ Guide to Computer Hacking, Basic Security, And Penetration Testing Author: John Slavio  If you are new to the world of cyber security and want to begin your ethical hacking career, this book is a must-read for you. You can find comprehensive studies about the history of hacking, types of hacking attacks, hackers, important hacking tools, and much more. You can also learn about mobile and email hacking and penetration testing. The book is a compact guide for beginners in ethical hacking. 8. Computer Hacking Beginners Guide  Author: Alan T. Norman  Another exceptional book for beginners who are looking for a comprehensive guide to the world of computer hacking is written by Alan Norman. This book contains all the techniques and tools used by black, white, and grey hat hackers. You will learn how a system can be compromised due to attacks and how you can identify such attacks to tackle them successfully. The book is an excellent source of ethical hacking tips to polish your skills.  9. The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook  Author: Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto  Web applications are always vulnerable to various threats online. But this book can help you understand, identify, and prevent attacks on web applications and keep them safe from fraudulent activities. You can find step-by-step methods, complete with remoting frameworks, hybrid file attacks, and much more, on how to defend various web applications against threats.  10. Cult of the Dead Cow  Author: Joseph Menn  The name of the book is also the name of the hacking supergroup that it talks about. The Cult of the Dead Cow was founded in Texas, USA, in the year 1984. Politician Beto O’Rourke has said that he was also part of the group. The book talks about how this group functioned and how it was the driving force behind the development of TOR. The book narrates how the cult might have saved the world as they led many corporations across the world to improve their security protocols critically. The book is highly informative and provides insight into the history of hacking, which can be an interesting read for many. 10. Threat Modelling: Designing for Security  Author: Adam Shostack  This last book on the list is more for professionals and less for casual readers. If you are a cybersecurity professional, this book is a must-read. It delves into the threat modeling practices that large corporations have used to ward off online threats and virtual attacks successfully. White hat hackers can reap valuable insights from this book, making it a must-read. Conclusion  Now that you have a comprehensive reading list of cyber security and ethical hacking books for casual reading and in-depth learning, you can embark on your challenging journey of becoming a cyber security professional. With sophisticated hacking techniques being involved in attacking systems maliciously, the field of cyber security is strengthening itself to repel the growing challenges, leading to better career opportunities for talented cyber professionals. If you are a cyber security aspirant looking to strengthen your skillset, check out upGrad’s Master of Science in Computer Science program.  Offered under two reputed institutes, Liverpool John Moores University and IIIT-Bangalore, the course is curated by leading industry experts, helping you gain in-demand skills such as DevOps, Big Data programming, Cyber Security, Blockchain, and more!