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A Crash Course in P2P
A Crash Course in P2P
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A Crash Course in P2P
In this issue, we are diving deep into the world of P2P (peer-to-peer) networks. It's all about computers talking directly to each other. We will take you on a cool journey, checking out how P2P networks evolved, the different P2P models, and the nitty-gritty details of how they work. We will talk about the challenges faced by P2P networks and a sneak peek into the future where blockchain and DeFi make things even more interesting.
A P2P network is a type of network in which different computers communicate with each other directly without the need for a central server. The peer in the term indicates that all participating computers/systems are equal. These computers are also called nodes.
In a traditional network architecture (known as the client-server architecture), there is usually one server and multiple clients. If two clients want to communicate with each other, the message has to first reach the server and then the server sends the message to the second client.
History of P2P networks
We start our discussion of P2P with the history of such networks, as it is not a recent concept. The evolution of P2P networks is a fascinating journey spanning several decades, marked by groundbreaking developments and innovations. Here is a timeline of key P2P applications and transformative moments in the history of P2P.
Types of P2P models
We would like to discuss how the P2P networks operate, but before we do that, it is important to understand the different ways in which peer-to-peer networks can be structured or categorized based on their functionalities. So, here are some common types of P2P models.
Pure P2P model
In this model, there is no central server or authority, and each node can act both as a client and a server.
Hybrid P2P model
This model makes use of centralized servers for facilitating initial connection and peer discovery. Further communication between peers is carried out in a decentralized manner. This approach balances the benefits of a decentralized network with the efficiency of centralized coordination.
Blockchain-based P2P model
A blockchain-based Peer-to-Peer model refers to a decentralized network architecture where the principles of P2P interaction are combined with blockchain technology. In this model, blockchain serves as the underlying distributed ledger or database that records and verifies transactions, creating a secure and transparent environment for peer-to-peer interactions. This model is often associated with decentralized applications (DApps) and platforms that leverage the capabilities of blockchain for various purposes.
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How the P2P network operates
Now, we are all set to discuss how a typical P2P network operates. As discussed earlier, the P2P network is an example of a decentralized architecture where each node has equal status and is capable of both requesting and providing resources or services. P2P networks can be used for various applications, including file sharing, communication, distributed computing, and more.
Here is a general overview of how a P2P network operates.
Node Initialization
When a new node in a P2P network boots up, it doesn’t know anything about the network, because there is no central server. Usually, developers provide a list of trusted nodes written directly into the code of the P2P client application that can be used for initial peer discovery. These trusted nodes could be centralized servers or peers depending upon the P2P application.
A node is usually identified by the following node triple: IP address, Port number, and node ID. The node ID should be unique with no collisions between peers. There are several methods to achieve this:
Node ID is a random number generated once the P2P client is installed.
Node id is a hash of the computer’s network card MAC address and hard disk serial number
Take the example of Bitcoin, when a Bitcoin client starts, it checks its database for a list of reliable peers, if no such list is found it will use the default list hard coded into the software by the developers. Once the client has found a peer it will periodically look for new peers. The hard-coded list is just a bootstrap, once the client has a few nodes connected it doesn't need the original list anymore. The Bitcoin P2P system is designed to be very fault-tolerant and decentralized.
Discovery and Connection
After the node initialization, it needs a way to discover and connect with other nodes in the network. There are different methods for peer discovery in a P2P network. Some of the methods are discussed below.
Centralized Server / Tracker Server: In this method, there is a central server that has information about all nodes in the network. When a new node wants to join the P2P network, it first contacts the central server which provides the new node the information about other peers. The new node can then communicate directly with other nodes. This method may seem like client-server architecture. However, the server is only used for peer discovery and not for actual communication since after peer discovery, the communication among peers occurs directly.
The central server is also called a tracker in some P2P applications that maintains a list of active peers in the network. All existing peers periodically communicate with the tracker to confirm their availability and get a fresh list of all available peers. The hybrid P2P model utilizes this approach.
Distributed Hash Tables (DHTs): It is a decentralized method for peer discovery commonly used in P2P networks. Nodes are assigned a unique identifier, and a distributed hash table is used to map these identifiers to IP addresses. When a node wants to discover another peer, it can perform a lookup in the DHT to find the corresponding IP address. The pure P2P model utilizes this approach.
Broadcasting and Multicasting: Nodes may broadcast their presence or send multicast messages to the network. Other nodes can listen to these broadcasts or messages to discover peers. This method is more common in smaller, local P2P networks.
For example, when a node sends a broadcast file request to the network, all peers who can provide the file send the message to the requester node. The node then chooses the specific peer to get the file from.
Distributed Data Storage
Peers in a P2P network share resources directly with each other. Resources can include files, computational power, or other services. So, the question is, how these resources are being stored in a P2P network? We can understand this with the help of an example. In a file-sharing P2P network, each peer contributes a portion of its storage to host parts of files. This results in a distributed storage system where the complete file is reconstructed by combining contributions from multiple peers in the network.
Routing and Lookup
Every node maintains a lookup table (also called a routing table) where it stores the node information (IP, Port, and ID) of the closest peers it knows of. The implementation for lookup tables varies based on the topology, but all share a common principle - they enable nodes to identify the peer closest to any given node ID. If the peer has the data it will route it back to the query originator, if not, it will route the query to the closest node it has on its lookup table, this process continues recursively until the node that has the data is found.
Depending on the P2P protocol, there exist different metrics to define the distance between the node ID of two peers. For example, the very popular peer-to-peer protocol Kademlia uses the XOR-metric.
Real-life applications of P2P network
P2P networks have some cool real-life applications. Here are some common P2P applications along with the respective models they often fall into:
Advantages of P2P network
Decentralization
P2P networks are designed to operate in a decentralized manner, meaning there is no central server or authority controlling the network.
Redundancy and reliability
The data is not placed in just one peer’s storage. Multiple peers have a copy of the same data which prevents a single point of failure - unlike the traditional client-server architecture where the central server has the data and can be lost if the server fails. Since data is distributed across multiple nodes, P2P networks are inherently redundant. If one node fails or leaves the network, the data can still be retrieved from other nodes, enhancing reliability.
Scalability
A P2P network is more scalable than a traditional client-server architecture. In a traditional client-server architecture, a single server has to handle all requests. If there are too many client requests, the server may not be able to handle all of the requests. However, in the case of P2P, each request is not necessarily handled by a single node, thus providing scalability.
Distributed computing
P2P networks can be used for distributed computing tasks where processing is distributed among multiple nodes. This is beneficial for tasks that require significant computational power.
File Sharing and content distribution
P2P networks, especially those using protocols like BitTorrent, excel in distributing large files efficiently. Users can download and upload simultaneously, reducing the load on individual servers.
Privacy and anonymity
In P2P systems, users may enjoy increased privacy and anonymity as they communicate directly with peers without relying on a central server. This can be advantageous in applications where privacy is a concern.
Challenges in P2P network
Let’s now discuss, some of the challenges in P2P networks.
Security concerns
P2P networks can be more vulnerable to security threats, including unauthorized access, malware distribution, etc.
Dependency on peer availability
The availability of data in a P2P network depends on the willingness and availability of peers to share that data. If certain nodes leave the network or become unresponsive, it can affect the availability of resources.
Legal and copyright issues
P2P networks are known to share and spread copyrighted material. Sharing copyrighted material can lead users to legal issues.
For example, Metallica (a music band) filed a lawsuit against Napster in 2000. Napster was shut down in 2001. In another incident, the alleged owner of one of the biggest torrent sites, i.e., kickasstorrents, was arrested by the US authorities from Poland back in 2016. Similarly, another famous torrent site for movies YIFY Torrents or YTS also went down in 2015 after facing a lawsuit from Motion Picture Association of America.
Regulatory frameworks for P2P networks
P2P networks are playing a significant role in shaping the Internet's future. Nevertheless, it's crucial to address specific legal and ethical considerations. For instance:
Sharing copyrighted material without permission is a strict no-go.
For blockchains, implementing KYC (know your customer) procedures for every user is important. This helps prevent potential issues, such as, money laundering and other illegal transactions through cryptocurrencies.
Security in P2P networks is paramount. Measures must be in place to prevent any unauthorized access by hackers to users' computers on the network.
It's essential to ensure that no malware spreads through the P2P network.
What lies ahead for the P2P networks?
P2P networks have gained traction in recent years when it comes to file sharing and cryptocurrency. With the advent of DeFi (decentralized finance) on blockchain, the future of P2P networks looks greener than ever. DeFi platforms allow people to lend or borrow funds from others without relying on any financial institute or brokerage. The most prominent blockchain that supports DeFi is the Ethereum blockchain.
Furthermore, P2P could play a role in how our smart devices communicate. Imagine your smart fridge and coffee maker having a direct chit-chat without involving a server. They might even plan your breakfast together. Sounds fun! isn’t it?
Recap
Here is what we have covered in this newsletter:
P2P networks follow decentralized architecture where inherently there is no central server acting as authority.
We have discussed the different models of P2P networks such as pure, hybrid, and blockchain-based P2P networks.
A detailed description of how a generic P2P network operates is discussed in this issue.
We have presented the advantages and challenges of P2P networks, together with some of the instances of the legal and copyright issues faced by P2P applications in the past.
The future of the P2P network looks brighter than ever with the advent of blockchain and DeFi technologies.
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What can gen AI do for real estate?
On Point
7 steps to realize value Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
— Edited by Vanessa Burke, editor, Atlanta
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So you want to be a board director: A leader’s guide
Welcome aboard Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
Serving on a board of directors is an unequivocal opportunity for leaders to develop new skills, hone their business acumen, and expand their personal and professional networks. And boards themselves benefit from the fresh perspectives that new directors bring to the boardroom. But for those who haven’t taken the plunge, the “how” of joining a corporate board is less than clear. Board membership is also a significant investment of time, especially as the board’s role—and the range of issues that come across a board member’s proverbial desk—continues to expand and evolve. We’ll take a look at specific ways to get started on your board journey and what success looks like once you’re there.
While the path to board membership may seem winding or murky, McKinsey senior partner Celia Huber and colleagues outline six steps that board-curious leaders can take. Wherever leaders are on the journey, they shouldn’t underestimate the value of asking questions: an “ask, don’t tell” policy is an important way for directors to contribute and clarify their role. “First-time directors often find it difficult to step away from an operator mentality,” the authors say. A director’s job “isn’t to offer solutions but to probe and constructively challenge management’s proposals to make executives reflect on their decisions. Your objective should be to help the management team see ten steps ahead.” With so many competing priorities to weigh, the ability to ask thoughtful questions about everything from generative AI (gen AI) to the company’s purpose is paramount.
That’s the percentage of directors who, in a global survey, believe their organizations are unprepared to manage the next large-scale crisis. In a conversation about preparing for extraordinary risks, McKinsey’s Celia Huber and colleagues note the importance of identifying “predictable surprises”: events that would, with great certainty, change a company’s entire business. Boards, and new directors in particular, have a critical part to play in this process. “If the board engages in approving strategy, it’s helpful to ask, ‘What would cause this strategy to fail?’” says senior partner emeritus Nora Aufreiter. “New members are sometimes best at identifying long-term core risks because they can step back and ask simple questions that longtime directors may not think of or assume the organization knows the answer to.”
That’s senior partner Asutosh Padhi discussing the board’s role in building a resilient organization: that is, a company that can change course when faced with a potential shock. So much of a director’s job is a balancing act. Collectively, boards must also walk and chew gum at the same time in preparing their companies for both the current moment and what’s to come. “Fundamentally, board members can think about the balance between defensive versus offensive responses to crisis, short-term versus long-term trade-offs, and appropriately challenging management,” says senior partner Ida Kristensen.
While the board’s role is continually changing, the people part of its work is perhaps more critical than ever—especially for the person at the top. “Being CEO is a lonely job,” says Nicolai Tangen, the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), in an interview with senior partner Frithjof Lund. “CEOs need someone they can talk to and trust. You are there not only to ask the right questions but also to look for signs of stress and burnout and provide early support to CEOs in need.” And while CEO succession remains a fundamental board responsibility, broader issues of talent, skill development, and organizational culture are now firmly on the agenda.
Popular wisdom suggests that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Indeed, the willingness to ask questions—even ones that seem obvious or tough—is an important way for prospective and new directors to showcase their intellectual curiosity and ways of thinking, including when interviewing for the role. That can be easier said than done for new members who are just getting their bearings. If you’re reluctant to speak up at the start of your tenure, take a page from Albert Einstein’s book. One way to contribute to board discussions from the start is “question storming”: that is, starting a problem-solving session by asking as many questions (more than 50!) as you can about the problem at hand. Once you and your board colleagues have some answers, a solution will be much easier to reach.
Lead by asking questions.
– Edited by Daniella Seiler, executive editor, Washington, DC
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by "McKinsey Leading Off" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 04:35 - 5 Feb 2024 -
Attitudes about college are changing. What should US higher ed leaders do?
On Point
5 actions to support students Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
•
Learning and earning. US higher education faces tough times. Although people clearly benefit from securing a postsecondary degree—earning more money over their lifetimes, for instance—enrollment growth is slowing, student debt is at an all-time high, and many Americans are developing a dimmer view of institutions of higher learning. In light of these challenges, the sector should still set a bold goal: to graduate ten million more students than currently projected over the next 20 years, McKinsey senior partner Jonathan Law and coauthors suggest.
— Edited by Belinda Yu, editor, Atlanta
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by "Only McKinsey" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 11:08 - 4 Feb 2024 -
Zooming in on the Black resident experience
Black History Month begins Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
New from McKinsey & Company
“People shape places, and places in turn shape outcomes for people.” So write McKinsey’s JP Julien, Duwain Pinder, Shelley Stewart III, and coauthors in a new report from the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility that reveals substantial differences in overall outcomes for US Black residents across community profiles—as well as substantial gaps between Black and White residents in virtually every county. How can investors, companies, philanthropies, and public-sector leaders devise solutions that are transformative for Black residents and the trajectory of their communities? As Black History Month kicks off, check out these insights to understand the role of community in racial equity, as well as the opportunities that exist to advance outcomes for Black residents.
To see more essential reading on topics that matter, visit McKinsey Themes.
— Edited by Eleni Kostopoulos, managing editor, New York
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by "McKinsey & Company" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 06:45 - 3 Feb 2024 -
The week in charts
The Week in Charts
Gen AI in fashion, future-proof jobs, and more Share these insights
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by "McKinsey Week in Charts" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 03:21 - 3 Feb 2024 -
Shifts in the geometry of global trade
Plus, 10 digital and AI ideas shaping business Global trade patterns are reconfiguring, and increased investment into a range of developing economies suggests further trade reconfiguration in coming years. What can business leaders do to position their organizations for uncertainty? In a report from the McKinsey Global Institute, Jeongmin Seong, Olivia White, Michael Birshan, Lola Woetzel, and coauthors explore shifts in the geometry of global trade—and their many implications. Our second featured story examines how a Panama Canal slowdown could affect various trade segments and stakeholders. Other highlights in this month’s issue include the following topics:
Ten unsung digital and AI ideas shaping business
Keeping your eye on where value comes from is still the name of the game.
Rewire for value captureClosing the women’s health gap: A $1 trillion opportunity to improve lives and economies
Investments addressing the women’s health gap could add years to life and life to years—and potentially boost the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.
Take a holistic approachThe trends defining the $1.8 trillion global wellness market in 2024
Our latest Future of Wellness survey finds that consumers are taking greater control over their health—and expect companies to provide effective, science-backed solutions.
7 areas of growthHow CEOs can mitigate compounding risks
When risks combine, the cumulative impact can have existential consequences. But leaders can prevent compounding risks from sneaking up on them by adapting risk processes to manage multiple threats.
Be preparedWhat to expect in US healthcare in 2024 and beyond
A new perspective on how technology, transformation efforts, and other changes have affected payers, health systems, healthcare services and technology, and pharmacy services.
See what’s aheadHow to identify employee disengagement
More than half of employees say they’re disengaged at work—with implications for both morale and value creation. Do any of these behaviors seem familiar?
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Get up to speedMcKinsey Explainers
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Dive inMcKinsey Classics
Is there a link between the strategic moves of new CEOs and the performance of their companies? Read our 2016 classic “How new CEOs can boost their odds of success” to learn more.
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Subscribe now— Edited by Eleni Kostopoulos, managing editor, New York
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by "McKinsey Highlights" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 11:45 - 3 Feb 2024 -
EP97: 10 Good Coding Principles to Improve Code Quality
EP97: 10 Good Coding Principles to Improve Code Quality
This week’s system design refresher: How Disney Hotstar Captures One Billion Emojis (Youtube video) 10 Good Coding Principles to improve code quality Top Network Security Cheatsheet How does a VPN work? Explaining 9 types of API testing What is a cookie? Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for moreThis week’s system design refresher:
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10 Good Coding Principles to improve code quality
Software development requires good system designs and coding standards. We list 10 good coding principles in the diagram below.
01 Follow Code Specifications
When we write code, it is important to follow the industry's well-established norms, like “PEP 8”, “Google Java Style”, adhering to a set of agreed-upon code specifications ensures that the quality of the code is consistent and readable.02 Documentation and Comments
Good code should be clearly documented and commented to explain complex logic and decisions, and comments should explain why a certain approach was taken (“Why”) rather than what exactly is being done (“What”). Documentation and comments should be clear, concise, and continuously updated.03 Robustness
Good code should be able to handle a variety of unexpected situations and inputs without crashing or producing unpredictable results. Most common approach is to catch and handle exceptions.04 Follow the SOLID principle
“Single Responsibility”, “Open/Closed”, “Liskov Substitution”, “Interface Segregation”, and “Dependency Inversion” - these five principles (SOLID for short) are the cornerstones of writing code that scales and is easy to maintain.05 Make Testing Easy
Testability of software is particularly important. Good code should be easy to test, both by trying to reduce the complexity of each component, and by supporting automated testing to ensure that it behaves as expected.06 Abstraction
Abstraction requires us to extract the core logic and hide the complexity, thus making the code more flexible and generic. Good code should have a moderate level of abstraction, neither over-designed nor neglecting long-term expandability and maintainability.07 Utilize Design Patterns, but don't over-design
Design patterns can help us solve some common problems. However, every pattern has its applicable scenarios. Overusing or misusing design patterns may make your code more complex and difficult to understand.08 Reduce Global Dependencies
We can get bogged down in dependencies and confusing state management if we use global variables and instances. Good code should rely on localized state and parameter passing. Functions should be side-effect free.09 Continuous Refactoring
Good code is maintainable and extensible. Continuous refactoring reduces technical debt by identifying and fixing problems as early as possible.10 Security is a Top Priority
Good code should avoid common security vulnerabilities.
Over to you: which one do you prefer, and with which one do you disagree?
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Top Network Security Cheatsheet
The diagram below shows some possible network attacks in 7 OSI model layers.
Application Layer
- Pushing
- Malware injection
- DDos attacksPresentation Layer
- Encoding/decoding vulnerabilities
- Format string attacks
- Malicious code injectionSession Layer
- Session hijacking
- Session fixation attacks
- Brute force attacksTransport Layer
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
- SYN/ACK floodNetwork Layer
- IP spoofing
- Route table manipulation
- DDos attacksData Link Layer
- MAC address spoofing
- ARP spoofing
- VLAN hoppingPhysical Layer
- Wiretapping
- Physical tampering
- Electromagnetic interference
Over to you - What did we miss?
How does a VPN work?
This diagram below shows how we access the internet with and without VPNs.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. The primary purpose of a VPN is to provide privacy and security to data and communications.
A VPN acts as a tunnel through which the encrypted data goes from one location to another. Any external party cannot see the data transferring.
A VPN works in 4 steps:Step 1 - Establish a secure tunnel between our device and the VPN server.
Step 2 - Encrypt the data transmitted.
Step 3 - Mask our IP address, so it appears as if our internet activity is coming from the VPN server.
Step 4 - Our internet traffic is routed through the VPN server.
Advantages of a VPN:
Privacy
Anonymity
Security
Encryption
Masking the original IP address
Disadvantages of a VPN:
VPN blocking
Slow down connections
Trust in VPN provider
What is a cookie?
Imagine Bob goes to a coffee shop for the first time, orders a medium-sized espresso with two sugars. The cashier records Bob’s identity and preferences on a card and hands it over to Bob with a cup of coffee.
The next time Bob goes to the cafe, he shows the cashier the preference card. The cashier immediately knows who the customer is and what kind of coffee he likes.
A cookie acts as the preference card. When we log in to a website, the server issues a cookie to us with a small amount of data. The cookie is stored on the client side, so the next time we send a request to the server with the cookie, the server knows our identity and preferences immediately without looking into the database.Like
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by "ByteByteGo" <bytebytego@substack.com> - 11:38 - 3 Feb 2024 -
What are the essentials of innovation?
On Point
Five fundamentals of innovation culture Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
•
Out-innovating your peers. The best companies don’t just outgrow their competitors—they out-innovate them as well. In the face of constant disruptions, leading companies become “innovative growers,” excelling at growth and innovation and outperforming their peers in the process. In fact, most of the 50-plus companies McKinsey identified as innovative growers achieved TSR above their industry median between 2012 and 2022, partner Rebecca Doherty and coauthors explain.
— Edited by Belinda Yu, editor, Atlanta
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by "Only McKinsey" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 01:31 - 2 Feb 2024 -
Discover the path to the autonomous enterprise [MEGACAST]
Join us on February 27th to find out what should be at the center of your AI strategy͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏Hi Md Abul,
AI is no doubt going to change everything. But what it means to you and your enterprise can be within your control.
Join Tray CEO Rich Waldron, CTO Alistair Russell, and Head of Product Alex Kohlhofer to discover why a modern iPaaS is the cornerstone of your enterprise-wide AI strategy at our upcoming Megacast, "The Path to the Autonomous Enterprise," on February 27th from 10 - 11am PT.
What to expect:
- Explore the transformative potential of AI-powered iPaaS to create self-governing business processes
- Learn how IT leaders are embracing AI strategies to increase differentiation and achieve better business outcomes
- Hear about exciting new iPaaS product announcements you can use today that will become the foundation of your autonomous enterprise tomorrow
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by "The Tray.io Team" <team@tray.io> - 01:00 - 1 Feb 2024 -
Good Code vs. Bad Code
Good Code vs. Bad Code
In our newsletter, we’ve mainly focused on system designs. This time, we’re switching gears to a topic just as crucial: the code itself. Ever encountered a system that looks great in design but turns out to be a headache in code? That’s our focus in this issue. We’re breaking down what makes code good versus bad. It’s all about turning those great designs into equally great code. Let’s dive into the details that truly make a difference in coding. Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for moreLatest articles
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In our newsletter, we’ve mainly focused on system designs. This time, we’re switching gears to a topic just as crucial: the code itself. Ever encountered a system that looks great in design but turns out to be a headache in code? That’s our focus in this issue. We’re breaking down what makes code good versus bad. It’s all about turning those great designs into equally great code. Let’s dive into the details that truly make a difference in coding.
Why Good Code Matters?
So, why should we care about good code? Think of it as the foundation of your software. Good code isn’t just about making things work; it’s about making them work efficiently and sustainably. It’s the difference between a smooth, efficient development experience and a frustrating, time-consuming one.
Good code maintains stability and predictability, even as your project grows in complexity. It’s like having a reliable tool that keeps performing, no matter how tough the job gets. When it comes to scaling up, good code is essential. It allows for expansion without the bottlenecks and headaches that come with a more shortsighted approach.
Sure, crafting good code requires more thought and effort at the outset. But this investment pays off by saving costs in the long run. Bad code, on the other hand, is a ticking time bomb - difficult to update and can lead to costly rewrites.
There’s also the aspect of teamwork and continuity. High-quality code, which is usually well-documented and adheres to standards, makes it easier for teams to collaborate. It streamlines the onboarding process, accelerates delivery, and facilitates team expansion.
Let’s illustrate our points in the diagram below by comparing the two designs of a hypothetical knob-turning mechanism. The ‘good code’ uses a belt mechanism – flexible and easy to adjust. The ‘bad code’ version, however, relies on a rigid rod – more limited and prone to complications when changes are needed.
As requirements change and the knob needs to be relocated, the ‘good code’ with its belt mechanism easily accommodates this with a simple extension. The ‘bad code’, with its rigid rod, would require a whole new configuration, which is neither time nor cost-effective.
In another inevitable revision, we need to alter the speed at which the know turns. The ‘good code’ can simply switch to a different-sized gear. The ‘bad code’ setup, however, becomes increasingly complex as it requires additional parts and makes the system more convoluted and susceptible to breakage.
We're not advocating for overengineering from the get-go, especially in a startup context where resources are limited and the future is uncertain. The key is understanding the long-term implications of our coding choices. Building overly complex systems prematurely can be as counterproductive as repeatedly choosing quick fixes. The art lies in striking the right balance, a taste and skill that comes with experience and thoughtful consideration.
To kick things off, we’ve selected five broad areas for discussion. They're not exhaustive by any means, but they are good for a good starting point for a broader conversation on what takes code from bad to good. Are you ready to dive in?
The Importance of Good Names
Coding standards often start with naming conventions for classes, functions, variables, and more. This might seem simple, but it requires thoughtful design.
Consider the following service class names:
OrderManagementService PaymentManagementService DatabaseManagementService
By suffixing “ManagementService” to everything, the names become unnecessarily long and repetitive.
Next look at this function:
boolean processPayment(PaymentInstruction paymentInstruction) { Channel preferredChannel = paymentInstruction.getChannel(); channelFactory.getChannel(preferredChannel) .send(paymentInstruction); }
Despite following naming conventions, “processPayment” does not communicate what exactly happens. The word “process” is too generic. It doesn’t tell us the current state of the payment and what we are going to do with it.
We understand from reading the code that it sends the payment instruction to an external channel for processing. We could name it “sendPaymentToExternalChannel()” but that exposes too many details. “startPayment()” can be a good choice, as it indicates initiating the payment flow without exposing internal details.
Good names like this reduce the need for excessive comments when collaborating!
Let’s look at another example.
String userId = paymentInstruction.getUserId();
It would be good if “userId” were renamed to a more domain-relevant name, such as “payerId”.
String payerId = paymentInstruction.getPayerId();
So in conclusion, effective names should:
Concisely and accurately describe purpose
Use business domain terminology
Avoid exposing implementation details
The Perils of Copying Code
Sometimes urgent business requirements arise, but modifying existing code is too risky because it is badly-encapsulated with very few tests. In these situations, it is tempting to simply copy portions of code into new components as a shortcut, then start modifying to suit new needs.
We faced this circumstance when building a compliance-centric Know Your Client (KYC) service. It required user management functionality already present in a tightly coupled UserService module used elsewhere. Lacking time to modularize UserService, we copied relevant parts into the new KYC service and customized it.
So two duplicated versions of the user service logic stayed there long-term. Whenever we needed to update the user-related functionalities, we had to remember to modify two places - both the original UserService and the copied code now in the KYC service. This was often forgotten by developers, resulting in inconsistent behavior and outages. Keeping duplicate copies of the same logic in sync proved error-prone
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by "ByteByteGo" <bytebytego@substack.com> - 11:38 - 1 Feb 2024 -
[Report] Unlocking retail success: Observability trends and strategies
New Relic
With billions of dollars of consumer spending being driven via digital, retailers need to improve their uptime and reliability and double down on their digital customer experience strategies. A seamless, omnichannel customer journey means investing in observability tools that provide complete visibility across complicated technology stacks.
This report focuses on the adoption and business value of observability across the retail sector. Topics include:
- Outage frequency, downtime (MTTD and MTTR), and cost (hourly and annual)
- Trends driving retail observability adoption
- Number of retail data monitoring tools and preference
- The future of observability for Retail
Read Report Need help? Let's get in touch.
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© 2024 New Relic, Inc. All rights reserved. New Relic logo are trademarks of New Relic, Inc
by "New Relic" <emeamarketing@newrelic.com> - 06:08 - 1 Feb 2024 -
How is the workforce changing in 2024?
On Point
Catch up with McKinsey Talks Talent Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
•
All about the manager. 2023 was the year of the manager, McKinsey partners Bryan Hancock and Brooke Weddle share on an episode of the McKinsey Talks Talent podcast. After decades of thinning out middle management, organizations are investing more in the leaders that they have, Weddle says. They’re also asking how technology can be used to ease the burden of administrative work, reflects Hancock, who together with expert Bill Schaninger and McKinsey partner Emily Field cowrote the recent book Power to the Middle.
— Edited by Belinda Yu, editor, Atlanta
This email contains information about McKinsey's research, insights, services, or events. By opening our emails or clicking on links, you agree to our use of cookies and web tracking technology. For more information on how we use and protect your information, please review our privacy policy.
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by "Only McKinsey" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 01:36 - 1 Feb 2024 -
Join us at LEAP 2024: The API observability conference - Feb 29th!
Join us at LEAP 2024: The API observability conference - Feb 29th!
Unleash the power of observability at LEAP 2024! Secure your spot now and revolutionise your approach to platform team operations.Are you ready to make this leap year extraordinary? Seize the moment on February 29, and join us at:
LEAP 2024: The API observability conference: A virtual event that promises to transform your skills from basic to expert in just one day!
API platform teams, this conference is designed for you, focusing on revolutionising your approach to platform team operations and API observability strategies.
This unique event will feature distinct business and technical tracks designed to accommodate both decision-makers and implementers.
What's in store for you?
Expert speakers
Gain valuable perspectives from thought leaders shaping the API observability landscape.
Hands-on learning
Take part in practical workshops and listen to real-world case studies.
Networking opportunities
Connect with peers and experts who are at the forefront of API observability innovation.
Access to resources and tools
A wealth of resources and tools to continue your learning journey post-event.
The important bits:
Thurs
29
FebTime
9am - 4pm
ETVirtual
Zoom
eventReserve your spot now and take your API observability to the next level.
We're excited to see you there!
Tyk
Tyk, 87a Worship Street, London, City of London EC2A 2BE, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20 3409 1911
by "Tyk" <communities@tyk.io> - 07:10 - 31 Jan 2024 -
Africa’s future depends on harnessing its strengths
On Point
‘There is no one Africa’ Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
•
The future of Africa. Despite a decline in GDP growth and lagging productivity, there’s reason to be optimistic about Africa’s future, McKinsey senior partner Acha Leke and partner Mayowa Kuyoro reveal on an episode of The McKinsey Podcast. The continent has a booming population: by 2050, nearly one out of every four people in the world will be from Africa. Africa is also the world’s fastest-urbanizing region, with 500 million people expected to move from the countryside into cities by 2040, Leke shares.
•
‘The next Bangalore.’ While the numbers of working-age people shrink or remain flat in other areas, Africa will add millions of people to the global workforce, Kuyoro says. The continent could become “the next Bangalore,” providing digital services to the rest of the world, Leke explains. Stakeholders must ensure that African talent is skilled and trained. Listen to the podcast to learn how Africa’s strengths and assets could help it reinvigorate its economy, and for more, read the full report, Reimagining economic growth in Africa.
— Edited by Belinda Yu, editor, Atlanta
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by "Only McKinsey" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 01:25 - 31 Jan 2024 -
You're Invited: New Relic EMEA User Meetups - New Cities Added!
Hello,
I wanted to invite you to join a team of New Relic engineers and other local users at our winter user meetups across EMEA.
Join us for food, drinks and of course - data talk. We’ve got a jam-packed agenda, and we’ll wrap up the afternoon with a little fun.
Sign up for your city below to discover more about your local meetup and to save your spot!
- Stockholm, March 5 - Register
- Dubai, March 5 - Register
- Madrid, March 7- Register
- Munich, March 7 - Register
- Warsaw, March 12 - Register
- Dublin, March 13 - Register
- London, March 13 - Register
- Manchester, March 14 - Register
- Berlin, March 14 - Register
In this round of meetups, you’ll learn what’s new and what’s next from New Relic, with exciting announcements around New Relic AI, AI monitoring (AIM), live archives, continuous automated testing, session replay and mobile user journeys.
We’ll also take you through some powerful best practice sessions on:
- Mastering log data, importation, parsing, filtering, dropping, and setting up alerts.
- Converting events-to-metrics, for faster and more efficient long-term data analysis.
- Managing SLOs and SLIs with our recommendation engine and personalised views.
Then we throw it back to the year 2013 and the game Flappy Birds. Bring your a-game to compete in our version of Flappy Birds - powered by browser, APM, and logs. We will monitor the web-based game and show a live leaderboard of the results. There will be prizes aplenty!
Register now and save your seat.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Kind regards,
Harry Kimpel
Principal Developer Relations Engineer - EMEA
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by "Harry Kimpel" <emeaevents@newrelic.com> - 05:06 - 30 Jan 2024 -
What can we learn from Davos 2024?
On Point
Ten takeaways from Davos 2024 Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
•
Reason for optimism. At the 54th annual WEF meeting, delegates from academia, business, civil society, media, and government convened to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust. A common theme at Davos 2024 was that while challenges and surprises remain inevitable, opportunities abound, reflect McKinsey chief marketing officer and senior partner Tracy Francis and McKinsey Global Institute chair and senior partner Sven Smit.
•
Ten takeaways. One main insight from this year’s meeting is that sustainability is a business imperative. Although navigating the net-zero economy has become more complex over the past 12 months, organizations that act courageously can generate value more quickly, leaping ahead of competitors. Another key idea? Don’t overlook India’s potential, as the country is one of the world’s fastest-growing large economies. Explore ten key takeaways from Davos 2024, the largest annual meeting in WEF’s history.
— Edited by Belinda Yu, editor, Atlanta
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by "Only McKinsey" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 01:12 - 30 Jan 2024 -
Operations in the spotlight: A leader’s guide
Smooth operators Brought to you by Liz Hilton Segel, chief client officer and managing partner, global industry practices, & Homayoun Hatami, managing partner, global client capabilities
Operations was rarely a high-profile organizational function until the COVID-19 pandemic thrust it—and the role of chief operating officers—into the limelight. In a business environment that demands agility and resilience, how a company executes its strategies is critical to its success. This week, we explore the state of operations today and how logistics and supply chain executives can prepare for the tough challenges ahead by better prioritizing operations efforts and investments.
The business environment may have been far different in 2001 when author Jim Collins published his management bestseller Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap ... and Others Don’t. Yet a basic principle set forth in the book endures more than two decades later: performance improvement depends not on quick fixes but on consistent and committed strategies for growth. Our latest research on operational excellence shows that even in today’s uncertain business conditions, organizations go from good to great by sticking to fundamental principles, such as defining a purpose, establishing behaviors to achieve their strategic vision, and using technology to augment human capabilities. But the process takes time. “Operational excellence is not something that leaders can whip up in time for the next quarterly report,” note McKinsey senior partner Richard Sellschop and colleagues. “If leaders take shortcuts and decide that ‘the tools alone will get us where we need to go,’ the impact will likely evaporate in months.”
That’s the average percentage of industrial companies’ capital spending that will go toward automated systems over the next five years, according to the results of the 2022 McKinsey Global Industrial Robotics Survey. The logistics and fulfillment sector may allocate 30 percent or more of its capital expenditures to automation, the highest share of all the industrial segments surveyed. Yet “many companies are struggling to translate their intentions for robotics and automation into actions, with challenges related to knowledge and return on investment being particularly difficult hurdles,” observe McKinsey partner Emily Shao and coauthors. “Vendors should be able to offer solutions that are cost-efficient, rapidly deployed, reliable, safe, and scalable.”
That’s McKinsey senior partner Nicolai Müller and colleagues on how an often-overlooked part of operations could, if transformed, help develop an organization’s competitive edge. Indirect operations such as engineering, maintenance, and quality management can be difficult to measure in a standardized way, but our research into more than 1,000 plants over the past five years has identified certain benchmarking practices that may help quantify indirect operations’ potential for improved performance. For example, decreasing the number of work packages, reports, and meetings can improve efficiency by 5 to 15 percent. Using such strategies, “it is not uncommon to identify and unlock a 15 to 25 percent optimization potential in indirect functions, which can translate to a sizeable impact on the bottom line,” suggest the McKinsey experts.
“This has been a unique time where operations and supply chains have moved into the boardroom, and I think that’s a really good thing,” says McKinsey senior partner Daniel Swan in a podcast on the operations landscape in 2024. “It’s especially good for companies to have more boards and CEOs thinking about supply chains and operations every day.” Meeting sustainability demands, strengthening supply chain resilience, and delivering on large capital projects may be among the urgent pressures that operations leaders will face, notes Swan. McKinsey senior partner Axel Karlsson adds that generative AI may be a game changer for operations: “We are expecting a new S-curve driven by generative AI. I think the shift will be almost as big as when the computer hit the desk in the office. It will be a big new revolution.”
Among this year’s Oscar nominees is a surprise entrant called Robot Dreams, an animated film about the close friendship between a dog and a robot that the dog builds as a companion for himself. That scenario may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Robots already perform many warehousing functions, and social robots have been shown to help older people lead independent lives. The future may see a “robotics revolution,” predicts philanthropist Bill Gates. New human-centered robots “can be programmed to do a wide array of tasks—from carrying boxes in a factory to helping out with household chores,” the former Microsoft leader writes in his blog. “In healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and even our homes, robots have the potential to transform the way we live and work.”
Lead by operating smartly.
— Edited by Rama Ramaswami, senior editor, New York
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by "McKinsey Leading Off" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 04:17 - 29 Jan 2024