Posts Tagged ‘IBM’
[DevoxxUK2024] Processing XML with Kafka Connect by Dale Lane
Dale Lane, a seasoned developer at IBM with a deep focus on event-driven architectures, delivered a compelling session at DevoxxUK2024, unveiling a powerful Kafka Connect plugin designed to streamline XML data processing. With extensive experience in Apache Kafka and Flink, Dale addressed the challenges of integrating XML data into Kafka pipelines, a task often fraught with complexity due to the format’s incompatibility with Kafka’s native data structures like Avro or JSON. His presentation offers practical solutions for developers seeking to bridge external systems with Kafka, transforming XML into more manageable formats or generating XML outputs for legacy systems. Through clear examples, Dale illustrates how this open-source plugin enhances flexibility and efficiency in Kafka Connect pipelines, empowering developers to handle diverse data integration scenarios with ease.
Understanding Kafka Connect Pipelines
Dale begins by demystifying Kafka Connect, a robust framework for moving data between Kafka and external systems. He outlines two primary pipeline types: source pipelines, which import data from external systems into Kafka, and sink pipelines, which export Kafka data to external destinations. A source pipeline typically involves a connector to fetch data, optional transformations to modify or filter it, and a converter to serialize the data into formats like Avro or JSON for Kafka topics. Conversely, a sink pipeline starts with a converter to deserialize Kafka data, followed by transformations and a connector to deliver it to an external system. This foundational explanation sets the stage for understanding where and how XML processing fits into these workflows, ensuring developers grasp the pipeline’s modular structure before diving into specific use cases.
Converting XML for Kafka Integration
A common challenge Dale addresses is integrating XML data from external systems, such as IBM MQ or XML-based web services, into Kafka’s ecosystem, which favors structured formats. He introduces the Kafka Connect plugin, available on GitHub under an Apache license, as a solution to parse XML into structured records early in the pipeline. For instance, using an IBM MQ source connector, the plugin can transform XML documents from a message queue into a generic structured format, allowing subsequent transformations and serialization into JSON or Avro. Dale demonstrates this with a weather API that returns XML strings, showing how the plugin converts these into structured objects for further processing, making them compatible with Kafka tools that struggle with raw XML. This approach significantly enhances the usability of external data within Kafka’s ecosystem.
Generating XML Outputs from Kafka
For scenarios where external systems require XML, Dale showcases the plugin’s ability to convert Kafka’s JSON or Avro messages into XML strings within a sink pipeline. He provides an example using a Kafka topic with JSON messages destined for an IBM MQ system, where the plugin, integrated as part of the sink connector, transforms structured data into XML before delivery. Another case involves an HTTP sink connector posting to an XML-based web service, such as an XML-RPC API. Here, the pipeline deserializes JSON, applies transformations to align with the API’s payload requirements, and uses the plugin to produce an XML string. This flexibility ensures seamless communication with legacy systems, bridging modern Kafka workflows with traditional XML-based infrastructure.
Enhancing Pipelines with Schema Support
Dale emphasizes the plugin’s schema handling capabilities, which add robustness to XML processing. In source pipelines, the plugin can reference an external XSD schema to validate and structure XML data, which is then paired with an Avro converter to submit schemas to a registry, ensuring compatibility with Kafka’s schema-driven ecosystem. In sink pipelines, enabling schema inclusion generates an XSD alongside the XML output, providing a clear description of the data’s structure. Dale illustrates this with a stock price connector, where enabling schema support produces XML events with accompanying XSDs, enhancing interoperability. This feature is particularly valuable for maintaining data integrity across systems, making the plugin a versatile tool for complex integration tasks.
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[DevoxxUS2017] Eclipse OMR: A Modern, Open-Source Toolkit for Building Language Runtimes by Daryl Maier
At DevoxxUS2017, Daryl Maier, a Senior Software Developer at IBM, introduced Eclipse OMR, an open-source toolkit for building high-performance language runtimes. With two decades of experience in compiler development, Daryl shared how OMR repurposes components of IBM’s J9 Java Virtual Machine to support diverse dynamic languages without imposing Java semantics. His session highlighted OMR’s potential to democratize runtime technology, fostering innovation across language ecosystems. This post explores the core themes of Daryl’s presentation, emphasizing OMR’s role in advancing runtime development.
Unlocking JVM Technology with OMR
Daryl Maier opened by detailing the Eclipse OMR project, which extracts core components of the J9 JVM, such as its compiler and garbage collector, for broader use. Unlike building languages atop Java, OMR provides modular, high-performance tools for creating custom runtimes. Daryl’s examples showcased OMR’s flexibility in supporting languages beyond Java, drawing from his work at IBM’s Canada Lab to illustrate its potential for diverse applications.
Compiler and Runtime Innovations
Transitioning to technical specifics, Daryl explored OMR’s compiler technology, designed for just-in-time (JIT) compilation in dynamic environments. He contrasted OMR with LLVM, noting its lightweight footprint and optimization for runtime performance. Daryl highlighted OMR’s garbage collection and code generation capabilities, which enable efficient, scalable runtimes. His insights underscored OMR’s suitability for dynamic languages, offering developers robust tools without the overhead of traditional compilers.
Active Development and Use Cases
Daryl discussed active OMR projects, including integrations with existing runtimes to enhance debuggability and performance. He referenced a colleague’s upcoming demo on OMR’s tooling interfaces, illustrating practical applications. Drawing from IBM’s extensive runtime expertise, Daryl showcased how OMR supports innovative use cases, from scripting languages to domain-specific runtimes, encouraging developers to leverage its modular architecture.
Engaging the Developer Community
Concluding, Daryl invited developers to contribute to Eclipse OMR, emphasizing its open-source ethos. He highlighted collaboration opportunities, noting contact points with project co-leads Mark and Charlie. Daryl’s call to action, rooted in IBM’s commitment to open-source innovation, encouraged attendees to explore OMR’s GitHub repository and participate in shaping the future of language runtimes.
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[DevoxxUS2017] New Computer Architectures: Explore Quantum Computers & SyNAPSE Neuromorphic Chips by Peter Waggett
At DevoxxUS2017, Dr. Peter Waggett, Director of IBM’s Emerging Technology group at the Hursley Laboratory, delivered a thought-provoking session on next-generation computer architectures, focusing on quantum computers and IBM’s TrueNorth neuromorphic chip. With a background in radio astronomy and extensive research in cognitive computing, Peter explored how these technologies address the growing demand for processing power in a smarter, interconnected world. This post delves into the core themes of Peter’s presentation, highlighting the potential of these innovative architectures.
Quantum Computing: A New Frontier
Peter Waggett introduced quantum computing, explaining its potential to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical systems. He described how quantum computers manipulate atomic spins using MRI-like systems, leveraging quantum entanglement and superposition. Drawing from his work at IBM, Peter highlighted ongoing research to make quantum computing accessible, emphasizing its role in advancing fields like cryptography and material science, despite challenges like helium shortages impacting hardware.
TrueNorth: Brain-Inspired Computing
Delving into neuromorphic computing, Peter showcased IBM’s TrueNorth chip, a brain-inspired architecture with 1 million neurons and 256 synapses, consuming just 73mW. Unlike traditional processors, TrueNorth challenges conventions like exact data representation and synchronicity, enabling low-power sensory perception for IoT and mobile applications. Peter’s examples illustrated TrueNorth’s scalability, positioning it as a cornerstone of IBM’s cognitive hardware ecosystem for transformative applications.
Addressing Scalability and Efficiency
Peter discussed the scalability of new architectures, comparing TrueNorth’s energy efficiency to traditional compute fabrics. He highlighted how neuromorphic chips optimize for error tolerance and energy-frequency trade-offs, ideal for IoT’s sensory demands. His insights, grounded in IBM’s client-focused projects, underscored the need for innovative designs to meet the computational needs of a connected planet, from smart cities to autonomous devices.
Building a Developer Community
Concluding, Peter emphasized the importance of fostering a developer community to advance these technologies. He encouraged collaboration through IBM’s research initiatives, noting the need for skilled engineers to tackle challenges like helium scarcity and system design. Peter’s vision for accessible platforms, inspired by his radio astronomy background, invited developers to explore quantum and neuromorphic computing, driving innovation in cognitive systems.
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[DevoxxBE2012] Building Modular Applications with Enterprise OSGi
At DevoxxBE2012, Tim Ward and Holly Cummins, both seasoned experts in OSGi and enterprise technologies, delivered a comprehensive exploration into leveraging Enterprise OSGi for constructing modular applications. Tim, affiliated with Paremus and a key contributor to Apache Aries, alongside Holly from IBM, who focuses on WebSphere and performance tooling, guided attendees through the intricacies of transforming traditional Java EE setups into dynamic, OSGi-based systems. Their session bridged familiar concepts like WAR files and dependency injection with OSGi’s modularity, addressing common pain points in class path management.
They initiated the discussion by outlining Enterprise OSGi’s origins and relevance. Emerging in 2010, this specification enhances OSGi’s core, which has powered embedded systems and IDEs like Eclipse for over a decade, to better suit server-side enterprise needs. Tim and Holly emphasized how it integrates seamlessly with application servers, enabling features such as web applications, database interactions, and transaction management within an OSGi framework.
A key theme was the modularity crisis in large Java EE projects. They illustrated how sprawling WAR files, often exceeding server sizes like Tomcat’s 7MB core, accumulate unnecessary libraries, leading to class path hell. By contrasting tangled dependency graphs with OSGi’s structured approach, they demonstrated how explicit module definitions simplify maintenance and foster cleaner architectures.
Embracing OSGi Modularity Basics
Delving deeper, Tim and Holly explained OSGi’s bundle model, where each bundle—a JAR with added metadata—declares imports and exports via manifests. This enforces visibility rules, preventing accidental dependencies and promoting intentional design. They highlighted how bundles resolve dynamically, allowing runtime adaptability without redeployments.
The duo addressed common misconceptions, asserting that OSGi simplifies both complex and straightforward tasks. For instance, they showcased how dependency injection via Blueprint or Spring works effortlessly in OSGi, maintaining developer familiarity while adding modularity benefits.
They also touched on third-party library integration, noting challenges with non-OSGi JARs but solutions through tools that convert them into bundles. This ensures compatibility, reducing the bloat from redundant inclusions like JavaMail APIs.
Transitioning from WAR to WAB
A pivotal segment focused on evolving WAR files into Web Application Bundles (WABs). Tim and Holly demonstrated this migration, starting with a standard WAR and incorporating OSGi manifests to define it as a bundle. This shift enables deployment in OSGi containers like Apache Karaf or WebSphere Liberty, preserving servlet functionality while gaining modularity.
They illustrated error handling advantages: OSGi fails fast on missing dependencies, unlike runtime surprises in traditional setups. Through live examples, they showed bundles starting only when requirements are met, enhancing reliability.
Furthermore, they explored dynamism, where services can be added or removed at runtime, updating applications without downtime. This transparency in remoting and service interactions aligns with Java EE goals but executes more fluidly in OSGi.
Handling Dependencies and Repositories
Tim and Holly then examined dependency management, advocating explicit declarations to avoid hidden assumptions. They introduced bundle repositories, akin to Maven but tailored for OSGi, which automatically provision required bundles. This centralizes library control, aiding compliance in regulated environments.
In demonstrations, they deployed applications across servers like Liberty and Karaf, resolving dependencies on-the-fly. For instance, adding Joda Time via a repository revived a stalled bundle, showcasing practical modularity.
They stressed architectural enforcement: OSGi’s rules prevent poor practices, but good design remains essential. Tools like Eclipse plugins aid in visualizing and managing these structures.
Demonstrating Dynamism and Best Practices
The session culminated in hands-on demos, where a simple web app evolved into a dynamic OSGi system. Starting with a basic servlet, they integrated services for runtime changes, like toggling UI elements without restarts.
Tim and Holly concluded by reinforcing OSGi’s power in enforcing scalable, maintainable systems. They recommended resources, including their book “Enterprise OSGi in Action,” for further learning. Their presentation underscored how Enterprise OSGi not only resolves class path issues but elevates enterprise development to new levels of flexibility and efficiency.