Articles by David Bolton
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Can C# Ever Match C++ for Speed?
Can C# beat out C++ for speed of execution? If you asked me that question, I’d generally say “No.” But interested in testing the idea out, I recently took a program written in C++, converted it t… -
Developing in C/C++? Consider Clang
In order to better understand Clang, a compiler front-end for C, C++, Objective-C++, and Objective-C, you have to start with the LLVM project. LLVM is short for Low-Level Virtual Machine; it’s an… -
Choosing PostgreSQL Over MySQL, MariaDB
Check out this recent chart from Google Trends, which shows interest in PostgreSQL largely holding steady over the past ten years, even as MySQL faces fairly significant declines. It’s a good jum… -
5 New Things In C# 6.0
Now almost fifteen years old, C# continues to improve with each major release. If you use any version of Visual C# 2015, you have access to C# 6.0 and its many new features. I've chosen to focus… -
The State of JavaScript: Still Going Strong
In its twenty-plus-year lifespan, JavaScript has undergone quite the roller-coaster ride. In the mid-90's, it faced several competitors for the title of Most Usable Programming Language; in the e… -
5 Reasons to Learn Python
Despite its advanced age (25 years old and counting), Python continues to grow in popularity, having jumped from eighth to fifth spot on the most recent Tiobe Index. Here are five reasons you sho… -
Creating a (Secure) Shared Password
Here’s an interesting brainteaser for any developer out there: How do you create a password that’s shared between a group of people, with each individual knowing a small part of it, and only when… -
Speeding Up C++ With OpenMP
Even though C++ 11 has a newlibrary, you might not be comfortable in its use. But never fear: You can still use threads, and speed up your program, through parallelization and APIs such… -
Lessons From My Toughest Software Bugs
Most programmers experience some tough bugs in their careers, but only occasionally do they encounter something truly memorable. In my life, three bugs have stood out. I describe them here not on… -
5 Reasons Certifications Aren’t Worth It
Having one or more certifications sounds pretty sensible in today’s world, doesn’t it? Many jobs demand proof that you’ve mastered a particular technology. But is the argument for spending lots o…