Tech Essentials

Communication Protocols Every Developer Should Know Protocols are the rules that govern how apps talk to each other. They define message formats, how connections start and stay open, and how errors are reported. For developers, a solid grasp of a few core protocols helps you design reliable APIs, diagnose issues faster, and build scalable services. HTTP and HTTP/2 Most web apps rely on HTTP. HTTP/1.1 uses a text-based request/response model with headers. HTTP/2 adds multiplexing, header compression, and server push, which reduce latency in many apps. When you call a public API or load a web page, HTTP is usually the carrier. TLS (HTTPS) protects the data in transit. ...

Network Security in a Connected World In a connected world, your devices—from smartphones to home routers and cloud apps—share data across networks every day. A simple, steady approach to security keeps problems small and helps protect people, money, and time. You don’t need perfect protection to stay safe; you need practical, reliable habits. The threat landscape shifts quickly. Phishing, malware, weak passwords, and outdated software lead the most breaches. Often the weakest link is normal daily behavior, not a dramatic attack. By focusing on a few clear steps, you can raise your defenses without slowing you down. ...

Choosing the Right Database: SQL vs NoSQL Starting a new project, you face a big choice: SQL or NoSQL. The right database depends on your data, how you plan to read it, and how you expect it to grow. This guide covers the core differences and gives simple tips to help you decide. SQL databases store data in tables with a fixed schema and use ACID transactions. They handle complex queries and strong relationships well. If you need reliable reporting, audits, and precise joins, SQL is often a safe, mature option. ...

Information Security: Core Concepts and Best Practices Information security helps protect data, devices, and people from harm. It blends technology, policy, and everyday habits. The goal is to keep information safe while supporting productive work. At the heart of the topic is the CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. Confidentiality means information is seen only by the right people. Integrity keeps data correct and unchanged. Availability ensures systems work when they are needed. Core concepts include managing risk, defense in depth, and the principle of least privilege. Authentication verifies who someone is; authorization defines what they may do. Regular asset inventories, patching, and encryption support safer operations. ...

Choosing between SQL and NoSQL is not a competition—it is a decision driven by data shape, scale, and team capabilities. This article explains the core ideas and shows practical ways to integrate both in a modern architecture. SQL databases store structured data with a fixed schema and support powerful joins. They excel at complex queries and strong consistency. Use SQL when data is highly structured, when you need reliable transactions, or when reports and audits rely on precise data relations. ...

Information Security Fundamentals in Practice Information security means protecting data and systems from harm. It covers people, processes, and technology. The CIA triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability—guides decisions about what to protect and how. In practice, security is built from simple habits and repeatable rules rather than a single gadget. For most teams, start with clear access rules, reliable backups, and regular software updates, then grow your program over time. Use multi-factor authentication for accounts to block stolen passwords. Keep devices and software updated to close gaps. Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest. Back up important data regularly and test restores. Train staff to spot phishing and social engineering. Control starts with who can see what. Apply the principle of least privilege: give people only what they need. Strengthen identity with MFA and strong passwords. Encrypt data in transit with TLS and encrypt sensitive data at rest on devices and servers. Regular backups, tested restores, and reliable patching form a solid defense against many common attacks. These steps create barriers that protect information even if a device is lost or a password is compromised. ...

SQL vs NoSQL: When, Why, and How Databases come in many flavors. SQL and NoSQL are two broad families. They solve different problems, and a smart choice depends on your data, your queries, and your team. This guide keeps things simple and practical for real projects. SQL databases use tables, fixed schemas, and powerful joins. They emphasize data integrity and clear relationships. NoSQL covers several models: document stores, key-value stores, column families, and graph databases. They prioritize flexibility, speed at scale, and varied data. ...