November 2015 Summaries

This tutorial is designed for .NET developers new to Couchbase, providing a comprehensive step-by-step guide to understanding and using Couchbase Server with .NET. It includes a detailed walkthrough of building a complete web application using ASP.NET Web API 2.0 and the Couchbase .NET client library, covering both basic and advanced concepts such as N1QL and key-value operations. Developers will learn to install and configure the Couchbase .NET Client, bootstrap it, and integrate LINQ with N1QL, as well as apply recommended practices in their projects. The source code and tutorial are available on GitHub for easy access and updates, offering an interactive way to gain practical knowledge and feedback.

The Couchbase team will present on the Tectonic Stack, Kubernetes, and CoreOS with Couchbase at the 2 Day Tectonic Summit in New York from December 2nd and 3rd. The event showcases how Containers and Couchbase help enterprises scale applications quickly while reducing DevOps efforts. Tectonic is an universal solution that provides organizations with consistent application deployment across data centers and the cloud, along with flexible persistent storage and mobile offline support. The summit also features speakers from Google, Spotify, SoundCloud, and more, and a follow-up meetup will be held in New York to provide additional learning opportunities on cloud and mobile technologies.

The text discusses how to move data from MongoDB to Couchbase using RxJava, a popular stream API. The goal is to create an Observable of Mongo Documents, transform them into Couchbase Documents, and then write them to Couchbase. This process can be easily modeled with RxJava, as demonstrated by the pseudo code provided. The author has created a Couchbase-java-importer tool that makes this process straightforward, allowing users to download and execute it with a YAML configuration file. While this is one particular way to move data between the two databases, others exist, such as CSV import and export, which can also be used with the importer. The code is simple and open-source, making it easy for developers to contribute or fork the project.

If you're a Java/JVM developer, consider attending another Devoxx conference to network with top-notch teams and speakers. However, if you haven't submitted something yet, encourage yourself to do so, as you likely have valuable insights to share. Don't let impostor syndrome or fear of speaking in public hold you back - practice and preparation can help alleviate these concerns. Even if your submission is rejected, don't get discouraged, as it's not uncommon for proposals to be turned down. Instead, consider becoming a volunteer or participating in the selection process to gain experience. With persistence and hard work, you may become part of the Devoxx Masochist club and earn the title of Devoxx Champion.

This blog post explores how to set up a full bare metal Kubernetes solution by installing all components on a local machine, using Virtual Box, Vagrant, and CoreOS. The author sets up their development environment with Vagrant 1.7.4 and CoreOS, installs Kubernetes 1.0.6, and configures the `kubectl` command-line tool for interacting with the Kubernetes API. They then create a virtual machine in VirtualBox using Vagrant, run Kubernetes on top of CoreOS, start the machine, configure `kubectl`, and set up a Kubernetes cluster running on the local machine. The author also sets up Couchbase by cloning its Kubernetes repository and will explore how to run Couchbase in the Kubernetes cluster in their next blog post.

In application development, especially for scenarios like a messaging app, it is often necessary to handle user-deleted content in a way that preserves the record of its existence, such as by using a "deleted" flag in the data rather than removing the data entirely. For efficient data retrieval, a global secondary index (GSI) can be created to quickly access these flagged records. When introducing such a feature to an existing dataset, where many records might lack the "deleted" flag, developers might initially consider using a query with the N1QL IS MISSING keyword to account for these instances. However, this approach is inefficient as it requires a full document scan. A more efficient method involves running a one-time background task to update all records missing the flag to include "deleted: false," ensuring all documents are indexed appropriately. An alternative approach to avoid using the MISSING keyword is to implement schema versioning, where the background task upgrades documents with outdated schema versions to the new version, adding the necessary deleted flag in the process.

Couchbase Server and Couchbase Mobile can be effectively deployed using Amazon's AWS Free Tier program, which provides 12 months of free AWS access. This guide explains how to install the Couchbase AMI on Amazon EC2, allowing users to leverage Couchbase Server and Couchbase Sync Gateway software. It starts with creating a new AWS account and selecting the Basic (Free) support plan, followed by accessing the AWS Marketplace to choose the "Couchbase Server & Couchbase Sync Gateway Community Edition" AMI. Once selected, users configure the EC2 instance, create a key pair, and accept terms to launch the AMI on EC2. After launching, users can access the Couchbase web console via a specific URL and log in with credentials found in the EC2 Console. The blog concludes with a preview of the next steps involving the integration of Sync Gateway with Couchbase Server to enable data replication for a Couchbase Mobile application.

The Sync Function in Sync Gateway is a crucial component that determines which user has access to specific documents. To synchronize documents with users who haven't logged into the app yet, developers can use the public channel, also known as the ! channel, to insert a "Getting Started" note automatically when the user starts the app for the first time. This feature allows for dynamic data changes on the backend and is particularly useful in applications like note-taking apps. The Sync Function involves mapping notes created by registered users to channels accessible only by that user, enforcing write permissions with the requireUser method, and testing it using curl commands. By leveraging this feature, developers can create a seamless onboarding journey for their users.

The Couchbase Kafka Connector has been released in general availability, providing a way to direct events from Couchbase Server to Kafka. The connector uses an experimental interface at Couchbase Server and is expected to be supported soon. The project source code is available on GitHub, with GA artifacts also made available on Maven Central. Users can include the connector in their projects by adding it to their build configurations using specific coordinates for Group ID, Artifact ID, and Version. Feedback is encouraged through a dedicated issue tracker or the Couchbase Forums.

The text contrasts the server utilization and scaling capabilities of MongoDB and Couchbase, highlighting the limitations of MongoDB's "Master-Slave" architecture which leads to underutilized servers and increased complexity when scaling. In MongoDB, only the primary server in a replica set can handle writes, leaving secondary servers underused unless they are needed for failover, which complicates scaling due to the need for additional servers and configuration. Conversely, Couchbase allows for more efficient use of server resources by enabling both read and write operations across all servers in the cluster, facilitating easy scaling and high availability without sacrificing consistency. This design difference translates into significant cost and complexity implications, as efficient server use can drastically reduce operational costs, making Couchbase a compelling choice for applications requiring scalable and cost-effective database solutions.

The Couchbase .NET SDK version 2.2.2 has been released, featuring bug fixes and improvements for future enhancements to the IO engine and deserialization options. The release addresses several issues, including incorrect retry logic, serialization problems with certain data types, and performance improvements. Additionally, new features have been added, such as support for more deserialization controls via ITypeSerializers, making it easier to customize the SDK's behavior for specific use cases.

Today, we are happy to announce the availability of Couchbase Server 3.1.2, a bug-fix release in the 3.x series that improves reliability and stability. The new version includes many important fixes based on user feedback, enhancing security and overall product quality. Users can download and test the update from our website, providing valuable feedback, and are encouraged to upgrade if they're running an affected version of Couchbase Server 2.5.x/3.x Enterprise Edition.

Couchbase has officially released Ottoman, an Object Data Mapper (ODM) for Node.js, which enhances rapid development, particularly for REST APIs and complex data modeling. Ottoman allows developers to work natively with objects, rapidly prototype data models, and automate tedious tasks like handling referential integrity and dependency management. It supports various data types, custom validators, and multiple indexing strategies, enabling efficient data modeling with embedded objects or references. The application development process involves setting up Couchbase, installing Node.js, and using Ottoman to define models for objects such as customers, employees, and bikes, with explicit indexes for fast lookups. The models are then integrated into an app where routes handle application logic, leveraging Couchbase's query API and Ottoman's generic query methods. Ottoman's abstraction of the storage layer facilitates rapid prototyping, allowing applications to interact with complex data structures without the burden of managing data storage intricacies.

The Samsung Developer Conference in San Francisco offers a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge technologies in Smart Home, IoT, Mobile, Wearables, Location-Based Services, and Health, with sessions led by industry experts. Attendees, including notable figures from Couchbase, can visit the Couchbase Mobile Booth for demonstrations and the chance to win prizes, highlighting the innovative mobile solutions they offer. Samsung is focusing on advancing Wearables and Health, with significant discussions around their strategic initiatives like the Simband health-tracking wristband and the Samsung Architecture Multimodal Interactions (S.A.M.I.), which aims to enhance the integration of wearable devices with cloud data. The event will provide insights into Samsung's vision for the future of mobile technology, emphasizing the integration of data in the cloud and its transformative potential for digital health. Participants will gain firsthand knowledge of these developments and can engage with the broader community through social media platforms for updates and prize opportunities.

The Couchbase Server 4.0 GA introduced N1QL, enabling developers to develop with agility and operate at scale. The upcoming release of 4.1 includes a valuable stability fix and the developer preview release of Covering Indexes, a key feature that provides significant query performance improvements in many cases. A covering index allows an application to recognize noticeable query performance improvement by leveraging it appropriately. By using a covering index, applications can avoid unnecessary steps in the query execution flow, resulting in improved performance. The Couchbase Server 4.1 release introduces support for covering indexes through the EXPLAIN statement, allowing developers to see how the query execution plan is optimized with a covering index. This feature is particularly useful for queries that return all fields from an index, such as selecting multiple attributes or using expressions and aggregates. Developers are encouraged to try this feature in the 4.1 developer preview and provide valuable feedback.

This is an early developer milestone update of Couchbase Server 4.x series, which builds on top of Couchbase Server 4.0 by adding new enhancements such as optimized query execution with prepared statements and improved latencies with covering indexes. The release also introduces full SQL syntax for data manipulation with N1QL, allowing developers to easily bulk update documents through N1QL. Additionally, the developer preview is certified to run on Windows 10 and OS X El Capitan platforms, addresses several important bugs, and provides step-by-step guidance and resources for getting started with Couchbase Server 4.1 DP. However, it's still under active development and not intended for production deployments.

On Wednesday at 14:00 UTC, a Hangout on Air will feature a discussion with Marcel Goya, the founder of LinguSocial, a translation service utilizing Couchbase Server and Couchbase Mobile for real-time text and voice translation. The conversation will focus on their use of Couchbase technology, particularly their work with N1QL, and viewers can join live or watch the recording on YouTube later.

I create Couchbase key patterns with double colons as a delimiter because they are human-readable and allow me to use meaningful text in my keys, making it easier to find objects quickly.

The text outlines a process for creating a cross-platform desktop application using Electron and various web technologies like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, which can sync with Couchbase Server. The guide begins with installing Electron through Node Package Manager and setting up a project structure with essential files like `main.js` and `package.json`. The `main.js` file is primarily derived from Electron's quickstart documentation, with minor modifications. Users are instructed to clone a PouchDB with AngularJS project and integrate it into the Electron framework. Running the application involves using the Electron command line and ensuring synchronization with the Couchbase Sync Gateway, which is crucial for data replication between the local application and the server. The text addresses potential issues like missing jQuery and troubleshooting tips for syncing records, emphasizing the need to configure the application correctly for cross-origin resource sharing and user authentication with Couchbase's Sync Gateway.

At the recent Big Data Spain event in Madrid, a presentation was given focusing on NoSQL query methods, specifically highlighting Couchbase's N1QL. The talk, which aimed to provide insights and understanding into these query methods, has now been made available for viewing on YouTube by the event organizers.

In the third installment of building the Touchbase application, the focus is on creating an email verification system utilizing Couchbase, nodemailer, and the Sendgrid Web API. The process begins with setting up necessary Node.js modules, such as the Couchbase Node.js SDK, body-parser, uuid, nodemailer, and nodemailer-sendgrid-transport, which are essential for sending verification emails. The email verification system is integrated into Touchbase through the `Session.makeVerification` function, which generates verification emails and updates user documents to enable account login only after the email is verified. This function is linked to the `/api/registerUser` endpoint, ensuring users receive a verification email they must click to confirm their email address. The email content is crafted using an HTML to JavaScript string converter and utilizes a `[email protected]` email alias for clear identification. Upon clicking the verification link, users are directed to the `api/verify/:verificationID` page, where the system verifies the ID, updates the user's `emailVerified` status to true, and completes the registration process, thus allowing the user access to their account.

Couchbase, a software company rather than a hosting provider, can be hosted through various services like AWS, Azure, and Joyent. The text details the process of hosting Couchbase Server on Joyent's Triton platform using Docker, emphasizing the benefits of Joyent's container-native infrastructure, which offers enhanced performance due to bare-metal deployment, individual IP addresses for containers, and the ability to resize containers without downtime. The guide outlines the requirements for setting up a Couchbase Server cluster on Triton, including Docker, a Joyent account, and an SSH private key. It describes the steps for running Couchbase containers locally to familiarize users with the setup before connecting to Joyent's cloud service, downloading necessary scripts, and configuring the Docker client to use Joyent. The process includes creating, configuring, and clustering Couchbase nodes on Triton, with instructions on how to manage the lifecycle of these containers, including adding and removing nodes from the cluster. Joyent's Triton service is highlighted for its performance and security benefits, with a mention of a promotional discount for Couchbase users, although security details are noted as a potential topic for a future post.

Couchbase Server 4.0, which has been available for nearly a month, introduces several new features aimed at application developers. A video has been created to highlight these main features, encouraging developers to download the server and try it out. Feedback and questions are welcomed in the forums to facilitate community engagement and support.