Welcome to the world of Apex, where the thrill of the hunt and the rush of adrenaline will keep you coming back for more. If you’re new to the game, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you improve your Apex skills and take your game to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, these tips will help you enhance your experience and boost your performance. So, grab your weapons, gear up, and let’s dive in!
Understanding Apex and its importance in the gaming community
What is Apex and why is it popular?
Apex Legends is a popular battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. It was released in February 2019 and has since gained a massive following in the gaming community. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
One of the reasons Apex Legends is so popular is its accessibility. Unlike other battle royale games, Apex Legends is free to play, which means anyone can download and play the game without spending any money. Additionally, the game has a lower learning curve compared to other battle royale games, making it easier for new players to jump in and start playing.
Another reason for Apex Legends’ popularity is its unique character abilities. Each character, or “Legend,” has their own set of abilities that can be used to gain an advantage in combat. These abilities range from healing teammates to providing cover fire. Players can choose which Legend to play as, and can even switch between Legends in-game if they find one more suitable for the situation.
The game’s developers also regularly release new content, including seasonal events and new characters, to keep the game fresh and exciting. This has helped maintain the game’s popularity and player base even months after its release.
Lastly, Apex Legends has a strong esports presence, with numerous tournaments and competitions held throughout the year. This has helped the game gain a dedicated fanbase of professional players and spectators, further contributing to its popularity.
The benefits of learning Apex for gamers
Learning Apex can offer a plethora of benefits for gamers, especially those who enjoy first-person shooter games. Apex Legends is a popular battle royale game that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork to emerge victorious. Here are some of the benefits of learning Apex:
- Improved hand-eye coordination: Playing Apex Legends can help improve hand-eye coordination, which is crucial in many other games and activities.
- Enhanced problem-solving skills: Apex Legends requires players to think strategically and make quick decisions, which can help improve problem-solving skills.
- Better communication and teamwork: Playing Apex Legends with others requires effective communication and teamwork, which can be beneficial in real-life situations.
- Increased competitiveness: Learning Apex can help players become more competitive and motivated to improve their skills, which can be applied to other areas of life.
- Opportunities for socialization: Playing Apex Legends with others can provide opportunities for socialization and building relationships with like-minded individuals.
Overall, learning Apex Legends can offer a range of benefits for gamers, both in and out of the game.
Setting up your environment for Apex development
Installing the necessary software and tools
Before you begin your journey to becoming an Apex developer, it is essential to set up your environment correctly. The first step in this process is to install the necessary software and tools that will help you develop, test, and deploy Apex code.
The following are the minimum requirements for setting up your environment for Apex development:
- Operating System: Your computer must have a 64-bit version of Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Integrated Development Environment (IDE): You will need an IDE to write, test, and debug your Apex code. Salesforce provides a free IDE called “Workspace Org Explorer” that you can download from their website. Alternatively, you can use other popular IDEs like Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, or IntelliJ IDEA.
- Salesforce Org: To start developing Apex code, you need to create a Salesforce org and enable the Apex language. You can sign up for a free Developer Edition account or use an existing org for testing purposes.
- Command-Line Interface (CLI): Although not mandatory, having a CLI tool like Git is beneficial for managing your codebase, tracking changes, and collaborating with other developers. You can download Git from the official website and install it on your computer.
- Database Client: While not mandatory, having a database client like SQL Developer or Oracle SQL Developer can be helpful for managing and querying your data.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your environment is properly set up for Apex development. This will enable you to start writing and testing your Apex code effectively and efficiently.
Configuring your development environment for Apex
Setting up your environment for Apex development is an essential step in improving your skills as a developer. The first step in configuring your development environment for Apex is to install the Salesforce Development Kit (SDK). This kit contains the necessary tools and libraries to develop Apex code.
Once you have installed the SDK, you will need to set up your development environment to work with the Salesforce platform. This involves configuring your IDE to connect to the Salesforce servers and authenticating your developer account.
Here are some steps to help you configure your development environment for Apex:
- Install the Salesforce SDK: You can download the SDK from the Salesforce website. Follow the instructions provided to install the SDK on your machine.
- Configure your IDE: Set up your Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to work with the Salesforce platform. This involves configuring your IDE to connect to the Salesforce servers and authenticate your developer account.
- Authenticate your developer account: To authenticate your developer account, you will need to log in to your Salesforce account and create a new developer token. This token will be used to authenticate your IDE and allow it to connect to the Salesforce platform.
- Set up your development environment: Once you have authenticated your developer account, you can set up your development environment. This involves configuring your IDE to work with the Salesforce platform, including setting up your workspace and configuring your build tools.
By following these steps, you can configure your development environment for Apex and begin developing your skills as a developer.
Basic concepts and terminology in Apex
Understanding variables, data types, and operators
When starting to learn Apex, it is important to understand the basic concepts and terminology used in the language. This section will focus on understanding variables, data types, and operators in Apex.
Variables in Apex
A variable is a named storage location in memory that holds a value. In Apex, variables can be declared using the String
, Integer
, Boolean
, and other data types.
Here’s an example of declaring a variable in Apex:
String name = 'John';
Integer age = 30;
Boolean isMarried = false;
It is important to note that variable names in Apex must start with a letter or an underscore. Additionally, variable names are case-sensitive, meaning that John
and john
are two different variables.
Data Types in Apex
Apex supports several data types, including:
String
: a sequence of charactersInteger
: a whole numberBoolean
: a true or false valueDate
: a specific date and timeFloat
: a decimal numberList
: a collection of values
When declaring a variable, it is important to specify the data type. For example:
Date birthDate = ‘1990-01-01’;
Float height = 175.5;
List hobbies = [‘reading’, ‘writing’, ‘drawing’];
Operators in Apex
Operators are symbols that represent operations such as arithmetic, comparison, and logical operations. Apex supports several types of operators, including:
- Arithmetic operators:
+
,-
,*
,/
,%
,++
,--
,+++
,--
,+=
,-=
,*=
,/=
,%=
,<<
,>>
,<<=
,>>=
,==
,!=
,<
,>
,<=
,>=
,&&
,||
,!
,is
,not is
- Comparison operators:
==
,!=
,<
,>
,<=
,>=
,is
,is not
- Logical operators:
and
,or
,not
,in
,not in
,is null
,is not null
,empty
,not empty
Here’s an example of using operators in Apex:
``java
+
Integer x = 10;
Integer y = 5;
Integer z = x + y;
Boolean isEven = (x % 2 == 0);
In this example, theoperator is used to add
xand
yand store the result in
z. The
isEvenvariable is set to
trueif
xis even and
false` otherwise.
Understanding variables, data types, and operators is crucial in writing Apex code. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you will be able to write more efficient and effective code.
Working with control structures and loops
When working with Apex, it is important to understand control structures and loops. Control structures allow you to control the flow of your code, while loops allow you to repeat a block of code multiple times.
Conditional statements
A conditional statement is a type of control structure that allows you to execute different code based on a condition. The if
statement is the most common type of conditional statement in Apex.
Here is an example of an if
statement:
if (x > 5) {
System.debug(‘x is greater than 5’);
}
In this example, the code inside the curly braces will only be executed if the condition x > 5
is true.
Loops
Loops are another type of control structure that allow you to repeat a block of code multiple times. There are several types of loops in Apex, including for
, while
, and do-while
loops.
Here is an example of a for
loop:
``css
i` incrementing by 1 each time.
for (Integer i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
System.debug('The value of i is ' + i);
In this example, the code inside the curly braces will be repeated 10 times, with the value of
Nested loops
Nested loops occur when one loop is placed inside another loop. This can be useful for performing complex operations on data.
Here is an example of a nested loop:
for (Integer j = 0; j < 5; j++) {
System.debug(‘The value of i is ‘ + i + ‘ and the value of j is ‘ + j);
In this example, the inner loop will be executed 5 times for each iteration of the outer loop, resulting in a total of 50 log entries.
By understanding control structures and loops, you can write more efficient and effective Apex code.
Writing your first Apex program
When it comes to writing your first Apex program, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, with a few basic concepts and terminology under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to writing your first Apex program.
- Understanding the basics of Apex: Apex is a programming language that is used to develop custom business logic on the Salesforce platform. It is an object-oriented language that allows developers to create custom functionality, such as triggers, classes, and interfaces.
- Familiarizing yourself with Salesforce architecture: Before you start writing your first Apex program, it’s important to understand the basic architecture of Salesforce. This includes understanding the difference between a standard and custom object, as well as the different types of data that can be stored in these objects.
- Setting up your development environment: In order to write your first Apex program, you’ll need to set up your development environment. This includes installing the Salesforce developer tools, as well as setting up your IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and creating a new Salesforce developer org.
- Creating your first Apex class: Once you have your development environment set up, you can start writing your first Apex program. This typically involves creating a new Apex class and defining its methods.
- Defining your first Apex method: Once you have created your Apex class, you can start defining your first Apex method. This involves specifying the method’s name, return type, and parameters.
- Writing your first Apex code: With your Apex class and method defined, you can now start writing your first Apex code. This may involve using Apex statements such as ‘if-else’, ‘for-loop’, and ‘while-loop’ to control the flow of your program.
- Debugging and testing your code: Once you have written your code, it’s important to test it and debug any issues that may arise. Salesforce provides a variety of debugging tools that can help you identify and fix issues in your code.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to writing your first Apex program. Remember to take your time, understand the basics, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Debugging and error handling in Apex
Debugging and error handling are crucial aspects of writing efficient and effective Apex code. In this section, we will discuss some tips and tricks for debugging and error handling in Apex.
Debugging in Apex
Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors in your code. In Apex, there are several tools and techniques available for debugging your code. Here are some of the most commonly used debugging techniques in Apex:
- Debug Logs: Debug logs are a powerful tool for debugging Apex code. You can use debug logs to print out information about the state of your code at different points in the execution. To use debug logs, simply add the
System.debug()
method to your code. - Debugging Windows: Salesforce provides a debugging window that allows you to step through your code and inspect variables. To open the debugging window, click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the Developer Console and select “Debugging”.
- Test Methods: Salesforce provides a testing framework that allows you to write test methods for your Apex code. Test methods can help you identify and fix errors in your code. To write a test method, simply create a new method with the
@isTest
annotation.
Error Handling in Apex
Error handling is the process of managing exceptions and errors that may occur in your code. In Apex, there are several ways to handle errors and exceptions. Here are some of the most commonly used error handling techniques in Apex:
- Try-Catch Blocks: Try-catch blocks are a powerful tool for handling errors and exceptions in your code. To use try-catch blocks, simply wrap your code in a
try
block and catch any errors that occur in acatch
block. - Salesforce Exceptions: Salesforce provides a set of predefined exceptions that you can use to handle errors in your code. For example, you can use the
NullPointerException
exception to handle errors that occur when you try to access a null value. - Apex.log: The
Apex.log
method allows you to log errors and exceptions to the Salesforce debug log. This can be useful for diagnosing errors that occur in production.
By following these tips and tricks, you can improve your debugging and error handling skills in Apex.
Intermediate topics in Apex programming
Classes, interfaces, and inheritance
Understanding Classes in Apex
A class in Apex is a blueprint for creating objects. It defines the properties and methods that an object will have. Classes can be used to represent real-world objects, such as accounts, contacts, and opportunities. Classes are the building blocks of Apex, and understanding how to create and use them is essential for developing robust and scalable Apex applications.
Implementing Interfaces in Apex
An interface in Apex is a contract that specifies a set of methods and properties that a class must implement. Interfaces are useful for defining common behaviors across multiple classes, and for providing a way to encapsulate behavior that can be shared by multiple classes. Interfaces can be used to implement complex business logic in a modular and reusable way.
Inheritance in Apex
Inheritance in Apex allows one class to inherit properties and methods from another class. This is useful for creating specialized classes that can leverage the functionality of a parent class. Inheritance is a powerful feature of object-oriented programming, and it can help you to write more efficient and maintainable code.
To summarize, classes, interfaces, and inheritance are all important concepts in Apex programming. Understanding how to use them effectively can help you to write more efficient and scalable Apex applications. By mastering these concepts, you will be well on your way to becoming an expert Apex developer.
Asynchronous programming with callbacks and promises
Asynchronous programming is a fundamental concept in Apex programming that allows developers to execute long-running operations without blocking the main thread of execution. In this section, we will discuss two popular approaches to asynchronous programming in Apex: callbacks and promises.
Callbacks
Callbacks are functions that are passed as arguments to other functions and are executed after the original function has completed its execution. In Apex, callbacks can be used to execute code asynchronously by passing a function as an argument to another function. The function that is passed as an argument is called the callback function.
For example, consider the following code that retrieves data from a third-party API and logs the result to the debug log:
Future
// Code to retrieve data from API
// Define a callback function
static void onDataReceived(String result) {
// Log the result to the debug log
System.debug(‘Result: ‘ + result);
// Call the API and pass a callback function as an argument
String result = getDataFromAPI(‘query’);
// Handle the result
result.OnSuccess(onDataReceived);
In the above example, the getDataFromAPI
function returns a Future<String>
that represents the result of the API call. The onDataReceived
function is defined as a static method and is passed as an argument to the getDataFromAPI
function. The getDataFromAPI
function then calls the onDataReceived
function with the result of the API call as an argument.
Promises
Promises are a more advanced approach to asynchronous programming in Apex. A promise is an object that represents a value that may not be available yet but will be resolved at some point in the future. Promises can be used to manage complex asynchronous operations and provide a cleaner and more concise syntax for handling asynchronous code.
// Define a promise
Promise resultPromise = getDataFromAPI(‘query’);
resultPromise.OnSuccess(onDataReceived);
In the above example, the getDataFromAPI
function returns a Future<String>
that represents the result of the API call. The resultPromise
variable is created as a promise and is assigned the result of the getDataFromAPI
function. The resultPromise.OnSuccess(onDataReceived)
statement is used to handle the result of the API call. The onDataReceived
function is called with the result of the API call as an argument when the promise is resolved.
Promises provide a cleaner and more concise syntax for handling asynchronous code in Apex. Promises can be chained together using the then
method to handle the result of one promise and pass it as an argument to another promise. Promises can also be rejected using the catch
method to handle errors that occur during the execution of the promise.
In conclusion, asynchronous programming is a fundamental concept in Apex programming that allows developers to execute long-running operations without blocking the main thread of execution. Callbacks and promises are two popular approaches to asynchronous programming in Apex. Callbacks involve passing a function as an argument to another function, while promises involve defining an object that represents a value that may not be available yet but will be resolved at some point in the future.
Advanced Apex programming concepts
Understanding the importance of design patterns in Apex
Design patterns are crucial in Apex programming as they provide a proven solution to common problems. They are reusable templates that can be used to solve specific design problems, which in turn leads to improved code quality and readability. By learning and applying design patterns in Apex, you can write more efficient and maintainable code.
Strategy pattern
The Strategy pattern is a behavioral design pattern that enables you to define a family of algorithms, encapsulate each one, and make them interchangeable. In Apex, the Strategy pattern can be used to create different implementations of the same interface. For example, you can use the Strategy pattern to create different email notification systems in your Apex code.
Decorator pattern
The Decorator pattern is a structural design pattern that allows you to add new functionality to an object dynamically without changing its structure. In Apex, the Decorator pattern can be used to add behavior to objects at runtime. For example, you can use the Decorator pattern to add logging functionality to an object in your Apex code.
Adapter pattern
The Adapter pattern is a structural design pattern that allows you to convert the interface of a class into another interface that clients expect. In Apex, the Adapter pattern can be used to connect two incompatible interfaces. For example, you can use the Adapter pattern to connect a third-party API to your Apex code.
Template method pattern
The Template method pattern is a behavioral design pattern that defines the skeleton of an algorithm as an abstract class, allowing its subclasses to fill in the details. In Apex, the Template method pattern can be used to define a common algorithm and let subclasses customize specific steps in the algorithm. For example, you can use the Template method pattern to define a generic Apex class for processing data and let subclasses customize the processing logic.
By understanding and applying advanced Apex programming concepts such as design patterns, you can improve the quality and maintainability of your Apex code. These concepts may seem challenging at first, but they are essential for becoming an expert Apex developer.
Performance tuning and optimization techniques
Performance tuning and optimization techniques are crucial in Apex programming to ensure that your code runs efficiently and effectively. These techniques help you identify and eliminate bottlenecks, reduce memory usage, and improve the overall performance of your Apex code. Here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your performance tuning and optimization skills:
Use Apex Monitoring
Apex Monitoring is a powerful tool that allows you to monitor the performance of your Apex code in real-time. You can use it to track the number of calls made to your Apex code, the execution time of your code, and the memory usage. This information can help you identify bottlenecks and optimize your code for better performance.
Use Caching
Caching is a technique that involves storing frequently used data in memory to reduce the number of times it needs to be retrieved from a database. This can significantly improve the performance of your Apex code by reducing the number of database queries and reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed.
Optimize Database Queries
Database queries can be a significant source of performance issues in Apex code. To optimize your database queries, you should minimize the number of queries made, use indexes to improve query performance, and use SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) instead of SQL.
Minimize Apex Code
Minimizing the amount of Apex code that is executed is crucial for improving performance. You should try to minimize the number of Apex classes and triggers used, reduce the amount of code executed in triggers, and avoid unnecessary Apex code.
Use Async Apex
Async Apex is a feature in Salesforce that allows you to execute Apex code asynchronously. This can significantly improve the performance of your code by allowing it to run in the background while the user continues to interact with the application.
By following these tips and tricks, you can improve your performance tuning and optimization skills in Apex programming. Remember that performance tuning is an ongoing process, and you should continuously monitor and optimize your code to ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively.
Best practices for writing efficient and maintainable Apex code
Writing efficient and maintainable Apex code is essential for any developer. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Keep your code organized and easy to read. Use descriptive variable names, comment your code, and break it up into small, manageable pieces.
- Use the most efficient data structure for the task at hand. For example, use lists instead of arrays when you need to add or remove elements frequently.
- Minimize the number of Apex classes you create. Instead, use the built-in functionality of Salesforce and Apex to accomplish your goals.
- Avoid hardcoding values in your code. Use constants or configuration settings to store values that might change.
- Test your code thoroughly. Use both unit tests and integration tests to ensure that your code works as expected.
- Use try-catch blocks to handle errors gracefully. Don’t let errors bubble up to the caller and cause unexpected behavior.
- Avoid using static methods whenever possible. Static methods can be difficult to test and can lead to unmaintainable code.
- Follow the Single Responsibility Principle. Each class should have a single responsibility and do it well.
- Keep your code DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself). Avoid duplicating code or repeating the same logic in multiple places.
- Use custom Apex classes sparingly. Salesforce provides a wealth of functionality that can often be used to accomplish your goals without the need for custom code.
- Continuously improve your skills by learning new Apex features and best practices.
Resources for learning Apex
Online tutorials and documentation
Learning Apex can be an exciting journey, but it can also be challenging for beginners. However, there are many resources available online that can help you improve your Apex skills. One of the best ways to start is by taking advantage of the online tutorials and documentation available. Here are some tips on how to get started:
Reputable websites
When searching for online tutorials and documentation, it’s important to use reputable websites. Some of the most popular websites for learning Apex include the Salesforce Developer Documentation, Trailhead, and Apex Tutorials. These websites offer comprehensive guides, tutorials, and sample code that can help you get started with Apex.
Online communities
Another great way to learn Apex is by joining online communities. These communities provide a platform for developers to share their knowledge and experiences with others. Some of the most popular online communities for Apex developers include the Salesforce Developer Community, Stack Overflow, and Reddit.
YouTube
YouTube is also a great resource for learning Apex. There are many channels dedicated to Apex development, including Salesforce Developer, Apex Academy, and Learn Salesforce. These channels offer a range of tutorials, including beginner-friendly content, to help you improve your Apex skills.
Podcasts
Finally, podcasts can also be a great way to learn Apex. There are many podcasts available that cover a range of topics related to Apex development, including Salesforce Developer Podcast, The Salesforce Developer Quarterly, and Salesforce Tech Podcast. These podcasts offer a more casual approach to learning Apex, making it easier to fit into your daily routine.
In conclusion, there are many online resources available for learning Apex, including tutorials, documentation, online communities, YouTube, and podcasts. By taking advantage of these resources, you can improve your Apex skills and become a more proficient developer.
Books and courses for Apex programming
- “Apex Programming for Salesforce Developers” by Chris Pendleton: This book is an excellent resource for beginners looking to learn Apex programming. It covers the basics of Apex and provides a solid foundation for more advanced topics.
- “Apex and Visualforce Cookbook” by Jake Turkel: This book is a great resource for intermediate and advanced Apex developers. It provides practical examples and recipes for solving common Apex programming problems.
- “Apex Tutorial for Beginners” by Learn Enable: This online course is a great way to learn Apex programming for beginners. It covers the basics of Apex programming and provides hands-on experience with building Apex applications.
- “Apex Programming Course” by Udemy: This online course is designed for beginners and covers the basics of Apex programming. It includes video lectures, quizzes, and coding exercises to help reinforce learning.
- “Apex Development” by Pluralsight: This online course is designed for intermediate and advanced Apex developers. It covers more advanced topics such as batch Apex, asynchronous processing, and best practices for Apex development.
Joining the Apex community and participating in forums and discussions
As a beginner, one of the best ways to improve your Apex skills is by joining the Apex community and participating in forums and discussions. Here are some reasons why:
- Connect with other Apex developers: By joining the Apex community, you can connect with other developers who are also interested in learning and improving their Apex skills. This can be a great way to get advice, ask questions, and learn from others’ experiences.
- Access to a wealth of information: The Apex community is a rich source of information, including tutorials, articles, and forums where you can ask questions and get answers from experienced developers. By participating in these discussions, you can learn about best practices, common pitfalls, and new features as they are released.
- Get feedback on your code: Posting your code in a forum or discussion group can be a great way to get feedback from other developers. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve and learn new techniques for writing better Apex code.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies: The Apex community is constantly evolving, with new tools and technologies being developed all the time. By participating in discussions and forums, you can stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and learn how to apply them to your own projects.
Overall, joining the Apex community and participating in forums and discussions is a great way to improve your Apex skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, there’s something for everyone in the Apex community.
FAQs
1. What is Apex and why should I learn it?
Apex is a programming language developed by Salesforce for building custom applications on the Salesforce platform. It is an object-oriented language that is similar to Java and allows developers to create complex business logic and workflows. Learning Apex can help you build custom solutions for your organization, automate processes, and improve the overall functionality of your Salesforce instance.
2. How do I get started with learning Apex?
To get started with learning Apex, you can start by reading the official Salesforce documentation and taking online courses or tutorials. You can also join the Salesforce developer community and participate in forums and discussion boards to connect with other developers and ask questions. It’s also a good idea to practice writing code and building small applications to get a feel for the language.
3. What are some best practices for writing Apex code?
Some best practices for writing Apex code include following a consistent naming convention, breaking up code into small, modular functions, and using comments to document your code. It’s also important to test your code thoroughly and use version control to keep track of changes. Additionally, it’s a good idea to stay up-to-date with the latest features and best practices in the Apex language by reading the Salesforce developer blog and attending webinars or conferences.
4. How can I improve my Apex skills?
There are several ways to improve your Apex skills, including practicing writing code, building small applications, and participating in the Salesforce developer community. You can also take online courses or attend webinars and conferences to learn from experts in the field. Additionally, it’s a good idea to set specific goals for yourself and track your progress over time. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or feedback from other developers, as this can be a valuable way to learn and improve.
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when learning Apex?
Some common mistakes to avoid when learning Apex include using unsupported features or syntax, not properly handling exceptions, and not properly testing your code. It’s also important to avoid copying and pasting code without understanding it, as this can lead to errors and bugs in your code. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid getting too caught up in the weeds and to focus on building applications that solve real-world problems.