Maximize Java Project Execution with Essential Tools

Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Java at least once.

Despite Javas popularity and persistence on the market, there is a stark divide between developers. Java is a popular programming language that web developers love.

It is simple, powerful, and highly sought-after. One side believes Java is too complicated and is a complex programming languages. The majority of people who support the second view are not familiar with the best Java Development Tools, which make the development process easy.

This blog will be focused on The most popular Java Development Tools which makes it easier for web developers to develop amazing websites and innovative new technologies.

Java development is complex and requires attention at all stages. We have divided the best Java development tools according to their Java development categories.

This will make it easy for you to find the right tool for you.

Read Blog: Why Companies Hire Java Developers For Their Critical Software Projects?

Top Java Development Tools for Faster Java Development

I. IDE Java Tools

A programming editor, or IDE, is essential for Java developers. It allows them to do the tedious tasks of writing Java and using class libraries and frameworks.

The nature of your project, the development process, and your level as a programmer will all play a role in deciding which IDE Java Tool you should use.

These are the best IDE Java Development Tools to Speed Up Java Development -

1. Eclipse

Many Java Developers love Eclipse, a popular IDE (Integrated Development Environment). Eclipse is preferred by many Java Developers for tasks such as code completion, syntax checking, and refactoring.

It is also a great open-source community with Tools, Projects, and Collaborative Working Groups.

The Key Features of Eclipse

1. Open-source and free.
2. Assistance with syntax and refactoring
3. Java Development Tools Project with Plug Ins.
4. Language Combination Support (C/C++, and PHP IDE).
5. Assistance with code completion

The Pros and Cons Of Eclipse

Pros

1. There are tons of plugins.
2. Supports modeling
3. Ideal for larger projects.

1. Slow Performance
2. No JavaScript debugger.
3. It takes time to change your perspective.

2. IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA, a Java-based integrated development environment for creating computer software, is available. It offers a high-quality productivity boost and supports enterprise, mobile and web development in Java and Scala.

It also supports all the most recent technologies and frameworks right out of the box.

The Key Features of IntelliJ

1. Smart Completion.
2. Complete the Chain
3. Data Flow Analysis.
4. Completion of the Static Member
5. Language Injection.
6. Cross-Language Refactoring.
7. There are short cuts for everything.
8. Editor-centric Environment.

The Pros and Cons Of IntelliJ IDEA

Pros

1. It is stable and improves Java Development Productivity.
2. Quick and precise code suggestion
3. Many powerful features.

1. The price is higher than other Java Development Tools.
2. Learning Curve can be a bit challenging.
3. It takes up a lot of memory.

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3. Netbeans

Netbeans is a popular IDE Java Tool. Its designed to minimize coding errors, provide error detection and correction capabilities, and limit code mistakes.

Netbeans IDE features a rich text editor that includes code templates and code refactoring tools, drag-and-drop GUI design, and versioning with out-of-the box integration solutions such as Git. Java developers can create new apps and develop existing ones using the Netbeans platform. Netbeans applications can be easily extended to include new languages.

The Key Features of Netbeans

1. Easy installation and ready for use.
2. A one-stop solution that addresses a broad range of Java development requirements.
3. Language-aware editor.
4. Java EE Support
5. Java Profiler.

The Pros and Cons Of Netbeans

Pros

1. Automated completion of code
2. Server-based applications are easy to use.
3. Worked synchrony with Git
4. It works in Windows and Linux environments.
5. Efficient Debugging.
6. Efficient Refactoring.

1. It is difficult to modify the configuration file that has been pre-made to make it compatible with different operating systems.
2. Compilation and execution times are significantly slower than those of other competitive IDEs.
3. Uses up more memory than other IDEs.
4. It is not suitable for beginners, as it requires a steep learning curve.

4. Visual Studio

Visual Studio IDE is a creative launching pad that allows you to build, debug and edit code as well as publish an app.

Visual Studio includes a standard editor as well as a debugger, just like all IDEs. Visual Studio also includes code completion tools, compilers, and many other promising features that simplify the software development process.

The Key Features of Visual Studio

1. Writing and navigation of code is efficient and quick.
2. High-quality testing tools that allow users to write high-quality codes
3. There are many customization options available.

The Pros and Cons Of Visual Studio

Pros

1. Strong and extensible architecture
2. Edit, build, and debug efficiency.
3. Completion of code, syntax highlighting, and other useful features.
4. The debugger can be used as both a machine-level and source-level debugger.

1. Large files take up a lot of space.
2. To run smoothly, you will need a high-end system configuration.
3. It is not intuitive and some features are difficult to find.

5. Xcode

Xcode is Apple's IDE Tool to create software for iOS, iPadOS macOS, iOS and watchOS. Its free to download and can be used.

It allows Apple Developers to create code and compile apps that run on different devices and OS. Xcode, Apples native IDE, is used to create apps within the ecosystem. However, it can also serve as a source code editor in different languages that can be used in other projects.

The Key Features of Xcode

1. Rich Documentation.
2. Swift Package Manager.
3. Inline Diff.
4. Convert iPad apps to Mac
5. Coding Assistant.
6. Schemes Management.

The Pros and Cons Of Xcode

Pros

1. Auto-Completion.
2. Playground allows you to check the syntax for errors in real-time.
3. Drag and Drop Builder
4. Rich Documentation.

1. No, pull request support.
2. OTA installation fails in public domains
3. Lacks proper cross platform support.

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6. Apache ANT

ANT stands for Another Neat Toy. Its a Java-based tool for building software from Apache, a computer software development company.

Java Development is dependent on build tools. It allows Java developers to compile code, pack the binaries, deploy the binaries to test servers, test the changes and copy the code from one place to another.

Apache ANT automates these tasks and can be run from the command line.

The Key Features of Apache ANT

1. One of the most complete Java Tools available
2. It can handle platform-specific properties like file separators and is platform neutral.
3. ANT files are written using XML. If you are familiar with XML you will quickly get to know ANT.
4. Automate complex repetitive tasks efficiently
5. It includes a large list of predefined tasks

The Pros and Cons Of Apache ANT

Pros

1. It can be used on any platform.
2. It allows developers to do platform-specific tasks
3. It is written in plain XML
4. It includes a large list of pre-defined tasks
5. This interface allows you to create custom tasks

1. There is no support for lazy property valuations
2. Rules for handling limited faults
3. State cannot be maintained

II. Testing Java Tools

For any Java Development Project, testing tools are essential. Java testing is an important aspect that distinguishes professionals from novices.

Testing Java tools are essential for developing applications and software.

1. Jenkins

Jenkins is a top-rated open-source automation server and a leader in Java continuous integration. It helps Java Developers integrate changes to their projects and makes it easy for users to get a new build.

The Key Features of Jenkins

1. Jenkins is platform-independent and self-contained Java program that is easy to install
2. It runs on Windows, Mac OS, or Unix-like operating system.
3. Simple configurations
4. Distribution is easy
5. Open Source and Free.
6. You have access to many useful plugins.

The Pros and Cons Of Jenkins

Pros

1. Open source and completely free
2. You can find a variety of plugins that are useful.
3. Integration with all primary tools is easy.
4. Flexible, it can be used to support different project sizes and levels of complexity.
5. It also comes with an API suite.
6. It is easy to use

1. It is possible for costs to be unpredictable.
2. Governance is lacking
3. Analytics is not enough.
4. No collaboration features.
5. You need a dedicated developer.

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2. JUnit

This unit testing framework allows developers to create and run tests. This allows you to run tests on a single code block, rather than waiting for the whole module to be finished before you can test.

Java developers can test the code and then write, eliminating any doubts about the final functionality of the application. It is one the best Java development tools to test frameworks.

The Key Features of JUnit

1. It is simple to use
2. This allows you to test one block at a time.
3. Annotations to help identify test methods
4. For testing the expected results, providers must provide an assertion.
5. Provides test runners for running tests.
6. This allows Java developers to write code more quickly, which improves overall code quality.

The Pros and Cons Of JUnit

Pros

1. Support for Test Assertions
2. Instant Test Reporting
3. Suite Development
4. A simple framework to write Java self-verifying automated tests.

1. It does not provide any dependency testing functions.
2. Not suitable for higher-level testing.
3. HTML reports cannot be created for test cases.

3. FitNesse

FitNesse, an open-source web server and automated software testing tool, is FitNesse. It encourages collaboration in software engineering by offering a WIKI-powered test tool that allows customers, testers, and programmers to easily create and modify tests in a platform-independent way.

The Key Features of Fitnesse

1. Installation is simple
2. It is easy to follow scripts and maintain them.
3. Rich documentation
4. Platform Independent

The Pros and Cons Of Fitnesse

Pros

1. Multilanguage support
2. Simple setup
3. Wiki scripts facilitate collaboration with all stakeholders
4. Compatible with current IDE and CI/CD tool and practices.

1. Ambiguity in the design of long wiki scripts
2. It can be difficult to understand the syntax.
3. Lesser support for online tutorials.
4. The UI could be significantly improved.

4. Mockito

Mockito, a Java-based mocking framework that can be used to test Java applications in unit testing, is called Mockito.

It can be used to mock interfaces, which can then be used to add dummy functionality for unit testing. It is also used to create basic and simple test APIs that allow for unit testing of Java apps.

The Key Features of Mockito

1. Boilerplate code reduced with annotations
2. Advanced mock configuration allows for different solutions to mocks.
3. Check caches.
4. Method parameters can be accessed.

The Pros and Cons Of Mockito

Pros

1. You can also mock classes.
2. Supports mocks and tests spies.
3. Efficient void method handling.
4. Avoid abstract test cases.

1. It cant mock static methods and constructors.
2. To run, Java 6 or higher is required
3. Objenesis only supports VMs that can be mocked.

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5. Arquillian

Arquillian is an automated testing framework that allows you to create acceptance, integration, and functional tests for Java applications.

It manages the server lifecycle and sets up the test environment so that Java developers can focus on writing tests.

The Key Features of Arquillian

1. It is an integration testing framework that does not require any container.
2. Developers can write integration tests for business objects.
3. Platform for extensive testing.
4. Java programmers can use this programmer-oriented testing tool.
5. Compatible with JUnit and TestNG

The Pros and Cons Of Arquillian

Pros

1. Eliminates dependency on integration tests for packaging
2. Fine-grained archives are created
3. Solves test-classpath problems

1. Sometimes they dont behave as expected.

III. Java Runtime Analysis and Performance Monitor

Java Runtime Analysis and Performance Monitor tools are used by developers to check stability, scalability and load of Java applications.

These tools are essential to determine if an app crashes when there is more than one user accessing the app at once. This can cause a lot of load on the server. These tools are great for finding out the limitations and then working around them.

These are the top tools that you need to be aware of.

1. Apache JMeter

Apache JMeter, a 100% pure Java open-source application, is designed to measure performance and test functional behaviour.

It was initially intended to test web applications, but it has since been expanded to include other functions like functional test and database server testing.

The Key Functions of Apache JMeter

1. It is open-source.
2. It features a friendly GUI.
3. It is platform-independent.
4. Its a multithreading full-featured framework.
5. The test result can be visualized.
6. Installation is quick and simple
7. It can be extended in many ways.
8. It supports multi-protocol.

The Pros and Cons Of Apache JMeter

Pros

1. It is easy to use, even without programming experience.
2. It is user-friendly.
3. Integration capabilities with Jenkins and reporting.
4. It is easy to install on any type of operating system.
5. Thread Group allows you to accurately check the performance of your software.
6. Easy API Testing, MQ Testing and Database Testing.

1. Automation is hard.
2. Without training, JMeter output reports may be hard to understand.
3. It does not support JavaScript or AJAX requests.
4. JMeter can make it difficult to test complex applications that contain dynamic content, or apps that alter requests using JS, with complex applications.

2. JProfiler

JProfiler, a Java profiler tool, is used by developers/testers for analysing performance bottlenecks and CPU loads.

It also helps to resolve threading problems. You can use it as a standalone application or as a plugin for Eclipse software development environment. It is user-friendly and considered an efficient and quick analyzing Java Developer tool.

The Key Features of JProfiler

1. Live profiling in a remote session.
2. Offline profiling.
3. Comparison of Snapshots
4. Capability to view an HPROF snapshot

The pros and cons of JProfiler

Pros

1. It is easy to use
2. Many profiling options offer lower execution overhead.
3. Filtering and views are available.
4. Live information displayed

1. Memory leaks are not always easy to find

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3. VisualVM

VisualVM, a Java tool that allows you to see detailed information about Java applications running on JVM, is powerful.

It integrates several JDK command-line tools into one package that allows you to view the application in JVM.

The Key Features of VisualVM

1. Visual interface to local and remote JVM applications.
2. These thread dumps are used to help with deadlocks or race conditions.
3. Head dumps are useful in analysing heap memory allocation.

The Pros and Cons Of VisualVM

Pros

1. Monitoring application threads.
2. Monitoring the memory usage of an application and its runtime behaviour.
3. Analyzing memory allocations for different applications.

1. It struggled to find performance bugs.

4. JRockit

JRockit was initially developed by Appeal Virtual Machines. It was later purchased by BEA Systems in 2002. In 2008, it was part of Oracle Fusion Middleware.

It is a high performance JVM that allows Java applications to be scaled, reliable, flexible, and manageable at lower costs for the enterprise.

The Key Features of JRockit

1. There are more diagnostic tools than any other JDKs.
2. Performance on Intel architectures is superior to other JVMs.
3. Amazing code optimization strategy

The Pros and Cons Of JRockit

Pros

1. Java performance improved
2. Installation and configuration are not required
3. Version control and patching simplified
4. Security - Increased
5. Memory footprint and disk space reduced

1. The JVM does not support native code from third parties
2. Only run in headless mode and do not offer a GUI during execution.
3. You can configure up to eight virtual CPUs in a virtual machine
4. It runs as one process. The virtual machine cannot host multiple processes.

5. Profiler4J

Profile4J is an open source Java tool for profiling CPUs. It does not require an executable nor a native library.

It is 100% Java-based and can display graphical information such as a call graph and memory monitor.

The Key Features of Profiler4J

1. Based on dynamic bytecode instruments.
2. 100% Java-based.
3. No executable or native library is required.
4. Fine-grained configuration supported

The Pros and Cons Of Profiler4J

Pros

1. Open-source CPU profiler
2. It is very easy to use
3. Remote profiling supported

1. The project is still in beta and has some bugs
2. Only run in headless mode and do not offer a GUI during execution.
3. You can configure up to eight virtual CPUs in a virtual machine
4. It runs as one process. The virtual machine cannot host multiple processes.

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IV. Java Application Servers

When creating a Java application, the first decision Java developers/clients must make is on which Java web server the app will run.

There are many promising options. However, theres also a lot of clutter. It can be hard to declutter. Before we can get to the list of top Java Application Servers that we have for us, it is important to understand their roles.

Java Application Servers run Java Applications. These servers are installed in your operating system and you can deploy Java applications to them.

These servers can be viewed as containers for your Java code, which runs it and makes it function. These servers provide basic infrastructure and functional capabilities that Java programmers can use in their code.

These are the top Java Application Servers.

1. Apache Tomcat

Apache Tomcat is a webserver and servlet container that can be used to deploy and serve Java web applications. These servlets are the foundation of most modern Java web frameworks.

Servlets are Java programs which run on a Java-enabled application server or web server. They can be used to process requests from web servers and to produce the response. Apache Tomcat provides a default HTTP connector at port 8080.

Tomcat can be used to serve as an HTTP server.

The Key Features of Apache Tomcat

1. Supports the most recent Java stable versions
2. Secure features can be enabled
3. Integration seamless with Apache Web Server
4. It is extremely lightweight.
5. It is extremely lightweight.

The Pros and Cons Of Apache Tomcat

Pros

1. It is extremely lightweight.
2. It is open-source.
3. This makes the server more stable.
4. Its highly adaptable.
5. This adds an extra layer of security.
6. It is a well-known product that has been on the market for many years and therefore is considered mature.
7. It is accompanied by proper documentation.

1. It doesnt include implementations of the full j2ee stack.
2. Memory leaks are a problem.
3. The UI is not complex and can be improved.
4. Support for clusters is not the best.

2. GlassFish

GlassFish is an open source Java EE tool. It is a popular Java Development Tool among Java developers because it provides enterprise-level reliability, performance, full clustering, and a wide variety of functionality.

It also allows developers to manage the central repository via the admin panel. This panel is full of useful resources that allow them to provide additional functions.

The Key Features of GlassFish

1. The core is lightweight and extensible.
2. A web container
3. High availability clustering and load-balancing support.
4. Connectivity to the Update Tool for updates and add-ons

The Pros and Cons Of GlassFish

Pros

1. Cluster operations dashboards are useful for keeping an eye on key metrics.
2. Simple administrative console to modify basic features of timeouts database thread pooling.
3. Offers Java EE support.
4. Integration with NetBeans development interface.

1. It is necessary to complete the onboarding documentation.
2. Regular bugs with the latest edge releases
3. The plugin architecture is not well documented.

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3. WildFly

WildFly is one of the top choices for Experienced Java developers looking for a lightweight, enterprise-extensible application server.

It establishes the connection between the database and the web client. It provides the ideal combination of rapid deployments for developers and features such as managed domain mode, which allows Java developers to deploy multiple WildFly instances.

The Key Features of WildFly

1. You save time and get faster development.
2. Efficient management can help you save money.
3. Completely open-source

The Pros and Cons of WildFly

Pros

1. Easy scalability.
2. It is easy to install.
3. Makes Java applications perform faster.

1. Cloud pricing: Rigid pricing
2. It is a bit slower when its first deployed.

4. Jetty

Eclipses Jetty project provides a web server as well as a servlet container. It also supports WebSocket and OSGI as well as HTTP/2 and JAAS integrations.

These components are all open-source and available for commercial and non-commercial use. Jetty can be used in a variety of projects/products both in production and development.

The Key Features of Jetty

1. ---

   It can be used commercially and is open-source.

2. It leaves a very small footprint.
3. It can be embedded.
4. It is asynchronous.
5. Eclipse and Apache are dual-licensed

The Pros and Cons Of Jetty

Pros

1. Startup times are shorter
2. Lesser server footprint.
3. Strong community support and rich documentation
4. It is versatile and extensible - it can be customized to your specifications.
5. It is small and efficient.

1. Time-related issues can be solved by booting up.
2. To use it effectively, users will need to have some knowledge and experience.

V. Java Reporting Tools

Java Reporting tools are, as their name suggests, reporting tools that use the Java architecture. This tool allows developers to extract data and present it in different visualization formats, such as tables, graphs, and tables.

This allows the user to present their information interactively and more appealingly. These are the top Java Reporting Tools you should consider.

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1. BIRT

Eclipsed-based Open Source Java Reporting Tool that creates reports embedded in rich clients or web apps.

It is free to use for personal and commercial purposes. It is composed of two components: a visual report designer, which creates BIRT designs, and runtime components that can be deployed in any Java environment.

It also contains a diagram engine. The design templates can be saved as XML files. A Java developer can also access different data sources via BIRT, such as POJOs, JDO data stores and many more.

The Key Features of BIRT

1. Support for HTML pagination
2. Support for CSV output
3. Table of Contents
4. Multi-pass aggregates.
5. Flexible charting wizard.

The Pros and Cons Of BIRT

Pros

1. Software can be adapted.
2. User-friendly dashboard.

Cons

1. Analytics function is not available.
2. Java developers will need to have some programming experience in order to use BIRT.

2. Pentaho

Pentaho, another open source Java reporting tool is also available.

There are many sub-tools, such as the reporting engine, reporting designer, and reporting SDK. It also allows Java developers to create reports and export them into various file formats, including HTML, PDF, text rich text, CSV, XML, and text-rich text.

The Key Features of Pentaho

1. Data integration
2. Business Analytics.
3. Big Data Analytics.
4. Cloud Analytics.
5. Analytics embedded.

The Pros and Cons Of Pentaho

Pros

1. The tool is simple and easy to use.
2. A wide range of capabilities are available - dashboard, reporting and data integration, data mining, and other.
3. It features a user-friendly interface, many data retrieval tools, and a user-friendly interface.

Cons

1. There is no unified interface that can be used for all components.
2. It may be slower than other Java reporting tools.
3. Support for the poor in the community

3. Jasper

JasperReports is a popular open source Java reporting tool.

It can export multiple data sources as well as a variety of file formats, such XML, CSV and CSV. This Java class library is for Java developers who need reporting capabilities in their applications.

Jasper Key Features

1. Flexible layout of reports
2. Ability to present data visually or textually.
3. Accept data from different sources.
4. Can generate watermarks.
5. Can generate subreports.

Pros & Cons of Jasper

Pros

1. It is easy to use the dashboard or create reports.
2. Dynamic reporting is possible with adhoc reporting
3. It is easy to create and deploy.
4. Professional level support.
5. Large range of outputs and visualizations.

Cons

1. There is not enough training material.
2. Developers are required to pull reports.
3. The fields must be aligned manually.
4. Poor documentation.

4. Fine Report

Fine Report is a web-based reporting tool that Java has developed.

It assists Java developers in data analysis, visualization, and data management. The interface is intuitive and drag-and-drop, so Java developers dont have to write long lines of code.

The Key Features of Fine Report

1. All major databases supported
2. Integrate sources with other business systems to get a complete view of your company.
3. More than 15 categories, 60 types of HTML5 charts, and data visualization options.

Pros & Cons of Fine Report

Pros

1. Smart Data Entry
2. It is easy to create complicated reports.
3. Excel integration
4. R script visualization.

Cons

1. Multi-dimensional analysis is cumbersome.
2. Poor data handling capacity.
3. Non-technical users will not find it easy to use.

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5. Report Mill

Report Mill is the best Java reporting tool.

It dynamically generates web pages and reports from Java applications in various formats such as PDF, JavaFX and RTF. This combines a simple page layout application with a robust Java API into a compact jar file. It is easy to integrate it into your Java application.

Report Mill: Key Features

1. ---

   Object reporting.

2. Simple Integration
3. Leverages Custom Business Logic.

The Pros and Cons Of Report Mill

Pros

1. Powerful page layout design.
2. Template design based on XML

Cons

1. There is no free trial
2. There is no free trial

Other popular JAVA Development tools can be found in

1. Gradle

Gradle is an open source and powerful build automation tool. It supports groovy-based Domain Specific Language instead of XML and can be used on Maven, ANT, and Ivy repositories.

Groovy offers more flexibility and allows you to code almost anything. Groovy also supports the convention-over-configuration paradigm.

The Key Features of Gradle

1. ---

   Configuration Catching

2. File System Monitoring
3. Smarter Dependency Downgrades

Pros & Cons of Gradle

Pros

1. Supports dependency management
2. High performance, scalable builds
3. Standard Project Layout and Lifecycle with maximum flexibility

Cons

1. Steep Learning Curve
2. Groovy dynamically types, making it difficult for IDEs provide fast and excellent tooling.
3. Developers will need to Google everything with Dynamic Groovy DSL or heterogeneous API plugins.

2. Apache Maven

Apache Maven is a software comprehension and project management tool. It is a popular tool among Java developers because it allows for collaboration, dependency management, debugging and build actions.

The Key Features of Apache Maven

1. ---

   Consistent use across all projects

2. An extensive and expanding library collection
3. Management of dependencies, including automatic updating
4. Easy project setup following best practices
5. JavaScript and JavaScript plugins are possible.

The Pros and Cons Of Apache Maven

Pros

1. It makes it easy to start a project in different environments
2. Better debugging
3. Project Object Model (POM), reduced duplication
4. Additional component builds

Cons

1. Apache Maven can be slow
2. It can be difficult to set up the initial setup.
3. Conflict can be caused by dependency management using a local cache

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Wrapping it all!

These top Java Development Tools will speed up Java Development in all areas of Java development.

A Java developer must complete many tasks to successfully finish a project. Some of these tasks can be difficult and tedious. These Java tools can be used to help developers save time and increase efficiency in performing these tasks.

References

1. 🔗 Google scholar
2. 🔗 Wikipedia
3. 🔗 NyTimes