Ep2: Spring AI Debugging And Query Tune-Up Breaktime Tech Talks podcast

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Ep48: Java GraphRAG and Langchain4j 1.0 + Thoughts on conversational interfaces 12:08

לפני 5 ימים12:08

12:08

This week, there were quite a few things I learned: Common steps for implementing GraphRAG in Java using Spring AI and Langchain4j, highlighting key differences in setup and customization. Study prep updates and help on the Neo4j Developer Certification for June! Celebrate Langchain4j’s 1.0 release . Two thought-provoking articles—one on enhancing RAG with graphs , and another analyzing the effectiveness of voice-based interfaces . For a high-level review of steps for GraphRAG in Java, upcoming step-by-step help for prepping to take the Neo4j certification, Langchain4j GA news, and keeping up on tech content, this episode has you covered!…

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Ep47: Langchain4j GraphRAG Friction + MCP Authorization Headaches 7:38

לפני 12 ימים7:38

7:38

In this episode, I share some hands-on insights from building apps with Langchain4j using Quarkus and Neo4j , and compare it with Spring AI—especially around how each framework handles vector search and GraphRAG workflows. Spoiler: customization in Langchain4j feels a bit clunky. I also dig into one article's critical take on the MCP authorization spec and why its current approach to security is misaligned with how enterprises actually structure identity and access. The article I discuss breaks down both the architectural intentions and the practical enterprise concerns—token handling, overhead, and developer friction. If you’re working at the intersection of GenAI infrastructure and enterprise systems, this one’s for you.…

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Ep46: Quarkus Neo4j Application + Development Lessons Learned 9:21

לפני 19 ימים9:21

9:21

In this episode, we dive into the Quarkus framework with a code repository and an article about development lessons learned. Topics covered include: 🔗 Building a starter application with Quarkus Neo4j and the Object Graph Mapper (OGM). 📝 Exploring similarities and differences between Quarkus and Spring frameworks. 📑 Resources for building with Quarkus and Neo4j - blog post and documentation . 📚 Key takeaways from an article on developer philosophy , touching on code rewrites, estimation challenges, and the importance of automation and edge cases. Whether just curious or writing code, we all learn and face similar development challenges!…

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Ep45: Exploring Java Frameworks + Launch of Spring AI 1.0 10:03

לפני 26 ימים10:03

10:03

In this episode, I have some exciting technical updates, along with insights from my recent work and learning. Topics covered include: 📝 Neo4j Java Driver & Object Mapping – My latest blog post and upcoming updates to the GraphAcademy Java courses. 🧪 Framework-less Java Apps – Experiments in building Java applications without a framework and comparing with tools like Spring and others. 🔧 Code Refactoring Strategy – Lessons learned on managing updates in stages for cleaner version control and project maintenance. 🤖 Spring AI 1.0 Release – Highlights from the official launch , including an AWS blog post on architecture insights, real-world examples, and key resources for getting started with AI in Java. Whether you're deep into Java development or just exploring the intersection of frameworks and AI, there's something here for you!…

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Ep44: Updates in Java tools + MCP and Security 10:58

לפני 5 weeks10:58

10:58

In this episode, we dive into three key updates from the world of Java development and emerging tech standards: First, walk through a new feature in the Neo4j Java driver (v5.28.5) that enables lightweight object mapping. I’ve set up a sample code repository showcasing how to return Cypher query results directly into your Java domain objects—no full-blown OGM needed. It’s a big improvement, but with a few gotchas you’ll want to understand. Next, we take a look at Jackson Jr , a lightweight version of the popular Jackson library . If you're working in resource-constrained environments or want faster startup times, this stripped-down data processor might be just what your project needs. Finally, we revisit Model Context Protocol (MCP) security, following up on concerns raised in Episode 42. I share two recent articles that highlight current security limitations in MCP and practical tips for developers looking to build safely with it today, even before full support matures. Whether you're optimizing your Java stack or exploring AI protocols, there’s something in this episode for you.…

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Ep43: MCP Java SDK + Naive RAG vs GraphRAG 11:18

לפני 6 weeks11:18

11:18

In this episode, we dive into the latest upgrades in Neo4j tooling, along with recent bug fixes and enhancements in the LLM Knowledge Graph Builder . We also explore a new preview feature for Java object mapping in the Neo4j Java driver and check out the MCP Java SDK . Next, we highlight the new " Using Neo4j with Java " course on GraphAcademy and unpack a compelling Weaviate article on RAG vs. GraphRAG , featuring Microsoft’s GraphRAG methodology. Whether you're a Java dev, graph enthusiast, or AI-curious, there's something in here for you!…

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Ep42: RAG and Java + AI-generated content and MCP 12:33

לפני 7 weeks12:33

12:33

Star Wars Day is nearly here, and this episode is stacked with tech goodness to celebrate! I’m diving into highlights from the Neo4j ecosystem, starting with an early look at the Using Neo4j with Java course —perfect for getting started with the Java driver in a framework-less setup. Also in this episode: ⚙️ Behind-the-scenes of APOC + Pinecone integration ✨ Part 2 of my Intro to Retrieval Augmented Generation series 🎥 My recent guest spot on Neo4j Live , discussing the Developer’s Guide to Building a Knowledge Graph 🤖 A fascinating series on an AI content experiment from Mark Heckler 📚 Michael Hunger’s must-read blog on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) May the Fourth be with you!…

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Ep41: Spring AI M7, NODES, RAG + Neo4j, Quarkus, and Intelligent Apps 11:46

לפני 8 weeks11:46

11:46

In this episode, we unpack a busy week of updates, learning, and cool tech! From Spring AI’s milestone 7 release with simplified Pinecone configuration to some tricky wifi, I walk through recent changes and adventures. Plus, NODES 2025 is officially announced , and there’s hints of our upcoming GraphAcademy Java course. I also talk about the first part of my new blog series on Retrieval Augmented Generation and highlight a fantastic article on Neo4j, Quarkus, and intelligent applications .…

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Ep40: Recent AI learnings + More than a vector database 10:24

לפני 10 weeks10:24

10:24

Fresh from the Arc of AI conference , I’m unpacking the biggest insights that stuck with me—ranging from the extremes of AI’s capabilities to the deeper implications for how we build and maintain our tech systems. I’ll also share a new blog post and code repo I published on loading data into Pinecone, some next-gen tools I’m eyeing, and thoughts on a great article from the Redis blog about why vector databases aren’t enough . Navigate the evolving landscape of LLMs, generative AI, and modern infrastructure with me in this episode.…

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Ep39: Why embedding models should match + Advice for starting a blog 13:36

לפני 11 weeks13:36

13:36

In this podcast episode, hear about my hands-on experience ( code repository on Github ) understanding the importance of using the same embedding models for both creating and searching vector embeddings in databases and how mismatched models can lead to poor search results. I also pull highlights from an article with advice for those interested in blogging , and how it particularly relates to my own approach to tech blogging.…

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Ep38: Spring AI Debugging + How to Contribute to Open Source 13:25

לפני 13 weeks13:25

13:25

In this episode, I continue my journey with vector databases, integrating Pinecone , Neo4j , and Spring AI . While making some progress, I also encountered hurdles, such as evolving APIs and the unique architecture of vector stores. Next, I share insights from an article on contributing to open-source projects , how it can accelerate your career and enhance both your technical and soft skills. From picking the right project to building credibility within the community, it's a series of steps that gets better with time and practice!…

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Ep37: Vector Database Frustration + Microsoft LazyGraphRAG 12:22

לפני 14 weeks12:22

12:22

In this episode, I discuss my challenges exploring vector databases for an upcoming demo. From what is a vector database to integration issues, hear how I tried a few different approaches with limited success and discover the surprising one with the most promise. I also explore Microsoft's "Lazy Graph RAG" approach, which seems to trade one challenge for another but could be valuable in certain cases.…

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Ep36: What is a Developer Advocate + Balancing Digital Consumption 11:27

לפני 16 weeks11:27

11:27

This week, I explored the Javalin Java framework and project decisions I'm trying to make. I also answer: What exactly does a Developer Advocate/Evangelist/Devrel do? Finally, I reflect on an article on balancing digital consumption with actual productivity.

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Ep35: Vector Databases + Building Effective Agents 8:53

לפני 17 weeks8:53

8:53

In this episode, there are two topics I'm looking forward to diving deeper into: vector databases and AI agents. I'm particularly interested in understanding how vector databases work, how they work with data, and their role in AI applications. Then I share my thoughts on Anthropic’s article about Building AI Agents , which discusses their varying definitions—from simple workflows to fully autonomous systems—and provides practical examples. The article highlights the importance of starting simple, adding complexity only as needed.…

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Ep34: Outlines and Iterating + Lessons from Grace Hopper 13:21

לפני 18 weeks13:21

13:21

In this podcast episode, hear my process of preparing for an upcoming conference with insights on how outlines enhance presentations and blog posts, as well as code and architecture. Also discuss how constant improvement is key with an online course as an example. Finally, I highlight a historical read on cryptography , and share reflections from Grace Hopper's 1982 lecture on data, hardware, and software , drawing connections between her insights and modern challenges in technology.…

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Ep2: Spring AI Debugging and Query Tune-Up