The Astute Graphics plugins can help you be more precise, efficient, and creative with Adobe Illustrator. In this course, learn how these plugins can revolutionize the way you draw and edit artwork in Illustrator. Instructor Mike Rankin explains what each plugin does and discusses how these plugins can offer more efficiency and features not available in the native Illustrator tools.

Get started with Java, the popular object-oriented programming language. In this course—the first installment in the Java Essential Training series—start exploring this essential language, and learn about basic Java syntax and the Java platform's fundamental architecture.

Get a fun introduction to the world of game programming with C++. This course teaches the basics of game development with C++ and the OpenGL-powered Simple and Fast Multimedia Library (SFML), using three fully playable sample games: an addictive two-button tapper, a multilevel zombie survival shooter, and a split-screen multiplayer puzzle.

Database connections separate rich, enterprise-level applications from the rest. If you're developing with Visual Studio, you have a variety of tools available for managing database connections, manipulating tables, querying data, and deploying projects. Plus, you have your choice of platform. Visual Studio 2015 supports SQL Express LocalDB and the full edition of SQL Server, as well as Azure cloud-based data services.

QuarkXPress is one of the original page layout applications. The most recent version, 2016, is a powerful and compelling alternative to popular competitors like Adobe InDesign. This course will teach you the essential skills you need to use QuarkXPress for professional publishing projects, both print and digital.

For decades, modular systems have been used to solve a variety of technical and design problems in game development. Modularity provides the basis for efficiency and flexibility and allows a small set of source elements to be expanded into a much larger whole.

Microservices break monolithic applications into smaller, independent components that can be developed, tested, and deployed more quickly and efficiently. Get an overview of microservices development for Java production environments, in this course with Sourabh Sharma. Learn the principles of domain-driven design, and then discover how to write the code for a sample services, including services based on the entity and repository patterns. Next, learn how to design for security, and implement a registration and discovery service. The course closes with best practices for testing and troubleshooting Java microservices.

Blockchain is an exciting new technology that is redefining how we store, update, and move data. Learn about the blockchain and the implications of decentralized, encrypted data storage for business and society, in this course with Dr. Jonathan Reichental. He begins by explaining exactly how the blockchain works, including the concepts of cryptography, mining, distribution, and smart contracts.

Visual Studio's IDE is where you'll spend most of your time in the program. By customizing the layout and preferences to suit your workflow, you'll save time and avoid mistakes. Join Walt Ritscher for a tour of the interface and get tips for managing the many editor and tool windows. Walt shows how to use docking and other window management techniques, interact with tabbed editors, customize menus and toolbars, and make Visual Studio memorize your favorite IDE configurations. He also covers the Quick Launch tool, multi-monitor support, and touch-screen improvements in Visual Studio 2015.