At the beginning of 2018, I wrote 2017 Best Items Recommendations. Recently, some people asked if I’d do one for 2018. Although 2018 was a tough year, there were still some great things worth recommending to everyone.
Just like in 2017, I’ll share things that I found helpful for work or life. The recommendations include apps, hardware, books, blogs, and columns. I hope they provide value to you in 2019.
Recommended Apps
RescueTime
RescueTime is a time-tracking software that accurately records how you spend your day (requires a local client).
If you are a programmer and want to track your productivity, RescueTime is an absolute must. You can clearly see where your time goes. For instance, I spend most of my time in Android Studio, VS Code, and Terminator. Below is a screenshot from January 15th:
Detailed Programming Info:
With this data, you know exactly how much time you’re actually spending on the computer. It supports almost all platforms, including Linux (though on iOS, it can only view data, not record it).
Shimo Docs
In 2018, I switched my daily work logging from MWeb to Shimo Docs. The main reason is its multi-platform support (Mac, iOS, Android, WeChat Mini Programs). More importantly, the web version is excellent. I can record and view notes in real-time, and sharing is seamless with read-only or collaborative permissions.
Another reason: A good web-based note app should respect programmers by handling Ctrl+S. Evernote often fails at this, while Shimo Docs correctly saves content.
Nutstore (Jianguoyun)
Nutstore is a reliable cloud sync service for teams and individuals. Finding a good folder-syncing software in China is tough, but I eventually settled on Nutstore because it supports Linux. When working in Linux, I just drop files into the sync folder, and they are immediately available on all my other devices.
Recommended Technical Books
Understanding Android Architecture (2nd Edition)
A classic for system developers. This year saw the second edition with new content. Whether you’re an app engineer or a system engineer, understanding Android’s architecture is crucial for deepening your knowledge. Given how fast Android evolves, I recommend reading this alongside the latest Android source code.
“Understanding Android Internals” covers Android 4.3 and above. It analyzes core technologies like processes/threads, memory management, Binder, GUI, multimedia, and input systems. Most knowledge points come from real-world R&D projects.
Douban: https://book.douban.com/subject/25921329/
Android Advanced Decryption
This book targets Android 8.0 source code combined with practical application knowledge. It covers system source code, JNI, ClassLoader, JVM, DVM/ART, Hook techniques, Hot-fixing, and performance optimizations (draw and memory). It builds a comprehensive knowledge system for developers.
JD: https://item.jd.com/12447229.html
Running Linux Kernel
Essential for Android system engineers. Based on Linux 4.x, it covers memory management, process management, concurrency, and interrupts. Each section poses a problem to solve through source code analysis, making it highly practical for embedded and Android low-level developers.
Douban: https://book.douban.com/subject/27108677/
Recommended Non-Technical Books
Blades of the Guardians (Biaoren)
A top-tier Chinese manhua (comic) set in the Sui and Tang dynasties with a 8.3 Douban rating. It follows a skilled escort, Dao Ma, across the Western deserts as he takes on a high-stakes mission to the capital, Chang’an. Available on WeChat Read.
Great Defeats 2 (Dabaiju 2)
After reading the first volume, I was hooked. As a Douban review states: “High-level reality. In the tide of the times, entrepreneurs and founders are no different from gamblers. Those with ambition get lost in the halo of success, only to see themselves clearly after a crushing defeat.” Volume 2 analyzes the downfall of nine famous Chinese enterprises.
The Passionate Programmer: From Good to Great
A companion to “The Productive Programmer,” featuring essays from the Coding Horror blog by Jeff Atwood. It covers time management, coding methods, testing, and tech reading. It’s a great guide for developers at all stages to refocus on the human aspect of software development.
My reading notes:
- Part 1: How to Stop Sucking and Be Awesome Instead
- Part 2: The Way of Programming
- Part 3: Web Design Principles
- Part 4: Thoughts on Testing
- Part 5: Knowing Your Users
- Part 6: Understanding the Internet
- Part 7: Games and Programming
- Part 8: The Beauty of Reading
Recommended WeChat Accounts
- hongyangAndroid
- Google_Developers
- guolin_blog
- googdev
- LinuxDev
- hencoder
- androidperf (Android Performance Optimization)
- nanchen_android
- flutter-io
- Tencent Bugly
Software Services
WeChat Read (Memberships)
The most valuable subscription I paid for this year. The annual membership covers almost all paid publications and audiobooks. I’ve read over 20 books here this year, including “The Three-Body Problem,” “Hacker and Painters,” and “The Grain Brain.”
Recommended Consumer Goods
12.9” iPad Pro
The 2018 iPad Pro is incredible in every way. It can almost replace a laptop for reading, taking notes, and watching videos. The 120Hz ProMotion display is a pure joy to use.
Recommended Online Columns
Geek Time: Android Development Masterclass
A custom course for Android developers covering complex topics like crashes, memory, jank, startup, I/O, storage, network, power, and UI. Highly recommended for any serious Android engineer.
Geek Time: Linux Performance Optimization in Action
Recommended for Linux and Android low-level developers. Taught by a senior Microsoft Azure engineer, it uses a case-driven approach to teach underlying principles and professional optimization techniques.
About Me && Blog
Below is my personal intro and related links. I look forward to exchanging ideas with fellow professionals. “When three walk together, one can always be my teacher!”
- Blogger Intro
- Blog Content Navigation: A guide for my blog content.
- Curated Excellent Blog Articles - Android Performance Optimization Must-Knows
- Android Performance Optimization Knowledge Planet
One walks faster alone, but a group walks further together.
