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Programmers often rely on online resources—such as code examples, documentation, blogs, and Q&A forums—to compare similar libraries and select the one most suitable for their own tasks and contexts. However, this comparison task is often done in an ad-hoc manner, which may result in suboptimal choices. Inspired by Analogical Learning and Variation Theory, we hypothesize that rendering many concept-annotated code examples from different libraries side-by-side can help programmers (1) develop a more comprehensive understanding of the libraries’ similarities and distinctions and (2) make more robust, appropriate library selections. We designed a novel interactive interface, ParaLib, and used it as a technical probe to explore to what extent many side-by-side concepted-annotated examples can facilitate the library comparison and selection process. A within-subjects user study with 20 programmers shows that, when using ParaLib, participants made more consistent, suitable library selections and provided more comprehensive summaries of libraries’ similarities and differences. 

Pd nanoparticles anchored on Nb-doped TiO 2 with functionalized carbon support (denoted as Pd/Nb–TiO 2 –C) is synthesized through a controllable hydrolysis and impregnation method. The as-synthesized catalyst is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pd nanoparticles exhibit a uniform distribution with an average particle size of 3 nm. The electrochemical performance is tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Compared with Pd supported by functionalized carbon (Pd/C), Pd/Nb–TiO 2 –C demonstrates 15.7% higher metallic Pd content, 23% higher electrochemical active surface area, 75% higher current density in ethanol electro-oxidation, 5% higher durability, and better tolerance of carbonaceous species. The performance enhancement is attributed to the increased conductivity from Nb-doping and the synergistic effect between Pd and TiO 2 .