Application Architecture
Top Stories
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Tip
30 Jul 2026
Automated testing is not a magic bullet
Test automation rarely serves as a shortcut to faster testing. Its greatest value lies in improving software quality, expanding coverage and enabling testers to focus on high-value work. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jul 2026
Rethink how you screen senior developers to produce better mentors
Traditional coding tests often miss the qualities that matter most in senior developers. Explore a hiring approach focused on code review, mentoring and practical problem solving. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2019
Pros and cons of Android app development tools
There are pros and cons to embarking on native Android app development. Find out if implementing an Android dev tool is right for your company. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2019
Compare the top mobile operating systems for developers
Explore the differences between the leading mobile operating systems as well as the ways that they differ from traditional desktop applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
3 serverless development strategies for stateful applications
Serverless developers can connect stateless functions to state information in several ways, without introducing debilitating latency to the application design. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
Contract-driven testing syncs API providers, consumers
To check if the APIs your software depends on meet expectations, apply a consumer-driven contract testing framework. Let's examine the syntax, tooling and examples of this approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jun 2019
How do I know what's test automation vs. automated testing?
A script-based tool has replaced a daily testing exercise on some code. Is it simply an automated test, part of a test automation strategy or even DevOps-enabled continuous testing? Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
5 common open source software licenses you need to know
Everyone likes getting credit, but not everyone remembers to give it. Learn what conditions open source licenses impose, such as copyright notices and redistribution rules. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2019
Analyst details why pros and cons of serverless architecture matter
Get an expert's take on the top three pros and cons of serverless architecture, including the potential cost savings, but also rearchitecting work involved for existing applications. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
SmartBear acquires Cucumber to bolster its testing tool set
SmartBear adds Cucumber's behavior-driven development tools in a bid to pad its lead in software testing, but must also balance the needs of open source and paid tool audiences. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
CollabNet, Icon Agility team up for value stream management
The companies are combining CollabNet's value stream management platform with Icon's agility strategy consulting to help enterprises adopt value stream management and DevOps. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2019
Use event processing to achieve microservices state management
What good are stateless microservices for stateful processing? Bring complex event processing into the mix to manage microservices state through scaling and failures. Here's how. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2019
Netflix content engineers pick GraphQL over REST, Falcor
When the Netflix content engineering team chose a data query language for a new system to pull data from a variety of back-end services, they passed over REST to go with GraphQL. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2019
How GitHub and Bitbucket augment key Git features
Learn how GitHub and Bitbucket enhance the Git version control system, enabling management and security on top of Git's native abilities to clarify workflows and protect data. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2019
How to use Web Components with UI design tools
What are Web Components and how can you best make use of them? Here's how the set of web APIs helps designers create and customize reusable modules for web apps and user interfaces. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2019
How to pick the right application wireframing tool
Determine the best application wireframing tool for mobile and website projects based on team collaboration, prototype complexity and other real-world factors. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jun 2019
What key messaging patterns should enterprise architects know?
An unknowable number of interactions occur to enable digitization. Applications must pass these messages according to a design pattern, and these two categories suit enterprise-scale apps. Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 Jun 2019
What's shaping the future of UI and UX design
UI/UX designers serve as the voice of users, so it's crucial that they're tuned into their needs. Aaron Fazulak of Flatiron School disseminates UI/UX advice in this podcast. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jun 2019
Quality assurance testing vs. user acceptance testing
There are differences between QA and UAT, but testers from both sides ought to collaborate and firm up test plans to resolve issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2019
Simplify Java-based development with the Kotlin language
What makes Kotlin popular among Java professionals? Explore the attributes of this functional programming language that's equipped for both traditional Java and Android developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2019
How to make distributed Agile teams efficient and collaborative
Agile teams don't always exist under one roof, but they should still be aligned in responsibilities and goals. Here's the best way to approach global Agile team management. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2019
Eggplant adds new features to AI test automation suite
Eggplant has added customer experience-focused upgrades to its Digital Automation Intelligence Suite that aim to make the testing process faster and easier. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Applitools Eyes now free for open source libraries
Open source libraries can now access Applitools Eyes at no cost as part of Applitools' effort to invest in open source. It has also partnered with This Dot for an apprentice program. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2019
8 practical serverless design patterns for enterprise devs
Serverless app teams can turn to architecture patterns to guide the way to a successful product. Learn the criteria to narrow your options and the key differences between eight patterns. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Appery.io integrates Ionic 4 support for mobile app development
Exadel's low-code platform, Appery.io, added Ionic 4 support that enables developers to create high-performing web and mobile apps, according to the vendor. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jun 2019
Which code quality metrics should devs track?
Developers and testers strive to create quality, reusable code to deploy apps faster and keeps users happy. But what metrics should they track to evaluate code quality? Continue Reading
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Video
19 Jun 2019
Step-by-step tutorial to install Git Integration for Jira
If your team uses Jira and desperately needs more streamlined and comprehensible project updates, check out this video overview of the Git integration add-on. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2019
Get realistic about your multi-cloud strategy aspirations
Multi-cloud is attractive to software teams that want to expand their development toolboxes, but be careful about the complexity it can add to your overall development lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2019
How autonomous software testing could change QA
Manual testing takes too much time, and test automation scripts need ongoing maintenance. Autonomous testing might provide an answer for teams unwilling to compromise on speed. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2019
CloudBees Rollout buy may herald a future of feature flags
Feature flags can be a powerful tool to test code in production, and that spurred Cloudbees' acquisition of Rollout -- but as always, with great power comes great responsibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2019
Explore Clojure programming language and its multithread style
Discover the fundamentals of the Clojure programming language and its Java-specific uses and tool pairings to see if this multithread programming approach is a fit for your team. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2019
4 tips to tackle common microservices testing problems
Flaky tests put code quality -- and development team morale -- at risk. Proliferating microservices stress out test environments, so use these techniques to keep everything running. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2019
How Agile and DevOps leadership empowers the whole team
A dictatorial style of leadership doesn't cut it in Agile and DevOps shops. Here's how managers can ditch bad habits and instead encourage team experimentation and decision-making. Continue Reading
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Quiz
31 May 2019
Review QA fundamentals with this software testing quiz
Software testing occurs throughout the development life cycle, and these tests require a deft hand to execute well. Check your knowledge of the fundamentals to see where you stand. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 May 2019
What is a class diagram?
A class diagram is an illustration of the relationships and source code dependencies among classes in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2019
Learn which low-code techniques fit which projects
There's an ideal time and purpose for low- and no-code development tools. And among those platforms there are various modus operandi, each apt for different apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2019
Boost QA velocity with incremental integration testing
The longer it takes to perform tests, the less Agile your team is. Here are four common approaches to integration tests that help reduce bottlenecks and delay. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2019
GitHub Enterprise security, monitoring tools target large orgs
Additional tools and services in GitHub Enterprise, such as security vulnerability alerts and auditing for open source dependencies, seek to satisfy the company's large customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2019
What to expect from AI in app development tools
If an IDE or test suite could truly do it all, would you want it to? See how AI is evolving in app development tools, from assists and prompts to full-scale code generation. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 May 2019
6 ways to accelerate automated software testing
Reducing software test time requires a change in approach. Consider ways to simplify test setup, eliminate redundant aspects of your procedures and override failures. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2019
4 fundamental practices for serverless architecture security
Are you ready for serverless security? Learn about four critical planning considerations software teams need to focus on if they plan to adopt serverless. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2019
Insurer's cloud application modernization approach gets real
Helvetia views its enterprise architecture from all angles to automate and raise efficiency on the back end, improve customer experience on the front end and secure data throughout. Continue Reading
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Podcast
21 May 2019
Measure UX or risk losing customers, says consultant
A quality customer experience helps ensure software product viability. So, why do organizations stop short in their UX efforts? In this podcast, Isabel Evans espouses the value of UX. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2019
Microsoft tunes Power Platform for pros, citizen developers
Microsoft's PowerApps low-code app dev environment has quietly crept into a leadership position among low-code tools with its ties to Microsoft Office and Dynamics platforms. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2019
Learn the basics of freelance developer agreements
Developer work agreements protect both the client and the freelancer, and they ensure that the code meets expectations. Each side should pay attention to these contract clauses and technicalities. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2019
Address goals with various enterprise architecture strategies
Enterprise architects have a range of frameworks at their fingertips, but their role also entails creating consensus and understanding between business and technical stakeholders. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2019
How to create a stateful application with service brokers, DTP
Complex state control issues come with the territory of stateful application design. Learn useful concepts that manipulate state and enable a stateful app to work as envisioned. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2019
Software tester roles must embrace code focus
IT gives testers license to voice contrarian opinions about software. But, as pressure to deploy intensifies, they might not be able to ignore code responsibilities anymore. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2019
5 modern ETL tools for microservices data integration
Batch-style ETL tools don't provide the data integration capabilities microservices require. Learn about a handful of modern tools that can handle a plethora of data sources in real time. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2019
Microsoft gets its dev mojo back with Linux, .NET 5, web IDE
Microsoft enticed developers at Build 2019 with a bevy of tools and services that focus on open source, open standards and innovation, including a new release of .NET. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 May 2019
Ease conflicts with software engineering project management
Development teams try many ways to balance business priorities with software quality in a project -- and most of them don't work. Here's how to keep that relationship balanced. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2019
IT wrangles with test automation benefits and challenges
Test automation is a valuable practice, but it presents challenges for teams and individuals alike. A gradual approach to automation helps boost the odds of successful adoption. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2019
Exploring the versatility of Groovy programming
Java developers should peruse Groovy's programming features, such as dynamic typing with static type checks, DSL builders and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2019
Discover practical serverless architecture use cases
While architects and developers were slow to find practical use cases for serverless, numerous enterprise trends should drive the need for this architecture style. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2019
Enlist Jira for testing with these test management add-ons
With the right add-ons, Jira users can turn the tracking product into a potent test management platform. Gauge your organization's Agile maturity, and then consider these options. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2019
Jitterbit enterprise integration platform gets updates
Jitterbit has released Harmony Spring '19, the newest version of its enterprise integration platform as a service. The update includes more than 120 new features. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2019
ICYMI: 6 tips to master Kubernetes performance and management
The more skilled the team, the better a Kubernetes implementation can be. Learn how to get the most out of service discovery, infrastructure management, CI and more. Continue Reading
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News
02 May 2019
Customers respond to Docker Hub security breach
A Docker Hub data breach was top of mind at DockerCon this week, but users mostly waved off its broad impact as enterprises generally have their containers on lockdown. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2019
5 factors for using open source code in proprietary software
To make the best use of the vast and varied pool of open source software available, developers must be astute about what can actually best serve a project. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2019
Docker Enterprise suite overhaul eases container uptake
Docker is working to help enterprises ease their way into using containers with a suite of services and pre-integrated capabilities in products in Docker Enterprise 3.0. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2019
Docker on ARM pushes cloud app development to the edge
Docker's deal with ARM expands the container company's reach to include developers who build applications on the RISC architecture for edge devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2019
What does it mean to be an enterprise API management architect?
APIs can't be taken lightly, and that means the API architect's job is essential. Learn about essential API architect responsibilities and how organizations can make the most of APIs. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Apr 2019
Scrum author talks removing dev hurdles, old-world thinking
In this edition of the Test & Release podcast, Gunther Verheyen, a Scrum author and expert, breaks down how Agile helps free IT from a rigid industrial approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2019
rapid application development (RAD)
Rapid application development (RAD) is a model based on the concept that higher-quality products can be developed faster through more expedient processes, such as early prototyping, reusing software components and less formality in team communications. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2019
TestComplete vs. Katalon Studio: Test automation tool face-off
How many features do you need in a test automation tool? IT consultant Tom Nolle shares what users value most in these two automated front-end testing options -- and crowns a winner. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Apr 2019
Continuous architecture combats dictatorial EA practices
To thrive today, Agile businesses must outgrow the architecture review board and enterprise silos to create an integrated culture of continuous planning and management. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2019
Common software compatibility issues and how to fix them
Developers tend to look forward, to the next iteration or the newest software. But, when releasing a feature, don't leave behind end users with older systems and edge case setups. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2019
Apply these types of code coverage to squash most bugs
Learn technical types of code coverage -- such as all-pairs testing and branch tests -- as well as ways to gather meaningful test cases and prioritize them. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Apr 2019
The key differences between stateless and stateful microservices
Not all services are the same. Learn about the fundamental differences between a stateful and a stateless microservice and the appropriate scenarios for each. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2019
When event-driven messaging is the right choice
Event-driven messaging and API messaging both have their place in application architecture. In this Q&A, a Gartner analyst explains when you might choose one over the other. Continue Reading
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Infographic
16 Apr 2019
Get the picture: Enterprise DevOps maturity
DevOps promotes shifts in team organization, container usage and, of course, software delivery. Note these DevOps adoption trends to see where your team has room to adapt and mature. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2019
Exercise risk management in Agile software development
With iterative development, teams can deliver features and patches quickly. And project managers must vigilantly avert new and more severe risks that pop up along the way. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2019
How to create an efficient container-based architecture
Containers can introduce as many problems as they solve. In case you missed it, these four articles offer practical advice for consistent and structured container implementations. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Apr 2019
What are TOGAF benefits for large enterprises' architectures?
Enterprise architects should value a standardized architecture framework, especially during microservices adoption. Here's how TOGAF helps control enterprise software development processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2019
How low-code governance helps IT protect data, limit sprawl
Low-code app developers must adhere to policies that govern data and resource usage. Lacking governance puts budgets, security and compliance at risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2019
The value of APIs and microservices gateway tools
Make API gateways actually work for you. To deliver the right applications to the right places, you'll need a management layer that ties everything together. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2019
Let app architecture dictate cloud integration tool selection
Does your application rely on a homogeneous or heterogeneous stack? Will the architecture evolve? Learn the types of cloud integration and which app and dev team setups they match. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2019
Take a shift-left approach, but avoid developer burnout
Shift left is often a net positive for software quality. Yet, the change moves more tasks to earlier in the app dev process. Take care not to bury developers. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2019
SmartBear LoadNinja API automates performance testing for CI/CD
A REST API for SmartBear LoadNinja enables development teams to add load testing directly into their CI/CD workflows to automate performance testing for developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2019
Select between distributed version control systems and tools
Before you branch out with a new version control tool, assess the pros and cons of these different options, and make sure to ask for developers' opinions. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2019
Modest Visual Studio 2019 advances target productivity
The latest version of Microsoft's Visual Studio tool set is no big bang, though it does add incremental and useful features for developers to build apps on any platform. Continue Reading
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Quiz
02 Apr 2019
Take a quiz on integration platform as a service fundamentals
Many IT teams turn to integration platform as a service when they face integration challenges unique to their combination of technology. How much do you know about iPaaS? Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Apr 2019
When should I choose between serverless and microservices?
Serverless and microservices work well together, but they still have their unique qualities. We review their main differences and where one might accomplish goals the other can't. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
Continuous Delivery Foundation seeks smoother CI/CD paths
The Linux Foundation's latest project aims to connect CI/CD toolmakers, users and open source projects to establish technical specs for continuous delivery. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2019
Apply automated security scanning during app development
For developers, security is not often a high priority -- but it should be. Automated security scanning tools can help detect and address weaknesses before evildoers discover them. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2019
Make application usability a priority -- wherever testing occurs
Testers don't have time to fully evaluate apps before deployment. But poor-quality code simply isn't an option. Enter shift right and APM, two tasks testers must be ready to accept. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2019
Secure open source components to bypass breaches
As enterprises increasingly turn to open source code to cut dev efforts and costs, IT industry vendors recommend that they secure dependencies and deploy patches to safeguard apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2019
Undertake software dependency management to reduce conflicts
Apps can bind to dependencies with various levels of interconnectedness -- sometimes to deleterious effect. Here's how to approach software dependency management and reduction. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2019
How does Ballerina stack up as a cloud-native programming language?
While WSO2 has high hopes for its microservices-centric and cloud-native programming language, what do developers think of the current version of Ballerina? Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2019
How API gateways work -- and why you need them
Learn the essentials of both API gateways and API design. Then, grasp how to use them to modernize monolithic apps and facilitate cloud-native microservices. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Mar 2019
Analyst: Form a hybrid integration plan for your architecture
App integration is complex, and since every enterprise has a unique mix of apps and platforms, there's no blueprint for success. Analyst Massimo Pezzini explains how architects should craft a plan. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2019
Atlassian, AgileCraft join to scale Agile development
With its acquisition of AgileCraft, Atlassian aims to help developers work better together, but also scale their Agile practices across an entire enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2019
5 key management practices for a hybrid cloud architecture
Workload bottlenecks easily arise between legacy and modern apps in a hybrid cloud. Coordinate integration with these five steps to prep a microservices application for hybrid cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2019
Examine 4 hybrid cloud options from bursts to SaaS to CI/CD
Hybrid cloud can provide an enterprise with a happy medium of cloud and on-premises benefits. Unsure where to begin? Try setting up hybrid web services, software services or development tools, and other practical approaches. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2019
How to deprecate software features without bothering users
There's more to software deprecation than it seems. Organizations must consider the method of deprecation, how to inform users and what alternatives they should offer. Continue Reading
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Podcast
18 Mar 2019
Author, QA expert extols continuous testing virtues
Long tests and isolated QA grind app delivery to a crawl. In this episode of 'Test & Release,' author Eran Kinsbruner explains how DevOps cannot exist without continuous testing. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2019
Microsoft, Deque open up accessibility software tools
Microsoft will release the source code to its core accessibility software testing tools and join forces with Deque to help developers find and fix accessibility issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2019
Practical ways to automate microservices' CI/CD processes
Development teams need to make applications extensible and agile. Microservices bring those goals in sight, but an automated CI/CD pipeline is the key to success. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2019
Use the Ballerina language to ease into cloud microservices
With native integration features, Ballerina promises to take care of lower-level technological considerations, while developers focus on building features. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2019
Automate, customize CI/CD pipelines with Bitbucket Pipes
Atlassian's new Bitbucket Pipes helps developers automate and customize DevOps pipelines to boost developer productivity. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2019
How to implement a winning interoperability testing strategy
From security to data transfers, network complexity and testing environments, development teams have a lot to address to perform effective interoperability tests. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2019
Compare trunk-based development to feature-based approaches
The repo-centric trunk-based development model can be a good fit for teams adept enough to maintain a codebase. But it means taking the road less traveled. Continue Reading