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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News
12 Feb 2015
Deep linking promises front end integration
At DeveloperWeek, software experts discussed how deep linking will improve integration between Web and mobile applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2015
Does a tester actually need test cases?
Discover whether or not test cases are necessary in this expert answer by consultant Robin Goldsmith. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Feb 2015
Four principles for staying true to real Agile
Over time, software teams develop their own variants of Agile. Here's how to make sure your practice remains aligned with the spirit of Agile. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Jan 2015
Test software with persona-based requirements
Do persona-based requirements make it easier to test software? Learn if there are tools designed to make testing software easier. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jan 2015
How QA testers participate in the requirements definition process
Learn how QA testers should participate in the requirements definition process in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2014
How to address security risks posed by middleware tools
Middleware tools can present a huge vulnerability, enough to offset their benefits. However, with some simple steps you can protect yourself and your data. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2014
API security more critical as componentization grows
Securing APIs is critical as componentization grows. Expert Tom Nolle suggests that an API's security attributes are as important as functional attributes. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Dec 2014
How do requirements relate to acceptance criteria?
Requirements and acceptance criteria often seem to be essentially the same thing, but that's not quite true. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2014
Five tools to improve embedded software testing efforts
Embedded software testing tools are useful for catching defects during unit, integration and system testing. Here are five such tools that can make testing easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2014
Web services vs. cloud services: Are they the same?
Learn how Web services and cloud services differ, and how working together impacts business efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2014
App Quality Alliance compiles mobile testing criteria
SearchSoftwareQuality.com talks to Martin Wrigley of the App Quality Alliance about smart practices and testing criteria for mobile app developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2014
Where JMS 2.0 misses the mark
JMS 2.0 added significant ease-of-use and messaging features to the popular API. Bill Claybrook looks at what's new in JMS 2.0 and what's missing. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Nov 2014
Five mobile testing tools for developers to consider
This review of five mobile testing tools, Appium, Selendroid, ios-driver, Sauce Labs and Perfecto Mobile, will kick-start your research in a growing software market. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2014
Read and write considerations when designing APIs
This is the third installment of a four-part series offering enterprise architects advice for designing APIs. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Oct 2014
Is Agile requirement gathering that different from waterfall?
Does moving to Agile development eliminate up-front requirements gathering? Does it mean the development team takes responsibility for requirements instead of the business side? Continue Reading
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Opinion
24 Sep 2014
API innovation through management tools
Editor Jan Stafford presents the API handbook with insight on API innovations. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2014
Agile testing methods for multiple teams
Learn the latest Agile testing methods for converting multiple teams from a traditional process to Agile. Continue Reading
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Podcast
19 Sep 2014
How to manage a public API
Amy Reichert discusses how to overcome concerns of managing public APIs. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jul 2014
How to resolve team conflict
Arguing team members can derail a project. Project managers can help resolve the issue by finding its root cause. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2014
When tracking defects, make efficiency the end goal
Tracking defects can benefit the development team if done for the right reasons. Explore the reasons to track defects in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2014
CI success depends on quality acceptance criteria
Successful continuous integration requires testable acceptance criteria that help to guide developers. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2014
Software quality metrics paint partial project picture
QA consultant Gerie Owen discusses the use of two post-production metrics: defect removal efficiency and defect detection percentage. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2014
FAQ: Software testing in the cloud
Tackle the basics of testing software in the cloud with these answers to frequently asked questions. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jun 2014
Proactive additions shore up forms-based authentication
How can we best prevent hacking and user account lock out in Web applications with forms-based authentication? Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2014
Build your knowledge of UML diagrams
These six questions will help you build a better understanding of UML diagrams. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 May 2014
How Amazon CloudWatch provides automated APM tools
Amazon CloudWatch provides AWS customers with automated APM tools that they can use to keep applications and businesses running smoothly. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2014
AWS mobile development tools hold steady lead
AWS mobile tools are able to stay ahead of other mobile development vendors' tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2014
Knowledge, skills and abilities for software QA jobs
The right knowledge, skills and abilities for QA jobs don't necessarily include test script automation or security testing skills. Jenn Lent explains. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2014
Updating COBOL programs: Pitfalls to avoid when going from COBOL to C
To keep operational expenses low, keep these modernization considerations in mind when dealing with COBOL programs. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2014
Agile application lifecycle management is not an oxymoron
Learn how Agile application lifecycle management supports the development process for better software and business needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2014
Agile project management: Increasing business agility with Agile ALM
Increase business agility capabilities with Agile project management. Find tips and tools for Agile ALM best practices. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2014
Enterprise design: Is three-tiered architecture still useful?
When dealing with complex systems, an enterprise design that includes a Web services tier that can support different types of devices is a necessity. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Feb 2014
Agile ALM tools have pitfalls to acknowledge
While venders only discuss the benefits of using Agile ALM tools, test expert Amy Reichert reveals the possible pitfalls. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2014
Agile and ALM: A marriage made in heaven?
Learn why developing Agile and ALM can benefit organizational processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2014
BPM workflow management software answers IT manager's call
An inside look at how an IT manager researched workflow management software to determine how to best meet his organization's growing needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2014
How Agile ALM tools shape business agility
Learn how Agile ALM tools can increase agility in businesses. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Dec 2013
Continuous software development lessons from Ancestry.com
Check out the six lessons Dr Seng lLin Shee learned as he upgraded Ancestry.com's technology and infrastructure in order to support continuous software delivery efforts. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2013
Deciding why and when to use an integration framework
An integration framework is an important tool for managing the movement of data between applications and organizations. Continue Reading
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30 Oct 2013
STP Con Fall 2013
Our coverage of the Fall Software Test Professional Conference provides inside tips and hints for putting the latest software quality trends to work in your development team. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2013
API design: How to properly build an application program interface
Don't let your entire API project go awry. Knowing the applications well is just one way to nail the design and foster developer loyalty. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Sep 2013
The risks of Agile software development: Overcoming feature creep
Ellen Gottesdiener, founder of EBG Consulting offers insights on managing feature creep, the biggest pitfall of Agile software development. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Sep 2013
Guiding principles for an automated software test
An expert in automated software testing offers guiding principles for succeeding at this most challenging of QA projects. Continue Reading
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24 Jul 2013
Mobile development guide: Testing, requirements and security
This Essential Guide is a collection of articles, videos and other content selected by our editors to give you a comprehensive view of mobile application development. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2013
Mobile development: The pros of HTML5, hybrid, native applications
Whether to make use of a hybrid, HTML5 or a native application depends on each specific situation. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2013
SaaS application testing: Keep performance tests in mind
Performance testing must be a high priority for SaaS application testers. Learn why and pick up tips on how to test a SaaS system's performance. Continue Reading
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27 Jun 2013
"Software quality news and advice" RSS feed is moving!
As of July 1, the "Software quality news and advice" RSS feed will be moving off of the Pheedo platform. Instead, please bookmark the following URL to make sure you continue to receive our content: http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/rss/Software-quality-news-and-advice.xml Continue Reading
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17 Jun 2013
Agile content on SearchSoftwareQuality.com
Check out all our tips and news on Agile development methods. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2013
STAREAST 2013: Software testing news
Check out our coverage of STAREAST, the Software Testing Analysis and Review East Conference, for the latest trends and tips east of the Mississippi. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2013
Star Wars-themed ethics training
Take a satirical look at the facts behind the destruction of the Death Star and learn about the need for ethics training in software QA management. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Apr 2013
The Death Star Conspiracy as software testing ethics training
Take a satirical look at the facts behind the destruction of the Death Star and learn about the need for ethics training in software QA management. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2013
Scrum project management: Estimating with story points
Scrum project management expert Yvette Francino explains how teams use story points to estimate effort involved in developing a particular feature. Continue Reading
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16 Apr 2013
An application security guide for software testers
This guide explains what's involved in addressing application security form a software tester's perspective by presenting common threats and strategies to deal with them. Continue Reading
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Podcast
03 Apr 2013
How application integration maintenance is like taking care of a car
Forrester analyst Randy Heffner offers some best practices and his predictions for software integration management. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2013
A well-developed software requirements specification is easy to test
SearchSoftwareQuality expert Scott Sehlhorst discusses how to avoid writing a software requirements specification that is too vague to be tested. Continue Reading
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Video
08 Mar 2013
What's ailing enterprise software security management?
Enterprise application security testing means not only finding security vulnerabilities, but tracking them down and putting an end to them. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Mar 2013
Mobile ALM guide
This guide outlines common mobile ALM challenges and explores the various ways software professionals can meet and solve them. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2013
Mobile apps development: Defining requirements is a whole new ballgame
Software pros must address three critical issues in the requirements phase of mobile apps development: choosing a platform, security and usability. Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2013
Top ten mobile application threats to enterprise security
Check out the top ten threats presented by enterprise mobile applications, according to the OWASP Mobile Security Project. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2012
How to measure test progress: Every picture tells a story
Seeing the big picture when it comes managing the progress of your software tests may require putting together all the little picture pieces. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2012
Backend as a Service players, users and trends
Today, Backend as a Service (BaaS) vendors vie with alternatives for mobile apps that must deftly integrate back and front ends. Continue Reading
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08 Oct 2012
STARWEST conference: News and opinions
Read insightful news stories, tips and blog posts in this conference coverage from SearchSoftwareQuality.com. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Sep 2012
How does the role of project manager change in the cloud?
Agile and ALM expert Yvette Francino discusses how the role of project manager may change when applications are developed and tested in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2012
Best practices for solutions architecture
Solutions architecture has gained a reputation for being difficult to define. Even so, best practices unique to solutions architecture have emerged. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2012
Agile project management using the Cynefin framework
Learn how the Cynefin framework facilitates problem solving, Agile project management and teamwork. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Jun 2012
When to perform post-production testing
In some cases, testing post-production is needed, according to expert Pete Walen. He discusses the potential situations where post-production testing is helpful and what expectations we can have for performance testing. Continue Reading
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18 Apr 2012
STAREAST 2012: Software Testing Analysis and Review conference
Experience the highlights of STAREAST 2012 in this guide with exclusive interviews, stories and video clips from QA and software test experts. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2012
Security testing for unvalidated redirects and forwards
Security expert John Overbaugh gives security testers the information they need in order to ensure the Web application code that they’re responsible for is protected. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Mar 2012
Integration testing: What are the challenges?
Expert Pete Walen describes common problems with integration testing and offers insights into implementing it correctly, so that both internal and external users can benefit. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Mar 2012
Exploring integration testing in the Agile development lifecycle
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explores the various meanings and offers tips to testers on how to work integration testing into the Agile development lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2012
API learning guide
The expansion of Web services, mobile, cloud and SaaS platforms has altered the realm of APIs. This guide offers the latest in API developments. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2012
Streamlining user acceptance testing (UAT) with Agile
Organizations that implement successful user acceptance testing can greatly reduce errors and business risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2012
Agile testing quadrants: Guiding managers and teams in test strategies
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explains the four Agile testing quadrants and how they can guide managers and development teams in creating a test strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2012
Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Dec 2011
SoftwareQuality Tutorial Mega Menu: Software testing and ALM: A cloud computing guide
Software testing and ALM: A cloud computing guide Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Dec 2011
SoftwareQuality Tutorial Mega Menu: Software Test Professionals Conference Fall 2011
Software Test Professionals Conference Fall 2011 Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Dec 2011
Reg Menu Link Quality metrics: A guide to measuring software quality
reg menu link Quality metrics: A guide to measuring software quality Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2011
Defect tracking: Lean principles for getting the right data at the right time
In this tip, author Paul E. McMahon describes how Lean principles can be used to help determine when defect tracking is appropriate for your organization and what type of data is important to collect. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Nov 2011
Load testing and performance testing with JMeter: Tutorial
JMeter, a free open source load testing tool, is straightforward to use and supports several programming languages, including HTTP/HTTPS, SOAP, JDBC, LDAP and JMS. In the following set of informative tips, expert Mike Kelly explores the capabilities of JMeter and breaks down its use into a step-by-step approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Sep 2011
Exploratory testing and regression testing in continuous integration
Expert Lisa Crispin explains how and when to implement exploratory testing, automated regression testing and manual regression tests in an Agile development environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2011
Agile software development: Tips for writing testable user stories
Testing pressures are always high on Agile projects. In this article we explore some of the ways adding clarity to stories can help make testing easier for all parties involved. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2011
Tools and techniques for tracking changes to software requirements
In this tip, requirements expert Sue Burk explains different techniques and tools that can be used to track changes to the requirement itself as well as changes to the attributes of the requirement. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2011
Regression vs. risk-based testing: Managing complexity
In this tip, consultant Vasudeva Naidu describes in detail the steps necessary to implement risk-based testing in your organization to ensure your regression test strategy is solid and successful. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2011
Application security: Protecting application availability, data confidentiality and integrity
Network security and application security are both important in keeping your applications safe from hackers. In this tip, security engineer John Overbaugh focuses on application security, which is needed to protect the confidentiality, availability and integrity of your application and its data. Learn more about various areas of security that need to be considered when designing secure applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2011
Managing change requests to your application
In this tip, we look at end user requests, and the process to prioritize the requests for IT, so they know where to focus their work efforts. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Mar 2011
Understanding the dependencies between requirements in a Scrum environment
Prioritizing user stories for each iteration in a Scrum environment can be challenging if the project owner does not understand the dependencies between requirements. In this expert response, Lisa Crispin shares best practices for prioritizing user stories based on requirement dependencies. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2011
How user stories help to define software requirements
User stories play an important role when defining requirements and they also contribute to living documentation during the software development process. In this expert response, Lisa Crispin offers key practices for ensuring that requirements align with user stories and that user stories are accurate. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2011
Mapping software requirements to test cases
Even though you must have at least one test case per requirement, it's possible not to have a one-to-one mapping between each requirement and test case. In this response, expert Sue Burk explains how it is important to trace the relationship between requirements and the tests that verify them whether the relationship is one-to-one, one-to-many or many-to-many. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Mar 2011
Tracking changes to requirements in Agile development
All development teams need to track requirements changes, but depending on the software development lifecycle and overall ALM process, the best approach to change tracking may not be the same across the board. In this response, expert Mike Jones explains how Agile teams can best integrate change tracking into their development process. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2011
event-driven architecture (EDA)
An event-driven architecture (EDA) is a framework that orchestrates behavior around the production, detection and consumption of events as well as the responses they evoke. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Feb 2011
How to gain acceptance of organizational change
Any organizational change can meet with internal resistance. In this response, SSQ Site Editor Yvette Francino offers advice on how to win buy-in from those affected through honest communication and continuous improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2011
Manual testing vs. automated testing: A decision point
Automation in a test environment can be expensive and doesn’t always yield a high return. In fact, a high percentage of automation efforts fail. In this tip, Vasudeva Naidu gives advice on key factors that will lead to success in your automation initiative. Naidu describes the history of automation in test, including reasons leading to failure. Done well, and augmented by manual tests, automation can prove instrumental to a successful test effort. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jan 2011
Application development for mobile phones: Testing across different devices
New mobile phone models enter the market all the time, and it seems daunting to perform application testing on the various devices available. Expert Karen Johnson carefully examines the factors developers must consider and offers strategies on how to most effectively conduct application testing to ensure usability across as many mobile devices as possible. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Dec 2010
Functional requirements and nonfunctional requirements in software engineering explained
Clearly defining both functional and nonfunctional requirements in software engineering projects is important from both a business perspective and a performance perspective. In this expert response, Sue Burk offers definitions and examples for both functional requirements and nonfunctional requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2010
Eight steps for a successful software release
Have you done everything to prepare for a successful software release? Software project manager Kay Diller describes eight things you can do to ensure your deployment will go smoothly. From creating your team to being prepared with a back-out plan, Diller steps you through important considerations covering all aspects of the project. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2010
Software retest, regression, smoke and sanity testing: What's the difference?
Understanding the nuances between different types of test efforts can be a challenge. In this expert response, Karen Johnson explains what is meant by retesting, regression testing, smoke testing and sanity testing. Find out the purpose of these types of tests and a few other terms that some organizations use for testing efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2010
Applying lean concepts to software testing
If we're going to use a factory analogy for software development, shouldn't we at least study the techniques modern factories use? In this tip, software quality expert Matt Heusser describes concepts used first for lean manufacturing, which are now being applied to software development and software testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2010
What is a test case? What is a requirement?
After exploring the definition of a test case by surveying test experts, authors and students, consultant Robin Goldsmith learns that interpretations remain ambiguous and varied. Similarly, the level of detail thought to be needed to define requirements can vary and can often drive the level of detail of the test efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2010
Strategies for minimizing regression defects
Regression defects, those unexpected defects that result from a fix of another defect, are often the most challenging to find and fix. Expert John Overbaugh describes why these defects are so challenging and offers up techniques, such as automation and reviews, to help minimize regression defects. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Jul 2010
Differences in Agile and traditional software project management
In this expert response, some of the differences between project management in traditional environments and agile environments are explained. One of the biggest differences is the flexibility of scope changes that is welcomed in agile environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2010
The impact of HTML5 on Web applications
HTML, the HyperText Markup Language, is an essential part of the Internet experience. HTML5 is one part of what WHATWG sees as essential to the future of Web applications. Continue Reading