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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Tip
01 Jun 2010
The importance of critical thinking in software test
Even though there are numerous definitions for the term "software testing," there is common ground. Testers need to use critical thinking skills when diving into the testing of a software application. In this tip, expert Chris McMahon explains ways for testers to increase test coverage, use proven approaches and determine which aspects of testing fit in and where. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 May 2010
What does "change management" mean in software development and QA?
Change management, sometimes called configuration management, has a few different meanings in the software development community, from team changes to code changes, explains expert Yvette Francino. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2010
Six tours for exploratory testing the business district of your application
Exploratory testing is sometimes thought to be "directionless testing", but James Whitaker's new book suggests that exploratory testing, is more structured than it is credited for. Exploratory testing is filled with numerous tours or testing protocol, which dictate where problems might occur and where to find them and eliminate them. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2010
A software expert's heuristic for regression testing
Often, regression testing is what stands between a product in a test lab versus a product in the hands of our users – so we don't want to take longer than we need – but we don't want to haphazardly release a product before its ready. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Feb 2010
Scrum Master or Scrum project management, is there a difference?
A Scrum Master is commonly mistaken for a project manager who works in a Scrum environment. Learn what distinguishes a Scrum Master in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2010
Using Fist of Five, Planning Poker to reach Agile team consensus
In these tips, consensus-building tools such as Fist of Five and Planning Poker are introduced. Even when these tools are used, the team must decide how they are going to handle a stale-mate condition and move forward on decisions. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2010
Why use POST vs. GET to keep applications secure
Although POST and GET HTTP requests essentially perform the same command on a Web server, a security expert says there are inherent dangers in using one over the other. Learn why one type of processing request provides more security for your Web application in this expert tip. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
Who determines the appropriate severity or priority for a defect?
There are often differences of opinion on the definition of severity or priority of a defect. The bottom line is determining when and if the defect will be fixed. Factors that need to be considered are customer urgency and time required to fix and test. This strategy takes into account needs of the customer, the developer and the tester. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
What are the pros and cons of centralizing a QA or software test team?
Is it better to centralize a test team or have testers paired organizationally with developers? There can be advantages to either approach. This expert response examines some considerations and an alternative that will allow your quality team to work effectively with either model. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2010
Nine ways to evaluate automated software testing tools
Evaluate automated software testing tools more thoroughly with these tips for analyzing cost, support, total cost of ownership, usability and more. This tip suggests questions to ask about each attribute of a tool and a vendor's support for it. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Oct 2009
Problems caused by skipping analysis stage of SDLC
A requirements expert explains the possible pitfalls of skipping the analysis phase in the software life cycle development (SDLC). Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2009
Calculating mean time to failure in performance testing
Calculating MTTF (mean time to failure) can be a difficult for testers in order to develop a performance test pass as there are multiple steps. This expert tip will guide you through process, Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Sep 2009
Defining report requirements with use cases
This tip offers a new and interesting way to go about defining and reporting requirements for use cases. There are a number of details that need to be attended to in defining requirements such as taking a look at users and then constructing use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2009
How requirements use cases facilitate the SDLC
Learn software use case processes and techniques that result in better application requirements in this tip. Takeaways include use case diagrams and user acceptance test case examples. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Aug 2009
How to deliver software with an SDLC iterative model
The phases of iterative SDLCs come together to build better software applications faster, as long as the team avoids some common development and planning mistakes. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Aug 2009
Is BASE a more scalable alternative to ACID transactions?
ACID is used to summarize the basic properties of a transaction in the database sense of the word, not the logical "business" transaction sense. On the other hand BASE is used to summarize the properties many large scale Web sites follow to relax or reduce the strict interpretation of ACID as implemented in most commercial database products. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2009
Adaptation in project management through agile
Project managers often focus on following the test plan versus agile leaders who expect change and are prepared to adapt on the fly, learn how to transition quicly in this chapter from Agile Project Management by Jim Highsmith Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2009
Expert shows seven ways to improve your project management abilities
Project management offices can benefit when the team has a diverse portfolio of skills. Learn how to become a better project manager by reading these seven suggestions, which range from developing talents and group leaders to better assessing software tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jun 2009
Differentiating between Functional and Nonfunctional Requirements
Many of the difficulties encountered in defining requirements relate to the functional-nonfunctional distinction. As so often happens, some of those difficulties are things of which people are aware, largely realizing after-the-fact that nonfunctional requirements were missed. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2009
Defining requirements during software project feasibility analysis
There are at least two key points in a software project when requirements should be defined. One point people often miss is during feasibility analysis, and failure to define requirements at this stage can doom a project. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Mar 2009
What is test granularity?
Test granularity is the level of detail at which your software tests and test cases address your project. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2009
How Covad made the switch to a distributed agile development process
Waterfall methodologies weren't working for Covad Communications, so the company switched its process to agile and cut costs while achieving faster project completions. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2009
Can traditional project management and agile development coexist?
Are traditional project managers and agile practitioners fundamentally at odds? Or can they live together and even complement each other? Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2009
How teams transition to agile development methodologies
Organizations usually move to agile development methods for the same reasons -- scope creep, time to market -- but details of the transition can vary from team to team. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2009
Web application security testing checklist
Testing your Web application security is something that needs be taken seriously. The best way to be successful is to prepare in advance and know what to look for. Here's an essential elements checklist to help you get the most out of your Web application security testing. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2009
Big Blue dog learns new tricks: How IBM Software Group moved to agile
In this case study, Sue McKinney, vice president of IBM's development transformation, explains how and why the IBM Software Group made the transition to agile. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2009
How to avoid requirements creep
Despite all the attention placed on defining requirements, creep continues to plague software projects. Learn how a different approach to requirements can curtail that creep. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2009
Making requirements walkthroughs more effective (and fun)
Do you have to twist arms to get people to attend your requirements review sessions? It doesn't have to be this way. Learn how to use a simulation model to get everyone engaged in the walkthrough. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jan 2009
Template for requirements use cases
A user is looking for a template for writing requirements use cases. Robin Goldsmith walks through a few interpretations of this question. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jan 2009
Formulating test status reports based on daily status criteria
A user requests help deriving the daily status criteria for the test execution of a software project, with status criteria including test execution criteria, test case failure rate and bug rate. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Dec 2008
Is a requirements freeze in a software project a bad idea?
Learn why imposing a requirements freeze in an application project is usually a misguided idea. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Nov 2008
Integration testing: Is it black box or white box testing?
Integration testing of software systems can be black box or white box testing. Learn how each can be used in this Ask the Expert Q&A with testing expert Mike Kelly. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Oct 2008
Top 10 software requirements tips
Developing quality software starts with the requirements process. If you fail here, your project fails. You end up with software that isn't used -- not to mention wasted time, energy, and money. These software requirements tips -- written by experts such as Karl E. Wiegers, Ellen Gottesdiener, Roxanne Miller, and Martin Crisp -- can help you prevent that. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Oct 2008
Use cases and SRS for requirements gathering
Before comparing use cases and software requirements specifications, you should know what each is. Requirements expert Robin Goldsmith explains how use cases and SRS work and how to use them for requirements engineering. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Oct 2008
How to match the test environment to the production environment
Testers often find a gulf between test results in a test environment and test results in a production environment. Testing expert John Overbaugh offers strategies for ensuring that test results in different environments match. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Sep 2008
Running UAT and system testing in parallel
Conducting user acceptance testing and system testing at the same time may or may not be a good choice. Expert Baher Malek discusses the factors that testers need to consider when attempting a parallel UAT process. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2008
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship, Chapter 1 -- What Is Clean Code?
Agile software development calls on developers to write clean code, according to Robert "Uncle Bob" Martin. This free chapter introduces the concepts and methods programmers can adopt to write truly clean code. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Aug 2008
How to estimate change requests in requirements
Software requirements are often subject to change; using a sound estimation process helps greatly to manage change. Requirements expert Betty Luedke explains, in detail, how to implement good estimation techniques. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Aug 2008
Use cases: Who writes them, what data do you include?
Typically a business analyst writes the use cases for a software project. But who writes them doesn't matter as much as what is included in them, says expert Robin Goldsmith. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Jul 2008
Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) Tutorial
SOAP has gained status as a common messaging protocol in Web services and SOA projects. This SOAP tutorial provides insight as to what SOAP standard is and when to use it. SOAP basics, how it compares to REST, SOAP attachments and how SOAP functions with WSDL will be covered. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 May 2008
The scope of user acceptance testing
User acceptance testing is ineffective if testers don't allocate the proper time and resources. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how to avoid shortchanging UAT. Continue Reading
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Report
07 Mar 2008
Six functional tests to ensure software quality
According to a recent Info-Tech report, six types of functional tests can be used to ensure the quality of the end product. Those tests are unit tests, functional tests, systems tests, regression tests, system integration tests and acceptance tests. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2008
Testing for performance, part 1: Assess the problem space
In the first article of this series on testing for performance, Mike Kelly outlines ways for you to understand your content and the system and figure out where to start testing. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jan 2008
Prioritizing software testing on little time
Too many test cases and too little time? Expert Scott Barber explains how to prioritize testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2008
Testers' involvement in requirements gathering important
In this increasingly complex software development era, it is important to include testing as early in the project as possible. And that means starting with requirements gathering. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jan 2008
Requirements gathering for payroll application
Engineering requirements for a payroll or similar application demands careful consideration. Expert Rob Apmann explains how to approach this complicated task. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2008
The state of performance testing
Some might say 2007 was the year the software industry started taking performance testing seriously. In this month's Peak Performance column, Scott Barber takes a look at what happened in the performance testing field in 2007 that made that so, and offers some predictions for 2008. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2008
Usability testing vs. user acceptance testing
Usability testing and user acceptance testing may sound similar, but these tests have different focuses and are executed at different times in the SDLC. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how these tests work. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2007
How to define the scope of functional security testing
With a many internal threats originating from applications, functional security testing is one of the most reliable ways to identify internal security vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2007
Five steps for performing an effective software product review
Review or inspection is an important activity in any project implementation. Performing a good review of the developed product, along with capturing metrics, helps in building a quality product. In this member-submitted article, Murugan Srinivasa points out the significance of software metrics in guaranteeing an effective review of any software product. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2007
How to write an effective test report
This member-submitted tip provides a guideline for essential information that should be included in a test report. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2007
Don't mistake user acceptance testing for acceptance testing
Despite the many references that concur on the definition of acceptance testing, people still get confused. Scott Barber clarifies things in this month's Peak Performance column. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2007
Certification pros and cons: Readers speak out
Some are strongly against certification, saying nothing can replace real-world experience, while others see it as one thing that can improve your odds for being hired or promoted. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Nov 2007
How to create a testing scorecard
A software testing scorecard can be a good tool for managing a team's progress. Expert John Overbaugh explains how to create a testing scorecard and that fits yours and the customer's needs. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2007
Free load and performance testing tools
What is a good choice for a free load testing tool? Expert Dan Cornell offers his advice and explains how to get started with your testing tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2007
Who does what in a Testing Center of Excellence?
With a Testing Center of Excellence (TCE) an organization can improve its software testing. Learn how and what each TCE participant does in this article from David W. Johnson Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2007
cruft
Cruft is the elements of a program, system or product that are either useless, poorly designed or both. In computing, cruft describes areas of redundant, improper or simply badly written code, as well as old or inferior hardware and electronics. Cruft may also be used to describe a group of hackers, like a pod of whales, exultation of larks or murder of crows. (Continued...) Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2007
The pros and cons of use case diagrams
Putting too much into a use case diagram can often render the otherwise useful technique of use cases almost useless. Kevlin Henney recommends a more balanced and restrained approach in order to not lose readers in a myriad of bubbles and microscopic text. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Sep 2007
How to structure a software requirements document
Effective requirements documentation is essential for any good software project. Expert Karl E. Wiegers explains how to structure your software requirements documents. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Aug 2007
Test plan and test strategy
Software testing is helped by a good test plans, strategies and logistics. Expert Scott Barber explains what these aspects of the testing methodology are. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Aug 2007
Software requirements specification and IEEE standards
What does the IEEE outline for requirements specifications, and how strictly should you abide by that standard? Expert Karl E. Wiegers digs into the details of an SRS. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2007
What to look for in a Web application security testing tool
If you do a lot of Web application security scanning, any testing tool you use must have these features, says security expert Kevin Beaver. They will save you lots of time and effort and will increase the number of valid vulnerabilities found. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2007
How to test Web site login security
Input validation is critical for the security of Web sites. Here's a techniques you can use to make sure your site isn't vulnerable to SQL injection. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2007
Software testing deliverables: From test plans to status reports
Core sets of deliverable are required for any software testing phase. In many cases they include a test plan, test case, defect documentation and status report. Learn what is required for each in this tip from David W. Johnson. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Apr 2007
Rewarding team members for outstanding work
Recognizing or rewarding team members for jobs well done helps build morale. Your sincere appreciation can go a long way, says project management expert David Christiansen. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2007
How to document system, software requirements
There are various formats you can use to document system and software requirements. However, no single one is sufficient to represent all requirements. You need to follow an integrated approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2007
The role of a software test manager
Effective software test managers not only understand the discipline of testing, but they are also able to manage and implement a testing process in their organizations. That requires team leading skills, communication skills, and being able to measure the testing team's return on investment. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2007
Software requirements: Using models to understand users' needs
Successful software projects involve users early and often to explore and reach closure on requirements. Using analysis models you can depict user needs with a combination of diagrams and structure text such as tables or templated text. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Feb 2007
A template for software requirements gathering techniques
Requirements gathering can be a difficult, exhaustive process. We've assembled information on the best methods for requirements engineering -- prototypes, storyboards, models, state transition diagrams and use cases -- in one guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2007
I don't want a Web application security product; I want a solution
The number of Web application security products available is enough to make your head spin. A better option is a total solution that handles all of your Web application security needs, says application security expert Anurag Agarwal. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2006
application firewall
An application firewall is an enhanced firewall that limits access by applications to the operating system (OS) of a computer... (Continued) Continue Reading
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Answer
08 May 2006
How to create a secure login page using ASP.NET
A secure ASP.NET login page is easier to create than one might assume. Expert Dan Cornell explains how to use authentication and authorization to ensure your login page is safe. Continue Reading