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
18 Apr 2024
The 7 stages of the SDLC explained
The development process can be broken into seven distinct phases that transform high-level plans into production-ready software. Learn how to approach each phase of the SDLC. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2024
Learn the phases of feature-driven development
Learn how development teams can use the five phases of feature-driven development to put Agile principles into practice by structuring projects around app functionality. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Apr 2024
OAuth (Open Authorization)
OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard authorization framework for token-based authorization on the internet. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2024
New Google Gemini AI tie-ins dig into local codebases
Google ties in its latest Gemini AI model with company-specific data in a new code assistant and Vertex AI updates that also anticipate a coming wave of AI agent development. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Apr 2024
middleware
Middleware is software that bridges the gap between applications and operating systems by providing a method for communication and data management. Continue Reading
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Video
08 Apr 2024
Learn Jenkins: Tutorial for beginners
Jenkins is a popular open source CI/CD tool, and it's not hard to learn either. Learn to build your own CI/CD pipelines with this full Jenkins tutorial for beginners. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2024
JetBrains IDEs add local AI code completion
JetBrains beats GitHub Copilot to an increasingly popular trend that circumvents copyright and data privacy concerns with cloud-based AI assistants. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2024
How to apply impact mapping to software with examples
Impact mapping can reduce scope creep and enable flexibility in the SDLC by creating a shared understanding among all stakeholders. Learn how to apply it to software projects. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2024
GitHub Actions-hosted runners tie in Azure private networks
Private network support is also planned for AWS and Google Cloud Platform, but industry watchers see a power play for Microsoft Azure in GitHub Actions updates this week. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2024
Testing generative AI apps
With generative AI apps rising in popularity, QA professionals should be aware of their unique failure modes. Learn what testers need to consider when handling these tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Mar 2024
Spring Framework (Spring)
The Spring Framework (Spring) is an open source software development framework that provides infrastructure support for building Java-based applications on any deployment platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Mar 2024
web services
Web services are a type of internet software that use standardized messaging protocols and are made available from an application service provider's web server for a client or other web-based programs to use. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
low-code and no-code development platforms
Low-code/no-code development platforms are software development tools and environments that allow enterprise developers and citizen developers to create new applications using drag-and-drop components, linking them together and creating mobile or web apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2024
Summit speakers break down new era of developing software
Top thought leaders discuss their strategies to choose the right software development process and to best utilize AI and ML in this comprehensive BrightTALK summit. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2024
Applying Kanban principles to software development
Kanban was conceptualized in manufacturing and later adopted by software development teams, alongside other methodologies, such as Lean and Scrum. Learn to apply Kanban principles. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2024
Researchers warn devs of vulnerabilities in ChatGPT plugins
OpenAI and two third-party providers fixed vulnerabilities in the experimental ChatGPT plugins framework, but Salt Security researchers caution devs that security risks persist. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2024
Understanding code linting techniques and tools
Linting is an important preliminary step in the debugging process. Learn how fixing simple errors early on makes code easier to work with and improves coding practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2024
EAI (enterprise application integration)
Enterprise application integration (EAI) is the process of connecting an organization's business applications, services, databases and other systems into an integrating framework that facilitates communications and interoperability. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
The importance of edge case testing: When to fix the bug
While edge cases in software testing only affect a small subset of users, testing for them is still important. Learn which edge fixes are worth making and which can be ignored. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2024
New Nvidia, GitHub AI coding assistants expand devs' options
GitHub Copilot Enterprise and StarCoder2 LLMs, both released this week, will add to an array of AI coding assistants. But caution, especially with security, is still warranted. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2024
event handler
In programming, an event handler is a callback routine that operates asynchronously once an event takes place. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
Using bounded context for effective domain-driven design
Domain-driven design helps organizations develop software focused on key business needs. But to do so, architects need to understand the fundamentals of bounded context. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2024
state management
Application state management is the process of maintaining knowledge of an application's inputs across multiple related data flows that form a complete business transaction -- or a session -- to understand the condition of the app at any given moment. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2024
API management
API management is the process by which an organization creates, oversees and controls application programming interfaces (APIs) in a secure, scalable environment. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2024
Docker Build Cloud claims speed boost for dev workflows
Docker ships a managed service that pushes container image builds to AWS and adds shared caches to customers' existing dev tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
API lifecycle management
API lifecycle management is a part of application programming interface management that supports the design, development and maintenance of APIs, including their transitioning from design and testing to a production environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2024
polyglot programming
Polyglot programming is the practice of writing code in multiple languages to capture additional functionality and efficiency not available in a single language. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2024
Create an open source security policy for your organization
Using open source software raises concerns about security and intellectual property. Here's how to make sound decisions and avoid situations you'll regret. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Conduct load tests with JMeter on Kubernetes
Apache JMeter and other load-testing tools can be used with Kubernetes to conduct stress tests to see how well an app performs in specific scenarios. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2023
Don't neglect API functional testing
APIs are how applications connect to a database, partner servers and integrated applications. Testing their efficacy is an essential QA task for every software team. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2023
Object-oriented vs. functional programming explained
While plenty of developers entertain the idea of adopting a functional programming model, it's important to first know exactly how it differs from the object-oriented approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Dec 2023
session ID
A session ID, also called a session token, is a unique identifier that a web server assigns to a user for the duration of the current session. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2023
What to know about Python load testing
It's a nice problem to have when an application is so popular it's in danger of failing from too many customers accessing it at once. Be sure you are ready to meet that demand. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2023
The 5 SOLID principles of object-oriented design explained
In this primer on SOLID, we'll examine the five principles this development ideology embodies, the practices they encourage and the reasons these concepts matter. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2023
How to set up Python coding standards for a dev team
Python team leaders have two challenges when it comes to code standards: creating a style guide and getting developers to stick to it. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2023
How to make a strong business case for software projects
Every software project proposal requires in-depth research into the technical aspects at play, but the business case for the project should tone down the tech talk. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2023
Is Scrum master certification worth it?
Considering a Scrum master certification? Let's look at the considerations that factor into a decision to pursue certification and whether being a Scrum master benefits a career. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2023
A review of 7 software architecture visualization tools
Visualization tools like Visio and Draw.io can provide a lot of benefits when it comes to software architecture design and management, but choosing the right one is important. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2023
The pros and cons of a layered architecture pattern
Layered architecture patterns provide a consistent and secure way to organize code when implemented correctly. However, the way those layers interact should remain a top concern. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2023
Docker adds shift-left tests in AtomicJar Testcontainers buy
Docker stressed its commitment to maintaining the Testcontainers open source project at a time when shift-left testing has become a mainstream priority for enterprise developers. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Dec 2023
interoperability
Interoperability refers to the degree to which a software system, devices, applications or other entity can connect and communicate with other entities in a coordinated manner without effort from the end user. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2023
Comparing MERN vs. MEAN stacks for web app development
While MERN and MEAN stacks share many common elements, their respective use of React and Angular is a defining factor in choosing one or the other. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2023
How boundary value analysis boosts test efficiency
Boundary value analysis provides multiple benefits, including increased test coverage and proactive defect prevention. It's a simple way to improve test efficiency. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2023
Google Gemini, AWS GenAI tools face uphill battle for devs
Google's Gemini model claims performance advantages over GPT-4, while AWS touts foundational model choice, but Microsoft still has the advantage in developer tools, IT pros say. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2023
citizen development
Citizen development is a business process that encourages non-IT-trained employees to become software developers, using IT-sanctioned low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms to create business applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2023
What's the value in an Agile release train?
When multiple development teams work on code, integration and deployment become more complicated. ART could be a useful tool to smooth out these wrinkles. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2023
An Agile development strategy needs a proper foundation
It's a mistake to think of Agile development as merely project management. Let's look at the basic elements and types of tools needed to make Agile work. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2023
Elixir vs. Clojure for functional programming at scale
While they don't have the prestige of JavaScript or Python, Elixir and Clojure are making a name for themselves when it comes to functional programming at scale. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2023
WSO2
WSO2 is a middleware vendor that sells open source application program interface (API) management software. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2023
Prometheus
Prometheus is an open source monitoring and alerting toolkit for microservices and containers that provides flexible queries and real-time notifications. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2023
6 common problems with open source code integration
Open source provides its fair share of benefits for businesses that put it to use. However, don't ignore these six hazards that development teams may face along the way. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2023
6 green coding best practices and how to get started
Software developers can support sustainability efforts via a range of green coding tactics. These best practices range from shrinking artifacts to maximizing efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2023
The dos and don'ts of scalability testing
Effective scalability testing helps to evaluate customer experience, protect against major failures and safeguard an organization's reputation. Here's how to set a strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2023
Docker vs. OpenShift: What are the main differences?
Docker and OpenShift have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two depends on the specific needs of your application and organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2023
The growing link between microservices and WebAssembly
The microservices architecture has become popular, but it runs into complexity and cost challenges. Implementing WebAssembly can alleviate those worries. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2023
The key role testing plays in a Three Amigos strategy
Because testers are skilled in asking questions and suggesting scenarios that lead to alternative workflows, they can be especially useful in Three Amigos efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2023
Serverless vs. containers: Which one for microservices apps?
How do you know when microservices should run in containers vs. serverless functions? A big factor is what you plan to do with your microservices. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2023
Best practices for automated end-to-end testing
Advanced end-to-end testing can save a company time and money, but it isn't easy to implement. Let's look at some of the important elements of test design. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
Understanding the role of polymorphism in OOP
Polymorphism is used in OOP to allow developers to write more efficient code and redefine methods for derived classes; however, it could raise real-time performance issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2023
Is continuous testing in DevOps worth the effort?
Continuous testing isn't simple to implement, but it can add exceptional business value to software development when done right. Here are the key elements. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2023
Understanding protocol buffers vs. JSON
Protocol buffers have some compelling advantages over JSON when it comes to sending data between internal services. But is it really a replacement for JSON? Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2023
API economy
The API economy refers to the set of business models and practices designed around the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) in today's digital economy. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2023
Scripting vs. programming languages: Where they differ
Choosing a programming language is often dictated by the problem the programmer wants to solve and the compute goal that a language is designed to achieve. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2023
Is a continuous planning process in DevOps worth it?
Is a continuous planning strategy right for your organization's DevOps efforts? Know the practical benefits and challenges, as well as how to improve development efficiencies. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2023
Kotlin vs. Scala: Which one is right for your project?
As general-purpose programming languages, both Scala and Kotlin have a lot to offer. But that doesn't mean their uses cases are the same. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2023
Google's DORA DevOps report warns against metrics misuse
This year's DORA DevOps report echoes the experiences of one organization that has applied them in practice: DORA metrics can be powerful but aren't always an exact science. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2023
Docker enters GenAI development fray with new tools
Docker jumps aboard the generative AI bandwagon with a pre-built set of tools to jump-start app development using LLMs and a Docker AI productivity tool. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2023
Docker Scout GA leads 'local plus cloud' push
Docker Scout replaces open source Docker Scan with an event-driven vulnerability management system in a bid to boost the vendor's value beyond developers' local laptops. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2023
Scrum master interview questions and answers
Want to ace the Scrum master interview? These tough Scrum master questions and answers will help you prepare. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2023
The benefits of WIP limits in Kanban
Agile developers complete projects faster when they limit WIP. Learn how less work in progress means more work completed and how to set up a Kanban board with WIP limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2023
Architecting beyond microservices and monoliths
A recent architectural change tied to Amazon's Prime Video service could help enterprise application teams understand their own microservices vs. monolithic architecture choices. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2023
How to test a predictive model
Strategies for testing predictive models and analytics emphasize data quality, real-time testing and code redundancy, as well as AI and machine learning integration. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2023
The dos and don'ts of visual testing
The visual aspect of an application is an important part of UX. Defects can potentially result in lost sales and damaged reputations. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2023
Business Process Modeling Language (BPML)
Business Process Modeling Language (BPML) is an XML standard metalanguage used to outline business processes in an easy-to-understand way. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Sep 2023
What to know about building microservices with ASP.NET Core
It's optimized for containerization, integrates with the cloud and works on multiple platforms. Does ASP.NET Core deserve a place in your development shop? Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2023
New Git repository faces corporate open source doubts
CI/CD pipeline vendor Harness faces two challenges as it launches Gitness: a market dominated by GitHub and GitLab as well as concerns about vendor-led open source projects. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2023
Collaborative coding basics and best practices
Successful collaborative coding includes teamwide situational awareness, highly effective communication, strong project management practices and strict version control. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
How to develop a test data management strategy
Effective test data management in app development involves defining appropriate data, using activity diagrams to see how the code will perform, and protecting sensitive information. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
3 critical stops on the back-end developer roadmap
When it comes to acquiring the skills needed to be a proficient back-end developer, there are no shortcuts. Some of the topics to know will be obvious, others might not be. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2023
What to know about GraphQL vs. REST performance
Both GraphQL and REST aim to simplify API development, but they handle data differently. Carefully consider how those differences might affect performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2023
Critical API vulnerabilities every IT team should address
Their openness, flexibility and ease of use make APIs beneficial, if not essential, to modern IT. Those same features can make APIs vulnerable to attack. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2023
Three-tier vs. microservices architecture: How to choose
The microservices approach is well suited to an app that needs a high level of modularity. When is the added complexity worth it, and how do you make that call? Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Sep 2023
Roles and responsibilities in an Agile center of excellence
A successful Agile transformation takes time and perseverance. Here's how an Agile center of excellence helps to adopt changes and adjust work processes. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Sep 2023
Containers vs. VMs: Is the VM all that bad?
Containers and VMs are needed to build and maintain software. Containers can deploy and scale apps, while VMs are more resource-intensive and can support separate environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2023
What does a developer advocate do?
Developer advocates have a special vantage point because they talk to -- and hear from --both the people who develop a particular software product and the people who use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2023
The importance of Kubernetes vulnerability scanning
New to containerization and Kubernetes? Here's what the dev team should know about container image scanning, container file scanning and Kubernetes manifest scanning. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2023
Google AI plans could spur low-code/no-code faceoff with AWS
Google's generative AI products play catch-up with Copilot and others, but the upcoming addition of Duet AI to AppSheet might fill a market gap as AWS scraps Honeycode. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2023
Understanding Roc: Functional and separate from the runtime
Though it's a newer programming language with a small development community, Roc is meant to be an easy-to-read language that incorporates a pure, functional programming approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2023
Better API security needed as companies modernize apps
As developers build more complex applications, the widespread use of APIs is creating significant security challenges for organizations, according to a new survey from ESG. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2023
Unified Modeling Language (UML)
Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standard notation for modeling real-world objects as a first step in designing an object-oriented system. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2023
5 essential best practices for QA teams to adopt
Performing QA duties properly should mean more than checking lists of basic application requirements. Here are five ways software QA teams can improve review processes all around. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Aug 2023
Techniques to gain control over unruly API sprawl
A lapse in proper control over large portfolios of internal and external APIs can result in problematic sprawl. Here's what software teams can do to prevent that from happening. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Aug 2023
Making sense of cross-platform, distributed cloud app dev
Cross-platform, distributed cloud app development methods are innovative in how they can quickly deliver code. Their adoption also adds complexity to coding and management. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Aug 2023
The need to demystify software testing for developers
With how quickly demands for functionality can change in today's dynamic application environments, the case for developers to learn core testing skills could be stronger than ever. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2023
3 questions to ask in a digital twin testing scenario
Is your team prepared to capture the right data so that your digital twin testing is accurate and effective? Here's what experts say about proper test approaches. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
How to make use of specification-based test techniques
Specification-based techniques can play a role in efficient test coverage. Choosing the right techniques can ensure thorough coverage, while eliminating redundancy. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2023
The basics of TOGAF certification and some ways to prepare
TOGAF offers architects a chance to learn the principles behind implementing an enterprise-grade software architecture, including how to align business goals with IT capabilities. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2023
Postman API platform will use Akita to tame rogue endpoints
Akita's discovery and observability will feed undocumented APIs into Postman's design and testing framework to bring them into the enterprise governance fold. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2023
GitHub Copilot Chat aims to replace Googling for devs
GitHub's public beta of Copilot Chat rolls out GPT-4 integration that embeds a chat assistant into Visual Studio, but concerns about AI linger for some developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2023
Haskell vs. PureScript: The difference is complexity
Haskell and PureScript each provide their own unique development advantages, so how should developers choose between these two popular programming languages? Continue Reading