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 Jul 2023
A quick intro to the MACH architecture strategy
While not particularly prescriptive, alignment with a MACH architecture strategy can help software teams ensure application designs make proper use of current technologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2023
How to maintain polyglot persistence for microservices
Managing microservice data may be difficult without polyglot persistence in place. Examine how the strategy works, its challenges and some options for polyglot databases. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jul 2023
Top developer relations trends for building stronger teams
Learn about enterprise trends for optimizing software engineering practices, including developer relations, API use, community building and incorporating security into development. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2023
5 noteworthy challenges of automotive software development
Modern cars are loaded with technology, but creating in-vehicle applications isn't always a cakewalk. Here are five unique challenges developers face with automotive software. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2023
New AWS service targets data security, genAI feature to come
The cloud provider's new service helps employees within organizations be more productive while securing their work. The vendor will add a generative AI feature in the future. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jun 2023
daily stand-up meeting
A daily stand-up meeting is a short organizational meeting that is held each day. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jun 2023
The potential of ChatGPT for software testing
ChatGPT can help software testers write tests and plan coverage. How can teams anticipate both AI's future testing capabilities and the security concerns that come with it? Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2023
Breaking down the cornerstone components of OOP
Object-oriented programming changed the game for those working on complex software systems. But what are the key elements that define this prominent approach to development? Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2023
5 types of software architecture design worth knowing
While it's impossible to identify any software design style as the 'most important' to know, there are five major patterns with which all architects should arguably become familiar. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2023
Retail companies gain DORA metrics ROI from specialist tools
DORA metrics and other measures of engineering efficiency are popping up in add-ons to existing DevOps tools. But third-party vendors added more value for Puma and Sensormatic. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Jun 2023
Scrum product owner certification exam questions and answers
Here are 10 tough sample Scrum product owner exam questions and answers to help gauge your readiness for the certification test. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jun 2023
requirements analysis (requirements engineering)
Requirements analysis (requirements engineering) is the process of determining user expectations for a new or modified product. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2023
Microservices vs. headless architecture: A brief breakdown
Microservices and headless architectures are both techniques capable of providing flexibility and modularity, but how do you make a wise choice between them? Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2023
garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)
Garbage in, garbage out, or GIGO, refers to the idea that in any system, the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2023
joint application development (JAD)
Joint application development, frequently shortened to JAD, is a methodology that involves the client or end user in the design and development of a software application through a succession of collaborative workshops called JAD sessions. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Jun 2023
iterative development
Iterative development is a way of breaking down the software development lifecycle (SDLC) of a large application into smaller chunks. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2023
OKRs vs. SMART goals in software development
OKRs and SMART are two goal-setting approaches. Knowing their differences and how to implement each is essential to steer your business objectives in a clear direction. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
How to create a smart contract using Ethereum
Solidity is a powerful language for programming and deploying smart contracts on the Ethereum network. Here's how to get started, with advice on choosing the best tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
9 programming languages for smart contract development
There are languages expressly for smart contract development, but you can also use general-purpose languages like C++ and Java. Here's how they differ, and advice on how to choose. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
The past, present and future of AI coding tools
Though AI-assisted software development has seemingly hit a historical turning point, things like intelligent code completion, static code analysis arguably led the way. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2023
Free Atlassian Jira DevSecOps tab opens doors to expansion
Vulnerability management data from Atlassian partners surfaces in a new Security in Jira tab for cloud customers, setting the stage for a potential DevSecOps expansion. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2023
histogram
A histogram is a type of chart that shows the frequency distribution of data points across a continuous range of numerical values. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2023
UX research
User experience (UX) research is the study of learning what end users of a system or product need and want, then employing those insights to enhance the design process for products, services or software. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
automated testing
Automated testing is a software testing technique that automates the process of validating the functionality of software and ensures it meets requirements before being released into production. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2023
business capability
A business capability is the ability of an organization to achieve a specific outcome or objective. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 May 2023
The emerging usability of ChatGPT in software development
In the hands of a creative developer, ChatGPT has what it takes to be a helpful coding tool. But generative AI may soon attain the capability to act as more than an assistant. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
A healthy perspective on software architecture scalability
It's easy to overlook architecture scalability and focus instead on application performance and cost. But architectural scalability is the basis for some important benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2023
API security
Application program interface (API) security refers to policies and procedures that protect APIs against malicious attacks and vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2023
How to gradually incorporate AI in software testing
While some software teams may find themselves wary to weave AI into their software testing routines, a gradual introduction of AI-based testing strategies could be worth the effort. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2023
4 enterprise architect skills you should never overlook
While there's certainly plenty that goes into being an enterprise architect, what skills are the absolute 'must haves' to stay on top of the job? We examine a few. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2023
Google teases generative AI expansion within its own cloud
Google's new generative AI features, including a coding assistant, were tied closely to GCP in preview demos this week, while industry experts said its LLM still lags rivals. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2023
Is ChatGPT better for coding than low-code platforms?
ChatGPT can write code, but it can't integrate code or produce design ideas. Also, it poses security and licensing risks. For now, AI enhances but doesn't replace low-code platforms. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2023
state diagram (state machine diagram or statechart diagram)
A state diagram (also known as a state machine or statechart diagram) is an illustration of all the possible behavioral states a software system component may exhibit and the various state changes it's predicted to undergo over the course of its operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2023
Falcor vs. GraphQL: The differences that matter
While both essentially represent two approaches to a similar end goal, there are some key differences between GraphQL and Falcor that are worth understanding. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
service-oriented architecture (SOA)
Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is a software development model that makes services reusable and lets them communicate across different platforms and languages to form new applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 May 2023
unit testing
Unit testing is a software development process in which the smallest testable parts of an application, called units, are individually scrutinized for proper operation. Continue Reading
- Definition 01 May 2023
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Tip
28 Apr 2023
A few simple strategies to reduce software test redundancy
While comprehensive test coverage is a must, software teams must make conscious efforts to keep suites from becoming overpopulated with hampering numbers of redundant test cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Apr 2023
SQL injection (SQLi)
A SQL injection (SQLi) is a technique that attackers use to gain unauthorized access to a web application database by adding a string of malicious code to a database query. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
How to develop an API test automation strategy
A suite of automated API tests can set up an application for success but only if QA teams determine the right tests to automate and implement them correctly. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2023
A quick look at the Carbon programming language
Carbon is an experimental programming language built to stand on the shoulders of C++ -- but with a new outlook on memory safety, threading and functional programming. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2023
How to build a regression test suite
Code changes are an unavoidable aspect of software development. Teams need to properly test to make sure those changes don't adversely affect the end product. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2023
How to balance data access and security in fintech testing
Using real data is beneficial in software testing -- but teams must be careful not to compromise security and privacy. Six core strategies for fintech testing can help. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Apr 2023
How to write a business requirements document in Agile
An Agile software team shouldn't rely on rigid processes or a control board to get the job done, but it still needs to make business requirements a central focus. Enter the BRD. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2023
The enduring link between Conway's Law and microservices
While Conway's Law is a decades-old concept, some would argue that the industry's rush to adopt microservices makes this take on development team structure more relevant than ever. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2023
sequence diagram
A sequence diagram is one of the multiple types of system interaction diagrams used within Unified Modeling Language (UML) to visually represent interactions between the objects that live within a system. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2023
Ways to get by when Waterfall development reigns
Against all odds, the Waterfall methodology maintains a tight grip over countless numbers of software development teams. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make the most of it. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2023
structured programming (modular programming)
Structured programming, or modular programming, is a programming paradigm that facilitates the creation of programs with readable code and reusable components. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2023
mob programming
Mob programming is a collaborative approach to software development in which a group of developers work together in real time on one task. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Mar 2023
collaboration diagram
A collaboration diagram, also known as a communication diagram, is an illustration of the relationships and interactions among software objects in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Mar 2023
MoSCoW method
The MoSCoW method is a four-step approach to prioritizing which project requirements provide the best return on investment (ROI). Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2023
Test frameworks and examples for unit testing Python code
Unit testing is a crucial aspect of software development. Teams can adopt Python for unit testing to optimize Python's advantages and built-in framework options. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2023
The raw -- yet burgeoning -- potential of coreless banking
While coreless banking is still a novel concept, it shows strong potential to liberate banks from the rigid software systems that have dominated the industry for decades. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2023
The attributes of an effective database testing strategy
Teams need to implement a proper database testing strategy to optimize results. Explore effective database testing attributes here. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2023
Java 20 Project Loom updates set stage for Java LTS
Java 20 reincubates two Project Loom scalability features, making them prime candidates to become standard in September's Java LTS. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2023
The fundamentals of achieving high cohesion and low coupling
It's easy to say, 'high cohesion, low coupling,' but is it as easy to put into practice? We examine some of the basics behind cohesion, coupling and the right balance between them. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2023
Docker Free Team concerns linger after mea culpa
Docker apologized for a 'terrible job' sharing its plan to deprecate a Free Team subscription, but some observers remain worried about security implications from the transition. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2023
How to detect and control the spread of shadow APIs
Now that infiltration via APIs has become a favored method for hackers, IT teams need to take additional steps to safeguard those important interfaces. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2023
client-side framework
A client-side framework is a software development framework that focuses on executing application processes on end user devices rather than the application's own server. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
system testing
System testing, also referred to as system-level testing or system integration testing, is the process in which a quality assurance (QA) team evaluates how the various components of an application interact together in the full, integrated system or application. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2023
GitHub SBOM updates build automation foundation
A new CLI extension and other features due to ship this month lay the groundwork to help developers make better use of software supply chain data and mitigate vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2023
What developers need to know about open banking
Open banking has made financial transactions easier and more secure for those with multiple banking accounts; however, vulnerabilities within open APIs raise security concerns. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Mar 2023
end-to-end testing
End-to-end (E2E) testing is a software testing methodology that verifies the working order of a software product in a start-to-finish process. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2023
GitHub 2FA plan adds SMS, account lockout safeguards
GitHub has added SMS support and fresh account lockout prevention features to its phased rollout plans as it prepares to implement a 2FA requirement for accounts beginning Monday. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Mar 2023
performance testing
Performance testing is a testing measure that evaluates the speed, responsiveness and stability of a computer, network, software program or device under a workload. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2023
smoke testing
Smoke testing, also called build verification testing or confidence testing, is a software testing method that is used to determine if a new software build is ready for the next testing phase. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2023
ChatGPT API sets stage for new wave of enterprise apps
The new API is faster and cheaper than the previous ChatGPT interface, and users can opt out of submitting their data to it, opening new doors for enterprise developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2023
6 alternatives to Heroku's defunct free service tiers
Though the end of Heroku's free-tier services has left many developers and software teams in the cold, a flock of cloud platform providers seem determined to fill the void. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2023
What details to include on a software defect report
Teams that can write clear and detailed defect reports will increase software quality and reduce the time needed to fix bugs. Here's what to know about getting reports right. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2023
native code
Native code is binary data compiled to run on a processor, such as an Intel x86-class processor. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Feb 2023
GraphQL
GraphQL is an open source query language that describes how a client should request information through an API. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2023
AI might fix GitHub code search developer pain points
GitHub code search helps developers query complex codebases. But the tool could benefit from more tailored results and better support for natural language queries. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2023
When REST API design goes from helpful to harmful
REST may be a somewhat non-negotiable standard in web API development, but has it fostered overreliance? Learn why other design styles could -- and should -- get an equal chance. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2023
Warranty company devs get serverless computing boost
A company bogged down in AWS CDK code busted serverless development bottlenecks with DevZero, which gives developers their own production-like environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2023
How to run an ADA-compliant website test
Digital accessibility benefits both developers and website users alike. By following WCAG guidelines and using testing tools, teams can ensure that their websites are ADA-compliant. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2023
enterprise architecture framework
An enterprise architecture framework (or simply EA framework) is the collection of processes, templates and tools that software teams use to plan and build large, enterprise-grade application architecture systems. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2023
GitHub to lay off 10% of workforce, sparks remote work debate
GitHub's plan to cut jobs and move to fully remote work sparks more discussion on whether remote workers will be first on the next tech chopping block. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2023
Atlassian Jira updates aim to democratize product discovery
Atlassian Jira's new tools help to organize projects, provide better visibility, and align the goals of software delivery, operations and product teams. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
Azure Load Testing now GA with new speed, security options
Microsoft's Azure Load Testing rolls out with new features to create fast load tests, securely push code to test environments and monitor test performance during the run. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2023
Jellyfish value stream management tool busts bottlenecks
Jellyfish adds value stream data to its productivity tracking tool for engineering teams that want to address inefficiencies in software development. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2023
componentization (component-based development)
Componentization is an approach to software development that involves breaking software down into identifiable and reusable pieces that application developers can independently build and deploy. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2023
Azure Logic Apps: How it compares to AWS Step Functions
Developers can use Microsoft Azure Logic Apps to build, deploy and connect scalable cloud-based workflows. Learn how it measures up to other cloud platforms and AWS Step Functions. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2023
5 ways to survive the challenges of monolithic architectures
Those unable to make the jump to microservices still need a way to improve architectural reliability. Here are five ways software teams can improve a monolith's reliability. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2023
Big tech layoffs may ease software engineer shortage
Recent layoffs will create an influx of software engineers on the job market in the coming months, which might benefit smaller enterprises searching for talent. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2023
Efforts to improve memory safety in software gain momentum
Unsafe memory access can cause financial woes for enterprises and personal harm to individuals, experts say, advising enterprises to switch to memory-safe languages. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2023
Devs discuss when to use TypeScript vs. JavaScript
TypeScript catches errors at compile time, which benefits developers and users. But the language isn't suitable for every project due to its additional overhead. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
Make the shift-left testing approach work for your team
Developers test to find defects and correct flaws before an application reaches release. But the ever-quickening pace of development puts pressure on testing. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2023
Microsoft offers developer guidance on green software tools
Microsoft, UBS and others back developers' use of open source carbon-aware tools. Two case studies -- one enterprise and one academic -- demonstrate green software tools in action. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jan 2023
hybrid application (hybrid app)
A hybrid app is a software application that combines elements of both native apps and web applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2023
3 software developer goals that are top of mind in 2023
Like many people, software professionals have their own goals in mind for 2023, including a focus on project management, software accessibility and data structure decisions. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2023
Rust vs. Go: A microservices-based language faceoff
Rust and Go both offer language features geared toward microservices-based development, but their relative capabilities make them a better fit for some scenarios than others. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2023
Experts rate programming languages for beginners in 2023
Python and JavaScript are two standouts for novices, according to developer experts. But fledgling coders should diversify their toolbox with newer languages too. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2023
Updates to GitHub Actions add efficiency, risk of friction
GitHub Actions required workflows and configuration variables can reduce duplicate configuration code and shore up policy compliance but may add to developer frustration. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2023
AI risks shadow software development security trend
The rise of AI-assisted workflows will facilitate software development security amid growing open source vulnerabilities, but comes with the threat of AI-generated attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2023
Mob programming benefits for Agile development teams
Mob programming brings the whole team together for simultaneous code creation and review. If they specify roles and engage, Agile teams can benefit from mobbing practices. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2023
Micro credentials could stave off software engineer layoffs
Software developers can take measures to protect their jobs with micro credentials tailored to their company’s needs within hot trends such as cloud computing and AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2023
How architects can use napkin math to forecast performance
Although modern software systems can be inordinately complex, architects can still use simple napkin math to glean quick overviews of system performance and architecture alignment. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jan 2023
source code
Source code is the fundamental component of a computer program that is created by a programmer, often written in the form of functions, descriptions, definitions, calls, methods and other operational statements. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2022
Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD)
Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) is a scalable Agile software delivery framework. It takes a people-first, learning-oriented approach to software development and delivery. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2022
gRPC
GRPC is a high-performance remote procedure call framework released by Google in August 2016. Continue Reading
