Application Architecture
Top Stories
-
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
-
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
-
Tip
27 Jun 2022
How viable is it to create microservices in Python?
Python offers microservices developers access to advanced scripting, embedded testing and plugin tooling. But is it a good fit for you? And what are the alternatives if it isn't? Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Jun 2022
Key things to consider when choosing regression testing tools
Making a decision about regression testing tooling purchases means taking stock of plans for CI/CD implementations, existing automation capabilities, staff expertise and more. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jun 2022
Amazon CodeWhisperer joins packed AI code completion market
AI code completion tool Amazon CodeWhisperer is now available for developers who are willing to wait. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jun 2022
Code completion AI bot trend continues with GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot joins a ballooning field of AI-powered code completion tools. Industry experts debate the tool's utility and long-term staying power. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jun 2022
Green software certification, legislation in the works
Green software could be moving from the technology fringes to the mainstream with upcoming legislation and a push for sustainable software certification. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Jun 2022
SSADM (Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method)
SSADM (Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method) is a widely used computer application development method in the United Kingdom, where its use is often specified as a requirement for government computing projects. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jun 2022
Green software summit outlines developer best practices
The Green Software Foundation Global Summit highlights tech sustainability and the important role developers can play in tackling climate change. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Jun 2022
4 low-code best practices to streamline adoption
To be successful with low-code adoption, organizations must clearly define project goals, ensure the right mix of staffing and tools, and regularly asses business value. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Jun 2022
Tabnine code completion platform adds more powerful AI
Tabnine's code completion assistant adds support for 11 languages with a major AI overhaul. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jun 2022
Ardoq Discover boosts enterprise architecture tool usability
Tools for enterprise architects get criticized for their complexity, but they are getting better. A recently released module from Ardoq seeks to improve usability. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Jun 2022
In-demand programming languages devs should get to know
Experts weigh in on which in-demand programming languages offer the best job prospects. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Jun 2022
How test summary reports yield business value and benefits
The data a test summary report compiles can provide great benefits to a development team -- and, in turn, business value to the larger IT organization. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Jun 2022
Frameworks for an observability maturity model
Observability helps developers and IT operations teams identify and fix system issues. And with the right setup, it can improve on itself over time to catch potential problems. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Jun 2022
Supply chain security takes center stage at OpenJS World 2022
At OpenJS World 2022, the Open Source Security Foundation outlined two ambitious initiatives to fix supply chain security issues in open source software. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jun 2022
Can you really use a shared database for microservices?
Since its emergence as a mainstream development style, experts have debated the wisdom of using a shared database for microservices versus providing a database per service. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jun 2022
OpenJS World 2022 highlights what's new in web standards
At OpenJS World 2022, a keynote panel discussed efforts focused on improving interoperability and evolving web standards, and commiserated on how some things will never change. Continue Reading
-
Definition
07 Jun 2022
system of systems (SoS)
A system of systems (SoS) is the collection of multiple, independent systems in context as part of a larger, more complex system. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
07 Jun 2022
How Broadcom's merger with VMware will affect developers
Broadcom's acquisition of VMware may seem like a straightforward business move, but some key details surrounding the deal point to big potential shakeups in the market. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Jun 2022
Evaluate proprietary vs. open source testing tools
Cost, complexity and support levels are key items when teams consider proprietary or open source functional testing tools for their development environments. Continue Reading
-
Definition
06 Jun 2022
exception handling
Exception handling is the process of responding to unwanted or unexpected events when a computer program runs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Jun 2022
6 key phases of the software testing lifecycle
For QA teams, a successful software testing process starts long before the actual test occurs. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Jun 2022
Mirantis Lens extension debuts on Docker Desktop
Docker Desktop adds a Mirantis Lens extension as another option for developers who want an easier way to work with Kubernetes. Continue Reading
-
News
02 Jun 2022
Project Volterra could encourage switch to Arm-based PCs
Project Volterra, due out later this year, is an Arm-based PC geared up for AI development. The energy-efficient, faster device might enable Microsoft to catch up with Apple. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 Jun 2022
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a message protocol that enables the distributed elements of an application to communicate. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Jun 2022
Identify and fix broken builds with CI/CD pipelines
Experiencing broken builds in your CI/CD pipeline? These best practices related to credentials, flaky tests and alerts can boost productivity and confidence. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 May 2022
Implement reliability testing methods, tools for better dev
Reliability testing can play an integral role in software development. Here are some methods and tools to incorporate into your app development lifecycle. Continue Reading
-
News
26 May 2022
Microsoft Dev Box speeds up development, but will devs buy in?
Microsoft Dev Box offers developers a range of tools to increase productivity, but old habits tend to die hard. Continue Reading
-
News
24 May 2022
GitHub math support in Markdown useful but tardy
GitHub math support in Markdown took eight years to arrive. Had the feature been released in 2014, a wider audience might have benefited from its use. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 May 2022
The ins and outs of low-code application testing
When teams use low-code for application development, it can save time and money. But don't neglect testing for potential issues just to deploy the app sooner. Continue Reading
-
News
18 May 2022
Google Firebase speeds developer process with new features
The new Firebase additions may not excite developers, but they do add some much-needed functionality to the platform. Continue Reading
-
News
12 May 2022
Docker Extensions, Desktop for Linux get mixed reception
DockerCon 2022's opening keynote focused on expanding the developer toolkit, but it may not be enough to ward off financial challenges. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 May 2022
Smoke testing vs. sanity testing explainer on key differences
While smoke and sanity testing are both techniques QA professionals use to quickly identify feature defects, they differ when it comes to scope, automation requirements and timing. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 May 2022
How to scale Scrum with Scrum of Scrums meetings
Enterprise-scale software development can be difficult to coordinate across multiple teams. For Agile-adhering IT organizations, Scrum of Scrums is one way to stay organized. Continue Reading
-
News
11 May 2022
ServiceNow adds automation engine to low-code platform
ServiceNow's AEMC adds automation to citizen DevOps. Analysts agree this simplifies development and could result in cost savings. Continue Reading
-
News
06 May 2022
Demand for no-code due to developer shortage, pandemic
In this Q&A, Quickbase CEO Ed Jennings shares his thoughts on the developer shortage, the no-code platform's growth and his plans to 'open up the world' for citizen developers. Continue Reading
-
News
06 May 2022
GitHub to mandate 2FA by 2023, plans for additional security
GitHub will mandate using the extra layer of protection to make code more secure. The announcement didn't get the warmest reception. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 May 2022
6 ways cloud-native and cloud-agnostic architecture differ
While development teams should carefully weigh the tradeoffs between cloud-native and cloud-agnostic architectures, they don't necessarily have to commit to just one. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 May 2022
How software testing affects a successful multi-cloud strategy
Here's how QA professionals working with multi-cloud can deal with the increased complexity associated with the strategy, plus the risks and workflow factors. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 May 2022
Breakdown of 4 common mobile testing platform options
Mobile app testers, here is how four mobile testing platform options compare. Also, learn when testing frameworks, simulators and emulators become relevant factors. Continue Reading
-
Definition
03 May 2022
LDAP injection
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) injection is a type of security exploit that is used to compromise the authentication process used by some websites. Continue Reading
-
News
03 May 2022
GitHub Desktop 3.0 gets lukewarm reception
GitHub Desktop 3.0 introduces tools that make it easier for software developers to stay up to date with code changes. Some developers, though, are calling for more features. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Apr 2022
The deep-rooted relationship between REST and microservices
The REST paradigm can be a natural fit for microservices architectures, but it also presents potential challenges for development teams. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Apr 2022
Choose a software testing model by weighing these 5 factors
Software development teams have options for their preferred software testing methodology. Consider these five key metrics before choosing a testing model for your team. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Apr 2022
development environment
In software, web and mobile application development, the development environment is a workspace with a set of processes and programming tools used to develop the source code for an application or software product. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Apr 2022
The management approach for internal vs. external APIs
While internal and external APIs don't differ much mechanically, there are some important contrasts when it comes to certain API design and lifecycle management issues. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Apr 2022
6 ways to perform microservices load testing
While it's not easy to conduct load testing in hectic microservices environments, certain best practices can help testing teams ensure fair and equal distribution of workloads. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Apr 2022
Software developers need more than coding skills
Employers are increasingly looking for software developers with soft skills, including time management and the ability to work on a team. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Apr 2022
Developer vs. DevOps engineer similarities and differences
What does a DevOps engineer do? What does a developer do? The two roles sound alike, but their roles, skills and tools are quite different and require unique expertise. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Mar 2022
Docker drops Desktop roadmap hints after cash infusion
The roadmap for Docker Desktop will include security updates and serverless support, as industry watchers speculate about potential acquisition interest from Atlassian. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Mar 2022
The role of sidecars in microservices architecture
Sidecars can do a lot for microservices when it comes to communication with distributed application components, though they also present some precarious management challenges. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Mar 2022
How to develop a dependable regression testing strategy
Haphazard code changes can quickly break any application. Learn what a successful regression testing strategy entails, including the necessary scope and test suite requirements. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Mar 2022
Why a successful software tester's skillset is more than just technical
How can you become a good software tester? It requires more than just technical expertise. Here are some important personality traits QA pros need to have. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Mar 2022
The basics of working with declarative programming languages
While imperative programming is often a go-to, the declarative approach has proved useful in the face of demands for complex, feature-heavy business applications. Continue Reading
-
Guest Post
17 Mar 2022
What can urban sprawl teach us about UX design issues?
UX design sprawl mimics urban sprawl, both in its push for growth and its potentially dangerous pitfalls. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the UX design process. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Mar 2022
release
A release is the distribution of the final version or the newest version of a software application. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Mar 2022
What is user acceptance testing (UAT)?
User acceptance testing (UAT), also called application testing or end-user testing, is a phase of software development in which the software is tested in the real world by its intended audience. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Mar 2022
build
In a programming context, a build is a version of a program that, as a rule, is a pre-release version and is identified by a build number rather than by a release number. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Mar 2022
3 important considerations before outsourcing Agile
To successfully outsource an Agile development practice, organizations must prioritize communication and provide ample onboarding resources. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Mar 2022
Micro apps vs. microservices: What developers should know
On the surface, the contrast between micro apps and microservices simply seems a matter of front-end vs. back-end concerns. But this isn't the only difference worth knowing. Continue Reading
-
Feature
04 Mar 2022
Follow this Harness IO tutorial to get started with CI/CD
This tutorial gives an overview of the options and features available to users of Harness IO and walks through how to build and ship code in the CI/CD platform. Continue Reading
-
Definition
03 Mar 2022
Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a nonprofit foundation that provides guidance on how to develop, purchase and maintain trustworthy and secure software applications. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 Mar 2022
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a protocol that secures communication and data transfer between a user's web browser and a website. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Feb 2022
software documentation
In the software development process, software documentation is the information that describes the product to the people who develop, deploy and use it. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Feb 2022
Where requirements-based tests fit in software testing
Requirements-based testing has its upsides and downsides, and it's not right for every software project. But certain dev teams should still adopt the method. Learn which ones. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Feb 2022
versioning
Versioning is the creation and management of multiple releases of a product, all of which have the same general function, but are improved, upgraded or customized. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Feb 2022
The ups and downs of using an internal developer platform
IDPs can provide a productive and secure environment for development teams. Consider the pros and cons to see if an internal developer platform is right for your organization. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Feb 2022
An intro to cloud-native microservices and how to build them
While there are a variety of ways to develop cloud-native microservices, focus on strategies that enable as much agility, resiliency and development simplicity as possible. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Feb 2022
The crucial role of test scenarios, especially in automation
Test scenarios are often touted as a key part of effective software testing strategies. But what exactly do they do and how can teams ensure the ones they develop are effective? Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Feb 2022
AI/ML in software testing, cross-platform testing benefits
AI-powered cross-platform and cross-browser testing has both benefits and complications. Learn more about the role machine learning technologies can play in these QA processes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Feb 2022
A brief breakdown of declarative vs. imperative programming
While imperative programming is both an established and approachable method of coding, the declarative model is gaining appeal as demands for complex, flexible features increase. Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Feb 2022
best practice
A best practice is a standard or set of guidelines that is known to produce good outcomes if followed. Continue Reading
-
Definition
08 Feb 2022
whole-team approach (team-based approach)
The whole-team approach (team-based approach) is a style of project management in which everyone on the project team is held equally responsible for the quality and success of the project. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Feb 2022
Resource Description Framework (RDF)
The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a general framework for representing interconnected data on the web. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Feb 2022
6 strategies for better software project portfolio management
When implemented correctly, software portfolio management can help enhance communication across multiple IT teams for better product delivery. Here are six ways to do it right. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Feb 2022
artifact (software development)
An artifact is a byproduct of software development that helps describe the architecture, design and function of software. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Jan 2022
application security
Application security, or appsec, is the practice of using security software, hardware, techniques, best practices and procedures to protect computer applications from external security threats. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Jan 2022
The ups and downs of low-code microservices development
Low-code may not be the most sophisticated of development techniques, but it can often fit the bill for software teams looking to build microservices applications. Continue Reading
-
Definition
20 Jan 2022
iterative
In the world of IT and computer programming, the adjective iterative refers to a process where the design of a product or application is improved by repeated review and testing. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Jan 2022
WebStorm vs. Visual Studio, and how to choose the right IDE
WebStorm and Visual Studio represent two ends of a wide spectrum when it comes to the IDE platform market. However, their true differences go well beyond their pricing structures. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Jan 2022
Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (SPICE)
Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (SPICE) is an international framework to assess software development processes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Jan 2022
Why and how to hold a sprint retrospective meeting
Software development teams can learn from past mistakes to streamline and improve processes. Retrospectives help them do just that. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Jan 2022
Using the BFF pattern to keep UIs flexible and reliable
BFF is a simple design pattern that can help developers address UI-related challenges, such as problematic coupling, overfetching of data and inconsistent error handling. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Jan 2022
Quickbase CIO talks low-code roadmap, MCF Tech acquisition
Quickbase CIO Deb Gildersleeve discusses the growing use of low-code platforms, its recent services acquisition, and what's on the company's roadmap for 2022. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Jan 2022
What regression testing types make sense for your applications
Craft an in-depth regression testing plan that uses multiple types to test all facets of an application's functionality and ultimately lead to cleaner development. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Jan 2022
Testing automated Kubernetes deployments, a GitOps benefit
GitOps and GitOps tooling may be your answer to the tricky, taxing problem that is testing Kubernetes environments. Explore why, how and what's necessary to perform GitOps testing. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Jan 2022
Open vs. closed APIs: 4 crucial factors you should examine
Open and closed APIs both have their respective upsides and downsides. To choose the right approach, developers must examine four critical technical and business-level factors. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Jan 2022
The pros, cons and challenges of containerized microservices
Containerized microservices are certainly a popular deployment approach, but are they the best? They can be, provided you overcome the unique challenges they present. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Dec 2021
How to manage and reduce technical debt in Agile
Don't let technical debt snowball. Here's how to monitor, maintain and reduce this problematic element of Agile and continue application development projects. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Dec 2021
WebLogic
Oracle WebLogic Server is a leading e-commerce online transaction processing (OLTP) platform, developed to connect users in distributed computing production environments and to facilitate the integration of mainframe applications with distributed corporate data and applications. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Dec 2021
SPML (Services Provisioning Markup Language)
Services Provisioning Markup Language (SPML) is an open source XML-based standard that facilitates the exchange of account provisioning information among applications, services and organizations. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Dec 2021
BPEL (Business Process Execution Language)
BPEL (Business Process Execution Language) is an XML-based language that allows web services, APIs and human processes in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) to interconnect and share data in a business workflow. Continue Reading
- Definition 17 Dec 2021
-
Tip
15 Dec 2021
What unit test coverage percentage should teams aim for?
Unit testing is frequently needed, but what amount? Learn how to determine the amount of unit test coverage you need, what code to focus on, how to measure coverage and more. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Dec 2021
Will .NET 6 features bridge the gap between .NET frameworks?
Microsoft's original .NET Framework has come a long way, but will the new iterations of this framework be enough to convince developers to leave it behind? Continue Reading
-
Definition
09 Dec 2021
Eclipse (Eclipse Foundation)
Eclipse is a free, Java-based development platform known for its plugins that allow developers to develop and test code written in other programming languages. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Dec 2021
Year in review: 3 app development trends from 2021
Automation and AIOps left their marks on the evolution of code development in 2021. Experts say these trends will likely continue into the new year. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Dec 2021
MuleSoft to add API management, governance tools
MuleSoft plans to release tools to catalog and manage APIs across multi-cloud environments to reduce redundancy, apply governance policies and build compliance. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Dec 2021
Continuous integration principles and standards to implement
Development and DevOps teams, abide by these best practices and standards to make your IT organization's continuous integration processes as effective as they can possibly be. Continue Reading
-
Definition
06 Dec 2021
Lean software development
Lean software development is a concept that emphasizes optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste in the development of software. Continue Reading
-
Feature
03 Dec 2021
Coding branches out: 5 app development trends to watch in '22
The demand for low-code/no-code tools along with automatic coding will continue in 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the hybrid workforce becomes the norm. Continue Reading