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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Definition
02 Dec 2021
runtime
Runtime is a piece of code that implements portions of a programming language's execution model. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Dec 2021
Skills and responsibilities in a QA engineer role
According to Emily Thomas, a QA engineer at VoIP provider Vonage, effective quality assurance involves far more than just skillful testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2021
Quality engineering vs. quality assurance: Know the differences
Any dev team serious about improving software quality should study the quality engineering vs. quality assurance debate. Let's review the two practices' differences and overlap. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Nov 2021
Gantt chart
A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart developed as a production control tool in 1917 by Henry L. Gantt, an American engineer and social scientist. Continue Reading
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Podcast
23 Nov 2021
Why chaos engineering isn't as chaotic as it sounds
Don't let the name fool you. SSQ editors chatted with author Mikolaj Pawlikowski about why chaos engineering can be easily implemented into your testing environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2021
How a microservices chassis regulates cross-cutting concerns
Those who've implemented a microservices architecture know that it presents a formidable collection of cross-cutting concerns to manage. Luckily, a microservices chassis might help. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2021
Don't fall victim to these 5 Scrum anti-patterns
Scrum is meant to adapt and change to different scenarios. Here are five common anti-patterns that can arise in Scrum when teams get complacent or comfortable with their old ways. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2021
program
In computing, a program is a specific set of ordered operations for a computer to perform. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Nov 2021
BSA | The Software Alliance
BSA | The Software Alliance is an advocate for public policies that foster technology innovation and drive economic growth. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2021
Programming in Ruby: A critical look at the pros and cons
While Ruby showcases an impressive spread of beneficial features, there are still specific shortcomings that may explain why its adoption numbers have been conspicuously erratic. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2021
The distributed monolith: What it is and how to escape it
Do you suspect that your attempt at microservices left you with distributed monolith application design? There are some telltale signs -- and, thankfully, a few ways to escape it. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2021
Use cases of various types of test doubles for unit testing
Test doubles run the gamut from mocks, to stubs, to fakes and spies. Let's examine the ups and downs of using various test double types with unit testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2021
Follow these database testing basics for better data
Data is typically a company's most valuable asset. The data should be treated as such, with vigorous, almost constant testing, regardless of its location. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2021
Are you really doing Scrum? Follow these guidelines to be sure
Let's examine how the proper implementation of Scrum elements like timeboxing, the product owner and Scrum Master ensure a team will actually benefit from the Agile framework. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2021
PHP 8 features that prove it's for more than just web
Looking to keep up with the demand for increasingly sophisticated development capabilities, PHP 8 brings interesting new integrations that transcend the realm of web development. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Oct 2021
Scrum
Scrum is a framework for project management that emphasizes teamwork, accountability and iterative progress toward a well-defined goal. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2021
An introduction to TDD benefits, risks and examples
Programmers, looking to implement -- or improve -- your team's TDD practices? Review the fundamentals and examples below to remember how TDD can be a benefit and not a burden. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2021
How to write a test report for software testing
Test report writers, here we will overview how to write your summary, what details to include in it, how to keep your audience in mind and other important considerations. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2021
What is foo (in software programming)?
Foo (pronounced FOO) is a term used by programmers as a placeholder for a value that can change depending on conditions or on information passed to the program. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Oct 2021
What is open API (public API)?
Review this definition to learn about open APIs, also known as a public APIs, including their associated benefits, industry use cases and unique attributes. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2021
New Scrum Master guide covers both theory and practice
In his new book, a senior software engineer shares his in-depth hands-on knowledge to both prep readers for cert exams and guide them on the job. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Oct 2021
What is Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)?
An enterprise service bus (ESB) is a software platform used to distribute work among connected components of an application. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2021
Agile retrospective
An Agile retrospective is a meeting that's held at the end of an iteration in Agile software development. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Oct 2021
Should software architect responsibilities include coding?
There are many variations to the role of the software architect in today's IT teams, and a lingering debate is over whether they should all be hands-on with code. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2021
8 fundamental microservices security best practices
Despite the benefits, microservices will introduce profound security issues. We review the biggest microservices security challenges and eight strategies used to combat them. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2021
What productive backlog grooming sessions entail
Backlog grooming is essential for smooth Agile software development. Here's what it takes to get user stories straight and organize a grooming session that yields results. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2021
The architectural impact of RPC in distributed systems
It has become increasingly important for software architects to understand the mechanics behind remote procedure call (RPC), particularly its role in distributed architectures. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Sep 2021
refactoring
Refactoring is the process of restructuring code, while not changing its original functionality. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2021
Service mesh vs. API gateway: Where, why and how to use them
While they're both central to inter-application communication processes, it's important to understand the fundamental differences between a service mesh and an API gateway. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Sep 2021
Should you adopt an API-first approach to development?
While the code-first approach certainly works, its appeal is fading as architectures become increasingly complex webs of software. Learn why the API-first approach is catching on. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2021
Choosing the right chaos engineering tools
Chaos engineering tool options include the original (Chaos Monkey), open source projects like Chaos Toolkit and Chaos Mesh and Gremlin. Weigh these factors when choosing your tool. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2021
Docker Desktop pricing changes in bid to boost revenue
Docker Desktop is now part of all Docker subscriptions, including a new Business tier with added security, but enterprise users of the free version will have to start paying. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2021
The functional programming paradigm at enterprise scale
Many enterprise-level architects rely on an object-oriented approach, but there are good reasons and practical ways to introduce functional programming within large-scale systems. Continue Reading
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News
20 Aug 2021
Real estate firm turns to AI vendor for API security
API security is under scrutiny as businesses digitally transform, and startup vendors are emerging with fresh approaches for secure cloud computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2021
.NET vs. Node.js: What they are, and which to choose
The choice between using .NET and Node.js for application development shouldn't be a difficult one but requires a solid understanding of each approach's pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Aug 2021
The 4 Golden Signals, and how to put them into practice
There's nothing easy about monitoring distributed systems, but the right metrics can help. Here's how to put the Golden Signals of software reliability to work. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2021
Microservices vs. SOA: Choose the right app architecture
This primer explains the ins and outs of a microservices vs. SOA architecture: when and where to use either one, and how both are evolving, thanks to containers. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2021
How Agile team culture can help improve software quality
Any Agile team that wants its team's culture to be squarely centered on improving software quality, should consider the following incentives and tactics. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2021
How to manage and maintain automated UI tests
Examine how teams can navigate the obstacles associated with automated UI tests -- including maintenance, debugging, change management and business logic challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2021
How microservices and containers work, apart and together
Microservices and containers are two methods that enable companies to more efficiently create and deliver applications. Here's how they work -- and when they're best used together. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2021
Microservices vs. APIs: How they differ and work together
Enterprises still rely on monolithic systems, but apps increasingly require speed, scale and flexibility. Here's how microservices and APIs achieve that, separately and together. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jul 2021
Basics of SaaS testing, challenges and strategies
With the software-as-a-service model, QA professionals must address particular test challenges and criteria. Let's look at those SaaS issues and the strategies to navigate them. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2021
Low-code app platforms prove essential in times of crisis
During the pandemic response, leading low-code platforms have been pressed into service to quickly deliver apps for testing, scheduling and prioritizing high-risk groups. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 2021
Resilient software strategies all developers should know
Failures are unavoidable. However, the right software design and development choices can help minimize their impact, isolate problems and speed recovery times. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2021
Demand proliferates for low-code app development platforms
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the explosive demand for business apps, the pressures on enterprises to keep pace and the benefits low-code application platforms provide. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2021
An introductory guide to mobile app security testing
Secure mobile apps by engineering security right into the software and with thorough mobile app security testing. Here's what risks to look for, processes to use and tools to adopt. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Advantages of low-code platforms: Speed, agility, collaboration
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the role of low-code platforms in speeding application development, easing the app developer shortage and creating hybrid development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2021
Condensed Agile sprint timeline pros and cons
Is a condensed Agile sprint possible for your dev team? Here's how to shave off some sprint time and what perils to look out for in a smaller Agile sprint window. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2021
How pub/sub messaging works, and why it matters today
While pub/sub has been a standard messaging approach for decades, it's arguably more important than ever for developers to understand what it is, how it works and why it matters. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2021
Who is responsible for integration testing?
It's not always clear who is responsible for the integration testing of those new application components. Let's sort through the confusion. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2021
How to implement mock objects for simpler testing
Test mocking can serve as a valuable asset in a developer's toolbelt. Here's how to implement mock objects within testing processes and some potential pitfalls to be aware of. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2021
How to handle typical event-driven architecture failures
Adding events to an architecture can pose plenty of problems. Review some common event-driven architecture failures development teams face, and some strategic fixes for them. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2021
pair programming
Pair programming is an Agile software development technique originating from Extreme programming (XP) in which two developers team together and work on one computer. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2021
The 6 non-negotiable REST architecture constraints
While REST-centric design isn't necessarily hard, there are some non-negotiable rules when it comes to resource provisioning. Here are six all architects should know. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jun 2021
To master software design patterns, perspective is everything
Elisabeth Robson and Eric Freeman, authors of 'Head First Design Patterns,' outline their quest to teach software design patterns and show developers the right way to learn them. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2021
What are an SDET's roles and responsibilities?
A QA professional remains essential to the creation of quality software, while a software development engineer in test adds a different layer to the process. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Jun 2021
Sole Black VMware principal engineer aims to diversify tech
VMware's only Black principal engineer talks about his rise in the cloud-native world, how to bring in a new generation of minorities and the future of technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2021
Static vs. dynamic typing: The details and differences
What are the key differences between static typing and dynamic typing, and what role do their differences play in the decision to use one programming language over another? Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2021
How to build a CI/CD pipeline with Azure and GitHub
Some organizations need to build and deploy apps to specific cloud platforms. This walkthrough shows you step by step how to create a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub and Azure DevOps. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2021
reverse-engineering
Reverse-engineering is the act of dismantling an object to see how it works. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2021
5 proven patterns for resilient software architecture design
Maintaining a resilient software architecture is a constant battle. Luckily, there are a few design methods that can help teams instill the reliability they desperately need. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2021
10 Scrum benefits and how to realize them
Scrum can be difficult to implement and manage, but the effort is usually rewarded. When run correctly, Scrum delivers valuable benefits for the business and the development team. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jun 2021
Hardening sprint: Scrum anti-pattern or necessity?
Are hardening sprints a burdensome necessity or a Scrum anti-pattern? Let's explore how to make these iterations less exacting and how Agile organizations can avoid them altogether. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
Is integration platform as a service right for you?
Is iPaaS a helpful platform for your enterprise software integration needs or just an unnecessary tool that adds complexity to the environment? Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
Event-driven vs. message-driven: It comes down to complexity
While the goal doesn't change, how do message-driven and event-driven design approaches really differ? More importantly, how do you choose the right approach? Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2021
SAST vs. DAST vs. IAST: Security testing tool comparison
Before your team decides upon a security testing tool, take into account both the methods and limitations of SAST, DAST and IAST. Consider what each approach brings to the table. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2021
AI, new skills and self-defense code emerge as app-dev musts
Gartner analysts paint an app-dev vision for 2021 and beyond marked by AI-driven tooling, novel approaches to app security and new skills. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2021
IPaaS vs. API management: Why the enterprise needs both
Enterprise iPaaS and API management integrate applications and data, but it's not a choice of one or the other. Here's why you probably need both, and why planning is necessary. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2021
5 ways to write maintainable automation code
Development teams can ensure the automation code they write is maintainable if they're careful about their tooling and the processes they adhere to. Consider the five rules below. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2021
Review these top enterprise iPaaS benefits and challenges
Have you considered using an iPaaS to integrate your various apps? Understand where iPaaS works, and runs into challenges, to help prepare for a successful iPaaS implementation. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2021
Jitterbit buys iPaaS vendor for EDI, e-commerce capabilities
Jitterbit broadened its reach to retailers and their trading partners with the acquisition of eBridge Connections to address EDI and e-commerce use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2021
9 iPaaS use cases for the enterprise
IPaaS connects enterprise applications and data, which encompasses on-premises systems to the cloud and IoT. Review these iPaaS examples to understand how it all works. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2021
The reasons to use (or not use) sidecars in Kubernetes
Sidecar containers provide a great relief to developers who need to manage large clusters of containerized applications at scale. But is it always the right approach? Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2021
4 UX analysis methods that ensure optimal user experiences
UX analysis ensures users will have smooth experiences. Use these four methods to analyze a UX. Learn what each method entails, when to deploy them and who performs each analysis. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2021
Mobile app security best practices for 4 vulnerability types
Adequate mobile app security must assess various dimensions of software, including each OS's best practices, traffic and API calls, data storage and source code. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
20 May 2021
The role of DevOps practices in application design
Fancy architecture diagrams and aesthetically pleasing code are nice things to have. But they don't mean much without the support of DevOps-centric design practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 May 2021
3 ways to maximize business process automation benefits
As business automation continues to take the enterprise by storm, there are a few ways software teams can better prepare themselves to confidently kick-start BPA initiatives. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2021
Do the disadvantages of service-oriented architecture matter?
While it doesn't carry the shiny appeal of microservices, there's no reason to believe that SOA is totally down for the count. In fact, sometimes it's an essential approach. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2021
CircleCI nabs $100M, buys Vamp release orchestration
Along with recent $100 million venture funding round, CI/CD vendor CircleCI has acquired the Vamp release orchestration platform to bolster its tools offering. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2021
How to use mind maps for software testing
Mind mapping is a visual way to brainstorm test ideas. Learn how to create and use mind maps to improve software quality. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2021
How to address 5 common CI/CD implementation challenges
CI/CD removes the manual steps involved when you create and install application code. Address these CI/CD challenges and ease the flow of your software pipeline. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 May 2021
What is webhook?
A webhook is a software architecture approach that allows applications and services to submit a web-based notification to other applications whenever a specific event occurs. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2021
New Relic open sources Pixie observability platform
The Pixie Kubernetes-native observability platform is now available to the open source community after New Relic, which acquired the tech last December, contributed it to the CNCF. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2021
A quick rundown of multi-runtime microservices architecture
Learn the basics about a multi-runtime architecture, and the two-component approach it takes to provide a standard for abstracted microservice-messaging processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2021
6 ways to harness test automation in a CI/CD pipeline
Effective automated checks in CI/CD help minimize and mitigate bugs and keep software builds and deployments running on time. Try these practical tips in your pipeline. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2021
Dell strikes $4 billion deal to sell iPaaS specialist Boomi
Dell nails down a $4 billion cash agreement to sell integration-platform-as-a-service vendor Boomi to investment firms just weeks after spinning off VMware. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2021
Flow efficiency is one of the trickiest DevOps metrics
Let's take a look at what it takes to measure flow efficiency, how it can help DevOps teams improve development practices and why it's not an easy metric to track. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2021
Atlassian Open DevOps beats 'good enough'
Atlassian's new Open DevOps strategy taps best-of-breed DevOps tools for integration into a single toolchain to ease the burden for software development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2021
How software testing certifications can boost your career
How can software testing certifications give QA professionals a leg up in their careers? Learn how in this overview, as well as what certification types testers should consider. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2021
Compare design thinking vs. Agile for QA
Design thinking helps a team figure out what problems to solve, while Agile is a framework that helps a dev team build better software faster. Let's compare the two approaches. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2021
Feature toggles: A simple fix for complex release cycles
While development teams should always strive to improve app functionality, unchecked collections of feature releases can quickly cause trouble. Feature toggles may be the answer. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2021
Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 ups the 'dev' in DevOps
Microsoft's Visual Studio 2022 will provide devs with 64-bit performance, better accessibility, improved collaboration with Live Share and a new UI for the Mac. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2021
Pulumi cloud engineering boosts dev infrastructure control
A Pulumi early adopter says this week's cloud engineering update will save time and resource costs with more support for developers to test infrastructure-as-code plans locally. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2021
A Selenium IDE vs. WebDriver comparison
Selenium IDE and WebDriver play their own roles in test automation. It's important to know how the two tools differ and how they complement each other. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2021
Why microservices and IoT apps are perfect together
The development of IoT apps certainly presents its fair share of challenges, but the benefits that microservices bring might be an antidote to those struggles. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2021
Will codeless test automation work for you?
Simple and repeatable -- that's the appeal of codeless test automation. But just how useful is it? Find out in which circumstances the method can be most effective. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2021
Software AG's WebMethods update adds tools for non-IT users
Software AG's WebMethods upgrade aims to ease digital initiatives for IT pros and business users with new app integration, API management and microservices orchestration features. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2021
Tasktop brings new visibility to value stream management
Value stream management is central to digital transformation at scale. VSM vendor Tasktop has a new dashboard that gives users a clearer view of their software delivery processes. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2021
Eclipse Foundation aims open VS Code registry at Microsoft
The Open VSX Registry is now at the Eclipse Foundation, which gives developers an open source destination to get VS Code extensions apart from the Microsoft VS Code Marketplace. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2021
The 3 essential Scrum team roles
Every successful Scrum team needs a product owner, a Scrum Master and developers. Here's why each role is essential and how effective collaboration between the three happens. Continue Reading