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
09 Apr 2021
Using a business rules engine to streamline decision-making
Get to know some of the details behind a business rules engine, particularly the automated approach it takes to handling critical, rules-based decisions. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2021
A production readiness checklist for software development
To achieve a smooth release cycle that can uncover potential glitches, an enterprise needs software release criteria that involve members of the dev, ops and business teams. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2021
GitHub Mobile brings new push notifications to developers
The latest version of GitHub mobile delivers push notifications to developers in a manner that enables them to set time frames for when they can and cannot be reached. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2021
Is life as a freelance software developer for you?
Succeeding as a freelance developer requires much more than waiting for clients to contact you. Explore how to boost your skill set and land freelance gigs. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2021
Overview of the problems automatic code generation can solve
Explore the ins and outs, pros and cons, and dos and don'ts of automatic code generation. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
CircleCI brings CI/CD to Arm running on Graviton2 chips
AWS has added support for Arm-based processors to its popular CI/CD platform. It now runs on AWS' Arm-based Graviton2 processors to give developers more choices. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Apr 2021
application service provider (ASP)
An application service provider (ASP) is a company that offers individuals or enterprises access to applications and related services over the internet. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
OSDU Data Platform opens door to new apps in energy sector
A new OSDU standard aims to bring information from oil, gas, wind, solar and other sources into a single data platform to help energy companies address future demand. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2021
Micro apps: A simple way to add sophisticated features
When building a new web or mobile app seems like overkill, micro apps might be the most practical way for developers to add niche features and functionality. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2021
An Eggplant automation tool tutorial for Functional, DAI
Eggplant Functional and DAI are two popular tools in the testing community. This video demonstrates how to install the tools and integrate them with the agent feature. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2021
Diagrams.net vs. Lucidchart: A few things to consider
While UML diagramming is a relatively universal approach, not all visualization tools are made for the same crowd. Diagrams.net and Lucidchart offer a good example of this. Continue Reading
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Podcast
26 Mar 2021
Key questions to consider about pipeline as code
A pipeline as code entails writing in code the processes a development team uses to build and deploy code to production. To properly adopt the approach, study up on CI/CD and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2021
The difference between front-end and back-end developers
While front-end and back-end application development are two parts of a greater whole, the specifics of each career present some stark differences between them. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
LeanIX adds SaaS, microservice management to product lineup
Enterprise architect specialist LeanIX expanded its portfolio through the purchase of SaaS management startup Cleanshelf and the introduction of a Microservice Intelligence tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2021
Can a loosely coupled architecture reduce technical debt?
While there are a lot of factors that impact technical debt, the level of coupling found in the underlying software architecture is often a primary culprit. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2021
A closer look at 6 popular low-code development platforms
Low-code development tools help organizations accomplish tasks from simple forms and web sites to app integrations and BPM. Here's a closer look at six of the top low-code tools. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2021
Saltworks, Secure Code Warrior team up to secure the SDLC
Saltworks and Secure Code Warrior have forged a partnership to help developers integrate security into the lifecycle and learn to write more secure, higher-quality code. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2021
How to write a good user story for cleaner code
A good user story isn't always easy to write. Answer key questions in easily understandable language to get development teams on the same page. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2021
3 predictable application architect interview questions
Software architecture roles are awfully industry specific, but there are still baseline skills employers want to see. These are some of the questions they ask to find those skills. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2021
Sentry adds performance monitoring for React Native, more
Sentry has added support for React Native, Android, Xamarin and Flutter-based apps to its application performance monitoring platform to help developers find and fix bugs. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2021
Clear up CI vs. CD confusion for DevOps practices
How do CI and CD differ? And how should development shops distinguish between the two? Learn more about the processes and how they've valuable in a DevOps environment. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2021
Sonatype buys MuseDev to boost code analysis
Sonatype has expanded its addressable market for developers with the acquisition of code analysis tool vendor MuseDev. The move builds out Sonatype's software quality platform. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Mar 2021
Fight microservices complexity with low-code development
Software developers are in a constant battle with complexity. Microservices hold promise as ready-to-assemble app components, but low-code development might be a better approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2021
A quick rundown of 3 layered architecture design styles
N-layer, hexagonal and onion are all layered architecture styles, but each one features its own unique spin on distributed design and modular development. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
Power Fx informs Microsoft's low-code strategy
In a Q&A, Microsoft corporate vice president Charles Lamanna delves into the company's Power Fx, a new low-code tool that non-programmers can use to build applications. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
Boomi Flow adds support for multi-cloud, hybrid deployments
Dell's Boomi subsidiary expands the deployment options for its low-code Flow workflow automation tool to public clouds and customers' on-premises data centers. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2021
'Practical Microservices' speaks the language of web developers
In his book, 'Practical Microservices,' Ethan Garofolo introduces web developers to the coding principles that form the foundation for microservices-based applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Mar 2021
What is an API proxy?
An API proxy is a thin application program interface (API) server that exposes an interface for an existing service or services. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2021
Developer-first security raises Snyk's tides, among others
Armed with a developer-first focus on security, Snyk has been able to draw $300 million in new funding. It also quadrupled its valuation to $4.7 billion in just over a year. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Mar 2021
An application architect's chief roles and responsibilities
Today's application architect isn't just a high-caliber developer, but an experienced leader with both the technical and business chops to propel an organization's software strategy. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2021
ServiceNow Quebec platform goes after the low-code market
ServiceNow has released a new version of its Now Platform that caters to inexperienced developers looking to build customized applications and workflows quickly. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Mar 2021
AWS helps train formerly incarcerated people to code
The Justice Through Code program, which Amazon sponsors, teaches formerly incarcerated individuals how to write code in Python as it preps them for careers in the tech industry. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2021
Review these 9 low-code use cases and industry examples
Don't get hung up on the basics of low-code and your development teams' makeup. Evaluate the following use cases to see if low-code makes sense for your project goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Mar 2021
What is the future of low-code app development?
Experts see more enterprises embracing low-code to rapidly develop apps and empower nonprogrammers -- but there are plenty of reasons to keep using traditional development as well. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2021
Lyft helps drive new foundation for mobile developers
The Linux Foundation, along with Lyft, wants mobile developers to ride together and help eliminate obstacles in building large-scale, enterprise Android and iOS apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2021
Get to know 4 microservices versioning techniques
Are you struggling to apply updates consistently across distributed services? Here are four microservices versioning techniques that can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2021
How low-code development accelerates digital transformation
Enterprises that don't embrace digital transformation invite competitors to carve up their business. Here's how low-code development can help a business become digitally adept. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
03 Mar 2021
Break down platforms via a service decomposition strategy
There's more than one way to break down a platform into microservices. This excerpt from 'Developing Microservice APIs with Python' explains one: decomposition by subdomains. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2021
Event-driven architecture pros and cons: Is EDA worth it?
Event-driven architecture (EDA) is a double-edged sword of service flexibility and management complexity. Let's take a quick look at the ups and downs of EDA. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2021
Power Fx: Microsoft's low-code language for Power Platform
Microsoft has extended its low-code application development strategy with a new programming language known as Power Fx that will be consistent across the Power Platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
How to test connected car applications
When software testers deal with automobile-connected applications, they should think like a driver. Evaluate safety, connectivity and usability concerns to develop a strong app. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2021
How to write test cases for both manual and automated tests
Immerse yourself in the basics -- and particulars -- of writing test cases for both manual and automated tests, and learn the components crucial to each approach. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2021
GitHub hires first-ever chief security officer
GitHub has added a CSO to its ranks, as the platform seeks to grow and maintain one of the world's largest collections of open source software projects. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2021
10 microservices patterns all architects should know
Choosing the right design pattern is a critical part of managing a microservices-based architecture. Here are 10 distributed design approaches that all architects should know. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2021
What is Micronaut? Introduction to the Micronaut Framework
Micronaut is an open source JVM-based software framework for building lightweight, modular applications and microservices. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 Feb 2021
3 software development trends to watch in 2021
As digitization accelerates and to ensure developers are set up for success, companies should enable developer productivity and collaboration, prioritization and developer experience. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2021
IBM extends Call for Code for Racial Justice program
IBM, in conjunction with the Linux Foundation, has delivered two additional projects to its Call for Code for Racial Justice program. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2021
Lightbend launches new Akka Cloud Platform on AWS
Lightbend's new Akka Cloud Platform seeks to bring a simpler approach to cloud-native development than options from hyperscalers and companies such as Pulumi and Serverless. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2021
App interface design principles all developers should know
The first step in choosing the right app interface design is to understand the options available to developers. Dive deeper into these popular design concepts and approaches. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2021
CircleCI orbs go private for DevOps teams
CircleCI has released new functionality that enables developers to build CircleCI orb configuration packages that run only in their private enterprise environment. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2021
Google, Microsoft back Python and Rust programming languages
As Google and Microsoft join and strengthen forces with the foundations behind the Python and Rust programming languages, the companies will get to help shape their future. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Feb 2021
An overview of headless architecture design
Decoupling the back-end components of an application is certainly valuable, but what about the front end? This is where headless architecture comes into play. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2021
Microsoft VS Code: Winning developer mindshare
With Microsoft Visual Code, developers receive a free, open source development tool that can be used by any developer, in any language and on any device. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2021
NetBeans vs. Eclipse: 5 key comparison points for these IDEs
When implementing IDEs into an application architecture, Eclipse and NetBeans are often top contenders. But is one of these IDEs really better than the other? Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2021
The main types of database testing explained
Most software testers know about ACID for database testing. But the importance of databases means software teams should perform functional and nonfunctional testing in addition to verifying ACID adherence. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2021
How to plan unit test coverage
Explore what an effective unit testing strategy looks like, whether it's wise to aim for a certain percentage of test coverage and how much unit testing is enough. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2021
4 reasons Dart is still a language worth learning
Despite a perception that it is dead, there are a few reasons Dart is still a language worth learning. We explore a few reasons why it may not be as obsolete as some think. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2021
Survey: Open source skills more valued than proprietary ones
In the hybrid cloud world, developers with open source skills are more likely to be hired by enterprises than developers skilled in proprietary technologies. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Feb 2021
How ALM differs from SDLC
ALM and SDLC both cover much of the same ground, such as development, testing and deployment. Where these lifecycle concepts differ is the scope of what they include. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2021
Guide to building an enterprise API strategy
In today's digital world, businesses increasingly rely on APIs to deliver data and services. Follow this comprehensive guide to build a successful enterprise API strategy. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2021
Open Group turns focus to TOGAF, Agile architecture guidance
The Open Group's Steve Nunn discusses upcoming work to improve its Open Agile Architecture standard and TOGAF guides as well as COVID-19's impact on enterprise architecture. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2021
Google launches Apigee X API management tool
Google's new Apigee X API management system helps users develop and manage their API strategies and enjoy more security, performance, networking and app-dev capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2021
How to performance test big data applications
When it comes to testing big data applications, there's a lot to consider and potentially be overwhelmed by. Here's how testers can keep their heads above water. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2021
The basics of monitoring and observability in microservices
We examine how monitoring and observability help development teams keep a distributed architecture from coming unraveled by individual failures and performance bottlenecks. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2021
Kite launches enterprise-grade code completion tool
Kite's new enterprise version of its code completion tool, Kite Team Server, targets larger development teams to help them write code faster by automating repetitive tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2021
App dev focuses on low-code, Kubernetes development in 2021
Software developers in 2021 must adapt to the growth of low-code/no-code and Kubernetes development tools as more citizen developers begin to build applications for the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Feb 2021
Microservices design patterns and tools to watch in 2021
Building upon years of momentum, architects are well in the swing of transitioning from the monolith to microservices. Here are three of the top trends they'll face in 2021. Continue Reading
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Video
29 Jan 2021
Explore low-code features, examples in this Power Apps tutorial
Microsoft Power Apps is a capable low-code platform. This tutorial shows how it can be used to build software from scratch as well as from Excel files. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jan 2021
Top 3 application performance testing objectives and goals
Let's explore the importance of result analysis, the right measurements and test design for application performance testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2021
A guide to testing in DevOps and key strategies, practices
Here's why testers and testing are such big parts of DevOps, and some ways to further incorporate testing for better software application development. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2021
Make the right assertions in iOS unit tests for proper dev
Unit tests play an integral role in mobile app development. Here's an excerpt from 'iOS Unit Testing by Example' about why fast feedback and control can help testers. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
AWS Dev Hour focuses on cloud-native app building
Amazon is set to launch a new training program on its Twitch service called AWS Dev Hour: Building Modern Applications. The series targets developers building cloud-native apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2021
API testing checklist and best practices
Proper API testing isn't just determining if an endpoint is functional. Follow these steps to identify your organization's important APIs, which tests to run, and which tools to use. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2021
5 tips for stronger development team management
Being a competent manager and leading a successful software development team isn't as easy as it looks. Explore the skills, tools and best practices that can strengthen your current workforce. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2021
Docker taps JFrog Artifactory for developer partnership
A new partnership helps developers access Docker Hub through JFrog Artifactory to simplify how DevOps teams work together. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jan 2021
IBM tackles racial justice in Call for Code hackathon
IBM has issued a Call for Code for applications that help promote racial justice in an attempt to combat systemic racism. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2021
The differences between SVN and Git that matter
Not sure how to pick between Git and SVN for your versioning needs? We break down the key differences between these tools, including their most potent benefits and drawbacks. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2021
Microsoft: 2021 tools must support 'remote-first' developers
Microsoft has labeled developers the 'digital first responders' in the enterprise and is telling coders to prepare for application development oriented around remote work. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2021
Mendix brings its low-code application platform to China
China beckons and Mendix answers the call to bring its low-code application development system to meet the digital transformation needs of Chinese developers. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2021
Analysts mixed on future growth of MLOps, AutoML tools
Demand for MLOps and AutoML tools is on the upswing, and the machine learning market will undergo an increase in consolidation, analysts say. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2021
Checklist for mobile app testing: 15 gaps to look for
Makers of iOS and Android apps chronically fail to test these 15 aspects of mobile apps. But to release quality mobile software, development teams must start testing -- here's how. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2021
Oracle offers APEX low-code dev platform as managed service
Oracle has released its APEX low-code development platform as a managed service, touting it as a high-functioning, lower-cost alternative to other low-code tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jan 2021
Examining the low-code market's race for citizen developers
Low-code and no-code vendors are fighting viciously for the favor of citizen developers. Examine the reasons for this trend and the market moves that reveal these vendors' motives. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2021
Internal launches no-code app dev platform for enterprises
Internal, a San Francisco startup, has delivered an enterprise-focused, no-code app dev platform that will compete with the likes of Google's AppSheet. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jan 2021
How to elicit performance requirements
Eliciting performance requirements from business end users necessitates a clearly defined scope and the right set of questions. Expert Mary Gorman explains how to effectively gather information. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jan 2021
Waterfall or Agile? Predictive vs. adaptive SDLC explained
Waterfall and Agile epitomize the differences between predictive and adaptive SDLCs. Here are some considerations that a dev team should know before it chooses a methodology. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2021
BPM vs. BPA: The differences in strategy and tooling
The differences between BPM and BPA come down to process complexity, an organization's proficiency with software code and how quickly the business must see ROI. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2020
Enterprise application trends that will impact 2021
The past year evoked a wave of new software needs, especially in the wake of COVID-19 and increased needs for availability. Here are some 2020 trends that will take shape in 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Dec 2020
Top 10 software development and test tips of 2020
What can you do better in 2021? Adopt different test tools, automate more processes, run a more productive dev team? Follow this advice from various experts to make it all happen. Continue Reading
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News
24 Dec 2020
Enterprise architecture tools could be acquisition targets
Avolution, Bizzdesign, Mega and Software AG tools lead the Gartner Magic Quadrant on enterprise architecture, but analysts see big players in neighboring markets joining the fray. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2020
COVID-19 drives, informs low-code/no-code movement
Low-code/no-code application development platforms got a boost from the COVID-19 pandemic. Going forward, enterprises must focus on scalability and integration. Continue Reading
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Podcast
23 Dec 2020
DevOps news and trends to watch in 2021
Join veteran IT journalists in a conversation about the top development, DevOps, low-code and CI/CD news in 2020, and where these trends will take us in 2021. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2020
The 4 rules of a microservices defense-in-depth strategy
Learn the four must-follow rules when introducing defense-in-depth to a distributed microservices architecture, especially when services traverse numerous networks and apps. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Dec 2020
How to use Agile swarming techniques to get features done
Agile teams can produce a viable product in no time when they swarm, but this all-hands approach to produce a user story or feature isn't easy. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2020
Report testing checklist: Perform QA on data analysis reports
To incorporate data analysis features into software, fully test the reports they generate. Use this checklist to cover these reports' requirements, the test environment, APIs and test data. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2020
Two simple ways to create custom APIs in Azure
Learn how to create custom APIs in Azure through both Azure Portal and Visual Studio Code, and review some post-deployment best practices that add value and security to those APIs. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2020
GitHub Universe announcements hint at a bigger plan
Stronger automation and new corporate partnerships with open source developers are major additions to GitHub's strategy announced at the GitHub Universe virtual event. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2020
The CAP theorem, and how it applies to microservices
Learn the fundamentals of the CAP theorem, how it comes into play with microservices and what it means for your distributed architecture design choices. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2020
Inside 5 types of test doubles
Spies, fakes and other nefarious-sounding test objects are actually beneficial to development teams. Learn about the five primary types of test doubles and when to use them. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2020
Objective-C vs. Swift: The war for iOS development supremacy
While Objective-C still holds the crown, Swift is quickly mobilizing to rule iOS development. Let's examine and compare the most compelling features of each language. Continue Reading