Application developer tools
Developer teams face new challenges daily. To help them stay on top of performance issues, streamline development and make the most of new development paradigms, they need strong team structure and access to the right technology. Explore this section to learn about various application development tools, platforms, SDKs and techniques that optimize development team output.
Top Stories
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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
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
17 Jan 2023
Rust vs. Go: A microservices-based language face-off
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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Tip
10 Jan 2023
What are the types of APIs and their differences?
Enterprises increasingly rely on APIs to interact with customers and partners. It all starts with knowing which type of API is right for your needs. 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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Tip
08 Dec 2022
A primer on core development team structure concepts
To establish the right development team size, managers must look at each member's responsibilities and communication paths, as well as know when to split teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2022
10 training courses to prep for microservices certification
While it's not necessarily easy to become certified in microservices architecture, there are plenty of courses you can take to prep for certification exams like the S90.MSA. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2022
Signs of a Golden Hammer antipattern, and 5 ways to avoid it
The Golden Hammer antipattern can sneak up on a development team, but there are ways to spot it. Learn the signs, as well as some direct steps a team can take to avoid it. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2022
Why contract testing can be essential for microservices
Developers face numerous struggles trying to perform traditional, end-to-end integration testing on microservices. Contract testing presents a potential alternative. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Oct 2022
The advancing role of data-centric developers
More than ever, increases in data-centric developer reliance, data sources and users push developers to understand IT purchasing to provide more value to data. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2022
12 API security best practices to protect your business
As with any software development cycle, API security must be built in from the start. Follow these guidelines to design, deploy and protect your APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2022
The basics, benefits and risks of cell-based architecture
Developers who work with microservices may find the concept familiar, but cell-based architecture takes its own spin on modularity to address large-scale system failover issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2022
A breakdown of new features in Micronaut 3
Micronaut 3.0's updates to annotation changes bean management and injections may intrigue developers working on coding paths and error handling for microservices. Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2022
5 reasons to prioritize application modernization
Application modernization should be at the top of an enterprise's to-do list for five reasons, including security concerns, staffing shortages and competitive differentiation. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2022
3 common CQRS pattern problems, and how teams can avoid them
While CQRS can provide a lot of value when it comes to structuring an event-driven architecture, improper practices can cause this pattern to be more of a burden than a blessing. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
Why API naming conventions matter, and how to master the art
Naming APIs can be a daunting process, since it requires a balance between simplicity and clarity. JJ Geewax, author of 'API Design Patterns,' has some advice for developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jul 2022
10 application performance metrics and how to measure them
You've deployed your application, now what? To keep your application performing well, you need to track various metrics. Take a look at these ten critical KPIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2022
Top 12 application performance monitoring tools
Discover the basic capabilities to evaluate when choosing an APM tool, and then review a list of APM vendors to help you get started with your selection process. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2022
Front-end build tool Vite.js speeds up development
JavaScript development server and bundler Vite.js brings multiple enhancements with the release of Vite 3.0. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2022
A quick glance at the history of C programming languages
Since C hit the scene in 1972, the language has continuously evolved to stay relevant in modern development. We examine C's history and why it's still relevant. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2022
APM vs. observability: Key differences explained
If you're debating the use of application performance monitoring and observability to gather system data and improve the user experience, we break down the approaches. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jul 2022
5 benefits of APM for businesses
An APM platform monitors a company's application infrastructure, hence helping to optimize app performance, improve end-user experience and even ensure proper SLA compliance. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2022
Using AI and machine learning for APM
Discover how organizations can streamline operations and improve operational analytics by using AI and machine learning in their application performance monitoring environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2022
A 7-point language comparison of Ballerina vs. Golang
This comparison takes a look at both Ballerina and Golang, including their support for high-level programming, libraries, built-in management features and community support. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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Tip
08 Jun 2022
9 steps to implement in an observability strategy
As distributed software systems grow in scale and complexity, things like monitoring and debugging can become a tangled mess. Here are nine ways to bolster your observability plan. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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Tip
23 May 2022
5 fundamental strategies for REST API authentication
There are various authentication methods for REST APIs, ranging from basic credentials and token encryption to complex, multilayered access control and permissions validation. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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Tip
15 Oct 2021
Functional vs. object-oriented programming: The basics
Choosing between functional programming vs. object-oriented programming isn't easy, but there are plenty of key factors that may help make the decision easier. 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
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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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
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
18 Aug 2021
Synchronous vs. asynchronous communications: The differences
Synchronous execution requires parties or components to work simultaneously in real time, while asynchronous communications don't need anyone to wait around for a reply. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2021
An A-to-Z guide to a microservices architecture transition
This comprehensive guide to microservices explains everything: comparisons to monolithic architectures, the role of APIs and containers, and design and deployment best practices. 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
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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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
22 Jul 2021
An intro to the 5 SOLID principles of object-oriented design
In this primer on SOLID, we'll examine the five principles it embodies, the practices they encourage and the reasons these concepts matter. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jul 2021
The 5 essential HTTP methods in RESTful API development
Review these five common RESTful API HTTP methods that developers need to know. Use this guide to understand the differences and uses for each of the methods. 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
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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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
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
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
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
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
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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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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Tip
06 May 2021
Frameworks, libraries and languages for machine learning
While some developers may find the complex algorithms and processes intimidating, these frameworks, libraries and languages for machine learning can help get you started. 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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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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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
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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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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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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Tip
13 Apr 2021
5 dead programming languages we should never forget
These five programming languages may fade into obscurity over the next decade, but the profound influence they've had on modern development should not be forgotten. 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
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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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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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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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