Application development and design
As software demands become more prevalent and complex, application development and design continues to experience a wave of changes in terms of tooling and practices. Learn about the latest in this field, including breakdowns of both established and emerging languages, as well as the key practices required for successful development efforts.
Top Stories
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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
22 Sep 2022
Sisense adds trio of new embedded analytics capabilities
A new integration with Git, a multi-tenant environment and enhancements to the Extense Framework are designed to further the embedded BI capabilities of the vendor's platform. 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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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
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
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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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
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
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
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
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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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
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
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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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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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
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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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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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
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
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
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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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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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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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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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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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
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News
25 Nov 2020
New Agile 2 development aims to plug gaps, complement DevOps
The new Agile 2 initiative aims to address problems with the original Agile Manifesto and give greater voice to developers who are disenfranchised in existing Agile environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2020
Navigating the evolving BPA tools market
The BPA market tool landscape is still maturing, but organizations should prepare themselves to adopt it. Review the basics of BPA and learn how to start building your automation strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2020
4 mobile app security threats all developers must face
Mobile apps carry their own set of code-based vulnerabilities and entry points, meaning developers need to step up their secure development, coding and deployment practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2020
9 tried-and-true open source frameworks for development
No matter which type of application you are developing or what your priorities are, there is likely an open source framework that caters to your needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Nov 2020
How to create an effective software architecture roadmap
For large-scale initiatives that span the enterprise, a well-planned software architecture roadmap allows development teams to navigate projects safely and efficiently. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2020
Django vs. Node.js: Pick the right web development framework
Understanding the differences between Django and Node.js comes down to understanding their data capabilities and the programming languages that make up each one's history. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2020
The non-tech skills of software development project managers
Teams are key to the success of any enterprise software project, but development teams don't run themselves. Managers need the right skills to keep their employees on track. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2020
How to start managing software development teams like a pro
Team performance is vital to a software project's success. Avoid these common management challenges and learn about the key metrics that help monitor your team's effectiveness. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2020
MVC vs. MVVM: 2 architecture patterns for modularity
Both the MVC and MVVM design patterns separate front-end and back-end application components, but each one has unique methods of interface manipulation and abstraction. Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2020
Mendix looks to change the low-code landscape
At Mendix World, low-code app dev platform provider Mendix laid out plans to build up its ecosystem of third-party low-code tools in hopes of broadening its appeal to developers. Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2020
Microsoft, VMware make Azure Spring Cloud GA
Azure Spring Cloud has reached general availability as a service that enables Spring Boot developers to build and run Java apps on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2020
A breakdown of object-oriented programming concepts
Object-oriented programming has set a dominant example of proper data management for complex software and web apps. Learn about the basics of this approach and its role in Java. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Aug 2020
The top software developer skills, tools and certifications
Now tasked with managing complex enterprise software systems, the depth of skills and breadth of knowledge needed by developers has never been more profound. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2020
A developer guide to software localization
Software has become as multilingual and multicultural as the world itself. Localizing your code can keep your company from a potentially disastrous cultural blunder. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2020
Explore 10 popular open source development tools
Whether you're writing, managing, building or deploying source code, there is an open source development tool to help do the job. Check out these quick tool intros to get you started. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Aug 2020
10 of the best programming languages to learn in 2020
Different jobs call for different programming languages, and the wrong choice could cause your project to fail. Add these tools to your must-learn list so you are prepared for any assignment. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2020
Deloitte, Unqork team up to bring no-code to the enterprise
Deloitte has partnered with no-code development platform provider Unqork to help enterprise customers that are undergoing digital transformations and app modernizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2020
A comparison of 6 top programming languages
Choosing the right programming language can be tough. We place six popular languages head to head: Python vs. Ruby, Kotlin vs. Swift and Erlang vs. Elixir. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jul 2020
If software architects' soft skills fail, so does the business
Mark Richards and Neal Ford, authors of 'Fundamentals of Software Architecture,' share real-life examples of why architects must communicate well, and explain how to do it. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2020
Key strategies to help migrate to microservices
Microservices adoption is no easy feat. In addition to the technical process of transitioning from a monolith, enterprises must also look at team structure and common migration mistakes. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2020
Why COBOL modernization matters, and how devs can react
With COBOL expertise in high demand and low supply, it may be time for devs to think about how much they really know about this language. We explore why COBOL skills still matter. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2020
What is the strangler pattern and how does it work?
The strangler pattern allows software teams to retire legacy systems incrementally and avoid the pitfalls of major rewrites. We examine this pattern and detail the steps involved. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2020
Amazon uses spreadsheet interface for Honeycode no-code tool
Amazon Web Services has delivered a new no-code tool called Honeycode. It is a fully managed service with a spreadsheet user interface for non-programmers to create apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2020
4 best practices for creating architecture decision records
An ADR is only as good as the record quality. Follow these best practices to establish a dependable ADR creation and maintenance process. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2020
The guide to landing an enterprise architect job
Interested in becoming an enterprise architect? This guide reviews the essential responsibilities of architects and how you can master the application process. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2020
How to start using a BDD framework
Why bother with behavior-driven development? Learn how this Agile-focused development framework can help bolster application quality, and explore tooling that can help. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2020
DockerCon 2020 showcases tighter alliance with Microsoft
Docker has introduced an integration with Azure Container Instances that developers can use to run Docker commands in ACI and switch from desktop development to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 May 2020
Refactor vs. rewrite: Deciding what to do with problem software
At some point, all developers must decide whether to refactor code or rewrite it. Base this choice on factors such as architectural soundness, time, money and goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 May 2020
A review of top software architecture visualization tools
Developers need access to up-to-date software diagrams and documentation. Here are seven tools, from Visio to Mermaid, that provide visual models of code and design patterns. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2020
2020 conferences for software developers and architects
Fortunately, you can't lose your badge at a virtual conference. Check out our list of both online and in-person conferences, including DockerCon, API World and Microsoft Build. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2020
Kotlin vs. Swift: An open source programming language face-off
Take a look into what Kotlin and Swift have to offer in terms of cross-platform capabilities, library support and ease of use. Also, review their major strengths and limitations. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
29 Apr 2020
5 best practices for remote development teams
More developers than ever now work from home and must quickly adapt to remote life. Our experts explain how to proactively support the isolated members of your development team. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2020
Use tokens for microservices authentication and authorization
Independent and interoperable microservices require a permissions rethink, or you'll drive users crazy. Examine how tokens come into play for authentication and authorization. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
5 key software testability characteristics
How do you design the software components for comprehensive testing? Start with these fundamentals of software testability -- from mocks and stubs to infrastructure-as-code. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2020
14 top mobile app KPIs that advance development
No matter its purpose, a mobile application must meet expectations from users and corporate stakeholders. Here are 14 mobile app KPIs that you need to know. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2020
What is the difference between Python and Ruby?
In this article, we explore the genesis of these two programming languages, notable characteristics and differences, and where each language might be headed. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2020
A concurrent programming faceoff: Erlang vs. Elixir
Do you want the strong data integrity of Erlang, or the flexibility of Elixir? We explore the pros and cons of each in this head-to-head language matchup. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2020
Consider these key microservices caching strategies
Data caching is a key part of ensuring microservices have easy access to the data they need. We review a few key caching strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2020
5 big microservices pitfalls to avoid during migration
Too many development teams make these failure-inducing mistakes during a switch to microservices. Learn where things go wrong, and the best ways to avoid problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2020
Rethinking change control in software engineering
The traditional method of application change control won't fly in a modern, DevOps environment. Here's how we can rethink the process in a time where rapid app development rules. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2020
A few fundamental microservices team structure strategies
A microservices architecture can be quite a culture shock to unprepared enterprises. Here's how you can prepare your team to make microservices part of development processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2020
The fundamental benefits of programming in Rust
Why does Rust continue to rise in popularity? We examine the features of this composable, cross-platform language that make it a valid competitor to C-based coding. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jan 2020
The 3 fundamentals of hybrid cloud architecture management
When an enterprise chooses hybrid cloud, it needs to ensure the application harmonizes between the two environments. Review these three tips on architecture, integration and APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2020
Advantages of monolithic architecture that prove it isn't dead
Don't rush to break up a monolith too quickly without considering what you might lose in the process. We examine why a monolithic architecture is sometimes the smarter choice. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2020
GraphQL vs. REST choice steers microservices development
GraphQL vs. REST: That is the question as teams tackle microservices architecture design, and at Pantheon, the choice came with both business boons and technical debt. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2020
How the .NET Core platform advances cloud-based app deployment
The capabilities of .NET Core keep developers interested. We break down the reasons why that's the case. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
31 Dec 2019
5 predictions for 2020 software architecture trends
The past decade brought big changes to app development and management. Now, our contributors predict what the biggest software architecture trends of 2020 will be. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2019
The benefits of Python are plenty, but it's not for everyone
Python boasts plenty of features that make it a go-to object-oriented language. But is it always the right choice? We take a look at what you should know about coding with Python. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2019
6 quick facts about a Java microservices architecture
Building microservices in Java may not be as simple as it seems. Here are six quick facts and tips that will help you with Java-based microservices development. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2019
Scala: Lightweight functional programming for Java
Scala provides a lightweight code option for Java development, but there could be a steep learning curve. Learn a little about Scala and if it's worth adopting. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2019
3 ways to implement a functional programming architecture
Functional programming, which came about as a highly theoretical, mathematical way to build software, has a place in APIs and other components of applications. Continue Reading
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Guide
17 Oct 2019
The vital guide to modern programming languages and their uses
Get to know programming languages that match modern development styles and architectures like mobile dev, serverless computing and microservices. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2019
The benefits -- and tradeoffs -- of a mobile SDK
A mobile SDK can do wonders for mobile app development. But how does it work, and what are the pitfalls to watch out for when you take this approach? Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2019
Tips to use for microservices in mobile app development
With mobile apps dominating enterprise customer interactions, developers must dig into microservices architectures, brush up on programming skills and decipher business requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2019
Elixir functional programming enables concurrency, fault tolerance
Developers can combine features of Erlang functional programming with a newer language, Elixir, which promises simplicity and fault-tolerant operations for distributed applications. Continue Reading