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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Tip
15 Jul 2025
Acceptance criteria vs. definition of done: What's the difference?
Software teams must understand the important distinction between acceptance criteria and definition of done and how to use them together to deliver a finished product. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2025
Spring, Quarkus or Jakarta EE? How to choose a Java framework
Choosing a Java framework is not about which one is best, it's about accepting their tradeoffs of stability, flexibility and complexity. Here's how to evaluate each vs. your needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jul 2025
What is a natural user interface (NUI)?
A natural user interface (NUI) is an interface that's designed to feel as natural as possible to users as they interact with a computing system or application. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2025
10 refactoring best practices: When and how to refactor code
Developers only have so much time available. Here's how to prioritize code refactoring to get the most value from the amount of effort expended. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2025
What are beans in Java and Spring?
In 1996, Sun Microsystems introduced its JavaBeans application programming interface for writing a Java component. Continuing with its coffee analogy, Sun called that component a bean. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2025
8 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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Definition
18 Jun 2025
What is SAP BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface)?
SAP BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface) is a special type of application programming interface (API) that allows third-party software applications to interact with SAP systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2025
The case against vibe coding
Is vibe coding a bad idea for enterprises? AI can produce results faster than manual coding, but its benefits eventually unravel due to hidden costs and complexities. Here's why. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2025
Refactor vs. rewrite: Deciding how to fix 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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Video
06 Jun 2025
Spring Boot auto-configuration
Ever wondered how Spring Boot knows how to automatically configure a MySQL database or Kafka queues? This quick tutorial on the @AutoConfiguration annotation explains how it works. Continue Reading
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Video
02 Jun 2025
Spring Boot logging tutorial
Still using System.out.println? Discover the right way to handle logging in Spring Boot with SLF4J, profiles and pro tips you'll wish you knew earlier. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 May 2025
An introduction to LLM tokenization
Users interact with LLMs through natural language prompts, but under the hood these AI models are based on LLM tokenization. Expand your AI knowledge and skills with this tutorial. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 May 2025
Why use Rust? Explore the benefits of Rust development
Rust continues a meteoric rise in popularity following a 2024 White House endorsement. But what are the benefits of Rust that make it such an alluring choice? Continue Reading
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Video
29 May 2025
Spring XML configuration
Want to consolidate your Spring configuration into a single file, and avoid 'annotation overload?' An XML-based Spring configuration might be the answer. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2025
11 tools that facilitate developer productivity
Development teams have a better experience when they use tools that integrate well together and facilitate collaboration. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2025
Comparing low-code vs. traditional development
The lines between low-code and traditional development aren't always clear. Compare the pros and cons of each approach to judge which makes sense for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2025
6 essential refactoring techniques to know
Refactoring helps optimize the codebase and combat technical debt. Use these six code refactoring techniques to improve code structure, maintainability and overall quality. Continue Reading
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Video
28 May 2025
Spring Boot, Model Context Protocol tutorial in Java
Model Context Protocol is the most innovative LLM integration technology to date. Here's how to create Java-based, Spring Boot MCP components for ChatGPT and Cursor AI. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2025
What is an object in programming?
In object-oriented programming (OOP), an object is a reusable unit of code that can perform certain actions and interact with other objects in a program. Continue Reading
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Video
21 May 2025
The Scrum framework or Agile software development?
How do you choose between Agile and Scrum? You don't. Here's why. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2025
Agile vs. Scrum: What's the difference?
Don't fret about the differences between Agile and Scrum? It's actually their similarities that make them interesting. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2025
What is YAGNI principle (you aren't gonna need it)?
YAGNI principle ('you aren't gonna need it') is a practice in software development that states that features should only be added when required.. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 May 2025
Learn how to use concurrency in Go with this tutorial
The Go language is designed for simplicity, including its approach to concurrency. In this tutorial, learn to perform multiple tasks using goroutines, channels and synchronization. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 May 2025
Verification vs. validation in software testing
Verification and validation are at the heart of all software testing efforts. Together, they check that software fulfills both user expectations and technical requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2025
Iterative vs. incremental development: What's the difference?
Iterative and incremental development refine software differently: one focuses on early feedback, one on complete components. Together, they balance flexibility and stability. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 May 2025
18 ways to improve developer productivity
One of the most important factors of dev productivity is a good developer experience. Give developers a productivity boost with these concrete strategies. Continue Reading
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Video
05 May 2025
Learn JavaFX tutorial
Did you think desktop development in Java was dead? Hardly. This JavaFX crash course explains the basics and walks through an example of modern Java desktop GUI development. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2025
The rubber duck method of debugging explained
Ever feel like a quack when trying to debug software? When you're stuck, sometimes it just helps to hear yourself talk -- even if you're just talking to a rubber duck. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Apr 2025
End users can code with AI, but IT must be wary
The scale and speed of generative AI coding -- known as vibe coding -- are powerful, but users might be misapplying this technology to create efficiency and security problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2025
The state and future of Java desktop application development
In today's world of web application development and SaaS, what does the future hold for Java desktop applications? It's brighter than you might think. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
Agile vs. Waterfall: What's the difference?
Is change good or bad? The manner in which you embrace change might influence whether you prefer Waterfall or Agile methodologies. Here we compare the two approaches. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
10 cloud programming languages developers need to know
Cloud programming languages are not one-size-fits-all. Learn about the top cloud programming languages, and use our expert criteria to choose the best language for your workloads. Continue Reading
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Video
16 Apr 2025
Agile software development or the Waterfall framework?
Ever wonder if you've chosen the right software development strategy? Here we explain when Waterfall is right, and when an Agile approach makes more sense. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Apr 2025
What is a data type?
In software programming, a data type refers to the type of value a variable has and what type of mathematical, relational or logical operations can be applied on it without causing an error. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2025
4 pseudocode examples: Python, Java, JavaScript and C++
Successful pseudocode conversion goes beyond simply making the code work. It's about creating implementations that respect each language's conventions. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Apr 2025
Asynchronous programming in Python tutorial
Asynchronous programming in Python improves efficiency for I/O-bound applications, but it's not a performance cure-all. Here's how async in Python works and when to use it. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2025
What is a compiler?
A compiler is a special program that translates a programming language's source code into machine code, bytecode or another programming language. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Apr 2025
How to use GitHub Copilot tutorial
Want to quickly learn how to develop advanced applications without writing a line of code? This GitHub Copilot tutorial shows how to start with the popular AI coding assistant. Continue Reading
- Opinion 07 Apr 2025
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Feature
03 Apr 2025
Low code vs. BPM: Differences and similarities
Low-code development and business process management help digitize and optimize business operations. Learn how each works and how together they enable digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Apr 2025
What is regression testing?
Regression testing is a type of software test that assesses if changes to an application, or other related software components, introduce defects. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Apr 2025
What is synthetic monitoring?
Synthetic monitoring is a proactive monitoring approach that uses scripted simulations of user interactions to assess the performance and availability of websites, applications and services. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Mar 2025
What is a script?
In computer programming, a script is a program or sequence of instructions that another program interprets or carries rather than the computer processor doing it (as with a compiled program). Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
How to write pseudocode: A guided tutorial
Writing pseudocode might feel like an extra step, but its value becomes clear in complex projects. Focus on the logic without getting tangled in language-specific syntax. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
The benefits and limitations of headless browser testing
Headless browsers offer efficient web UI testing but lack the visual debugging capabilities of traditional browsers, making assessing the app's state upon test failure challenging. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2025
What is the strangler fig pattern, and how does it work?
Imagine owning a motorcycle that needs fixing up. Instead of disassembling it and spending months rebuilding, what-if you replaced one part at a time so you could keep using it? Continue Reading
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Video
21 Mar 2025
Introduction to JavaFX tutorial for beginners
Did you think desktop development in Java was dead? Far from it. Here's how JavaFX has brought desktop programming in Java back to life. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2025
Understanding code smells and how refactoring can help
It works, but does it pass the sniff test? Code smells can be the canary in the coal mine for poor coding, which calls for refactoring. Explore how to identify and deodorize code smells. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2025
Key considerations for data-intensive architectures
A shift toward data-driven decision-making amplifies the need for scalable systems that deliver real-time business insights supported by quality data. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2025
5 fundamental strategies for REST API authentication
Implementing an effective REST API authentication strategy can help protect users and their data while maintaining a seamless data exchange across boundaries. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Mar 2025
Story points and hours of effort in Scrum
Story points and hours help Agile teams calculate the amount of work and time estimated to complete tasks. Here's how these systems are different. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2025
Partner's Apple Watch referee app lets NHL stripes keep focus
Presidio designed the NHL Watch Comms App to sync with a hockey arena's game and penalty clocks and use haptic notifications to help officials keep their eyes on the game. Continue Reading
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Video
14 Mar 2025
Camel case vs. pascal case vs. snake case vs. kebab case
Want to know the differences between common code naming conventions like camel case, pascal case, snake case and kebab case? This quick tutorial has all the answers. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2025
Java's naming conventions
Ever wonder what the difference is between snake case and camel case, and what are the rules to use them? Here's how to properly apply common naming conventions in Java. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2025
Implementing webhooks: Benefits and best practices
Webhooks are a simple technology, so make the implementation strategy simple, too. Start by designing an intuitive workflow that plans for the unexpected and prioritizes security. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2025
Use the 7 Rs to develop an app modernization strategy
Application modernization can be the bane or boon of app development. Learn how to use the seven Rs to create an effective development strategy for your business's applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2025
What is a proxy server? Definition and use cases
A proxy server is an intermediary between a user and the internet. It's a dedicated computer or software-driven service that acts as an intermediary or gateway between an endpoint or client device, such as a computer, and a server on the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2025
Top 5 Agile estimation techniques
Stakeholders want development teams to stick to rigid timelines, which doesn't align with Agile development. These five Agile estimation techniques can help bridge the divide. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2025
Difference between a statement vs. expression in programming
The decision between statement-centric and expression-oriented languages can influence an individual's programming style and the code's length, complexity and security. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2025
Best practices for writing clean code comments
Well-written code comments are a great tool to explain code intent. Use these tips to ensure your comments are adding value to source code, not cluttering it up. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2025
How to fix software bugs: Guide and best practices
'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' -- Benjamin Franklin, 1736. The original quote pertained to fire safety, but it still applies to software bug prevention today. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2025
The basics of working with pseudocode
Writing pseudocode is a great way to practice problem-solving skills, a crucial aspect in programming. It helps developers conceptualize and communicate their ideas. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Feb 2025
What is continuous deployment (CD)?
Continuous deployment (CD) is a strategy for software development and releases in which every code change is automatically run through a pipeline of tests and inspections before being pushed into production. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Feb 2025
Why use JavaFX in 2025?
As a modern GUI framework, JavaFX is alive and kicking with a very broad community and many active projects. Here are some resources to deepen your knowledge and spark inspiration. Continue Reading
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Video
20 Feb 2025
How to use the Spring Boot application.properties file
Need to externalize database configuration? Want to customize how Spring autoconfiguration works? The key to it all is Spring's application.properties file. Here's how to use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2025
How do you plan an iteration in Agile software development?
Iterative planning in Agile helps teams to plan and adapt, collaborate, gather feedback and deliver to customers. Follow these tips to keep product development efforts on track. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Feb 2025
What is open source and how does it work?
The term 'open source' refers to any program whose source code is made available for use or modification as users or other developers see fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2025
The 5 essential HTTP methods in RESTful API development
While HTTP methods aren't inherently complex, developers still need to understand the core RESTful API HTTP methods and why they matter. Continue Reading
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Video
18 Feb 2025
Run Llama LLMs on your laptop with Hugging Face and Python
How hard is it to run a large language model within a Python program? With a little help from PyTorch and the Hugging Face API, it's not hard at all. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2025
Optimize code using binary notation
Code optimization can be more creative than compilers and instruction-level parallelism. Here are specific ways to optimize code using hardware resources with high-level languages. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Feb 2025
How to install Visual Studio Code for Java
What's your favorite IDE? Most Java developers say Eclipse or IntelliJ, but TypeScript and Python devs often say VS Code. Maybe it's time to give Visual Studio Code for Java a try? Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2025
How to set JAVA_HOME in Windows
How do programs that need Java find it on your operating system? They search for JAVA_HOME. Here's how to set it up on your Windows machine. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2025
What is ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)?
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is the most common character encoding format for text data in computers and on the internet. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Jan 2025
JavaScript, React and object-oriented programming
This tutorial ties together JavaScript, React and object-oriented programming to show developers how to use the React framework's powerful and flexible features and functions. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2025
A guide to software design documentation and specifications
Software design documents still rank as important SDLC components -- even in the age of DevOps. Learn why they are important, how to write one and who should contribute. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2025
Top 9 smart contract platforms to consider in 2025
Platform speed, scalability, security and smart contract development support vary widely. Here's how to match features to your needs plus the lowdown on the major players. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2025
11 key Agile metrics to ensure effective measurement
Agile metrics are crucial to help software development teams track speed, efficiency and quality. Here are some important ones, and how to combine them for best results. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Jan 2025
Install Maven on Windows
Want to get started with Maven? This step-by-step guide shows you how to install Apache Maven and build your first Java application. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2025
The pros and cons of using generative AI for API testing
GenAI has the potential to reduce the API testing effort and improve the coverage and quality of testing. But finding the right patterns and workflows is critical to performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2025
What is lazy loading?
Lazy loading is a design pattern in web development that only loads necessary code components immediately, deferring nonessential components. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2025
Harnessing space-based architecture for high performance
Space-based architecture offers the modularity of a distributed microservices architecture but with submillisecond data access times. Unsurprisingly, it comes with tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Jan 2025
Install Eclipse on Ubuntu
Installing Eclipse on Ubuntu has never been easier, and the latest version of Eclipse has never been better. Here's how to get started with these two popular open source tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2025
34 must-know Agile terms
Agile is the cornerstone of countless development efforts today. Use this definitive glossary as a quick reference for Agile terminology and concepts. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2025
Swing vs. JavaFX: Compare Java GUI frameworks
Swing has been used with Java GUIs since 1998, but there are good reasons to adopt JavaFX instead. Here's how to know which to choose for your next Java project. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Jan 2025
Install Java's JDK on Ubuntu
It's incredibly easy to install Java 21 on the latest version of Ubuntu. A single command will do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2025
Reverse proxy vs. load balancer: How do they compare?
If reverse proxies were plantains, load balancers would be bananas. Despite surface similarities, the two services work in different ways and support varying use cases. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Dec 2024
Level up with these 10 soft skills for software developers
Standing out in today's competitive market requires more than just exceptional technical skills. Review topical advice for building must-have soft skills for software developers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Dec 2024
Stubs vs. mocks in software testing
Running a software test and need to simulate a function or object? Here's how to choose between two common options, stubs vs. mocks, and ensure reliable and maintainable tests. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2024
Exploring cell-based architecture vs. microservices
Cell-based architecture takes fundamental concepts related to microservices and applies them across the entire software environment to make more fault-tolerant, scalable systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2024
A JavaScript functional programming basic tutorial
JavaScript's versatility makes it useful for webpages and web servers, but also functional programming. This tutorial shows how to implement JavaScript functional programming. Continue Reading
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Video
16 Dec 2024
Inversion of control vs. dependency injection
This video tutorial explains the relationship between dependency injection and inversion of control as well as how they underpin the Spring framework. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Dec 2024
Django vs. Flask: Comparing Python web frameworks
Django's batteries-included approach might be excessive for small projects. Flask is lightweight, but a lack of built-in tools can add to development time. Analyze the tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2024
Webhook security: Risks and best practices for mitigation
Webhook security is an ongoing process, with responsibility shared between providers and consumers to protect against threats and ensure a secure webhook ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Dec 2024
Maven and Eclipse tutorial
Maven is the Java industry's most popular Java build tool. Eclipse is the Java industry's most popular open source IDE. Here's how to combine the two. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2024
Why Agile estimation and planning never works
Modern application development can defy traditional project planning and delivery. Here's how to incorporate more flexibility into your Agile estimation and planning. Continue Reading
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Video
03 Dec 2024
Spring Boot, Hibernate, JPA and MySQL
Ever use ChatGPT to create a web-based front end for a RESTful Spring Boot back end? This fun video tutorial on Spring, Hibernate and JPA is your opportunity. Continue Reading
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Video
03 Dec 2024
How to install Python on Windows
Want to jump into the world of AI, ML and data science? Your first step is to install Python and get familiar with the Python programming language. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2024
Webhook vs. API: Which mechanism is better?
Moving data in one direction? Choose a webhook. Need applications to communicate with each other? Use an API. But first, compare both methods in function, cost, security and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2024
What's next for APIs? 4 API trends for 2025 and beyond
As businesses navigate tightening budgets and resources, the API marketplace will continue to play a vital role in integrating services, applications and cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2024
Understanding the 7 principles of functional programming
Java and C++ ushered in object-oriented programming, but now Python and JavaScript popularize functional programming. These seven principles of functional programming explain why. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2024
Agile estimation: Predicting the unpredictable
Agile teams' overreliance on estimates detracts from the overall goal to deliver value to the customer. Avoid these agile estimation pitfalls in your software development efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2024
13 application performance metrics and how to measure them
You've deployed your application, now what? Keep your application performing well by tracking metrics. Take a look at these 13 critical KPIs. Continue Reading