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
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
13 Apr 2018
Moving data from a monolith to microservices architecture
Monolithic apps may contain a wealth of data within them. Moving to microservices means you need a plan for storing, accessing and backing up in a microservice database. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2018
Implementing microservices architecture best practices
Addressing the performance issues of microservice architectures can be quite challenging. Yet, using the right tools or practices at the right time and place will give you a boost. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2018
IBM Microclimate platform speeds up microservices app dev
IBM's new microservices development platform is a comprehensive, cloud-native option for developers to build, test and deploy applications in the IBM Cloud Private environment. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Feb 2018
How can Chaos Monkey testing help with microservices?
Resilience testing isn't just for infrastructure. Architects can adopt this disaster recovery testing strategy to build more reliable microservice applications. Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Dec 2017
Test your IQ on microservices principles and strategies
Think you have a good handle on microservices and how to properly introduce them to your organization? Take a shot at this quiz to find out for yourself. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2017
Deciding between IaaS and PaaS for microservices
Implementing a microservices architecture requires a stable DevOps team. Whether the target environment is IaaS or PaaS, users must consider needs, costs and culture. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2017
Mobile app architecture is nothing without MBaaS
Many companies today are turning to MBaaS platforms that take the pain out of mobile app architecture by enabling microservices and making API management the center of the system. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2017
What's the difference between IaaS and PaaS to developers?
Before making a decision about IaaS vs. PaaS for development, organizations should know the major differences. Here we examine the differences between the two. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Aug 2017
In a microservices app, how many microservices are too many?
How many microservices are optimal for your microservices app? DevOps analyst Chris Tozzi explains how to use containers, codebase analysis and other tactics to decide. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2017
What is the future of container deployment?
Container deployment continues to evolve with the help of VM models, microservices and DevOps. Learn how the container architecture can impact your business goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2016
What alternatives to HTTP are there for microservices?
Using HTTP as the bus for traffic between microservices can create some unwanted impacts, including more TCP/IP overhead. Mark Betz goes over some useful alternatives to HTTP. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 May 2016
Beat hackers with a vulnerability assessment process
Get started on a vulnerability risk assessment process to prevent hacks on data, applications and more. Take these steps to identify vulnerabilities and improve risk management. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2015
Are microservices more like SOA or MVC architecture?
How new is the concept of microservices? Does it compare more closely with the principles of SOA or those of MVC architecture? Chris Riley examines this topic. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2015
Why should I use a build server?
Because apps can be built on a developer's local machine, some question the usefulness of a build server. However, Brad Irby points out that they provide some distinct advantages. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2015
What is the best pattern to use for data persistence?
When designing an application, developers must decide how to implement data persistence. Brad Irby explains which data persistence pattern to consider. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2015
What are some good suggestions for code refactoring tools?
Code refactoring tools are plentiful, so how do you choose the one that's right for you? Brad Irby explains what to look for when choosing a tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2015
Cache networks for better mobile application performance
Architects find they can improve mobile application performance by leveraging caching networks and new data synchronization protocols. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2014
How to address security risks posed by middleware tools
Middleware tools can present a huge vulnerability, enough to offset their benefits. However, with some simple steps you can protect yourself and your data. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2014
Web services vs. cloud services: Are they the same?
Learn how Web services and cloud services differ, and how working together impacts business efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2014
Where JMS 2.0 misses the mark
JMS 2.0 added significant ease-of-use and messaging features to the popular API. Bill Claybrook looks at what's new in JMS 2.0 and what's missing. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2014
Build your knowledge of UML diagrams
These six questions will help you build a better understanding of UML diagrams. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2013
Deciding why and when to use an integration framework
An integration framework is an important tool for managing the movement of data between applications and organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2013
Mobile development: The pros of HTML5, hybrid, native applications
Whether to make use of a hybrid, HTML5 or a native application depends on each specific situation. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2010
The impact of HTML5 on Web applications
HTML, the HyperText Markup Language, is an essential part of the Internet experience. HTML5 is one part of what WHATWG sees as essential to the future of Web applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Aug 2009
Is BASE a more scalable alternative to ACID transactions?
ACID is used to summarize the basic properties of a transaction in the database sense of the word, not the logical "business" transaction sense. On the other hand BASE is used to summarize the properties many large scale Web sites follow to relax or reduce the strict interpretation of ACID as implemented in most commercial database products. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2006
Bean
In its JavaBeans application program interface for writing a component, Sun Microsystems calls a component a "Bean" (thus continuing their coffee analogy). Continue Reading