Agile, DevOps and software development methodologies
Agile software development, and popular variations such as Scrum, underpin the work of many developers and testers. Regardless of the team or methodology you currently use, read expert advice on process, structure and skills for Lean, Agile, DevOps, Waterfall and more to make it work in your enterprise.
Top Stories
-
News
12 Sep 2024
Docker pricing changes hike mid-tier costs
Docker adds features but raises Pro and Team prices and adds consumption-based Docker Hub pricing for container image pulls and storage. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Aug 2024
QAOps vs. DevOps: Important differences
QAOps represents an extension of DevOps that can help enterprises mature their software QA practices. Learn how QAOps can help DevOps-driven organizations zero in on quality. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Jun 2023
Retail companies gain DORA metrics ROI from specialist tools
DORA metrics and other measures of engineering efficiency are popping up in add-ons to existing DevOps tools. But third-party vendors added more value for Puma and Sensormatic. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
20 Jun 2023
More Scrum master certification exam questions
To pass the Professional Scrum master exam, you need to know the tricks. These Scrum master exam questions will show you how to answer even the toughest questions on the test. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
20 Jun 2023
Scrum master certification exam questions and answers
Are you ready for the Scrum master certification exam? Test yourself on these 10 tough Scrum master exam questions and answers. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
20 Jun 2023
More Scrum product owner certification exam questions
Want to get Scrum product owner-certified? These tough practice exam questions test your ability to apply the Scrum framework in the capacity of a Professional Scrum Product Owner. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
20 Jun 2023
Scrum product owner certification exam questions and answers
Here are 10 tough sample Scrum product owner exam questions and answers to help gauge your readiness for the certification test. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Jun 2023
App development trends and their security implications
Enterprise Strategy Group analysts look at how organizations are modernizing software development processes and how security teams can support the growth and scale. Continue Reading
-
Definition
13 Jun 2023
iterative development
Iterative development is a way of breaking down the software development lifecycle (SDLC) of a large application into smaller chunks. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Jun 2023
OKRs vs. SMART goals in software development
OKRs and SMART are two goal-setting approaches. Knowing their differences and how to implement each is essential to steer your business objectives in a clear direction. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Jun 2023
Atlassian cloud preps threat tool as security boss departs
Atlassian Beacon shores up cloud security as it adds transparency around security issues, but the chief trust officer role at the company is also changing hands. Continue Reading
-
Definition
02 Jun 2023
automated testing
Automated testing is a software testing technique that automates the process of validating the functionality of software and ensures it meets requirements before being released into production. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 May 2023
5 Scrum servant leader examples
The term 'servant leader' was removed from the 2020 Scrum Guide, but that doesn't mean it's not important. Here are five examples of a Scrum master as a servant leader. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 May 2023
Scrum vs. Waterfall: What's the difference?
Most organizations choose between Waterfall and Agile methodologies, which often means comparing Scrum vs. Waterfall. Here are the differences and some guidance on how to choose. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Apr 2023
Amid supply chain attacks, emerging vendor rethinks SBOM
Early adopters such as Swisscom have used startup Codenotary’s notarization system to establish and track the provenance of software artifacts in pipelines and production. Continue Reading
-
Definition
27 Apr 2023
SQL injection (SQLi)
A SQL injection (SQLi) is a technique that attackers use to gain unauthorized access to a web application database by adding a string of malicious code to a database query. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2023
Slack releases updated API platform for developers
The instant messaging collaboration vendor released its updated API platform for developers to create functions that interact with APIs. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Apr 2023
Atlassian demos ChatGPT tie-ins for Confluence, Jira Cloud
Atlassian teased early previews of cloud platform AI that supports natural language queries and automated links between Jira, Confluence and third-party products. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Apr 2023
open core model (open core software)
The open core model is an approach to software development that combines attributes of both the open source and closed source models. Continue Reading
-
Answer
13 Apr 2023
How to write a business requirements document in Agile
An Agile software team shouldn't rely on rigid processes or a control board to get the job done, but it still needs to make business requirements a central focus. Enter the BRD. Continue Reading
-
Definition
06 Apr 2023
Agile Manifesto
The Agile Manifesto is a document that identifies four key values and 12 principles that its authors believe software developers should use to guide their work. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Apr 2023
Securing remote access grows crucial for DevSecOps
Between remote work and hybrid cloud lies a menacing security gap that experts warn more and more businesses will fall into without a cohesive approach. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Apr 2023
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management framework based on the belief that an organization can build long-term success by having all its members -- from low-level workers to its highest-ranking executives -- focus on improving quality and, thus, delivering customer satisfaction. Continue Reading
-
Definition
31 Mar 2023
sequence diagram
A sequence diagram is one of the multiple types of system interaction diagrams used within Unified Modeling Language (UML) to visually represent interactions between the objects that live within a system. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Mar 2023
Ways to get by when Waterfall development reigns
Against all odds, the Waterfall methodology maintains a tight grip over countless numbers of software development teams. Fortunately, there are a few ways to make the most of it. Continue Reading
-
Definition
30 Mar 2023
mob programming
Mob programming is a collaborative approach to software development in which a group of developers work together in real time on one task. Continue Reading
-
Definition
29 Mar 2023
collaboration diagram
A collaboration diagram, also known as a communication diagram, is an illustration of the relationships and interactions among software objects in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Continue Reading
-
Definition
29 Mar 2023
MoSCoW method
The MoSCoW method is a four-step approach to prioritizing which project requirements provide the best return on investment (ROI). Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Mar 2023
object-relational mapping (ORM)
Object-relational mapping (ORM) is a way to align programming code with database structures. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Mar 2023
Azure DevOps
Azure DevOps -- rebranded from Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) in 2018 -- is a software-as-a service (SaaS) platform from Microsoft designed to provide a comprehensive toolchain for developing and deploying software projects. Continue Reading
-
Definition
07 Mar 2023
smoke testing
Smoke testing, also called build verification testing or confidence testing, is a software testing method that is used to determine if a new software build is ready for the next testing phase. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Feb 2023
Toyota Way
The Toyota Way is a comprehensive expression of the company's management philosophy, which is based on the two foundational pillars of Continuous Improvement, also known as kaizen, and Respect for People. Continue Reading
-
Definition
31 Jan 2023
fail fast
Fail fast is a philosophy that values extensive testing and incremental development to determine whether an idea has value. Continue Reading
-
Definition
27 Jan 2023
Agile project management (APM)
Agile project management (APM) is an iterative approach to planning and guiding project processes. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Jan 2023
Lens Kubernetes developer portal expands with Shipa buy
The early stage startup, co-founded by Juniper and CloudBees vets, adds a "stupid easy" option for application auto-discovery and ongoing management, according to Mirantis. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Jan 2023
Mob programming benefits for Agile development teams
Mob programming brings the whole team together for simultaneous code creation and review. If they specify roles and engage, Agile teams can benefit from mobbing practices. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Dec 2022
Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD)
Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD) is a scalable Agile software delivery framework. It takes a people-first, learning-oriented approach to software development and delivery. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Dec 2022
Salesforce DevOps Center ships to rein in low-code apps
Salesforce DevOps Center rolled out with features meant to bring low-code and pro-code custom apps on its CRM platform up to date with current software development practices. Continue Reading
-
Definition
30 Nov 2022
pipeline as code
Pipeline as code is an approach to a continuous integration (CI) pipeline where the pipeline is expressed entirely in computer code. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Nov 2022
use case
A use case is a methodology used in system analysis to identify, clarify and organize system requirements. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Nov 2022
DevSecOps
DevSecOps (development plus security plus operations) is an approach that combines application development, security, operations and infrastructure as code (IaC) in an automated continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Nov 2022
negative float (negative slack)
Negative float, also known as negative slack, is a common concept in project management that refers to the amount of time that must be saved to complete a project on time. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Nov 2022
static testing
Static testing is a software testing method that examines a program -- along with any associated documents -- but does not require the program to be executed. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2022
Atlassian Open DevOps tools stitch together more workflows
As all-in-one DevOps tools vendors grow, Atlassian argues users want choice; customers say third-party tools integration is a timesaver, but the company faces headwinds. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Nov 2022
user story
A user story is a tool in Agile software development used to capture a description of a software feature from a user's perspective. The user story describes the type of user, what they want and why. A user story helps to create a simplified description of a requirement. Continue Reading
-
Definition
15 Nov 2022
Agile software development
Agile is a type of software development methodology that anticipates the need for flexibility and applies a level of pragmatism to the delivery of the finished product. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Nov 2022
waterfall model
The waterfall model is a linear, sequential approach to the software development lifecycle (SDLC) that is popular in software engineering and product development. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Sep 2022
Climate LLC taps feature flags for mobile app development
Feature flags facilitated fast rollbacks and trunk-based mobile development for a digital farming software maker amid volatility due to business growth and climate change. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Sep 2022
Harness CTO: Where shift left goes wrong
In this Q&A, Harness' field CTO Nick Durkin shares his thoughts on the impossible burden that shift left places on developers and what can be done to lessen the load. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Sep 2022
fist to five (fist of five)
Fist to five, or fist of five, is a consensus-building technique used by Agile software development teams to poll team members and come to an agreement. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Sep 2022
Make quality a priority in your software engineering culture
A software team needs quality to ensure a strong product. Here are some ways to implement quality in all facets of development and build it into every software release. Continue Reading
-
Definition
31 Aug 2022
agnostic
Agnostic, in an information technology (IT) context, refers to something that is generalized so that it is interoperable among various systems. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Aug 2022
How you can incorporate lean coffee for Agile, QA meetings
Don't let formal meeting agendas turn away attendees. The lean coffee format encourages participation and idea sharing on topics to drive conversation in numerous settings. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Aug 2022
The 5 prevailing Agile pitfalls that prevent true adoption
To successfully implement Agile and maintain its momentum, teams must often overcome a predictable series of both technical and cultural adoption challenges. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Aug 2022
Why security chaos engineering works, and how to do it right
While 'chaos' doesn't sound like something software security managers would want, chaos engineering has an enticing amount of value when it comes to identifying potential threats. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Aug 2022
software testing
Software testing is the process of assessing the functionality of a software program. Continue Reading
-
Definition
27 Jul 2022
root cause analysis
Root cause analysis (RCA) is a method for understanding the underlying cause of an observed or experienced incident. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Jul 2022
Emphasize culture in your Agile implementation approach
Team structure and culture should be a primary focus during any shift to Agile principles and methodologies. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Jul 2022
Explore common types of Agile teams
Agile methodologies can take many forms, and one Agile team can look and perform very differently from the next. Communication, however, is always key. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Jun 2022
SSADM (Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method)
SSADM (Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method) is a widely used computer application development method in the United Kingdom, where its use is often specified as a requirement for government computing projects. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2022
DataRobot AI hits Google Cloud Marketplace, adds GitHub
The AI vendor puts its products on Google Cloud Marketplace and integrates with GitHub and other major online platforms including Sumo Logic, Splunk, Datadog and Zendesk. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Jun 2022
implementation
Implementation is the execution or practice of a plan, a method or any design, idea, model, specification, standard or policy for doing something. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 May 2022
How to scale Scrum with Scrum of Scrums meetings
Enterprise-scale software development can be difficult to coordinate across multiple teams. For Agile-adhering IT organizations, Scrum of Scrums is one way to stay organized. Continue Reading
-
Definition
06 May 2022
Fibonacci sequence
The Fibonacci sequence is a set of integers (the Fibonacci numbers) that starts with a zero, followed by a one, then by another one, and then by a series of steadily increasing numbers. Continue Reading
-
Definition
03 May 2022
LDAP injection
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) injection is a type of security exploit that is used to compromise the authentication process used by some websites. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Apr 2022
Choose a software testing model by weighing these 5 factors
Software development teams have options for their preferred software testing methodology. Consider these five key metrics before choosing a testing model for your team. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Apr 2022
Capability Maturity Model (CMM)
The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a methodology used to develop and refine an organization's software development process. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Apr 2022
Developer vs. DevOps engineer similarities and differences
What does a DevOps engineer do? What does a developer do? The two roles sound alike, but their roles, skills and tools are quite different and require unique expertise. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Mar 2022
Collaborative analytics model boosts decision-making
Organizations are adopting a collaborative analytics model to tap the full potential of their workforces and increase data sharing and decision-making through collaboration. Continue Reading
-
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
-
Guest Post
17 Mar 2022
What can urban sprawl teach us about UX design issues?
UX design sprawl mimics urban sprawl, both in its push for growth and its potentially dangerous pitfalls. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the UX design process. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Mar 2022
release
A release is the distribution of the final version or the newest version of a software application. Continue Reading
-
Answer
14 Mar 2022
How does a NetOps strategy affect enterprise network teams?
A NetOps approach uses DevOps frameworks to help network teams enable virtualization, automation and AI to create Agile networks and deploy applications faster. Continue Reading
-
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
-
Definition
08 Feb 2022
whole-team approach (team-based approach)
The whole-team approach (team-based approach) is a style of project management in which everyone on the project team is held equally responsible for the quality and success of the project. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Feb 2022
6 strategies for better software project portfolio management
When implemented correctly, software portfolio management can help enhance communication across multiple IT teams for better product delivery. Here are six ways to do it right. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Feb 2022
artifact (software development)
An artifact is a byproduct of software development that helps describe the architecture, design and function of software. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Jan 2022
application security
Application security, or appsec, is the practice of using security software, hardware, techniques, best practices and procedures to protect computer applications from external security threats. Continue Reading
-
Definition
20 Jan 2022
iterative
In the world of IT and computer programming, the adjective iterative refers to a process where the design of a product or application is improved by repeated review and testing. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Jan 2022
Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (SPICE)
Software Process Improvement and Capability Determination (SPICE) is an international framework to assess software development processes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Jan 2022
Why and how to hold a sprint retrospective meeting
Software development teams can learn from past mistakes to streamline and improve processes. Retrospectives help them do just that. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Dec 2021
How to manage and reduce technical debt in Agile
Don't let technical debt snowball. Here's how to monitor, maintain and reduce this problematic element of Agile and continue application development projects. Continue Reading
- Definition 17 Dec 2021
-
Opinion
09 Dec 2021
Cloud application developers need built-in security
Enterprises plan to increase cloud application security spending in 2022. Find out how security vendors and cloud application developers can meet their needs. Continue Reading
-
Definition
06 Dec 2021
Lean software development
Lean software development is a concept that emphasizes optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste in the development of software. Continue Reading
-
Definition
24 Nov 2021
Gantt chart
A Gantt chart is a horizontal bar chart developed as a production control tool in 1917 by Henry L. Gantt, an American engineer and social scientist. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Nov 2021
Don't fall victim to these 5 Scrum anti-patterns
Scrum is meant to adapt and change to different scenarios. Here are five common anti-patterns that can arise in Scrum when teams get complacent or comfortable with their old ways. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Oct 2021
Are you really doing Scrum? Follow these guidelines to be sure
Let's examine how the proper implementation of Scrum elements like timeboxing, the product owner and Scrum Master ensure a team will actually benefit from the Agile framework. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Oct 2021
Scrum
Scrum is a framework for project management that emphasizes teamwork, accountability and iterative progress toward a well-defined goal. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Oct 2021
Managed DevOps services or in-house DevOps: Which is best?
A successful DevOps adoption requires significant time and resources. That is why organizations use managed DevOps services to streamline the process -- but is it still DevOps? Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Oct 2021
An introduction to TDD benefits, risks and examples
Programmers, looking to implement -- or improve -- your team's TDD practices? Review the fundamentals and examples below to remember how TDD can be a benefit and not a burden. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Oct 2021
New Scrum Master guide covers both theory and practice
In his new book, a senior software engineer shares his in-depth hands-on knowledge to both prep readers for cert exams and guide them on the job. Continue Reading
-
Definition
07 Oct 2021
Agile retrospective
An Agile retrospective is a meeting that's held at the end of an iteration in Agile software development. Continue Reading
-
Definition
04 Oct 2021
acceptance testing
Acceptance testing is a quality assurance (QA) process that determines to what degree an application meets end users' approval. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Sep 2021
What productive backlog grooming sessions entail
Backlog grooming is essential for smooth Agile software development. Here's what it takes to get user stories straight and organize a grooming session that yields results. Continue Reading
-
Definition
15 Sep 2021
trunk-based development
In software development, a trunk is the base code into which all subsequent code is merged. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Aug 2021
product owner
A product owner is a role on a Scrum team that is accountable for the project's outcome. The product owner is responsible for maximizing product's value by managing and optimizing the product backlog. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jul 2021
How Agile team culture can help improve software quality
Any Agile team that wants its team's culture to be squarely centered on improving software quality, should consider the following incentives and tactics. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Jul 2021
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a business methodology for quality improvement that measures how many defects there are in a current process and seeks to systematically eliminate them. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Jul 2021
Condensed Agile sprint timeline pros and cons
Is a condensed Agile sprint possible for your dev team? Here's how to shave off some sprint time and what perils to look out for in a smaller Agile sprint window. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Jun 2021
pair programming
Pair programming is an Agile software development technique originating from Extreme programming (XP) in which two developers team together and work on one computer. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Jun 2021
How to build a CI/CD pipeline with Azure and GitHub
Some organizations need to build and deploy apps to specific cloud platforms. This walkthrough shows you step by step how to create a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub and Azure DevOps. Continue Reading