Integrated development environments and dev tools
Integrated development environments and dev tools can facilitate better and faster collaboration. IDEs integrate the tools developers need to write, compile and debug code into one package. Some IDEs and dev tools also provide intelligent code completion, build automation and other capabilities. Check out this section to see what app-dev tools are at your disposal.
Top Stories
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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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Feature
27 Jul 2021
Low-code app platforms prove essential in times of crisis
During the pandemic response, leading low-code platforms have been pressed into service to quickly deliver apps for testing, scheduling and prioritizing high-risk groups. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2020
Rapid7 adds Snyk security to its portfolio
The Snyk security vulnerability database brings an extra layer of protection to Rapid7 by helping developers find and fix vulnerabilities early in the software development process. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Feb 2020
Heed these core Scrum values to see measurable change
Why isn't Scrum paying off in faster software development and better user satisfaction with the product? Perhaps you adopted the framework without the values, says Ryan Ripley. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2020
The future of UX research: Measure the unquantifiable
Applications capture more information than ever about their users, from heart rate to tone of voice. Prepare for a connected software future with qualitative UX measurements. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2020
Why projects fail in the citizen developer model
It's easy for citizen developers to start a software project, but difficult to augment or maintain it. Watch out for these four issues that ruin most no-code projects. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2020
Genuitec's CodeTogether helps developers collaborate on code
CodeTogether, a new development tool from Genuitec, empowers developers to collaborate on writing and debugging code to build applications as part of development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2020
How to use Selenium IDE for record and playback testing
Testers can use a tool like Selenium IDE for test automation to efficiently check web app interfaces. Here's how to put the open source tool to work in no time. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
New tool fixes app accessibility glitches
The new Applause Accessibility Tool helps developers write better apps for disabled users by automatically finding and fixing app accessibility issues in their code as they write it. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2020
Synopsys Code Sight combines SAST, SCA testing in the IDE
Synopsys' Code Sight IDE plug-in provides capabilities for simultaneous static application security testing (SAST) and software composition analysis (SCA). Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2020
Learn 5 defensive programming techniques from experts
How do you become a good programmer? Accept that you have bad programming habits. The authors of 'The Pragmatic Programmer' share tips for defensive code creation. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2020
Pegasystems' Pega Express empowers citizen developers
Pegasystems' new Pega Express low-code application development methodology helps business users and citizen developers to quickly create applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2020
Real-world developers' low-code examples focus on productivity
Two enterprise IT organizations share the benefits their dev teams gained from different low-code platforms, the process issues the tools exposed and how teams can get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2020
Adopt the 4 foundations of Agile collaboration
Foster a positive team environment and culture to accomplish the collaboration goals of Agile. Here's how to synchronize teams and boost efficiency, as well as tools that help. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2020
LightStep targets developers with new observability tool
LightStep hones its observability software with its new Service Health for Deployments feature, which helps developers find and fix service health issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2020
3 reasons testers need a QA manager in Agile
Agile teams without a QA manager prioritize developers' perspectives -- even to the software's detriment. Here are three ways in which a QA manager offers value to Agile teams, and how they support testers. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2020
Iowa caucus app fiasco a cautionary tale for all enterprises
App testing is crucial to ensuring that mobile apps are ready for mission-critical systems such as the mobile app that failed during the Iowa caucuses. Continue Reading
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Quiz
31 Jan 2020
Quiz yourself on Agile project management principles
Agile started out as a simple concept, which grew into a full-blown development methodology with many styles. Take this quiz to see how much you know about Agile project management. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2020
Pick user-centric software performance testing metrics
Unlike other types of tests, performance tests gauge how well an application works -- not whether it fails. Testers must pay close attention to these metrics to keep end users happy. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
31 Jan 2020
Organize your team with an Agile scaling frameworks comparison
It's not easy to get Agile right, let alone replicate an individual team's success. For enterprises looking for a wide-scale transition, an Agile scaling framework might do the trick. Continue Reading
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Podcast
31 Jan 2020
How Python makes automating security tasks a snap
Security professionals with coding skills can get a lot done in not a lot of time. Hear why Python suits beginners and how it puts security and developers on the same team. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2020
Google App Maker to shut down in wake of AppSheet buy
Google App Maker, the company's low-code development tool, will be shut down in January 2021. Google offers users alternative options for users to switch to as App Maker sunsets. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Jan 2020
Project management tools and strategies: Gantt charts, PERT charts and PM planning tools
In project management, charts can visualize work in progress -- and there are many ways to do so. Learn how Agile teams use Gantt, PERT, burn down and other charts to stay on track. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2020
How to write a good software bug report
When it comes to defect reporting, the more detail, the better. Here's how to produce defect reports that get bugs fixed fast. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2020
RapidAPI, MongoDB answer the call for GraphQL support
As developer demand for GraphQL continues to grow, vendors such as MongoDB and RapidAPI are adding support for the API query language in their core products. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2020
Developers could ease DevOps deployment with CircleCI Orbs
With a new suite of 20 CircleCI integrations known as Orbs, CircleCI targets developers who wish to simplify the automation of their deployments from their CI/CD pipelines. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2020
Jira Roadmaps connect to Confluence, await Code Barrel
Atlassian rolled out fresh updates to its Jira Roadmaps feature and set the stage for further workflow refinements and integrations with other Atlassian software in 2020. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2020
How to patch your open source software vulnerabilities
No matter how big your software vulnerabilities backlog has grown, here's how you can tackle it, and get on the path to continuous security monitoring. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2020
Dive into functional testing and non-functional testing approaches
Don't get trapped in a white or black box -- or the gray area in between. Here's why functional and non-functional app testing are complementary ways to ensure end user satisfaction. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2020
Use intrusive testing to push software to, and past, its limits
Grab your sledgehammer and get to work with destructive software testing. Here's how to use these intrusive methods to identify points of failure before software reaches users. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
IBM expands patent troll fight with its massive IP portfolio
IBM has contributed more than 80,000 patents to the LOT Network, a group of more than 600 companies that IBM has joined to fight patent trolls and their often frivolous lawsuits. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2020
The 6 IDE features to use for tool selection
The best IDE for a project depends on the languages programmers use, how the platform integrates with code repositories and other tools, and many other factors. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2020
Google buys AppSheet for low-code app development
Google has bought AppSheet, maker of a low-code platform that line-of-business employees can use to create cross-platform mobile applications. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Jan 2020
5 software testing books QA professionals should dig into
There's no cookie-cutter crash course on software testing. However, these five books can get beginners on the right path to better quality software. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Jan 2020
Get to work with Python in this PyCharm tutorial
IDEs make it a lot easier to work with programming languages like Python. In this video PyCharm tutorial, learn how to use features to catch syntax errors, debug issues and run code. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2020
Appian buys robotic process automation tools platform
With its acquisition of Novayre Solutions SL, Appian brings robotic process automation (RPA) to its customer base of enterprise low-code app developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2020
How user story mapping aids requirements gathering in Agile
Agile requirements are dynamic, not static. Collaborate on user story maps to make sense of frequently evolving customer needs, and put a Scrum Master at the center of it all. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Dec 2019
6 key ways to improve developer productivity
Unproductive dev teams aren't necessarily staffed by unskilled or unmotivated workers. Give developers a boost with these concrete strategies, not strict mandates or inspirational posters. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Dec 2019
How to train junior developers in 5 steps
Junior developers thrive on trust and training -- even if you're wary of the former and have little time for the latter. Here's how to get inexperienced programmers tuned up fast. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
27 Dec 2019
What's in store for software development trends in 2020?
New year, new IT priorities. While not all initiatives stick, these development and testing trends will shape how teams create, evaluate and deploy software. Get ahead of the curve. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
How to get DevOps into compliance, and vice versa
IT organizations that are serious about DevOps, especially with integrated release pipelines, need compliance and governance workflows that dovetail with the app delivery approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2019
4 DevOps communication principles to get teams talking
One of DevOps' supposed benefits is better collaboration and communication, but it doesn't come out of nowhere. Address these communication challenges to get everyone on the same page. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
Automation, UX among top software development goals for 2020
New Year's resolutions are a way to take stock of where we are, and where we want to be. Programmers, QA testers, UX designers and others share their software dev goals for 2020. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2019
5 can't-miss software development news stories of 2019
Before you finalize your 2020 plans, take a minute to catch up on app-dev news stories that will shape the next year. Here are the five top news stories for 2019, with analysis. Continue Reading
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Podcast
20 Dec 2019
DevOps in the enterprise requires focus on security, visibility
App dev, quality and delivery challenges constantly pop up in DevOps implementations. Hear how overworked IT professionals deal with these challenges, and how tools can help -- or not. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2019
Manual mainframe testing persists in the age of automation
Mainframe testing is still done manually by many IT shops, despite mainframe modernization and digitization efforts that benefit from automated software testing methods. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2019
Azure confidential computing, AWS aim to better secure cloud data
Microsoft's confidential computing for Kubernetes and AWS' upcoming Nitro Enclaves both aim to give IT pros ways to create isolated compute environments for sensitive data. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2019
How to do API testing to improve application quality
APIs run apps, so it's essential to test them beyond simple connectivity. Study these API testing basics, like when to run such tests, and the benefits of giving this task to QA. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2019
How software prototyping beats requirements gathering
How do you know which features to code into the software you're developing? Application teams share tips on how to deliver ROI with prototyping, UX research and a design week. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2019
5 vital QA skills for software testers
As testing extends throughout the SDLC, QA engineers do much more than execute a quick functionality check. Pick up these skills to ensure an effective, team-wide approach to quality. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2019
Is RPA the future of test automation?
IT organizations will use test automation, RPA and low-code development tools to create, assess and automate complex processes in the near future. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
What to look for in code review tools
Code review gums up the Agile, iterative works. Assisted and automated code review tools improve quality, and there's a mix of products out there for different workflows and needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Assess low-code platform pros and cons
Some see low-code platforms as intuitive and time-saving, but security and compliance concerns could negate those benefits. See where low-code tools stand with these pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Low-code platforms face off: Mendix vs. OutSystems
Low-code products target different audiences. So, will traditional or citizen developers use low-code platforms more in the future? We pit Mendix vs. OutSystems to explore each approach. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
Kubernetes tools vendors vie for developer mindshare
Developers in the cloud-native industry running Kubernetes environments say they need more and better Kubernetes tools to get around some of the complexity of the platform. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2019
IBM's latest Kubernetes tools ease use for cloud developers
IBM's new open-source Kubernetes tools help lower the barrier to entry for developers to use Kubernetes to build, deploy, manage and move workloads to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2019
How to perform test automation maintenance
Automated tests run on their own, but they need a little help to stay in shape. Proactively address test automation maintenance with initiatives in these two key areas. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2019
Make people, not tools, the focus of DevOps initiatives
You can buy a DevOps tool for almost everything -- except people challenges. Learn what high-performing practitioners do to make DevOps culture productive. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2019
Atlassian products aid BizDevOps, but integration work remains
IT pros have found Atlassian tools useful for BizDevOps initiatives but would like more integration and consolidated points of management among them in the future. Continue Reading
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Podcast
06 Nov 2019
Prioritize DevOps and Agile outcomes, not transformation
Tools are easy; people are difficult. So, when it comes to an Agile or DevOps transformation, focus on the desired outcomes, not the process changes, as we discuss in this podcast. Continue Reading
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Podcast
04 Nov 2019
Why it's time to take IT burnout seriously
Disengaged or apathetic employees are a sign of weak culture -- not weak people. In this podcast, Dr. Christina Maslach shares what IT job burnout looks like and how to address it. Continue Reading
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Guide
01 Nov 2019
How to improve code quality, from teamwork to AI features
Development teams must enforce code quality from day one. Take a multifaceted approach to write, and then manage, secure application code with this advice from experts. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2019
Atlassian CISO Adrian Ludwig shares DevOps security outlook
Atlassian's CISO believes that eventually, application security mechanisms will be absorbed completely into Agile and DevOps tools -- including his own company's products. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2019
A low-code platform can do a lot, but it has limits
If you're ready to jump into low-code development, you'll want to know what these platforms can help you accomplish and how to sidestep common troubles. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2019
What goes into a user story vs. use case for Agile development?
Developers refer to software requirements to code a good product, but there are different ways to categorize user needs. What's the difference between a user story vs. a use case? Continue Reading
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Podcast
24 Oct 2019
What the DevOps movement has done for -- and to -- developers
As DevOps hits the mainstream in enterprise IT, Gene Kim examines what makes a successful DevOps approach, how developers should define their value and where we go from here. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2019
10 tips for effective change management in Agile
Agile development encourages product owners to address customer needs through change. Follow these 10 tips for change requests and management practices that keep projects on track. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2019
DevSecOps puts software development and security on equal footing
With DevSecOps, organizations spread out security responsibilities to ops and devs. Here's how programmers can expect their roles to change and why it's not such a bad thing. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2019
4 vital UX testing methods for concept through development
Don't rely on a single UX test, and don't create an overloaded bottleneck that delays development. Instead, deploy these four UX assessments iteratively and often. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Oct 2019
What's the difference between API and web services testing?
Web services and APIs aren't the same -- or are they? How do web services and API testing differ, and what does each type of test aim to achieve? Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2019
Build a DevOps toolchain that's efficient and effective
Is it possible to create a DevOps toolchain that meets the needs of developers, IT operations teams and business staffers? Here's how to devise a strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2019
How to tame ever-changing requirements in software development
When one sprint ends, another begins -- but not before you receive a heaping new pile of requirements. Here's how to deal with requirements changes efficiently, every time, any time. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2019
Web and mobile testing faceoff: Sauce Labs vs. BrowserStack
Two automated testing platforms enter; only one tool leaves. IT consultant Tom Nolle examines how Sauce Labs and BrowserStack each test apps across mobile devices and web browsers. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Oct 2019
UX guidelines for people-friendly software
Nail these UX design concepts for easier transitions from requirements to application design to code. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
Implement a DevSecOps pipeline to boost releases' security posture
Break security out of its silo, and get the whole team on board to create a culture of quality with the right tools at the right time -- and stop blindly rushing to release. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2019
5 key ways to fulfill the role of QA in DevOps
DevOps teams want production-ready code, which means someone in this fast-moving pipeline needs to think like a user. Enter QA, with its toolkit of exploratory tests, design review and more. Continue Reading
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Podcast
26 Sep 2019
Why DevOps underscores the importance of software testing
There's no debating the importance of software testing. But QA should be everyone's responsibility. In this podcast, learn how to follow a team-wide approach to quality. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Sep 2019
What are some bad coding practices to avoid?
Application development projects aren't meeting expectations, and developers are not sure why. What are some common bad coding practices that developers follow but should avoid? Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2019
Working with Git branches and repositories
With a grasp of just a few basic concepts and commands, developers can use Git's branching capability for feature development and experimentation, testing before release and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2019
How to approach test case design
To be a good tester, start at requirements and user expectations, then develop test cases that make certain those needs are met. Walk through the basics of test cases with expert Gerie Owen. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
Mobile Labs adds GigaFox Red, Silver to mobile device cloud suite
The new GigaFox platforms enable users to create a pool of shareable mobile devices; remotely add, disable, reboot and unlock devices; control and monitor device usage and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2019
How to prevent lingering software quality issues
Coders can learn a lot from manufacturers, according to Gary Gruver, even though the products are distinctly different. This free chapter excerpt covers how to approach QA issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2019
Which programming practices alleviate code redundancy?
WET code leaves apps bogged down. Learn how to reduce the challenges brought on by code redundancy by programming based on the DRY principle. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2019
How to achieve speedy application response times
Development and operations teams both have a responsibility to ensure fast application response times. Follow this advice to measure and reduce delay. Continue Reading
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News
05 Sep 2019
DevOps tools market shrinks with SmartBear, TPG Capital moves
The DevOps tools space has seen a steady stream of mergers and acquisitions, as private equity investors and larger companies see money in software development and delivery tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2019
How to plot out a test automation strategy
Test automation can deliver great value or immense frustration. Map out a winning approach that helps engineers learn test automation skills and doesn't leave them exasperated. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2019
Low-code goes mainstream to ease app dev woes
Enterprises are after low-code/no-code platforms to help with developer productivity, as they find themselves under increased pressure to produce apps with fewer skilled developers. Continue Reading
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Infographic
29 Aug 2019
How citizen developers offer IT relief -- and headaches
Low-code application development platforms enable citizen development, where anyone can build software. While this approach can be a boon to productivity, it carries definite risks. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Aug 2019
Listen and learn about QA automation, built-in quality
Poorly designed environments and QA automation scripts impede digital transformation. In this podcast, we discuss how to stabilize a quality signal and implement continuous improvement. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2019
Atomist adds drift management feature to pare technical debt
Atomist has added a feature to its software delivery automation platform to help enterprises visualize, identify and fix the problem of technology drift. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2019
Try these 5 team-building activities for software developers
Whether it's a soft skills workshop, simulated outage exercise or in-house tech conference, these one-day events get dev teams out of a coding rut. Plan yours now. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Aug 2019
What coding standards in software engineering should we follow?
Every team has its own ideas about coding practices. What types of code standards should our team embrace to produce quality work as we develop applications? Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2019
10 skills of highly effective software testers
QA professionals with hands-on experience and a mix of technical and soft skills offer great value for software engineering teams. Testers with these 10 skills can boost their careers. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2019
Consortium taps Linux group, IT vendors to encrypt data in use
The Confidential Computing Consortium mobilizes hardware vendors, cloud providers, developers and open source experts with the Linux Foundation to find ways to secure data in use. Continue Reading
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Guide
22 Aug 2019
Evaluate low-code app development strategies, tools and practices
Developers perpetually have too much work on their hands, which is why low-code app development tools are in style. Use this handy essential guide to make low-code implementation low fuss. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2019
IBM, VMware ease Kubernetes complexity with Kabanero, Octant
Tools from IBM and VMware help developers build apps that are deployed on Kubernetes clusters, as well as handle complex Kubernetes workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Aug 2019
How to become a UX designer with your QA background
If you're a tester, a switch to a UX role is fairly simple. A range of UX design skills are just a matter of evaluating user needs before developers build the app code -- not after. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2019
ALM tools face-off pits SpiraTeam vs. Jira
Development teams must adopt an ALM tool that supports its procedures and objectives. Atlassian and Inflectra cater to different size dev teams. Which tool fits your needs? Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2019
GitHub shakes up DevOps space, adds CI/CD to GitHub Actions
GitHub has added support for CI/CD to its source code management platform, based on developer feedback for deeper CI/CD integration. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Aug 2019
How do I foster reusable code across dev projects?
Developers don't have a lot of free time. Code reuse helps dev teams focus on the most valuable aspects of a project. So ensure your team knows how to write, and test, reusable code. Continue Reading
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Guide
01 Aug 2019
Get the most out of version control in software engineering
Version control is a key concept in software engineering, as it enables dev teams to make code changes without overwrites or miscues. Learn version control basics with this guide. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jul 2019
IBM Garage tunes up clients for multi-cloud projects
IBM's Garage methodology, which has helped more than 500 customers move to the cloud, modernize legacy apps and create new ones, has expanded its language support and internal use. Continue Reading