Software Quality Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UX guidelines for people-friendly software

Nail these UX design concepts for easier transitions from requirements to application design to code. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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