Software Requirements Tools
Top Stories
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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
15 Oct 2018
Kendo UI helps devs build accessibility into apps, websites
Progress Software updated its UI-building toolkit to enable developers to comply with the latest standards for website and application accessibility. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2009
How requirements use cases facilitate the SDLC
Learn software use case processes and techniques that result in better application requirements in this tip. Takeaways include use case diagrams and user acceptance test case examples. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Sep 2009
Defining core software regression tests
Regression testing is defined through software purpose addressed, the common key strategy is to automate the test phase. according to software testing expert John Overbaugh. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Aug 2009
How to deliver software with an SDLC iterative model
The phases of iterative SDLCs come together to build better software applications faster, as long as the team avoids some common development and planning mistakes. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2009
Adaptation in project management through agile
Project managers often focus on following the test plan versus agile leaders who expect change and are prepared to adapt on the fly, learn how to transition quicly in this chapter from Agile Project Management by Jim Highsmith Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2009
Expert shows seven ways to improve your project management abilities
Project management offices can benefit when the team has a diverse portfolio of skills. Learn how to become a better project manager by reading these seven suggestions, which range from developing talents and group leaders to better assessing software tools. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jun 2009
Differentiating between Functional and Nonfunctional Requirements
Many of the difficulties encountered in defining requirements relate to the functional-nonfunctional distinction. As so often happens, some of those difficulties are things of which people are aware, largely realizing after-the-fact that nonfunctional requirements were missed. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2009
The challenges of test-driven development (TDD)
Out of all agile practices, many organizations struggle the most with adoption of test-driven development (TDD) -- but that doesn't mean they're giving up on the challenge. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2009
Defining requirements during software project feasibility analysis
There are at least two key points in a software project when requirements should be defined. One point people often miss is during feasibility analysis, and failure to define requirements at this stage can doom a project. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Mar 2009
What is test granularity?
Test granularity is the level of detail at which your software tests and test cases address your project. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2009
How Covad made the switch to a distributed agile development process
Waterfall methodologies weren't working for Covad Communications, so the company switched its process to agile and cut costs while achieving faster project completions. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2009
Can traditional project management and agile development coexist?
Are traditional project managers and agile practitioners fundamentally at odds? Or can they live together and even complement each other? Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2009
How teams transition to agile development methodologies
Organizations usually move to agile development methods for the same reasons -- scope creep, time to market -- but details of the transition can vary from team to team. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2009
Web application security testing checklist
Testing your Web application security is something that needs be taken seriously. The best way to be successful is to prepare in advance and know what to look for. Here's an essential elements checklist to help you get the most out of your Web application security testing. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2009
Big Blue dog learns new tricks: How IBM Software Group moved to agile
In this case study, Sue McKinney, vice president of IBM's development transformation, explains how and why the IBM Software Group made the transition to agile. Continue Reading
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Quiz
27 Jan 2009
Quiz: Open source software development
Test your knowledge of open source development with this quick quiz covering open source models, languages and tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2009
How to avoid requirements creep
Despite all the attention placed on defining requirements, creep continues to plague software projects. Learn how a different approach to requirements can curtail that creep. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2009
Making requirements walkthroughs more effective (and fun)
Do you have to twist arms to get people to attend your requirements review sessions? It doesn't have to be this way. Learn how to use a simulation model to get everyone engaged in the walkthrough. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jan 2009
Template for requirements use cases
A user is looking for a template for writing requirements use cases. Robin Goldsmith walks through a few interpretations of this question. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Jan 2009
Formulating test status reports based on daily status criteria
A user requests help deriving the daily status criteria for the test execution of a software project, with status criteria including test execution criteria, test case failure rate and bug rate. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2008
Using proactive test design methods to catch requirements issues early
Proactive test design allows QA testers to identify requirements and design problems at an earlier stage than with traditional test cases. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Dec 2008
Is a requirements freeze in a software project a bad idea?
Learn why imposing a requirements freeze in an application project is usually a misguided idea. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Dec 2008
How testers can convince developers of software errors
If a tester fully understands the software errors found and can show the impact of them, then he is more likely to get developers to fix them. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Nov 2008
Integration testing: Is it black box or white box testing?
Integration testing of software systems can be black box or white box testing. Learn how each can be used in this Ask the Expert Q&A with testing expert Mike Kelly. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Oct 2008
Elicit software requirements using a variety of techniques
Software requirements elicitation can be challenging, but you can achieve success if you have strong personal skills and use a variety of techniques, says expert Ken Willett. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Oct 2008
How to prevent HTTP response splitting
HTTP response splitting is a serious Web attack that can wreak havoc on your Web applications. Security expert Ramesh Nagappan explains how this attack works and what professionals can do to prevent this exploit. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Oct 2008
Top 10 software requirements tips
Developing quality software starts with the requirements process. If you fail here, your project fails. You end up with software that isn't used -- not to mention wasted time, energy, and money. These software requirements tips -- written by experts such as Karl E. Wiegers, Ellen Gottesdiener, Roxanne Miller, and Martin Crisp -- can help you prevent that. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Oct 2008
Use cases and SRS for requirements gathering
Before comparing use cases and software requirements specifications, you should know what each is. Requirements expert Robin Goldsmith explains how use cases and SRS work and how to use them for requirements engineering. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Oct 2008
How to match the test environment to the production environment
Testers often find a gulf between test results in a test environment and test results in a production environment. Testing expert John Overbaugh offers strategies for ensuring that test results in different environments match. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Sep 2008
Running UAT and system testing in parallel
Conducting user acceptance testing and system testing at the same time may or may not be a good choice. Expert Baher Malek discusses the factors that testers need to consider when attempting a parallel UAT process. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2008
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship, Chapter 1 -- What Is Clean Code?
Agile software development calls on developers to write clean code, according to Robert "Uncle Bob" Martin. This free chapter introduces the concepts and methods programmers can adopt to write truly clean code. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Aug 2008
How to estimate change requests in requirements
Software requirements are often subject to change; using a sound estimation process helps greatly to manage change. Requirements expert Betty Luedke explains, in detail, how to implement good estimation techniques. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Aug 2008
Use cases: Who writes them, what data do you include?
Typically a business analyst writes the use cases for a software project. But who writes them doesn't matter as much as what is included in them, says expert Robin Goldsmith. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Aug 2008
Test metrics and use case coverage during testing
When using use cases to drive testing, it's important to understand that there are no industry standards for coverage. Testing expert Mike Kelly explains how testers should approach dubious metrics. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2008
Survey: Agile interest high, but waterfall still used by many
While there's a strong interest in new software development techniques and processes, SearchSoftwareQuality.com's 2008 Agile Trends survey found that many people still follow waterfall practices. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2008
CMMI: Good process doesn't always lead to good quality
Having a process such as CMMI in place doesn't guarantee quality software or systems, says Bill Curtis, co-author of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM). You can still have defects. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Jun 2008
Scrum and requirements gathering
Scrum, an agile methodology, offers great advantages for certain software project teams. Expert Betty Luedke explains the basic tenets of Scrum and how they affect requirements engineering. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 May 2008
The benefits of user acceptance testing
User acceptance testing is an important part of the software development lifecycle. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains why UAT is beneficial for testers, users and virtually everyone involved in a software project. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2008
Software testers: Identity crisis or delusions of grandeur?
Without a clear understanding of what software testers do, it's only natural that people try to interpret what they do from their job title. The problem is the number of different titles people have creates confusion, says Scott Barber. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 May 2008
The scope of user acceptance testing
User acceptance testing is ineffective if testers don't allocate the proper time and resources. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how to avoid shortchanging UAT. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Mar 2008
Testability requirements and verification work
Testability and verifiability are a category of nonfunctional requirements. Expert Roxanne Miller explains how these concepts fit into software requirements engineering. Continue Reading
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Report
07 Mar 2008
Six functional tests to ensure software quality
According to a recent Info-Tech report, six types of functional tests can be used to ensure the quality of the end product. Those tests are unit tests, functional tests, systems tests, regression tests, system integration tests and acceptance tests. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2008
Testing for performance, part 1: Assess the problem space
In the first article of this series on testing for performance, Mike Kelly outlines ways for you to understand your content and the system and figure out where to start testing. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Feb 2008
Granularity in test case design
Test case granularity is a complex issue in test case design. Expert John Overbaugh explains how to determine how detailed your test cases should be. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jan 2008
Prioritizing software testing on little time
Too many test cases and too little time? Expert Scott Barber explains how to prioritize testing. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jan 2008
Requirements gathering for payroll application
Engineering requirements for a payroll or similar application demands careful consideration. Expert Rob Apmann explains how to approach this complicated task. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2008
Testers' involvement in requirements gathering important
In this increasingly complex software development era, it is important to include testing as early in the project as possible. And that means starting with requirements gathering. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2008
The state of performance testing
Some might say 2007 was the year the software industry started taking performance testing seriously. In this month's Peak Performance column, Scott Barber takes a look at what happened in the performance testing field in 2007 that made that so, and offers some predictions for 2008. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2008
Usability testing vs. user acceptance testing
Usability testing and user acceptance testing may sound similar, but these tests have different focuses and are executed at different times in the SDLC. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how these tests work. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2007
How to define the scope of functional security testing
With a many internal threats originating from applications, functional security testing is one of the most reliable ways to identify internal security vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2007
Cracking passwords the Web application way
Don't make the mistake of thinking your Web site is secure just because it uses SSL. If you don't have proper login controls in place, attackers can crack passwords and get into the application. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2007
Five steps for performing an effective software product review
Review or inspection is an important activity in any project implementation. Performing a good review of the developed product, along with capturing metrics, helps in building a quality product. In this member-submitted article, Murugan Srinivasa points out the significance of software metrics in guaranteeing an effective review of any software product. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2007
How to write an effective test report
This member-submitted tip provides a guideline for essential information that should be included in a test report. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2007
Don't mistake user acceptance testing for acceptance testing
Despite the many references that concur on the definition of acceptance testing, people still get confused. Scott Barber clarifies things in this month's Peak Performance column. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2007
Certification pros and cons: Readers speak out
Some are strongly against certification, saying nothing can replace real-world experience, while others see it as one thing that can improve your odds for being hired or promoted. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Nov 2007
How to create a testing scorecard
A software testing scorecard can be a good tool for managing a team's progress. Expert John Overbaugh explains how to create a testing scorecard and that fits yours and the customer's needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2007
Watch the metrics during your load tests
In this member-submitted tip, Steve Cam says monitoring the metrics during your load tests will help you detect performance-related issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2007
Free load and performance testing tools
What is a good choice for a free load testing tool? Expert Dan Cornell offers his advice and explains how to get started with your testing tool. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2007
Who does what in a Testing Center of Excellence?
With a Testing Center of Excellence (TCE) an organization can improve its software testing. Learn how and what each TCE participant does in this article from David W. Johnson Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2007
The pros and cons of use case diagrams
Putting too much into a use case diagram can often render the otherwise useful technique of use cases almost useless. Kevlin Henney recommends a more balanced and restrained approach in order to not lose readers in a myriad of bubbles and microscopic text. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Sep 2007
How to structure a software requirements document
Effective requirements documentation is essential for any good software project. Expert Karl E. Wiegers explains how to structure your software requirements documents. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Aug 2007
Test plan and test strategy
Software testing is helped by a good test plans, strategies and logistics. Expert Scott Barber explains what these aspects of the testing methodology are. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Aug 2007
Software requirements specification and IEEE standards
What does the IEEE outline for requirements specifications, and how strictly should you abide by that standard? Expert Karl E. Wiegers digs into the details of an SRS. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2007
The challenge of performance testing SOA applications
Software testing and QA groups already pushed to the limit face even more challenges with SOA applications. Automation through modeling can help monitor and test such applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2007
What to look for in a Web application security testing tool
If you do a lot of Web application security scanning, any testing tool you use must have these features, says security expert Kevin Beaver. They will save you lots of time and effort and will increase the number of valid vulnerabilities found. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2007
How to test Web site login security
Input validation is critical for the security of Web sites. Here's a techniques you can use to make sure your site isn't vulnerable to SQL injection. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2007
Software testing deliverables: From test plans to status reports
Core sets of deliverable are required for any software testing phase. In many cases they include a test plan, test case, defect documentation and status report. Learn what is required for each in this tip from David W. Johnson. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 May 2007
Estimating project costs, writing project reports
Estimating the cost of a software development project and writing a suitable project report are not necessarily difficult tasks. Bas de Baar breaks down project reporting and cost estimation for beginners. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Apr 2007
Rewarding team members for outstanding work
Recognizing or rewarding team members for jobs well done helps build morale. Your sincere appreciation can go a long way, says project management expert David Christiansen. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2007
How to document system, software requirements
There are various formats you can use to document system and software requirements. However, no single one is sufficient to represent all requirements. You need to follow an integrated approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Apr 2007
Clarifying software requirements
Software requirements engineering is impeded by unclear, indeterminate requirements. Expert Karl E. Wiegers explains how analysts can clarify requirements with users. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2007
The role of a software test manager
Effective software test managers not only understand the discipline of testing, but they are also able to manage and implement a testing process in their organizations. That requires team leading skills, communication skills, and being able to measure the testing team's return on investment. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2007
Software requirements: Using models to understand users' needs
Successful software projects involve users early and often to explore and reach closure on requirements. Using analysis models you can depict user needs with a combination of diagrams and structure text such as tables or templated text. Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2007
Find software bugs, defects using code coverage
Software testing is uselss if it isn't complete. Statement and branch coverage can uncover glaring problems in unexecuted blocks of code, but they often miss bugs in the logic of your code. Path coverage, however, is a more comprehensive technique that helps reveal defects early in software development. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Feb 2007
A template for software requirements gathering techniques
Requirements gathering can be a difficult, exhaustive process. We've assembled information on the best methods for requirements engineering -- prototypes, storyboards, models, state transition diagrams and use cases -- in one guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2007
I don't want a Web application security product; I want a solution
The number of Web application security products available is enough to make your head spin. A better option is a total solution that handles all of your Web application security needs, says application security expert Anurag Agarwal. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2006
Creating a secure login page with Java
Strong authentication and session security are the foundation of a secure Java login page. Expert Ramesh Nagappan explores the security technology and best practices behind robust login sites. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 May 2006
How to create a secure login page using ASP.NET
A secure ASP.NET login page is easier to create than one might assume. Expert Dan Cornell explains how to use authentication and authorization to ensure your login page is safe. Continue Reading