Software design and development
Software design and development encompasses an array of processes and methodologies. Developers have a lot to manage and will need guidance on how to handle different tasks and projects. Brush up on everything from app-dev approaches such as low code, test- and model-driven development, code refactoring and management practices, UI and UX design, and developer tools.
Top Stories
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Feature
27 Jan 2023
10 Web3 courses to try in 2023
Gain the skills necessary to engage with the newest iteration of the web using one of the many Web3 developer courses and learning resources available online. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2023
Efforts to improve memory safety in software gain momentum
Unsafe memory access can cause financial woes for enterprises and personal harm to individuals, experts say, advising enterprises to switch to memory-safe languages. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2023
Microsoft offers developer guidance on green software tools
Microsoft, UBS and others back developers' use of open source carbon-aware tools. Two case studies -- one enterprise and one academic -- demonstrate green software tools in action. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2023
Experts rate programming languages for beginners in 2023
Python and JavaScript are two standouts for novices, according to developer experts. But fledgling coders should diversify their toolbox with newer languages too. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2023
Updates to GitHub Actions add efficiency, risk of friction
GitHub Actions required workflows and configuration variables can reduce duplicate configuration code and shore up policy compliance but may add to developer frustration. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2023
What is low-code? A guide to enterprise low-code app development
Learn how low-code concepts and practices code can help enterprise developers be more efficient, create valuable apps more quickly and contribute to broader business initiatives. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2023
AI risks shadow software development security trend
The rise of AI-assisted workflows will facilitate software development security amid growing open source vulnerabilities, but comes with the threat of AI-generated attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2023
How to validate a Kubernetes manifest
Dev teams must validate Kubernetes manifests. Developers can navigate validation and issues that arise with the help of native and third-party tools and other coding methods. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2022
Prospects unclear for two Nucamp coding boot camp graduates
A coding boot camp can jumpstart a career in tech, but only for those willing to go the extra mile. Here's how two non-developers fared in a four-week web development boot camp. Continue Reading
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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
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News
15 Dec 2022
Lego site vulnerabilities highlight API security gaps
What's old is new again: Lego site BrickLink was found vulnerable to cross-site scripting and other well-understood types of attacks, intensifying scrutiny on API security. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2022
Tools and techniques to test Kubernetes objects
Kubernetes manifests and objects represent the baseline of code development on the platform. Here's why and how to test these integral elements of Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2022
Spotify Plugins for Backstage aimed at developer productivity
Spotify Plugins for Backstage improves the development environment, but it can also help users tackle the developer shortage, according to one industry expert. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2022
Best practices for low-code integration within dev pipelines
When a nontechnical team leads the charge on application development, it still falls to developers and testers to integrate low-code tools and apps into the pipeline. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2022
ChatGPT writes code, but won't replace developers
Recent advancements in AI portend the rise of the robot coder. Developers will need new skills to succeed in an AI-based industry, experts say. Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2022
Tidelift GC: Paid open source can stave off another Log4j
If the industry wants to thwart software supply chain attacks and prevent another Log4Shell, the way forward is to pay open source maintainers, Tidelift GC Luis Villa says. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2022
Creative AI, FinOps among hot developer trends of 2023
Here's a look at the hottest trends for application developers in 2023. Keep an eye out for decentralization, FinOps, consolidation and AI. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2022
AWS DevOps tools expand low-code features, focus on devx
Many of the features of AWS CodeCatalyst and Application Composer were technically possible before, but the new services package them accessibly via a low-code UI. Continue Reading
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News
29 Nov 2022
Amazon boosts CodeWhisperer, AI and ML tools
AWS rolled out updates to a series of AI tools and services, highlighted by improvements to its CodeWhisperer coding system and Textract AI service for extracting document text. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2022
Small open source projects pose significant security risks
Open source security initiatives might prevent large-scale vulnerabilities such as Log4j, but smaller projects pose risks without more maintainer support, industry experts say. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2022
Software developer layoffs and hiring freezes on the rise
As tech companies tighten their belts, developers should prepare for a tighter job market by updating resumes and expanding job searches beyond big tech, say industry experts. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2022
Diffblue expands AI-powered unit testing platform
Diffblue Cover is gaining traction amidst a trend toward AI-augmented testing, say industry analysts. Cover can now run a suite of unit tests without developer intervention. Continue Reading
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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
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News
10 Nov 2022
Low-code API management tool fights complexity, with caveats
A new low-code API management tool could bring benefits such as increased speed, fewer coding errors and wider accessibility. But it must prove itself in the market. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2022
GitHub security updates and Copilot expansion make waves
New features unveiled at GitHub Universe include private channels for security issues and Copilot for business, which may fall under a cloud of ongoing litigation. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2022
Go updates to tackle pain points, but Golang 2 is dead
Go Day 2022 highlights include possible Go updates to tackle compatibility, security and developer pain points such as for-loop scoping. But Golang 2 will never happen. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2022
Pega CTO: Ethical AI for developers demands transparency
Pegasystems CTO Don Schuerman believes the cure for AI's ethical issues lies in broad data inputs, being sensitive to biases and algorithms that make explainable decisions. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2022
Sustainable software needs more tools, corporate buy-in
Several tools can help developers build sustainable software, but it won't make a dent in carbon emissions without organizational support and better monitoring tools. Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2022
API documentation can make or break developer experience
At this week's API World, experts highlight issues with poor API documentation and suggest ways to fix it, such as ditching jargon and adopting the OpenAPI Specification. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2022
Developers want improved performance, efficiency in Java 20
Java 20 will likely include useful features such as improvements to concurrency and profiling, but the incremental updates are unlikely to please everyone. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2022
Developers warned: GitHub Copilot code may be licensed
Questions surround GitHub Copilot's use of open source code, but it's a Supreme Court decision on Warhol's art that developers should keep an eye on, according to one legal expert. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2022
Oracle CloudWorld rollout includes new serverless options
New Oracle Cloud Infrastructure serverless offerings hide more of the gory infrastructure details from application developers to hasten software delivery workflows. Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2022
EvolveWare feature adds agility to application modernization
EvolveWare's Intellisys gives enterprises a business rules extraction option that won't lock up legacy or modernized applications when code changes are required. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2022
Intel SDKs give developers tools for AI, quantum software
Intel launched new SDKs for AI and quantum computing and added tools underpinned by the Intel Developer Cloud in an effort to attract developers to build on its hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2022
Experts: 3 trends in software development worth following
Trends come and go, but AIOps and MLOps, spatial computing, and a low-code and high-code toolkit are the future of software development, industry experts say. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
AutoRabit tool seeks to simplify Salesforce security for DevOps
OrgScan extends CodeScan's security scanning ability in Salesforce. CodeScan Shield aims to simplify security for devs as the trend to shift left continues, industry analysts say. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
COBOL application modernization tools and techniques
COBOL code modernization options range from a simple, yet expensive, application re-write to automated tools that can convert code and extract business rules. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2022
Heroku to end free tiers, creating platform void for devs
Heroku will cease offering its free tiers this November, leaving developers to choose from an array of alternatives that don't quite match up, according to industry experts. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2022
Intel's Wei Li on low-code/no-code AI and sentience
Wei Li, Intel's vice president and general manager of AI and analytics, outlines how low-code/no-code AI can help developers and chimes in on the sentient AI debate. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2022
PyPI phishing renews call for mandatory 2FA, package signing
Some developers view compulsory 2FA and package signing as a threat to productivity, but industry experts say such requirements are inevitable amid ongoing cyberattacks. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2022
Low-code platforms create call for business-savvy developers
The rising popularity of low-code platforms may mark a decline for coding as a job priority, but demand is up for developers with a strong grasp of business knowledge, say experts. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2022
Kubernetes training, tech can tackle orchestration pain
DevOps can force developers to work outside their comfort zone and create frustration, but the right Kubernetes training and tools can ease the burden. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2022
COBOL programming skills gap thwarts modernization to Java
The challenge of migrating COBOL applications to run in the cloud is made nearly impossible with tricky line-to-line conversions and a lack of developers with the right skills. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2022
Developer search engine for code snippets comes with caveats
The YouCode search engine gives developers a fast way to find code snippets. But, like any code completion tool, results should be taken with a grain of salt. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
CircleCI and GitLab integration expands DevOps tool choices
CircleCI expands code repository choices, benefitting mutual customers of the highly optimized platform, say industry analysts. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2022
Shadow cast over future of Google's C++ replacement
A C++ replacement is long overdue, but Google's experimental language, Carbon, is far from a perfect solution, some industry experts say. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2022
Developers beware: AI pair programming comes with pitfalls
Despite the promise of faster coding, AI pair programming has a host of pitfalls, including inapplicable code suggestions, security flaws and copyright issues. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2022
Consultancy benefits from green coding certification mandate
In this Q&A, GFT CTO Dean Clark details how his company's green coding certification program is bringing benefits beyond higher-quality, more efficient code. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
Developer shortage fuels rise in low-code/no-code platforms
Halfway through 2022, interest in low-code/no-code platforms is not slowing down. Experts say the developer shortage is one of the biggest factors as companies continue to invest. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
New JavaScript runtime Bun challenges Deno, Node.js
Beta release of JavaScript runtime Bun promises to speed up development with an array of out-of-the box features. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2022
No-code API tools for Excel wrangle data
Tampa-based Vault Insurance struggled with analyzing spreadsheets at scale until it purchased spreadsheet-to-API software Coherent Spark. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2022
Amazon CodeWhisperer joins packed AI code completion market
AI code completion tool Amazon CodeWhisperer is now available for developers who are willing to wait. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2022
Code completion AI bot trend continues with GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot joins a ballooning field of AI-powered code completion tools. Industry experts debate the tool's utility and long-term staying power. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2022
Green software certification, legislation in the works
Green software could be moving from the technology fringes to the mainstream with upcoming legislation and a push for sustainable software certification. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2022
Green software summit outlines developer best practices
The Green Software Foundation Global Summit highlights tech sustainability and the important role developers can play in tackling climate change. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jun 2022
4 low-code best practices to streamline adoption
To be successful with low-code adoption, organizations must clearly define project goals, ensure the right mix of staffing and tools, and regularly asses business value. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2022
Tabnine code completion platform adds more powerful AI
Tabnine's code completion assistant adds support for 11 languages with a major AI overhaul. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
In-demand programming languages devs should get to know
Experts weigh in on which in-demand programming languages offer the best job prospects. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2022
Supply chain security takes center stage at OpenJS World 2022
At OpenJS World 2022, the Open Source Security Foundation outlined two ambitious initiatives to fix supply chain security issues in open source software. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
Mirantis Lens extension debuts on Docker Desktop
Docker Desktop adds a Mirantis Lens extension as another option for developers who want an easier way to work with Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
Project Volterra could encourage switch to Arm-based PCs
Project Volterra, due out later this year, is an Arm-based PC geared up for AI development. The energy-efficient, faster device might enable Microsoft to catch up with Apple. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Microsoft Dev Box speeds up development, but will devs buy in?
Microsoft Dev Box offers developers a range of tools to increase productivity, but old habits tend to die hard. Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2022
GitHub math support in Markdown useful but tardy
GitHub math support in Markdown took eight years to arrive. Had the feature been released in 2014, a wider audience might have benefited from its use. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
Google Firebase speeds developer process with new features
The new Firebase additions may not excite developers, but they do add some much-needed functionality to the platform. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2022
Docker Extensions, Desktop for Linux get mixed reception
DockerCon 2022's opening keynote focused on expanding the developer toolkit, but it may not be enough to ward off financial challenges. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2022
ServiceNow adds automation engine to low-code platform
ServiceNow's AEMC adds automation to citizen DevOps. Analysts agree this simplifies development and could result in cost savings. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2022
Demand for no-code due to developer shortage, pandemic
In this Q&A, Quickbase CEO Ed Jennings shares his thoughts on the developer shortage, the no-code platform's growth and his plans to 'open up the world' for citizen developers. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2022
GitHub to mandate 2FA by 2023, plans for additional security
GitHub will mandate using the extra layer of protection to make code more secure. The announcement didn't get the warmest reception. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2022
GitHub Desktop 3.0 gets lukewarm reception
GitHub Desktop 3.0 introduces tools that make it easier for software developers to stay up to date with code changes. Some developers, though, are calling for more features. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
Docker drops Desktop roadmap hints after cash infusion
The roadmap for Docker Desktop will include security updates and serverless support, as industry watchers speculate about potential acquisition interest from Atlassian. Continue Reading
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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
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Tip
11 Mar 2022
Understanding code smells and how refactoring can help
Code smells can be the canary in the coal mine for poor coding. And poor coding is a sign that refactoring is called for. Let's explore how to look at and deodorize code smells. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2022
Quickbase CIO talks low-code roadmap, MCF Tech acquisition
Quickbase CIO Deb Gildersleeve discusses the growing use of low-code platforms, its recent services acquisition, and what's on the company's roadmap for 2022. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2021
Static and dynamic code analysis: Complementary techniques
While every programmer wants to deliver high-performing, secure, bug-free and compliant code on the first try, that's not possible. Effective code analysis techniques will help. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
Year in review: 3 app development trends from 2021
Automation and AIOps left their marks on the evolution of code development in 2021. Experts say these trends will likely continue into the new year. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Dec 2021
Coding branches out: 5 app development trends to watch in '22
The demand for low-code/no-code tools along with automatic coding will continue in 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the hybrid workforce becomes the norm. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2021
Quality engineering vs. quality assurance: Know the differences
Any dev team serious about improving software quality should study the quality engineering vs. quality assurance debate. Let's review the two practices' differences and overlap. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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Tip
30 Jul 2021
How to manage and maintain automated UI tests
Examine how teams can navigate the obstacles associated with automated UI tests -- including maintenance, debugging, change management and business logic challenges. 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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Feature
23 Jul 2021
Demand proliferates for low-code app development platforms
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the explosive demand for business apps, the pressures on enterprises to keep pace and the benefits low-code application platforms provide. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Advantages of low-code platforms: Speed, agility, collaboration
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the role of low-code platforms in speeding application development, easing the app developer shortage and creating hybrid development teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2021
5 ways to write maintainable automation code
Development teams can ensure the automation code they write is maintainable if they're careful about their tooling and the processes they adhere to. Consider the five rules below. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2021
4 UX analysis methods that ensure optimal user experiences
UX analysis ensures users will have smooth experiences. Use these four methods to analyze a UX. Learn what each method entails, when to deploy them and who performs each analysis. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2021
Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 ups the 'dev' in DevOps
Microsoft's Visual Studio 2022 will provide devs with 64-bit performance, better accessibility, improved collaboration with Live Share and a new UI for the Mac. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2021
Eclipse Foundation aims open VS Code registry at Microsoft
The Open VSX Registry is now at the Eclipse Foundation, which gives developers an open source destination to get VS Code extensions apart from the Microsoft VS Code Marketplace. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2021
Overview of the problems automatic code generation can solve
Explore the ins and outs, pros and cons, and dos and don'ts of automatic code generation. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
CircleCI brings CI/CD to Arm running on Graviton2 chips
AWS has added support for Arm-based processors to its popular CI/CD platform. It now runs on AWS' Arm-based Graviton2 processors to give developers more choices. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2021
A closer look at 6 popular low-code development platforms
Low-code development tools help organizations accomplish tasks from simple forms and web sites to app integrations and BPM. Here's a closer look at six of the top low-code tools. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
Power Fx informs Microsoft's low-code strategy
In a Q&A, Microsoft corporate vice president Charles Lamanna delves into the company's Power Fx, a new low-code tool that non-programmers can use to build applications. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2021
ServiceNow Quebec platform goes after the low-code market
ServiceNow has released a new version of its Now Platform that caters to inexperienced developers looking to build customized applications and workflows quickly. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2021
Review these 9 low-code use cases and industry examples
Don't get hung up on the basics of low-code and your development teams' makeup. Evaluate the following use cases to see if low-code makes sense for your project goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Mar 2021
What is the future of low-code app development?
Experts see more enterprises embracing low-code to rapidly develop apps and empower nonprogrammers -- but there are plenty of reasons to keep using traditional development as well. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Mar 2021
Low-code and BPM: Differences and similarities
Low-code development and business process management help digitize and optimize a business's operations. Learn how each works, and how together they enable digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2021
How low-code development accelerates digital transformation
Enterprises that don't embrace digital transformation invite competitors to carve up their business. Here's how low-code development can help a business become digitally adept. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2021
Power Fx: Microsoft's low-code language for Power Platform
Microsoft has extended its low-code application development strategy with a new programming language known as Power Fx that will be consistent across the Power Platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2021
A practical take on low-code vs. traditional development
Sometimes the lines blur between low-code versus traditional development. Compare the pros and cons of each approach to judge which makes sense for your application needs. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
24 Feb 2021
3 software development trends to watch in 2021
As digitization accelerates and to ensure developers are set up for success, companies should enable developer productivity and collaboration, prioritization and developer experience. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2021
Microsoft VS Code: Winning developer mindshare
With Microsoft Visual Code, developers receive a free, open source development tool that can be used by any developer, in any language and on any device. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2021
How to plan unit test coverage
Explore what an effective unit testing strategy looks like, whether it's wise to aim for a certain percentage of test coverage and how much unit testing is enough. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Feb 2021
How ALM differs from SDLC
ALM and SDLC both cover much of the same ground, such as development, testing and deployment. Where these lifecycle concepts differ is the scope of what they include. Continue Reading