Software development team structure and skills
IT organizations can adapt software development team structure and skills to suit business needs or individual strengths. Learn how to structure DevOps and Agile teams, divvy up responsibilities, communicate with team members and keep everyone on the same page.
Top Stories
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News
17 Nov 2023
IT pros wary as Microsoft Copilot juggernaut gains steam
Microsoft is now 'The Copilot company,' along with GitHub. But concerns linger about the accuracy of AI-generated results, code lineage and long-term job security. Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2023
Behind the scenes, Spotify's Backstage a work in progress
Spotify-created Backstage, now a CNCF project, is popular as enterprises add developer portals to internal platforms, but setup is hard, and getting dev buy-in can be even harder. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Dec 2018
Embrace these 5 tenets for better QA leadership
Knowledge and hands-on skills are always useful, but successful QA team leads also inspire and stand up for their teams. Here are five ways to remove team obstacles and coach great testers. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Oct 2018
Good teams come clean about their IT competence
How is your company culture going to stay up to date on IT trends? Don't let that question linger, since, sooner or later, you'll work with a technology you don't understand at all. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2018
Hire a software testing team that fits your startup culture
Albeit strapped for cash and time, software startups need testers as much as large companies. Advocate for a testing team, and find candidates who will excel in a startup culture. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jul 2018
How do I find my career path in software testing?
I've been a tester for many years and want to progress professionally. Yet, I'm struggling to find chances for advancement and a career path in software testing. Any pointers? Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2018
Enterprise software developers: Forget minor software bugs
Many enterprises think software isn't perfect unless they eliminate minor defects. However, this approach won't prevent major disasters, and it hinders the practices that would. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2018
How can learning scripting languages help junior testers?
As a junior tester, I think learning scripting languages could make me more valuable to my team and enhance my career. But how do I pick the scripting language to learn? Continue Reading
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Answer
07 May 2018
How can I attend software testing conferences?
You want to attend a software testing conference, but your employer said it's too expensive. Here are some ways to improve your chances to attend. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2018
Which software engineer skills matter? All of them
The ongoing developer shortage means employers face unique challenges when it comes to hiring. LinkedIn's Sarah O'Brien offers insight into how developers behave and what they're really looking for. Continue Reading
- 12 Apr 2018
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Feature
06 Apr 2018
DevOps, cross-platform, test are top mobile developer skills
Learn about four mobile app dev skills and experience enterprises value: Agile, DevOps, cross-platform and test-driven development, and newer, native languages Swift and Kotlin. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2018
Thumb through these app development books for a skills tuneup
Software experts discuss the latest app development books. Pick up one of these recommended books to round out your knowledge and rev up your career. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
IBM Cloud Garage Method on display at Think conference
Playing to its roots in services, IBM plans to demonstrate how its Garage development methodology can help startups and enterprises 'think' through cloud projects. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Feb 2018
What developers must know about supervised machine learning
Humans play a vital role in training an ML/AI system. Expert Torsten Volk explains what software developers need to understand about machine learning education. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Feb 2018
The promise of ML/AI is real -- so are the challenges
Machine learning and artificial intelligence will make the impossible happen, if developers can understand the what-ifs involved. Expert Torsten Volk unpacks it all. Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2018
Pluralsight IQ, Stack Overflow boost developer street cred
Tying the Pluralsight IQ skills test to the Stack Overflow Developer Story helps developers measure their technical skills and better highlight them for jobs. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2018
How is startup culture different from a proven company?
Expert Gerie Owen discusses the differences between a startup culture and an established company's work environment. Learn more about which would work best for you. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2018
Is a software test schedule at the development team's mercy?
Does the development team determine the software test schedule? Find out why working with DevOps can alleviate some time and test constraints. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2018
What enterprises learn from software failure incidents
Research from Etsy and IBM suggests we are learning the wrong lessons from software failure incidents and points toward how to get it right. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Jan 2018
Is there a software developer age limit? Apparently, it's 45
Software development is a young person's purview, according to a Harvey Nash Technology Survey. Expert David Savage explains how over-45s can stay in the game. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2018
Want to make software developer hiring easier? Be flexible
Developers are still in short supply, but companies can hire and retain talented people through a flexible and learning-driven workplace, according to insights from a HackerRank survey. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2018
Testers face pressure to improve software technical skills
If you want to stand out from the testing crowd, spend some time acquiring technical skills. Expert Matthew Heusser offers an on-point tester training curriculum. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jan 2018
What skills do Agile testers need?
The Agile team collaborates closely and makes a lot of changes. What does the ideal Agile tester possess in technical and people skills? Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jan 2018
Why you should get on board with software testing trends
Will your organization design a machine learning app in 2018? Or should you pick up DevOps skills to be in demand as a tester? These trends will all have a major effect on software testing. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
06 Nov 2017
Guide to DevOps Enterprise Summit 2017
Industry giants are coming together once again for the annual DevOps Enterprise Summit. Learn what is trending in DevOps, IT ops, AI and machine learning. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Oct 2017
Who is responsible for software development and design?
Can developers and designers ever meet in the middle? And if so, how can they speak the same language? Expert Jason Grant offers tried-and-true advice for making it work. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Oct 2017
What are the pros and cons of contract QA jobs?
Contract QA jobs can pay more than staff positions, but only if you're a good negotiator. Expert Amy Reichert helps explain the differences between staff QA and contractors. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2017
Five reasons your software testing career is harder than necessary
No job is perfect, but software testers do have a few things to complain about. Expert Amy Reichert shares the five things that make her want to polish her résumé. Continue Reading
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Guide
30 Nov 2016
Why -- and how -- BizDevOps is going to change everything
BizDevOps is the latest in software development approaches and is considered a next-gen DevOps. Find all there is to know about this trend and why businesses are racing after it. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Sep 2016
How do I know if my busy QA professionals are actually engaged?
A busy tester seems like a happy tester, but expert Amy Reichert warns that appearances can be deceiving. Here's why you need to be sure your testers are really paying attention. Continue Reading
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Guide
08 Jun 2016
Want satisfaction guaranteed? Add user experience to the design process
UI and UX are set to change nearly everything about application design, development and testing. Get expert advice on this new user experience design process. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Apr 2016
What modern test manager responsibilities entail
What does a test manager do? That's not the easiest question to answer, as responsibilities vary. Expert Matt Heusser explains the crux of the role and provides some tips as well. Continue Reading
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Guide
25 Mar 2016
Guide: How to hire software developers
Looking to hire software developers? Find out the latest hiring trends, employment needs, software development training opportunities and skill levels in this guide. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Oct 2015
Three traits of a mature Agile team
What it takes to have successful mobile project development might surprise you. Expert Jennifer Lent shares the secrets around creating a mature Agile team. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2015
Can time management improve productivity of QA testers?
Despite what you might think, time management is possible. Expert Amy Reichert explains how QA testers can stop procrastinating and take charge of their lives. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2015
Visual Studio IDE offers many advantages for developers
Microsoft's Visual Studio IDE allows development teams to create apps for multiple Windows 10 mobile and desktop platforms, as well as for iOS and Android. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2015
Learn more about the Android Studio IDE from Google
Android Studio IDE from Google allows developers to build apps running on mobile, desktop and other emerging technologies running on Android. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Sep 2015
Product owners don't have time to write Agile user stories? You write them.
If the product owner won't or can't write the vital Agile user stories, expert Ben Linders explains how to take on this project yourself. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2015
Virtual worlds used as business collaboration tools
Consider virtual worlds as legitimate business collaboration tools. Not only might you save travel money, you might spur team creativity and innovation. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Jul 2014
How to resolve team conflict
Arguing team members can derail a project. Project managers can help resolve the issue by finding its root cause. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2014
When tracking defects, make efficiency the end goal
Tracking defects can benefit the development team if done for the right reasons. Explore the reasons to track defects in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2014
Software quality metrics paint partial project picture
QA consultant Gerie Owen discusses the use of two post-production metrics: defect removal efficiency and defect detection percentage. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2014
Knowledge, skills and abilities for software QA jobs
The right knowledge, skills and abilities for QA jobs don't necessarily include test script automation or security testing skills. Jenn Lent explains. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Sep 2012
How does the role of project manager change in the cloud?
Agile and ALM expert Yvette Francino discusses how the role of project manager may change when applications are developed and tested in the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2012
Agile project management using the Cynefin framework
Learn how the Cynefin framework facilitates problem solving, Agile project management and teamwork. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Nov 2011
Participating in conferences and workshops: What will I learn?
When attending classes, conference and workshops, attendees may have unrealistic expectations of what they will gain, or how they will learn useful information. Expert Peter Walen offers some tips on how to actively participate in the learning process and make the most of educational opportunities. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2011
Attracting the right Agile software developers
A lot of software development job candidates will claim to have Agile skills, but are they just throwing around buzzwords? In this tip, consultant Catherine Powell will help you find the qualified candidates who live out the values and practices of Agile in their daily work. Read more for ideas of how to attract Agile candidates and ensure those you hire will fit well on your Agile team. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Feb 2011
How to gain acceptance of organizational change
Any organizational change can meet with internal resistance. In this response, SSQ Site Editor Yvette Francino offers advice on how to win buy-in from those affected through honest communication and continuous improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2010
Eight steps for a successful software release
Have you done everything to prepare for a successful software release? Software project manager Kay Diller describes eight things you can do to ensure your deployment will go smoothly. From creating your team to being prepared with a back-out plan, Diller steps you through important considerations covering all aspects of the project. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2010
Do developers/tester's skills age like a fine wine?
Does age equate to experience/capability when it comes to development and testing? While some say, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", others believe that experienced testers are above others in the new-tech learning curve. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2010
Information Security pros might be next to join the unemployment line
A poll of 1,000 IT professionals working in application and online security reveals-- many information security pros have unrealistic faith that their careers are running on auto-pilot. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2010
How enhanced Agile skills can make your resume standout
With a large percentage of Americans out of work, the better your resume looks, the better your chances are for getting a job. Boost your employability by ramping up your Agile understanding--learn how in this post. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Feb 2010
What are the pros and cons of centralizing a QA or software test team?
Is it better to centralize a test team or have testers paired organizationally with developers? There can be advantages to either approach. This expert response examines some considerations and an alternative that will allow your quality team to work effectively with either model. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2009
How software testers can get deliverables without nagging
A panel of software and project management experts take on "people management", offering tips and advice on how to avoid nagging while still getting desired results. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2009
Is your software test team rigorously incompetent?
What happens when a software development or test team's manager preaches rigor in processes, but doesn't make sure that team members do processes correctly? Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2009
How software test teams' people skills affect results
Experts discuss the importance of positive workplace relationships in the software industry and recommend a populace of books which support their axioms and can strengthen your work relationships as well. 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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News
23 Jun 2009
Cybersecurity czar candidate questions clout of new position
A former U.S. Congressman, reportedly one of the leading candidates for the White House position of cybersecurity czar, this week questioned whether the new post would have any clout, suggesting that the legislative and bureaucratic issues that lie ahead are so complex that it's unclear what the position would entail. "If you think it's difficult to get through the bureaucracy, wait till you get to congress," said Tom Davis, a former Republican congressman from Virginia. "If there's a crisis things can move quickly, that's one thing we've seen in this town … but the difficulty right now is that there are so many things going on in Washington." 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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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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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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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
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