Tips
Tips
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Hire testers with a mix of technical skills and hutzpah
There's a lot at stake when you hire a software tester -- and a lot to consider about the applicants. Matt Heusser shares how to evaluate capabilities and personalities. Continue Reading
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Software resilience engineering helps teams quash chaos
What does a nuclear power plant or government team of epidemiologists have to teach software engineers? Quite a lot, if your aim is not just better apps, but more resilient ones. Continue Reading
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Automate tests with attention to UI, rapid feedback and more
If your app-dev group just can't seem to get automated tests right, you're not alone. Here's how to implement an effective test automation strategy, one piece at a time. Continue Reading
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Concourse vs. Drone: Pick a CI/CD tool that fits your team
For CI/CD, a software team should weigh how well a tool fits into its existing practices. Drone and Concourse each highlight ease of use and pipeline features. Continue Reading
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Monitor APIs with these metrics for smooth app integrations
What user information do you pull in from APIs? Do you even know how well they perform? Dev teams should track these metrics to create and maintain smooth API communication. Continue Reading
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How to use Jira as a test management tool
While Atlassian Jira is a common tool to manage software projects, Amy Reichert's team uses it to manage tests. She details snags you might encounter with test cases and management. Continue Reading
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6 ways to tighten Agile feedback loops
Software bugs are inevitable, but quality improves when you find defects sooner rather than later. Adopt these measures to cut down lengthy and expensive software feedback loops. Continue Reading
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How to document software requirements without hating your job
Software requirements specifications explain, in painstaking detail, what is expected of a project. So, why develop without one? It's not worth the risk. Read why an SRS is vital. Continue Reading
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Use shift-right testing to cut skepticism, deployment delays
Production environments are the final frontier for bug hunters. So, embrace -- don't eschew -- shift-right testing. It has the potential to enhance software quality for users. Continue Reading
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How to write and structure worthwhile SRS documentation
Software projects contain many moving parts, and a miscommunication can derail them easily. Keep everyone on the same page with clear and exhaustive requirements specifications. Continue Reading
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Ansible vs. Puppet: Declarative DevOps tools square off
Vendors in the declarative DevOps space cater to the increasing emphasis on software quality in the release cycle. See how Puppet and Ansible stack up in this face-off. Continue Reading
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GitOps, event handling will shape DevOps evolution
DevOps is all about swift application deployment, and faster methods can arrive over time. Tom Nolle explains two concepts that will spark DevOps' continued evolution. Continue Reading
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Learn the basics before you work with Git
Git can scale with complex environments, but more conflicts can arise. Get the Git basics down before your developers use forks or branches for projects. Continue Reading
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How to keep developers and testers happy -- and productive
The stresses of software development can strain testers and developers' comradery. Foster a collaborative and communicative environment to keep the whole team productive. Continue Reading
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How to create test data that yields accurate QA results
Testers need valid data to prevent app defects, which means they must simulate real data types and structure them as closely as possible. Don't fake it when you make it. Continue Reading
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Foster cross-team collaboration with IM, mind maps and more
Build a collaborative workspace that's more than just an HR slogan. These tools get teams to talk and tackle problems together. Continue Reading
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Which APM tool works for devs, CIOs? New Relic vs. Stackify
Stackify Retrace and New Relic tools typify a divide between developers and CIOs on application monitoring. The products share many capabilities, but those features aren't equally granular or accessible. Continue Reading
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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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Use these shift-right methods to test code in production
There's no shortage of ways for a QA team to adopt shift-right testing. But, while the approach can fit in with continuous deployment, don't consider it a catch-all for bug removal. Continue Reading
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Ways to partially implement Agile and still get results
Pair programming, iterative workflows, timeboxed builds and other Agile tenets benefit app dev teams. Here's how to incorporate Agile practices and culture with minimal disruption. Continue Reading
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Learn how to improve software quality with reverse-engineering
Customer complaints about a team's app can contain insight on how to improve it. Yet, to decipher the actual cause of any problem and a change to fix it, QA needs to be brought in. Continue Reading
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Big picture QA testing skills foster better app usability
As companies wrestle to fit QA into budgets, keep in mind the skills that human testers provide -- from customer satisfaction to disaster prevention. Continue Reading
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Combat algorithm bias with these software test pointers
As AI penetrates all kinds of software, it's imperative that testers devise a plan to verify predictive results. Put QA professionals on task to root out AI bias. Continue Reading
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Prioritize UX in a serverless mobile app framework
There's no universal approach to incorporate serverless functionality into mobile app development. Cloud tools and serverless elements can complicate a deployment. Continue Reading
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Construct a better build-deploy pipeline with these 6 measures
Developers can launch code to production faster than ever, and still do it safely, with careful attention to the build-deploy pipeline, tests and monitoring metrics. Continue Reading
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Recommended QA conferences for software testers of all stripes
Testing, QA and development conferences host a breadth of experts and helpful peers. From one-day vendor events to weeklong national shows, there's an option to fit your needs. Continue Reading
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Pick up stateless software precepts for modern app design
Change and state are complex interrelated concepts that shape how an application performs its tasks. Learn the meaning of state, mutability and change as they relate to app design. Continue Reading
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Continuous testing in Agile means less work, more coverage
Rather than ride the turbulent roller coaster of testing bottlenecks and uncontrolled code updates, go on the steadily paced continuous testing Ferris wheel. Continue Reading
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Craft an integration testing plan with quality before quantity
When it comes to integration testing, the end user is more important than the test volume. Increase test efficiency to please both application users and owners. Continue Reading
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How to foster collaboration in software development
App owners, developers and testers are friends -- not enemies. If it doesn't always feel that way on your collaborative team, use these techniques to foster better communication. Continue Reading
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Low-code tools showdown: PowerApps vs. Appian
Low-code dev products, such as PowerApps and Appian, come with benefits and tradeoffs. See which option comes out on top in this faceoff, and plan your workflow accordingly. Continue Reading
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Calibrate your definition of 'done' in Scrum to meet requirements
Get together with business leaders before software launches and find common ground to define done. One company's idea of perfect code is another's lurking disaster. Continue Reading
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The developer's crash course to the application network
Developers, we get it; you don't want to deal with the network. But hear us out, as a basic understanding of subnets, VPNs and IP addresses boost app stability and performance. Continue Reading
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Prevent AI bias in predictive applications before it starts
While AI offers predictive insights, developers must train AI models to ensure accurate results. These five types of input, in particular, can cause poor output from the finished app. Continue Reading
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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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How startups can accelerate a software product launch
At your software startup, product delivery must be top priority, even at the expense of some bells and whistles. Get creative with some shortcuts to deliver quality software. Continue Reading
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What the CI process can and can't do for software delivery
Continuous integration, software delivery and deployment are distinct software lifecycle stages, but they are far more complementary than competitive in modern dev methodologies. Continue Reading
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Sustain high quality in low-code app development
Organizations can keep their standards high and their programming low if they follow these guidelines for a low-code, model-driven approach to software development. Continue Reading
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How containers and Kubernetes change deployment and DevOps
Containers and Kubernetes have changed how many enterprises approach application deployments. The technologies could prompt a widespread shift in DevOps tooling. Continue Reading
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Break app infrastructure responsibly with chaos engineering
More enterprises are intentionally breaking applications with chaos engineering. It helps developers learn the causes of software failures and how to build better apps. Continue Reading
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Which software testing tool best fits your project?
Learn what developers should look for in AI testing tools and which style is best for a project. Expert Tom Nolle compares Applitools and Functionize. Continue Reading
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What would win an AI testing face-off? Applitools vs. Functionize
Expert Tom Nolle compares two AI testing tools that both interact with -- plus utilize -- applications' GUIs for more comprehensive testing. Continue Reading
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A QA team finds continuous testing benefits worth the effort
QA teams can gain a lot from continuous testing. While successful continuous testing requires all of an organization to get on board, the results are worth it. Continue Reading
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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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Improve the rapid application development model for deployment readiness
Get a better understanding of the top three areas in IT to improve a rapid application development model. Expert Tom Nolle discusses the future of RAD and DevOps. Continue Reading
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Which app is apt: native app vs. hybrid app?
Developers have to know what type of application best fits them. Learn about native applications and hybrid applications to decide what works for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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Five tips for testing with mobile app developer tools
Mobile app developer tools can alleviate the confusion of mobile test projects. Here are five strategies to consider if you're in the midst of testing complications. Continue Reading
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Get the most out of continuous testing with Jenkins
With dev cycles shrinking all the time, Jenkins' compatibility continues to evolve. Set up Jenkins for effective CI/CD with quality plug-ins that enable continuous testing. Continue Reading
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Testing tools for continuous deployment
Continuous testing and integration are the basis for continuous deployment without disasters. Expert Tom Nolle discusses the steps for automated and regression tests. Continue Reading
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Jenkins basics: The DevOps and build platform for dev teams
Software expert Walker Rowe discusses how Jenkins goes beyond a DevOps tool. Get a better understanding of how and why your enterprise should install Jenkins. Continue Reading
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A complete beginner's guide to blending DevOps and security
DevSecOps sounds like a mouthful for those new to DevOps, but building security in from the start is key to DevOps success. Expert Kevin Beaver explains. Continue Reading
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A DevOps beginner's guide for user experience professionals
If you're a UX pro brand-new to DevOps, you might wonder where to begin. UX columnist Jason Grant offers a step-by-step approach for designers who are DevOps newbies. Continue Reading
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A comprehensive beginner's guide to DevOps for testers
Newcomers to DevOps have a steep learning curve and nowhere more so than in test. Expert Matthew Heusser has a beginner's guide to DevOps and testing. Continue Reading
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A comprehensive beginner's guide to DevOps for developers
Starting DevOps in your organization and not sure where to begin? Cameron McKenzie explains everything a developer needs to know to successfully begin the DevOps process. Continue Reading
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Lower the risk of change in continuous testing
Expert Matt Heusser explains how to improve mobile and web application continuous testing in seven steps. Learn how to identify goals and avoid failures with continuous flow. Continue Reading
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Four critical continuous testing components to implement
Rapid continuous delivery is unlikely to go off without a hitch, unless the team relies on continuous testing. Expert Justin Rohrman explains how to get it underway. Continue Reading
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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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How to develop a UX workflow
This approach to UX improves software design, whether your goal is to build a new product, modernize a legacy one or improve functionality and features. Continue Reading
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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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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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Everything you need to know about testing .NET applications
For the most efficient testing, you need the right tools for the job. Expert Matt Heusser explains in detail all the testing tools for tackling apps built with Microsoft's .NET. Continue Reading
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Be a more technical tester with HTML, CSS and JS
If you're ready to boost your testing skills, why not learn more about web development? Expert Matt Heusser walks you through HTML, CSS and JS to get you started. Continue Reading
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Comparing development methodologies: Agile vs. DevOps vs. Lean Startup
It's a confusing, jargon-filled world out there. Expert Christopher Ward brings clarity in part one of a series of articles on the differences between Lean, Agile and DevOps. Continue Reading
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When DevOps and requirements gathering techniques collide
Moving from Agile to DevOps? Requirements gathering is a great place to start rethinking and incorporating a high level of collaboration. Expert Christopher Ward explains. Continue Reading
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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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Master interrupt testing on mobile devices
Since mobile devices were made to be interrupted, the challenge is to create -- and test -- an app that rolls with it all. Yvette Francino explains how interrupt testing works. Continue Reading
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How to test mobile responsive design applications
Two experts offer 10 tips for testing mobile responsive design applications, with or without software requirements. Continue Reading
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Why a COTS package requires testing
Buying COTS systems doesn't necessarily mean security. Learn why COTS testing is needed. Continue Reading
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Five tools to improve embedded software testing efforts
Embedded software testing tools are useful for catching defects during unit, integration and system testing. Here are five such tools that can make testing easier. Continue Reading
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App Quality Alliance compiles mobile testing criteria
SearchSoftwareQuality.com talks to Martin Wrigley of the App Quality Alliance about smart practices and testing criteria for mobile app developers. Continue Reading
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Agile testing methods for multiple teams
Learn the latest Agile testing methods for converting multiple teams from a traditional process to Agile. Continue Reading
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CI success depends on quality acceptance criteria
Successful continuous integration requires testable acceptance criteria that help to guide developers. Continue Reading
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AWS mobile development tools hold steady lead
AWS mobile tools are able to stay ahead of other mobile development vendors' tools. Continue Reading
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Agile application lifecycle management is not an oxymoron
Learn how Agile application lifecycle management supports the development process for better software and business needs. Continue Reading
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Agile project management: Increasing business agility with Agile ALM
Increase business agility capabilities with Agile project management. Find tips and tools for Agile ALM best practices. Continue Reading
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Agile and ALM: A marriage made in heaven?
Learn why developing Agile and ALM can benefit organizational processes. Continue Reading
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How Agile ALM tools shape business agility
Learn how Agile ALM tools can increase agility in businesses. Continue Reading
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SaaS application testing: Keep performance tests in mind
Performance testing must be a high priority for SaaS application testers. Learn why and pick up tips on how to test a SaaS system's performance. Continue Reading
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Scrum project management: Estimating with story points
Scrum project management expert Yvette Francino explains how teams use story points to estimate effort involved in developing a particular feature. Continue Reading
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How to measure test progress: Every picture tells a story
Seeing the big picture when it comes managing the progress of your software tests may require putting together all the little picture pieces. Continue Reading
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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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Security testing for unvalidated redirects and forwards
Security expert John Overbaugh gives security testers the information they need in order to ensure the Web application code that they’re responsible for is protected. Continue Reading
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Streamlining user acceptance testing (UAT) with Agile
Organizations that implement successful user acceptance testing can greatly reduce errors and business risks. Continue Reading
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Agile testing quadrants: Guiding managers and teams in test strategies
Agile expert Lisa Crispin explains the four Agile testing quadrants and how they can guide managers and development teams in creating a test strategy. Continue Reading
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Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Defect tracking: Lean principles for getting the right data at the right time
In this tip, author Paul E. McMahon describes how Lean principles can be used to help determine when defect tracking is appropriate for your organization and what type of data is important to collect. Continue Reading
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The whole-team approach to Agile development: Examples and benefits
Lisa Crispin continues in this second tip in the series by giving real-life examples and benefits gained from practicing the whole-team approach on Agile development teams. Continue Reading
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Agile software development: Tips for writing testable user stories
Testing pressures are always high on Agile projects. In this article we explore some of the ways adding clarity to stories can help make testing easier for all parties involved. Continue Reading
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Tools and techniques for tracking changes to software requirements
In this tip, requirements expert Sue Burk explains different techniques and tools that can be used to track changes to the requirement itself as well as changes to the attributes of the requirement. Continue Reading
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Regression vs. risk-based testing: Managing complexity
In this tip, consultant Vasudeva Naidu describes in detail the steps necessary to implement risk-based testing in your organization to ensure your regression test strategy is solid and successful. Continue Reading
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Managing change requests to your application
In this tip, we look at end user requests, and the process to prioritize the requests for IT, so they know where to focus their work efforts. Continue Reading
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Application security: Protecting application availability, data confidentiality and integrity
Network security and application security are both important in keeping your applications safe from hackers. In this tip, security engineer John Overbaugh focuses on application security, which is needed to protect the confidentiality, availability ... Continue Reading
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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 ... Continue Reading
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Embedded software testing: Five messaging event styles
In testing embedded systems, timing can often cause trouble. In this tip, consultant Scott Allman describes the five different types of event styles that can occur when two events are executed. A good test plan will cover each of those event styles ... Continue Reading
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Manual testing vs. automated testing: A decision point
Automation in a test environment can be expensive and doesn’t always yield a high return. In fact, a high percentage of automation efforts fail. In this tip, Vasudeva Naidu gives advice on key factors that will lead to success in your automation ... Continue Reading
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Waterfall vs. Agile development: A case study
Two projects very similar in scope were executed by the same project team for the same users. The first project used a waterfall methodology and resulted in missed deadlines and failure to deliver user requirements. The second used an Agile ... Continue Reading
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Agile ALM tools: How they differ from traditional lifecycle management tools
Software consultant Nari Kannan describes the differences between agile application lifecycle management (ALM) tools and traditional lifecycle management software. Agile ALM tools are more tightly integrated, easier to use, supportive to distributed... Continue Reading
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Specialized testing for your enterprise application
In this tip, Judith Myerson describes examples of five types of testing for your enterprise applications: cloud testing, user acceptance testing, modular testing, agile testing and incremental testing. Myerson gives a brief overview of each type of ... Continue Reading
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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, ... Continue Reading
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Applying lean concepts to software testing
If we're going to use a factory analogy for software development, shouldn't we at least study the techniques modern factories use? In this tip, software quality expert Matt Heusser describes concepts used first for lean manufacturing, which are now ... Continue Reading