Application Architecture: Page

Agile retrospective

An Agile retrospective is a meeting that's held at the end of an iteration in Agile software development.

By James Denman, Yvette Francino • Oct. 7, 2021

Should software architect responsibilities include coding?

There are many variations to the role of the software architect in today's IT teams, and a lingering debate is over whether they should all be hands-on with code.

By Matt Heusser • Oct. 4, 2021

code

In computer programming, 'computer code' refers to the set of instructions, or a system of rules, written in a particular programming language (i.e., the source code).

By Katie Terrell Hanna • Sept. 29, 2021

8 fundamental microservices security best practices

Despite the benefits, microservices will introduce profound security issues. We review the biggest microservices security challenges and eight strategies used to combat them.

By Joydip Kanjilal • Sept. 28, 2021

What productive backlog grooming sessions entail

Backlog grooming is essential for smooth Agile software development. Here's what it takes to get user stories straight and organize a grooming session that yields results.

By Amy Reichert • Sept. 23, 2021

The architectural impact of RPC in distributed systems

It has become increasingly important for software architects to understand the mechanics behind remote procedure call (RPC), particularly its role in distributed architectures.

By Tom Nolle • Sept. 23, 2021

refactoring

Refactoring is the process of restructuring code, while not changing its original functionality.

By Alexander Gillis • Sept. 15, 2021

Service mesh vs. API gateway: Where, why and how to use them

While they're both central to inter-application communication processes, it's important to understand the fundamental differences between a service mesh and an API gateway.

By Chris Tozzi • Sept. 15, 2021

Should you adopt an API-first approach to development?

While the code-first approach certainly works, its appeal is fading as architectures become increasingly complex webs of software. Learn why the API-first approach is catching on.

By Kerry Doyle • Sept. 2, 2021

Choosing the right chaos engineering tools

Chaos engineering tool options include the original (Chaos Monkey), open source projects like Chaos Toolkit and Chaos Mesh and Gremlin. Weigh these factors when choosing your tool.

By George Lawton • Sept. 1, 2021

mail server (mail transfer/transport agent, MTA, mail router, internet mailer)

A mail server -- also known as a mail transfer agent, or MTA; mail transport agent; mail router; or internet mailer -- is an application that receives incoming email from local users and remote senders and forwards outgoing messages for delivery.

By Alexander Gillis • Sept. 1, 2021

Docker Desktop pricing changes in bid to boost revenue

Docker Desktop is now part of all Docker subscriptions, including a new Business tier with added security, but enterprise users of the free version will have to start paying.

By Beth Pariseau • Aug. 31, 2021

The functional programming paradigm at enterprise scale

Many enterprise-level architects rely on an object-oriented approach, but there are good reasons and practical ways to introduce functional programming within large-scale systems.

By Matt Heusser • Aug. 25, 2021

Real estate firm turns to AI vendor for API security

API security is under scrutiny as businesses digitally transform, and startup vendors are emerging with fresh approaches for secure cloud computing.

By Beth Pariseau • Aug. 20, 2021

.NET vs. Node.js: What they are, and which to choose

The choice between using .NET and Node.js for application development shouldn't be a difficult one but requires a solid understanding of each approach's pros and cons.

By Kerry Doyle • Aug. 19, 2021

The 4 Golden Signals, and how to put them into practice

There's nothing easy about monitoring distributed systems, but the right metrics can help. Here's how to put the Golden Signals of software reliability to work.

By Matt Heusser • Aug. 4, 2021

Microservices vs. SOA: Choose the right app architecture

This primer explains the ins and outs of a microservices vs. SOA architecture: when and where to use either one, and how both are evolving, thanks to containers.

By Tom Nolle • Aug. 3, 2021

How Agile team culture can help improve software quality

Any Agile team that wants its team's culture to be squarely centered on improving software quality, should consider the following incentives and tactics.

By Matt Heusser • July 30, 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.

By Matt Heusser • July 30, 2021

How microservices and containers work, apart and together

Microservices and containers are two methods that enable companies to more efficiently create and deliver applications. Here's how they work -- and when they're best used together.

By Chris Tozzi • July 29, 2021

Microservices vs. APIs: How they differ and work together

Enterprises still rely on monolithic systems, but apps increasingly require speed, scale and flexibility. Here's how microservices and APIs achieve that, separately and together.

By Clive Longbottom • July 29, 2021

Basics of SaaS testing, challenges and strategies

With the software-as-a-service model, QA professionals must address particular test challenges and criteria. Let's look at those SaaS issues and the strategies to navigate them.

By Gerie Owen • July 28, 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.

By Jamison Cush, Ron Karjian • July 27, 2021

Resilient software strategies all developers should know

Failures are unavoidable. However, the right software design and development choices can help minimize their impact, isolate problems and speed recovery times.

By Sarah Neenan • July 27, 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.

By Jamison Cush, Ron Karjian • July 23, 2021