Application Architecture: Page

Comparing low-code vs. traditional development

The lines between low-code and traditional development aren't always clear. Compare the pros and cons of each approach to judge which makes sense for your organization.

By Gerie Owen, Chris Tozzi • May 29, 2025

6 essential refactoring techniques to know

Refactoring helps optimize the codebase and combat technical debt. Use these six code refactoring techniques to improve code structure, maintainability and overall quality.

By Matt Grasberger • May 28, 2025

Product vs. project mindset in software development

Agile and DevOps highlight the differences between project and product approaches to software development. Establish these roles and principles to deliver business value.

By George Lawton, Chris Tozzi • May 28, 2025

What is an object in programming?

In object-oriented programming (OOP), an object is a reusable unit of code that can perform certain actions and interact with other objects in a program.

By Rahul Awati, Peter Loshin • May 22, 2025

Benchmarking LLMs: A guide to AI model evaluation

LLM benchmarks provide a starting point for evaluating generative AI models across a range of different tasks. Learn where these benchmarks can be useful, and where they're lacking.

By Matt Heusser • May 20, 2025

How to fix flaky tests: A practical approach for QA teams

Flaky tests can be frustrating and tempting to ignore. In many cases, you shouldn't. Use this guide to learn which flaky tests to prioritize and how to fix them.

By Gerie Owen • May 20, 2025

New GitHub Copilot agent edges into DevOps

The GitHub Copilot coding agent can take on toilsome tasks such as bug fixes and code reviews with its own GitHub Actions pull requests.

By Beth Pariseau • May 19, 2025

3 software testing sample test cases, with templates

A good test case is easy to trace, reusable and relevant to user needs. Learn how to write an effective test case with these examples and free templates.

By Amy Reichert • May 16, 2025

What is YAGNI principle (you aren’t gonna need it)?

YAGNI principle ('you aren't gonna need it') is a practice in software development that states that features should only be added when required..

By Gavin Wright • May 16, 2025

Semiconductor chip materials: What and where to source them

Semiconductor chips are predominantly made from silicon, germanium and gallium arsenide. Production is limited and mostly based in China, which could create future supply issues.

By Madeleine Streets • May 12, 2025

Verification vs. validation in software testing

Verification and validation are at the heart of all software testing efforts. Together, they check that software fulfills both user expectations and technical requirements.

By Gerie Owen • May 12, 2025

Iterative vs. incremental development: What’s the difference?

Iterative and incremental development refine software differently: one focuses on early feedback, one on complete components. Together, they balance flexibility and stability.

By Chris Tozzi • May 9, 2025

10 core steps in the semiconductor manufacturing process

Semiconductors bridge conductors and insulators, enabling precise control of electrical flow. This complex process creates the foundation of modern electronics.

By Stephen Bigelow • May 8, 2025

What is a template?

A template is a form, mold or pattern used as a guide to create something consistently and efficiently.

By Katie Terrell Hanna • May 7, 2025

18 ways to improve developer productivity

One of the most important factors of dev productivity is a good developer experience. Give developers a productivity boost with these concrete strategies.

By Ben Lutkevich, Ryan Black • May 7, 2025

The rubber duck method of debugging explained

Ever feel like a quack when trying to debug software? When you're stuck, sometimes it just helps to hear yourself talk -- even if you're just talking to a rubber duck.

By Ben Lutkevich • May 2, 2025

How to measure developer productivity

Measuring only the hard numbers of dev activity can have deleterious effects on developer experience, productivity and even retention. Try measuring dev productivity holistically.

May 1, 2025

10 best API testing tools to know

API testing tools are essential for ensuring reliable, high-performing APIs in modern software development. Choose API testing tools that suit your tech stack and workflow.

By Matt Heusser • April 30, 2025

Docker plans Model Context Protocol security boost

Docker said it plans new tools integrating the emerging agentic AI standard protocol into existing workflows, including security controls.

By Beth Pariseau • April 22, 2025

JetBrains, GitHub add coding agents to IDEs

Coding agents that can take on whole tasks with a natural language prompt are now tied in with widely used IDEs, including a JetBrains free tier.

By Beth Pariseau • April 17, 2025

What is a data type?

In software programming, a data type refers to the type of value a variable has and what type of mathematical, relational or logical operations can be applied on it without causing an error.

By Rahul Awati • April 16, 2025

4 pseudocode examples: Python, Java, JavaScript and C++

Successful pseudocode conversion goes beyond simply making the code work. It's about creating implementations that respect each language's conventions.

By Twain Taylor • April 16, 2025

How to create API automation framework for testing

With an increasing need for API testing, having an efficient test strategy is a big concern for testers. Learn about building a test framework and some alternative approaches.

By Matt Heusser • April 14, 2025

What is a compiler?

A compiler is a special program that translates a programming language's source code into machine code, bytecode or another programming language.

By Rahul Awati , Robert Sheldon • April 11, 2025

Using AI and machine learning for APM

Discover how organizations can streamline operations and improve operational analytics by using AI and machine learning in their application performance monitoring environments.

By Kerry Doyle • April 10, 2025