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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Get started
Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Can you really use a shared database for microservices?
Since its emergence as a mainstream development style, experts have debated the wisdom of using a shared database for microservices versus providing a database per service. Continue Reading
system of systems (SoS)
A system of systems (SoS) is the collection of multiple, independent systems in context as part of a larger, more complex system. Continue Reading
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a message protocol that enables the distributed elements of an application to communicate. Continue Reading
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6 ways cloud-native and cloud-agnostic architecture differ
While development teams should carefully weigh the tradeoffs between cloud-native and cloud-agnostic architectures, they don't necessarily have to commit to just one. Continue Reading
object
In object-oriented programming (OOP), objects are the things you think about first in designing a program and they are also the units of code that are eventually derived from the process. Continue Reading
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Definitions to Get Started
- What is dependency injection in object-oriented programming (OOP)?
- What is a software stack?
- What is an API (application programming interface)?
- What is API testing? Everything you need to know
- What is REpresentational State Transfer (REST)
- What is an API endpoint?
- reactive programming
- object-oriented programming (OOP)
The basics of working with declarative programming languages
While imperative programming is often a go-to, the declarative approach has proved useful in the face of demands for complex, feature-heavy business applications.Continue Reading
Micro apps vs. microservices: What developers should know
On the surface, the contrast between micro apps and microservices simply seems a matter of front-end vs. back-end concerns. But this isn't the only difference worth knowing.Continue Reading
An intro to cloud-native microservices and how to build them
While there are a variety of ways to develop cloud-native microservices, focus on strategies that enable as much agility, resiliency and development simplicity as possible.Continue Reading
Resource Description Framework (RDF)
The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a general framework for representing interconnected data on the web.Continue Reading
WebLogic
Oracle WebLogic Server is a leading e-commerce online transaction processing (OLTP) platform, developed to connect users in distributed computing production environments and to facilitate the integration of mainframe applications with distributed ...Continue Reading
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SPML (Services Provisioning Markup Language)
Services Provisioning Markup Language (SPML) is an open source XML-based standard that facilitates the exchange of account provisioning information among applications, services and organizations.Continue Reading
BPEL (Business Process Execution Language)
BPEL (Business Process Execution Language) is an XML-based language that allows web services, APIs and human processes in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) to interconnect and share data in a business workflow.Continue Reading
Eclipse (Eclipse Foundation)
Eclipse is a free, Java-based development platform known for its plugins that allow developers to develop and test code written in other programming languages.Continue Reading
BSA | The Software Alliance
BSA | The Software Alliance is an advocate for public policies that foster technology innovation and drive economic growth.Continue Reading
What is foo (in software programming)?
Foo (pronounced FOO) is a term used by programmers as a placeholder for a value that can change depending on conditions or on information passed to the program.Continue Reading
What is open API (public API)?
Review this definition to learn about open APIs, also known as a public APIs, including their associated benefits, industry use cases and unique attributes.Continue Reading
What is Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)?
An enterprise service bus (ESB) is a software platform used to distribute work among connected components of an application.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
refactoring
Refactoring is the process of restructuring code, while not changing its original functionality.Continue Reading
UUID (Universal Unique Identifier)
A UUID (Universal Unique Identifier) is a 128-bit value used to uniquely identify an object or entity on the internet.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
How pub/sub messaging works, and why it matters today
While pub/sub has been a standard messaging approach for decades, it's arguably more important than ever for developers to understand what it is, how it works and why it matters.Continue Reading
The 6 non-negotiable REST architecture constraints
While REST-centric design isn't necessarily hard, there are some non-negotiable rules when it comes to resource provisioning. Here are six all architects should know.Continue Reading
5 proven patterns for resilient software architecture design
Maintaining a resilient software architecture is a constant battle. Luckily, there are a few design methods that can help teams instill the reliability they desperately need.Continue Reading
9 iPaaS use cases for the enterprise
IPaaS connects enterprise applications and data, which encompasses on-premises systems to the cloud and IoT. Review these iPaaS examples to understand how it all works.Continue Reading
What is webhook?
A webhook is a software architecture approach that allows applications and services to submit a web-based notification to other applications whenever a specific event occurs.Continue Reading
A quick rundown of multi-runtime microservices architecture
Learn the basics about a multi-runtime architecture, and the two-component approach it takes to provide a standard for abstracted microservice-messaging processes.Continue Reading
Is life as a freelance software developer for you?
Succeeding as a freelance developer requires much more than waiting for clients to contact you. Explore how to boost your skill set and land freelance gigs.Continue Reading
application service provider (ASP)
An application service provider (ASP) is a company that offers individuals or enterprises access to applications and related services over the internet.Continue Reading
Micro apps: A simple way to add sophisticated features
When building a new web or mobile app seems like overkill, micro apps might be the most practical way for developers to add niche features and functionality.Continue Reading
3 predictable application architect interview questions
Software architecture roles are awfully industry specific, but there are still baseline skills employers want to see. These are some of the questions they ask to find those skills.Continue Reading
mobile application development
Mobile application development is the set of processes and procedures involved in writing software for small, wireless computing devices.Continue Reading
'Practical Microservices' speaks the language of web developers
In his book, 'Practical Microservices,' Ethan Garofolo introduces web developers to the coding principles that form the foundation for microservices-based applications.Continue Reading
What is an API proxy?
An API proxy is a thin application program interface (API) server that exposes an interface for an existing service or services.Continue Reading
Get to know 4 microservices versioning techniques
Are you struggling to apply updates consistently across distributed services? Here are four microservices versioning techniques that can help.Continue Reading
Break down platforms via a service decomposition strategy
There's more than one way to break down a platform into microservices. This excerpt from 'Developing Microservice APIs with Python' explains one: decomposition by subdomains.Continue Reading
10 microservices patterns all architects should know
Choosing the right design pattern is a critical part of managing a microservices-based architecture. Here are 10 distributed design approaches that all architects should know.Continue Reading
What is Micronaut? Introduction to the Micronaut Framework
Micronaut is an open source JVM-based software framework for building lightweight, modular applications and microservices.Continue Reading
App interface design principles all developers should know
The first step in choosing the right app interface design is to understand the options available to developers. Dive deeper into these popular design concepts and approaches.Continue Reading
An overview of headless architecture design
Decoupling the back-end components of an application is certainly valuable, but what about the front end? This is where headless architecture comes into play.Continue Reading
16 REST API design best practices and guidelines
Common guidelines for API design lead to better functionality and flexibility. Follow these REST API design best practices to help you tend to your burgeoning API garden.Continue Reading
The basics of monitoring and observability in microservices
We examine how monitoring and observability help development teams keep a distributed architecture from coming unraveled by individual failures and performance bottlenecks.Continue Reading
API testing checklist and best practices
Proper API testing isn't just determining if an endpoint is functional. Follow these steps to identify your organization's important APIs, which tests to run, and which tools to use.Continue Reading
The 4 rules of a microservices defense-in-depth strategy
Learn the four must-follow rules when introducing defense-in-depth to a distributed microservices architecture, especially when services traverse numerous networks and apps.Continue Reading
Two simple ways to create custom APIs in Azure
Learn how to create custom APIs in Azure through both Azure Portal and Visual Studio Code, and review some post-deployment best practices that add value and security to those APIs.Continue Reading
The CAP theorem, and how it applies to microservices
Learn the fundamentals of the CAP theorem, how it comes into play with microservices and what it means for your distributed architecture design choices.Continue Reading
How to master microservices data architecture design
Microservices have data management needs unlike any other application architecture today. You'll need the right set of knowledge, mechanisms and design principles to succeed.Continue Reading
Microservices logging best practices every team should know
Creating a log system for distributed microservices is a task much easier said than done. Joydip Kanjilal offers a few best practices to shore up microservices logging processes.Continue Reading
How to create an effective software architecture roadmap
For large-scale initiatives that span the enterprise, a well-planned software architecture roadmap allows development teams to navigate projects safely and efficiently.Continue Reading
Understanding the modular monolith and its ideal use cases
While it isn't always the right fit, a modular monolith can often provide a happy medium between the simplicity of a traditional monolith and the complexity of microservices.Continue Reading
The non-tech skills of software development project managers
Teams are key to the success of any enterprise software project, but development teams don't run themselves. Managers need the right skills to keep their employees on track.Continue Reading
How to start managing software development teams like a pro
Team performance is vital to a software project's success. Avoid these common management challenges and learn about the key metrics that help monitor your team's effectiveness.Continue Reading
Book details API design best practices
APIs are designed for people you've never met to solve problems you didn't know existed. With that in mind, how do you design and build them well?Continue Reading
A basic overview of micro front ends
Microservices enable independent app-dev teams, asynchronous app updates and precise troubleshooting. If these benefits sound good for your UI, consider a micro front end.Continue Reading
The basics of software coupling metrics and concepts
To move toward a distributed, modular architecture, development teams need to carefully investigate software coupling concepts and learn how to measure dependency complexity.Continue Reading
A lesson on how to test microservices locally
Microservices are small pieces of a big picture, so they're difficult to test in isolation. Use these tips to run unit and integration tests locally on microservices.Continue Reading
A primer on the clean architecture pattern and its principles
Stability is a crucial aspect of application architecture. Learn how clean architecture can straighten out your dependencies and make an app that is built to last.Continue Reading
A developer guide to software localization
Software has become as multilingual and multicultural as the world itself. Localizing your code can keep your company from a potentially disastrous cultural blunder.Continue Reading
10 of the best programming languages to learn in 2020
Different jobs call for different programming languages, and the wrong choice could cause your project to fail. Add these tools to your must-learn list so you are prepared for any assignment.Continue Reading
4 must-have API management components
APIs don't manage themselves. Get to know these key API management components to ensure your applications perform as intended.Continue Reading
Craft an application integration strategy and pick the best tool
Application integration is easier said than done. Learn how to navigate this challenging process -- particularly, if you're integrating legacy applications with new applications.Continue Reading
If software architects' soft skills fail, so does the business
Mark Richards and Neal Ford, authors of 'Fundamentals of Software Architecture,' share real-life examples of why architects must communicate well, and explain how to do it.Continue Reading
Test your knowledge of iPaaS tools and strategies
Do you understand everything you should about iPaaS? This quiz will test your knowledge of iPaaS tools and fundamental capabilities.Continue Reading
Key strategies to help migrate to microservices
Microservices adoption is no easy feat. In addition to the technical process of transitioning from a monolith, enterprises must also look at team structure and common migration mistakes.Continue Reading
Why COBOL modernization matters, and how devs can react
With COBOL expertise in high demand and low supply, it may be time for devs to think about how much they really know about this language. We explore why COBOL skills still matter.Continue Reading
What is the strangler pattern and how does it work?
The strangler pattern allows software teams to retire legacy systems incrementally and avoid the pitfalls of major rewrites. We examine this pattern and detail the steps involved.Continue Reading
4 best practices for creating architecture decision records
An ADR is only as good as the record quality. Follow these best practices to establish a dependable ADR creation and maintenance process.Continue Reading
The guide to landing an enterprise architect job
Interested in becoming an enterprise architect? This guide reviews the essential responsibilities of architects and how you can master the application process.Continue Reading
A five-point primer on event-driven design
More apps are moving away from request-driven models in favor of event-driven architecture. But are you ready for this design? Find out with these five quick tips.Continue Reading
An enterprise architect's guide to the data modeling process
As volumes of both business and application data grow, organizations need a strict, three-phase data modeling process that keeps that data contained and manageable.Continue Reading
How to start using a BDD framework
Why bother with behavior-driven development? Learn how this Agile-focused development framework can help bolster application quality, and explore tooling that can help.Continue Reading
Get started with API versioning and URIs
Applications change, and the APIs they depend on need to be updated and upgraded accordingly. Developers who know the value of versioning and the basics of numbering improve APIs.Continue Reading
How to fuse domain-driven design and microservices
Domain-driven design helps organizations create business capabilities with the architecture that microservices need. Here's how to merge DDD into your development process.Continue Reading
2020 conferences for software developers and architects
Fortunately, you can't lose your badge at a virtual conference. Check out our list of both online and in-person conferences, including DockerCon, API World and Microsoft Build.Continue Reading
5 stages of an API lifecycle explained
APIs are not just a component you can set and forget. Developers need to plan, create, deploy and monitor APIs to keep them aligned with business needs, as well as know when it's time to retire them.Continue Reading
5 best practices for remote development teams
More developers than ever now work from home and must quickly adapt to remote life. Our experts explain how to proactively support the isolated members of your development team.Continue Reading
The 5 essential elements of an RPA strategy
RPA's benefits can be wiped out by an improper implementation. Give your business a sound RPA strategy and roadmap before you rush in.Continue Reading
Getting to know the API proxy
Explore the capabilities and practical uses for an API proxy, as well as examine the relationship between an API proxy and an API gateway.Continue Reading
Use tokens for microservices authentication and authorization
Independent and interoperable microservices require a permissions rethink, or you'll drive users crazy. Examine how tokens come into play for authentication and authorization.Continue Reading
The 7 crucial RPA developer skills
As enterprises move in on RPA, they need developers who can juggle both the business and technical sides of automation. Here are seven essential RPA developer skills.Continue Reading
5 core components of microservices architecture
Before you build a microservices application, take a closer look at the components of the architecture and their capabilities.Continue Reading
How to plan and execute a migration to microservices
Ready for a migration to microservices? Here are the steps your development team can take to gradually transition your existing monolithic applications.Continue Reading
The 3 tenets of microservice messaging patterns
In a microservices architecture, there's no question that it's tricky to ensure effective service communication. Review these three tenets of microservice messaging patterns.Continue Reading
5 key software testability characteristics
How do you design the software components for comprehensive testing? Start with these fundamentals of software testability -- from mocks and stubs to infrastructure-as-code.Continue Reading
Get started with a hybrid microservices model
Enterprises don't always have to choose between a microservices and monolithic architecture -- take a hybrid approach to experience the best of both worlds.Continue Reading
What is a microkernel architecture, and is it right for you?
Apps aren't limited to monolith and microservices architecture. Discover the benefits of a microkernel, common plugins and the apps best suited for this type of architecture.Continue Reading
Break monoliths into microservices with 3 steps
To decompose a monolith into microservices, you could take the application offline or halt all updates and rewrite everything. Or you could follow this practical approach.Continue Reading
Fundamental patterns for service discovery in microservices
Service discovery is a huge part of managing a microservices-based application. We examine helpful service discovery patterns developers can use for clean service interaction.Continue Reading
5 big microservices pitfalls to avoid during migration
Too many development teams make these failure-inducing mistakes during a switch to microservices. Learn where things go wrong, and the best ways to avoid problems.Continue Reading
Popular microservices testing tools developers should know about
Testing microservices gets messy as services are independent and communicate often. Here are tests necessary for microservices, and popular tools developers use to perform them.Continue Reading
A few fundamental microservices team structure strategies
A microservices architecture can be quite a culture shock to unprepared enterprises. Here's how you can prepare your team to make microservices part of development processes.Continue Reading
Experts explain how AWS Lambda works internally
AWS Lambda introduces its fair share of benefits and problems. In case you missed it, here are three expert tips to help serverless functions find a comfortable place within your software systems.Continue Reading
The 3 fundamentals of hybrid cloud architecture management
When an enterprise chooses hybrid cloud, it needs to ensure the application harmonizes between the two environments. Review these three tips on architecture, integration and APIs.Continue Reading
Follow these 10 fundamental microservices design principles
The right design principles enable microservices adopters to build an application from autonomous, cohesive components that can scale seamlessly. Here are 10 to follow.Continue Reading
How to improve API documentation with Swagger and OpenAPI
Discover why developers should take advantage of Swagger tooling and the OpenAPI specification to streamline API design, documentation and management, especially for RESTful APIs.Continue Reading
How the .NET Core platform advances cloud-based app deployment
The capabilities of .NET Core keep developers interested. We break down the reasons why that's the case.Continue Reading
How to test microservices for functionality and compliance
If you're new to microservices testing practices, understand that traditional techniques won't work anymore. We examine how to approach four critical microservices tests.Continue Reading
A guide to open source technology in application development
The open source community continuously adapts to address the latest application development and deployment needs of organizations large and small. What can these tools do for you?Continue Reading
An introduction to combining CQRS and event sourcing
Combining CQRS and event sourcing is a powerful way to maintain data speed and consistency for web-scale applications. Learn about the pros and cons of pairing these two processes.Continue Reading