Agile, DevOps and software development methodologies
Agile software development, and popular variations such as Scrum, underpin the work of many developers and testers. Regardless of the team or methodology you currently use, read expert advice on process, structure and skills for Lean, Agile, DevOps, Waterfall and more to make it work in your enterprise.
Top Stories
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Feature
20 Dec 2024
Platform teams draw on DataOps, MLOps to support GenAI
GenAI calls for more rigorous data discipline than previous forms of analytics, but there are lessons platform teams can learn from existing approaches. Continue Reading
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Quiz
17 Dec 2024
Professional Scrum Developer exam questions and answers
Professional Scrum Developer is a highly respected certification, but it's not easy to get. Take this sample PSD exam to test yourself and see how prepared you are for the exam. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Jan 2020
Project management tools and strategies: Gantt charts, PERT charts and PM planning tools
In project management, charts can visualize work in progress -- and there are many ways to do so. Learn how Agile teams use Gantt, PERT, burn down and other charts to stay on track. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2020
Jira Roadmaps connect to Confluence, await Code Barrel
Atlassian rolled out fresh updates to its Jira Roadmaps feature and set the stage for further workflow refinements and integrations with other Atlassian software in 2020. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2020
How to patch your open source software vulnerabilities
No matter how big your software vulnerabilities backlog has grown, here's how you can tackle it, and get on the path to continuous security monitoring. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Jan 2020
5 software testing books QA professionals should dig into
There's no cookie-cutter crash course on software testing. However, these five books can get beginners on the right path to better quality software. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2020
Appian buys robotic process automation tools platform
With its acquisition of Novayre Solutions SL, Appian brings robotic process automation (RPA) to its customer base of enterprise low-code app developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2020
How user story mapping aids requirements gathering in Agile
Agile requirements are dynamic, not static. Collaborate on user story maps to make sense of frequently evolving customer needs, and put a Scrum Master at the center of it all. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2019
4 DevOps communication principles to get teams talking
One of DevOps' supposed benefits is better collaboration and communication, but it doesn't come out of nowhere. Address these communication challenges to get everyone on the same page. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2019
Make people, not tools, the focus of DevOps initiatives
You can buy a DevOps tool for almost everything -- except people challenges. Learn what high-performing practitioners do to make DevOps culture productive. Continue Reading
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Podcast
06 Nov 2019
Prioritize DevOps and Agile outcomes, not transformation
Tools are easy; people are difficult. So, when it comes to an Agile or DevOps transformation, focus on the desired outcomes, not the process changes, as we discuss in this podcast. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2019
Atlassian CISO Adrian Ludwig shares DevOps security outlook
Atlassian's CISO believes that eventually, application security mechanisms will be absorbed completely into Agile and DevOps tools -- including his own company's products. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2019
What goes into a user story vs. use case for Agile development?
Developers refer to software requirements to code a good product, but there are different ways to categorize user needs. What's the difference between a user story vs. a use case? Continue Reading
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Podcast
24 Oct 2019
What the DevOps movement has done for -- and to -- developers
As DevOps hits the mainstream in enterprise IT, Gene Kim examines what makes a successful DevOps approach, how developers should define their value and where we go from here. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2019
10 tips for effective change management in Agile
Agile development encourages product owners to address customer needs through change. Follow these 10 tips for change requests and management practices that keep projects on track. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2019
DevSecOps puts software development and security on equal footing
With DevSecOps, organizations spread out security responsibilities to ops and devs. Here's how programmers can expect their roles to change and why it's not such a bad thing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Oct 2019
The best Agile architects write code
To be a better software architect, brush up on programming skills and write code. See how Agile architects help developers and make projects better when they dabble in coding. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Oct 2019
Build a DevOps toolchain that's efficient and effective
Is it possible to create a DevOps toolchain that meets the needs of developers, IT operations teams and business staffers? Here's how to devise a strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2019
How to tame ever-changing requirements in software development
When one sprint ends, another begins -- but not before you receive a heaping new pile of requirements. Here's how to deal with requirements changes efficiently, every time, any time. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2019
Implement a DevSecOps pipeline to boost releases' security posture
Break security out of its silo, and get the whole team on board to create a culture of quality with the right tools at the right time -- and stop blindly rushing to release. Continue Reading
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Podcast
26 Sep 2019
Why DevOps underscores the importance of software testing
There's no debating the importance of software testing. But QA should be everyone's responsibility. In this podcast, learn how to follow a team-wide approach to quality. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2019
spiral model
The spiral model is a systems development lifecycle (SDLC) method used for risk management that combines the iterative development process model with elements of the waterfall model. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 2019
How to choose cross-platform mobile development tools
Cross-platform development tools help organizations build apps for a variety of users and devices. But where to start? Learn what types of tools fit which situations. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2019
Fit iOS development tools into your app dev approach
There are pros and cons to going full bore into iOS development tools. Find out if developing natively in iOS is worth the extra cost and effort. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Jul 2019
Pros and cons of Android app development tools
There are pros and cons to embarking on native Android app development. Find out if implementing an Android dev tool is right for your company. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2019
How to make distributed Agile teams efficient and collaborative
Agile teams don't always exist under one roof, but they should still be aligned in responsibilities and goals. Here's the best way to approach global Agile team management. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2019
How Agile and DevOps leadership empowers the whole team
A dictatorial style of leadership doesn't cut it in Agile and DevOps shops. Here's how managers can ditch bad habits and instead encourage team experimentation and decision-making. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 May 2019
Ease conflicts with software engineering project management
Development teams try many ways to balance business priorities with software quality in a project -- and most of them don't work. Here's how to keep that relationship balanced. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Apr 2019
Scrum author talks removing dev hurdles, old-world thinking
In this edition of the Test & Release podcast, Gunther Verheyen, a Scrum author and expert, breaks down how Agile helps free IT from a rigid industrial approach. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2019
rapid application development (RAD)
Rapid application development (RAD) is a model based on the concept that higher-quality products can be developed faster through more expedient processes, such as early prototyping, reusing software components and less formality in team communications. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2019
Exercise risk management in Agile software development
With iterative development, teams can deliver features and patches quickly. And project managers must vigilantly avert new and more severe risks that pop up along the way. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2019
Take a shift-left approach, but avoid developer burnout
Shift left is often a net positive for software quality. Yet, the change moves more tasks to earlier in the app dev process. Take care not to bury developers. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2019
Apply automated security scanning during app development
For developers, security is not often a high priority -- but it should be. Automated security scanning tools can help detect and address weaknesses before evildoers discover them. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2019
Secure open source components to bypass breaches
As enterprises increasingly turn to open source code to cut dev efforts and costs, IT industry vendors recommend that they secure dependencies and deploy patches to safeguard apps. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2019
Atlassian, AgileCraft join to scale Agile development
With its acquisition of AgileCraft, Atlassian aims to help developers work better together, but also scale their Agile practices across an entire enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2019
Study up on the best certifications for testing professionals
Before you invest time into a certification course, decide if you want to step into a new career or want recognition for hard-earned experience. Then, peruse the apt certification options. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Mar 2019
Muda, Mura and Muri
Muda, mura and muri are three types of wasteful actions that negatively impact workflow, productivity and ultimately, customer satisfaction. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2019
How the Agile paradigm saved app development
Traditional app-dev thinking can lead to modern-day failure. In this excerpt from Scrum -- A Pocket Guide, Gunther Verheyen explains why Agile is a must, not optional. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2019
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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Tutorial
23 Jan 2019
Pick up CI/CD, version control in this Azure DevOps tutorial
Microsoft's rebranded Azure DevOps helps teams take a software project from start to finish. Walk through the service's components, from project planning to pipelines and testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2019
Why human instinct causes mistakes in project management
Project management isn't brain surgery, but it involves brain chemistry. A testing expert discusses how we instinctively value gains and losses and how it leads to bad decisions. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2019
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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Feature
21 Dec 2018
5 tips to jump-start a DevOps pipeline
DevOps is a trendy methodology -- and one many enterprises implement incorrectly. Pore over this popular expert advice from 2018 to carefully and correctly accelerate app delivery in 2019. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
12 Dec 2018
5 software development trends propel innovation in 2019
Get ready to jettison your comfort zone and dive into shift-right testing, IoT development and other emerging skill and coverage areas for software developers and testers. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2018
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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Feature
04 Dec 2018
Experts weigh in on DevOps transformation, QA topics
As the technology conference season winds down, sessions at Velocity and DevOps Enterprise Summit offer helpful insight for forward-thinking organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2018
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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News
09 Nov 2018
Enterprise devs win with Veracode's SaaS security spinout
Independent once again, Veracode will focus on its cloud-based test services that enable developers to add security to the software development lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Infographic
25 Oct 2018
DevOps metrics point to fast releases, open source adoption
You can always be better at DevOps. Assess these metrics from a variety of DevOps teams to see where you could stand to improve -- and give your team some positive reinforcement. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Oct 2018
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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News
09 Oct 2018
CI/CD workflows, IT roles lead to organizational disharmony
Divides between IT teams and roles in an organization can impede software delivery, even if they use the right tools. Some companies have chipped away at those barriers. Continue Reading
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Podcast
02 Oct 2018
Enterprise value streams' role in a software delivery model
Do software delivery teams overstress speed and discount value? Mik Kersten, CEO of Tasktop, which produces value stream tools, shares his thoughts in this Test and Release episode. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
DevOps on-premises opportunities spur CloudBees-Lenovo pact
IT teams get a leg up in DevOps initiatives in data centers, as Lenovo enhances its server-side DevOps with OpenShift Solution with CloudBees Core, a CI/CD automation platform. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
Sumo Logic breaks security data silos with cloud SIEM
Sumo Logic has added cloud security monitoring features that put security in context with business intelligence analytics. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2018
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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News
17 Sep 2018
Microsoft seeks broader developer appeal with Azure DevOps
Azure DevOps, which replaces Visual Studio Team Services, offers a suite of five services to help developers plan, build and deploy software, even across platforms. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2018
Mature DevSecOps orgs refine developer security skills training
Some advanced organizations tackle DevSecOps with automated security for CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure, and will complete the picture with developer security skills training. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2018
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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News
30 Aug 2018
SmartBear-Zephyr deal spotlights software quality tools shake-up
Competition has tightened in the software test market as vendors strategically acquire additional tools and align with developer ecosystem players. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Aug 2018
What are the top software testing methodologies?
Whether you want to discover new software testing methodologies or rejuvenate test cases, QA is all about efficiency. Evaluate these testing techniques and strategies to meet QA goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
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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Opinion
13 Aug 2018
The road to effective bot development in DevOps environments
A bot that simply helps you help yourself goes a long way in a DevOps environment. One bot that does one thing really well is better than an army of chatbots. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Aug 2018
Q&A: Eric Mizell explains the reliability challenges of DevOps
DevOps teams face significant challenges, tasked to deliver code faster than ever. OverOps' Eric Mizell believes, though, continuous reliability can go hand in hand with CI/CD. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jul 2018
A DevOps developer should be adaptable, creative
Unlike in the past, companies don't necessarily look to hire developers with hard technology skills. DevOps is changing the rules, so, for developers, it's time to get creative. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Jun 2018
How to save DevOps from cargo cult programming
The meaning of DevOps -- better cooperation between developers and operations professionals -- has been lost in many companies. Expert Theresa Neate explains what has to happen. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jun 2018
OSS security requires DIY scrutiny, not trusting 'many eyes'
How many ways can hackers exploit the security flaws in open source? Cybersecurity experts count the ways and the approaches that can prevent costly security breaches. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 May 2018
The secret to DevOps test automation? Pick your battles
The pain of software test automation is real, particularly in a DevOps environment. But what if it was possible to approach it all differently? App maker Airtasker has a plan. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2018
Amp up OSS security with these steps
A test vendor's CTO describes the OSS security mistakes that enterprises make, such as not patching vulnerabilities or inaccurate inventory dependencies. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 May 2018
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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Opinion
10 May 2018
Salary snapshot: Test automation engineer salaries in four cities
It seems nearly any job related to DevOps carries a higher salary, and test automation is no exception. Here's our salary snapshot of test automation engineers in four U.S. cities. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 May 2018
Why new feature testing should be at the heart of DevOps
Continuous testing is a good idea, but if used as a Band-Aid, it will miss things. Expert Matt Heusser explains why the focus should be on new feature testing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 May 2018
It's past time to revisit Agile's definition of 'done'
The definition of 'done' only covers what happens on the dev side. So, it's not very useful in a DevOps shop. Expert Theresa Neate explains what needs to change. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Apr 2018
Automated security testing frees devs to prevent breaches
Common software security mistakes include testing at the last minute and not testing open source code and VMs. Expert Matt Heusser suggests ways to avoid these and other missteps. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Apr 2018
Why software resilience should be the real goal of DevOps
To improve your software development process, use DevOps to create a resilient system. Expert Matthew Heusser explains why reliability is no longer the goal. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2018
Failure to secure open source code spurs DevSecOps boom
A survey of over 2,000 IT pros shows that fear of data breaches is increasing investments in DevSecOps tools, particularly automated security tools and oversight of open source software. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Apr 2018
How a DevSecOps process gives security a voice
Security teams have worked quietly in the background of software quality projects for years. The DevSecOps process puts the long-lost co-worker, security, front and center. Continue Reading
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Quiz
09 Apr 2018
Agile vs. DevOps: Test your software methodology knowledge
To develop software faster, Agile or DevOps can help. But that doesn't make either choice easy. Test your knowledge to see if you understand what makes each methodology unique. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Mar 2018
Database virtualization lets developers code with confidence
For the longest time, sharing a database has meant long nights for developers. But as more and more organizations adopt virtualized databases, those days are numbered. 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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Tip
16 Mar 2018
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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Tip
06 Mar 2018
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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Tip
22 Feb 2018
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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Tip
20 Feb 2018
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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News
09 Feb 2018
CloudBees' Codeship acquisition signals DevOps consolidation
CloudBees acquires Codeship's SaaS-based CI/CD offering to broaden its portfolio for small and large customers, and further consolidates the DevOps tools market. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Feb 2018
How developers can use SageMaker for DevOps machine learning
SageMaker from AWS gives software developers a way to tackle AI and machine learning. But expert Torsten Volk said it will also require lots of experimenting. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jan 2018
Why the promise of low-code software platforms is deceiving
Low-code/no-code platforms mean anyone can code, right? Wrong. Columnist Bob Reselman explains why this is a dangerous thought for enterprises. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Jan 2018
How the Testing Manifesto is going to change development
Thinking about software quality and testing is happening too late in the process. The antidote is a new set of guidelines that will change how everyone thinks about testing. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jan 2018
continuous quality
Continuous quality is a systematic approach to finding and fixing software defects during all phases of the software development cycle. 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
03 Jan 2018
What breakthroughs we won't (and will) see in DevOps 2018
Will 2018 be the best of times for DevOps? Perhaps. But there's no doubt sweeping changes on the developer and operations sides are coming. Here's what to prepare for. 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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Guide
23 Aug 2017
Making the Agile development model current again
From test automation to software design and empowering leadership, discussions at Agile2017 focused on how to move forward in the current state of the Agile development model. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jul 2017
David vs. Goliath no more, Agile adoption is the new standard
As Agile adoption grows, companies should not be looking to specialists to support agility, says Joseph Flahiff. Make Agile coaching a standard job requirement for team managers. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2017
Five ways to reduce technical debt, rework costs in Agile, DevOps
Learn five ways to reduce technical debt and the high cost of rework in Agile and DevOps software development. Five software pros share their best practices. 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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Tip
22 Sep 2016
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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Tip
26 Aug 2016
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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Podcast
02 May 2016
Overcome inherent bottlenecks in app lifecycle management
The software development world is simply too busy to have inefficient ALM. Expert Gerie Owen reimagines app lifecycle management as something streamlined and totally painless. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Mar 2016
What is the DevOps role for operations people?
In a DevOps world, it can be hard to know where Dev ends and Ops starts. Expert Tim Western explains what the various DevOps roles can and should be. 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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Feature
29 Sep 2015
Kony Studio: A mobile app development platform
Kony Studio is a mobile app development platform that allows developers to build native or cross-platform apps using a single JavaScript codebase. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Sep 2015
Rally Software the go-to ALM tool for Agile developers
Rally Software gives Agile developers an ALM tool that, along with customizable dashboards, offers SAFe training and certification. Continue Reading