Software design and development
Software design and development encompasses an array of processes and methodologies. Developers have a lot to manage and will need guidance on how to handle different tasks and projects. Brush up on everything from app-dev approaches such as low code, test- and model-driven development, code refactoring and management practices, UI and UX design, and developer tools.
Top Stories
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Video
19 Nov 2024
Java, JDBC and SQL Server tutorial
This tutorial shows how to create a JDBC connection to Microsoft's SQL Server, and get started creating Java-based applications that are scalable and secure. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2024
Ansible vs. Docker: Differences and similarities explained
Ansible and Docker play specific roles, but when used together, Ansible's playbooks and Docker's Dockerfiles provide greater control and configurability over servers. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
AutoRabit tool seeks to simplify Salesforce security for DevOps
OrgScan extends CodeScan's security scanning ability in Salesforce. CodeScan Shield aims to simplify security for devs as the trend to shift left continues, industry analysts say. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
COBOL application modernization tools and techniques
COBOL code modernization options range from a simple, yet expensive, application re-write to automated tools that can convert code and extract business rules. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2022
Heroku to end free tiers, creating platform void for devs
Heroku will cease offering its free tiers this November, leaving developers to choose from an array of alternatives that don't quite match up, according to industry experts. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2022
Intel's Wei Li on low-code/no-code AI and sentience
Wei Li, Intel's vice president and general manager of AI and analytics, outlines how low-code/no-code AI can help developers and chimes in on the sentient AI debate. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2022
Java string
A Java string is a sequence of characters that exists as an object of the class java.lang. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Aug 2022
lexical scoping (static scoping)
Lexical scoping, also known as static scoping, is a convention used with many modern programming languages. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2022
PyPI phishing renews call for mandatory 2FA, package signing
Some developers view compulsory 2FA and package signing as a threat to productivity, but industry experts say such requirements are inevitable amid ongoing cyberattacks. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2022
Low-code platforms create call for business-savvy developers
The rising popularity of low-code platforms may mark a decline for coding as a job priority, but demand is up for developers with a strong grasp of business knowledge, say experts. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Aug 2022
logical negation symbol
The logical negation symbol is used in Boolean algebra to indicate that the truth value of the statement that follows is reversed. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Aug 2022
vertical bar
The vertical bar ( | ) is a symbol used in mathematics, computing and other areas to represent a specific type of logic or operation, depending on its context. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
operation (computing)
An operation, in computing, is an action that is carried out to accomplish a given task. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2022
Kubernetes training, tech can tackle orchestration pain
DevOps can force developers to work outside their comfort zone and create frustration, but the right Kubernetes training and tools can ease the burden. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
software testing
Software testing is the process of assessing the functionality of a software program. Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2022
How CI/CD pipelines are putting enterprise networks at risk
At Black Hat USA 2022, NCC Group researchers demonstrated how threat actors can compromise CI/CD pipelines and break out into enterprise networks and cloud environments. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2022
COBOL programming skills gap thwarts modernization to Java
The challenge of migrating COBOL applications to run in the cloud is made nearly impossible with tricky line-to-line conversions and a lack of developers with the right skills. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2022
menu
A menu is a set of options presented to the user of a computer application to help them find information or execute a function. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Aug 2022
fuzzy search
A fuzzy search is a technique that uses search algorithms to find strings that match patterns approximately. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Aug 2022
WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)
WYSIWYG (pronounced wiz-ee-wig) is a type of editing software that allows users to see and edit content in a form that appears as it would when displayed on an interface, webpage, slide presentation or printed document. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Aug 2022
Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a free, open source front-end development framework for the creation of websites and web apps. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2022
green software
Green software, also known as sustainable software, is software that is designed, developed and implemented to limit energy consumption and have minimal environmental impact. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2022
Developer search engine for code snippets comes with caveats
The YouCode search engine gives developers a fast way to find code snippets. But, like any code completion tool, results should be taken with a grain of salt. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
CircleCI and GitLab integration expands DevOps tool choices
CircleCI expands code repository choices, benefitting mutual customers of the highly optimized platform, say industry analysts. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2022
Shadow cast over future of Google's C++ replacement
A C++ replacement is long overdue, but Google's experimental language, Carbon, is far from a perfect solution, some industry experts say. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2022
Developers beware: AI pair programming comes with pitfalls
Despite the promise of faster coding, AI pair programming has a host of pitfalls, including inapplicable code suggestions, security flaws and copyright issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2022
A quick glance at the history of C programming languages
Since C hit the scene in 1972, the language has continuously evolved to stay relevant in modern development. We examine C's history and why it's still relevant. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2022
Consultancy benefits from green coding certification mandate
In this Q&A, GFT CTO Dean Clark details how his company's green coding certification program is bringing benefits beyond higher-quality, more efficient code. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2022
Developer shortage fuels rise in low-code/no-code platforms
Halfway through 2022, interest in low-code/no-code platforms is not slowing down. Experts say the developer shortage is one of the biggest factors as companies continue to invest. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
New JavaScript runtime Bun challenges Deno, Node.js
Beta release of JavaScript runtime Bun promises to speed up development with an array of out-of-the box features. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2022
No-code API tools for Excel wrangle data
Tampa-based Vault Insurance struggled with analyzing spreadsheets at scale until it purchased spreadsheet-to-API software Coherent Spark. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jul 2022
parser
In computer technology, a parser is a program that's usually part of a compiler. It receives input in the form of sequential source program instructions, interactive online commands, markup tags or some other defined interface. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2022
How viable is it to create microservices in Python?
Python offers microservices developers access to advanced scripting, embedded testing and plugin tooling. But is it a good fit for you? And what are the alternatives if it isn't? Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2022
Amazon CodeWhisperer joins packed AI code completion market
AI code completion tool Amazon CodeWhisperer is now available for developers who are willing to wait. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2022
Code completion AI bot trend continues with GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot joins a ballooning field of AI-powered code completion tools. Industry experts debate the tool's utility and long-term staying power. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jun 2022
binary file
A binary file is a file whose content is in a binary format that consists of a series of sequential bytes, each of which is eight bits in length. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2022
data abstraction
Data abstraction is the reduction of a particular body of data to a simplified representation of the whole. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2022
Green software certification, legislation in the works
Green software could be moving from the technology fringes to the mainstream with upcoming legislation and a push for sustainable software certification. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2022
Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)
Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is an extension to Component Object Model (COM) that enables software components to communicate with each other across different computers on a local area network (LAN), on a wide area network (WAN) or across the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2022
strongly typed programming language
A strongly typed programming language is one in which each type of data, such as integers, characters, hexadecimals and packed decimals, is predefined as part of the programming language, and all constants or variables defined for a given program must be described with one of the data types. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2022
Green software summit outlines developer best practices
The Green Software Foundation Global Summit highlights tech sustainability and the important role developers can play in tackling climate change. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jun 2022
instantiation
In programming, instantiation is the creation of a real instance or particular realization of an abstraction or template, such as a class of objects or a computer process. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jun 2022
4 low-code best practices to streamline adoption
To be successful with low-code adoption, organizations must clearly define project goals, ensure the right mix of staffing and tools, and regularly asses business value. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2022
Tabnine code completion platform adds more powerful AI
Tabnine's code completion assistant adds support for 11 languages with a major AI overhaul. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
In-demand programming languages devs should get to know
Experts weigh in on which in-demand programming languages offer the best job prospects. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2022
Supply chain security takes center stage at OpenJS World 2022
At OpenJS World 2022, the Open Source Security Foundation outlined two ambitious initiatives to fix supply chain security issues in open source software. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2022
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
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Definition
06 Jun 2022
exception handling
Exception handling is the process of responding to unwanted or unexpected events when a computer program runs. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
Mirantis Lens extension debuts on Docker Desktop
Docker Desktop adds a Mirantis Lens extension as another option for developers who want an easier way to work with Kubernetes. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
Project Volterra could encourage switch to Arm-based PCs
Project Volterra, due out later this year, is an Arm-based PC geared up for AI development. The energy-efficient, faster device might enable Microsoft to catch up with Apple. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Microsoft Dev Box speeds up development, but will devs buy in?
Microsoft Dev Box offers developers a range of tools to increase productivity, but old habits tend to die hard. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 May 2022
data binding
Data binding is the process that couples two data sources together and synchronizes them. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2022
Microsoft invites access to Azure OpenAI Service, GPT-3
Microsoft has invited corporate developers to apply for access to its cloud-based AI model for natural language processing. The service was invitation only. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2022
binary
Binary describes a numbering scheme in which there are only two possible values for each digit -- 0 or 1 -- and is the basis for all binary code used in computing systems. Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2022
GitHub math support in Markdown useful but tardy
GitHub math support in Markdown took eight years to arrive. Had the feature been released in 2014, a wider audience might have benefited from its use. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
Google Firebase speeds developer process with new features
The new Firebase additions may not excite developers, but they do add some much-needed functionality to the platform. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2022
Docker Extensions, Desktop for Linux get mixed reception
DockerCon 2022's opening keynote focused on expanding the developer toolkit, but it may not be enough to ward off financial challenges. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2022
ServiceNow adds automation engine to low-code platform
ServiceNow's AEMC adds automation to citizen DevOps. Analysts agree this simplifies development and could result in cost savings. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2022
XML Schema Definition (XSD)
XML Schema Definition or XSD is a recommendation by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to describe and validate the structure and content of an XML document. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2022
Demand for no-code due to developer shortage, pandemic
In this Q&A, Quickbase CEO Ed Jennings shares his thoughts on the developer shortage, the no-code platform's growth and his plans to 'open up the world' for citizen developers. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2022
GitHub to mandate 2FA by 2023, plans for additional security
GitHub will mandate using the extra layer of protection to make code more secure. The announcement didn't get the warmest reception. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 May 2022
LDAP injection
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) injection is a type of security exploit that is used to compromise the authentication process used by some websites. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2022
GitHub Desktop 3.0 gets lukewarm reception
GitHub Desktop 3.0 introduces tools that make it easier for software developers to stay up to date with code changes. Some developers, though, are calling for more features. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2022
compiler
A compiler is a special program that translates a programming language's source code into machine code, bytecode or another programming language. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2022
development environment
In software, web and mobile application development, the development environment is a workspace with a set of processes and programming tools used to develop the source code for an application or software product. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
Docker drops Desktop roadmap hints after cash infusion
The roadmap for Docker Desktop will include security updates and serverless support, as industry watchers speculate about potential acquisition interest from Atlassian. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 Mar 2022
What can urban sprawl teach us about UX design issues?
UX design sprawl mimics urban sprawl, both in its push for growth and its potentially dangerous pitfalls. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the UX design process. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
build
In a programming context, a build is a version of a program that, as a rule, is a pre-release version and is identified by a build number rather than by a release number. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Mar 2022
Understanding code smells and how refactoring can help
Code smells can be the canary in the coal mine for poor coding. And poor coding is a sign that refactoring is called for. Let's explore how to look at and deodorize code smells. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Feb 2022
software documentation
In the software development process, software documentation is the information that describes the product to the people who develop, deploy and use it. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2022
versioning
Versioning is the creation and management of multiple releases of a product, all of which have the same general function, but are improved, upgraded or customized. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Feb 2022
best practice
A best practice is a standard or set of guidelines that is known to produce good outcomes if followed. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jan 2022
iterative
In the world of IT and computer programming, the adjective iterative refers to a process where the design of a product or application is improved by repeated review and testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2022
Quickbase CIO talks low-code roadmap, MCF Tech acquisition
Quickbase CIO Deb Gildersleeve discusses the growing use of low-code platforms, its recent services acquisition, and what's on the company's roadmap for 2022. Continue Reading
- Definition 17 Dec 2021
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Tip
10 Dec 2021
Static and dynamic code analysis: Complementary techniques
While every programmer wants to deliver high-performing, secure, bug-free and compliant code on the first try, that's not possible. Effective code analysis techniques will help. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2021
Year in review: 3 app development trends from 2021
Automation and AIOps left their marks on the evolution of code development in 2021. Experts say these trends will likely continue into the new year. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2021
Lean software development
Lean software development is a concept that emphasizes optimizing efficiency and minimizing waste in the development of software. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Dec 2021
Coding branches out: 5 app development trends to watch in '22
The demand for low-code/no-code tools along with automatic coding will continue in 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the hybrid workforce becomes the norm. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2021
runtime
Runtime is a piece of code that implements portions of a programming language's execution model. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2021
Quality engineering vs. quality assurance: Know the differences
Any dev team serious about improving software quality should study the quality engineering vs. quality assurance debate. Let's review the two practices' differences and overlap. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Nov 2021
program
In computing, a program is a specific set of ordered operations for a computer to perform. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2021
An introduction to TDD benefits, risks and examples
Programmers, looking to implement -- or improve -- your team's TDD practices? Review the fundamentals and examples below to remember how TDD can be a benefit and not a burden. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2021
New Scrum Master guide covers both theory and practice
In his new book, a senior software engineer shares his in-depth hands-on knowledge to both prep readers for cert exams and guide them on the job. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2021
What is behavior-driven development (BDD)?
Behavior-driven development (BDD) is an Agile software development methodology in which an application is documented and designed around the behavior a user expects to experience when interacting with it. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Sep 2021
backward compatible (backward compatibility)
Backward compatible (also known as downward compatible or backward compatibility) refers to a hardware or software system that can successfully use interfaces and data from earlier versions of the system or with other systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2021
Uplevel analytics tools lift software engineering efficiency
Uplevel, a startup vendor whose focus is on improving the efficiency of software engineers, unveiled a set of new capabilities that use data to monitor software design projects. Continue Reading
- Definition 26 Aug 2021
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Tip
30 Jul 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. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jul 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. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jul 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. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Advantages of low-code platforms: Speed, agility, collaboration
ServiceNow's Gregg Aldana discusses the role of low-code platforms in speeding application development, easing the app developer shortage and creating hybrid development teams. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jul 2021
How to prevent software piracy
Pirated software is still a major concern nowadays. Uncover how to prevent software piracy and protect your organization's intellectual property. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2021
5 ways to write maintainable automation code
Development teams can ensure the automation code they write is maintainable if they're careful about their tooling and the processes they adhere to. Consider the five rules below. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2021
4 UX analysis methods that ensure optimal user experiences
UX analysis ensures users will have smooth experiences. Use these four methods to analyze a UX. Learn what each method entails, when to deploy them and who performs each analysis. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2021
Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 ups the 'dev' in DevOps
Microsoft's Visual Studio 2022 will provide devs with 64-bit performance, better accessibility, improved collaboration with Live Share and a new UI for the Mac. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2021
Eclipse Foundation aims open VS Code registry at Microsoft
The Open VSX Registry is now at the Eclipse Foundation, which gives developers an open source destination to get VS Code extensions apart from the Microsoft VS Code Marketplace. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2021
Overview of the problems automatic code generation can solve
Explore the ins and outs, pros and cons, and dos and don'ts of automatic code generation. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
CircleCI brings CI/CD to Arm running on Graviton2 chips
AWS has added support for Arm-based processors to its popular CI/CD platform. It now runs on AWS' Arm-based Graviton2 processors to give developers more choices. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2021
A closer look at 6 popular low-code development platforms
Low-code development tools help organizations accomplish tasks from simple forms and web sites to app integrations and BPM. Here's a closer look at six of the top low-code tools. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
Power Fx informs Microsoft's low-code strategy
In a Q&A, Microsoft corporate vice president Charles Lamanna delves into the company's Power Fx, a new low-code tool that non-programmers can use to build applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2021
mobile application development
Mobile application development is the set of processes and procedures involved in writing software for small, wireless computing devices. Continue Reading