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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Tip
13 Feb 2025
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. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Feb 2025
How to install Visual Studio Code for Java
What's your favorite IDE? Most Java developers say Eclipse or IntelliJ, but TypeScript and Python devs often say VS Code. Maybe it's time to give Visual Studio Code for Java a try? Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2019
How to get DevOps into compliance, and vice versa
IT organizations that are serious about DevOps, especially with integrated release pipelines, need compliance and governance workflows that dovetail with the app delivery approach. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2019
5 can't-miss software development news stories of 2019
Before you finalize your 2020 plans, take a minute to catch up on app-dev news stories that will shape the next year. Here are the five top news stories for 2019, with analysis. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2019
Azure confidential computing, AWS aim to better secure cloud data
Microsoft's confidential computing for Kubernetes and AWS' upcoming Nitro Enclaves both aim to give IT pros ways to create isolated compute environments for sensitive data. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2019
How software prototyping beats requirements gathering
How do you know which features to code into the software you're developing? Application teams share tips on how to deliver ROI with prototyping, UX research and a design week. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
What to look for in code review tools
Code review gums up the Agile, iterative works. Assisted and automated code review tools improve quality, and there's a mix of products out there for different workflows and needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Assess low-code platform pros and cons
Some see low-code platforms as intuitive and time-saving, but security and compliance concerns could negate those benefits. See where low-code tools stand with these pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Low-code platforms face off: Mendix vs. OutSystems
Low-code products target different audiences. So, will traditional or citizen developers use low-code platforms more in the future? We pit Mendix vs. OutSystems to explore each approach. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2019
IBM's latest Kubernetes tools ease use for cloud developers
IBM's new open-source Kubernetes tools help lower the barrier to entry for developers to use Kubernetes to build, deploy, manage and move workloads to the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2019
Atlassian products aid BizDevOps, but integration work remains
IT pros have found Atlassian tools useful for BizDevOps initiatives but would like more integration and consolidated points of management among them in the future. Continue Reading
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Guide
01 Nov 2019
How to improve code quality, from teamwork to AI features
Development teams must enforce code quality from day one. Take a multifaceted approach to write, and then manage, secure application code with this advice from experts. 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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Feature
30 Oct 2019
A low-code platform can do a lot, but it has limits
If you're ready to jump into low-code development, you'll want to know what these platforms can help you accomplish and how to sidestep common troubles. 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
21 Oct 2019
4 vital UX testing methods for concept through development
Don't rely on a single UX test, and don't create an overloaded bottleneck that delays development. Instead, deploy these four UX assessments iteratively and often. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Oct 2019
UX guidelines for people-friendly software
Nail these UX design concepts for easier transitions from requirements to application design to code. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Sep 2019
What are some bad coding practices to avoid?
Application development projects aren't meeting expectations, and developers are not sure why. What are some common bad coding practices that developers follow but should avoid? Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2019
Working with Git branches and repositories
With a grasp of just a few basic concepts and commands, developers can use Git's branching capability for feature development and experimentation, testing before release and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2019
Which programming practices alleviate code redundancy?
WET code leaves apps bogged down. Learn how to reduce the challenges brought on by code redundancy by programming based on the DRY principle. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2019
Low-code goes mainstream to ease app dev woes
Enterprises are after low-code/no-code platforms to help with developer productivity, as they find themselves under increased pressure to produce apps with fewer skilled developers. Continue Reading
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Infographic
29 Aug 2019
How citizen developers offer IT relief -- and headaches
Low-code application development platforms enable citizen development, where anyone can build software. While this approach can be a boon to productivity, it carries definite risks. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2019
Atomist adds drift management feature to pare technical debt
Atomist has added a feature to its software delivery automation platform to help enterprises visualize, identify and fix the problem of technology drift. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Aug 2019
What coding standards in software engineering should we follow?
Every team has its own ideas about coding practices. What types of code standards should our team embrace to produce quality work as we develop applications? Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2019
Consortium taps Linux group, IT vendors to encrypt data in use
The Confidential Computing Consortium mobilizes hardware vendors, cloud providers, developers and open source experts with the Linux Foundation to find ways to secure data in use. Continue Reading
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Guide
22 Aug 2019
Evaluate low-code app development strategies, tools and practices
Developers perpetually have too much work on their hands, which is why low-code app development tools are in style. Use this handy essential guide to make low-code implementation low fuss. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2019
IBM, VMware ease Kubernetes complexity with Kabanero, Octant
Tools from IBM and VMware help developers build apps that are deployed on Kubernetes clusters, as well as handle complex Kubernetes workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Aug 2019
How to become a UX designer with your QA background
If you're a tester, a switch to a UX role is fairly simple. A range of UX design skills are just a matter of evaluating user needs before developers build the app code -- not after. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2019
IBM interprets machine models with AI Explainability kit
IBM's open source AI Explainability 360 toolkit packages algorithms and training examples to help humans better understand the decision-making process of machine learning models. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Aug 2019
What is Swagger?
Swagger is an open source set of rules, specifications and tools for developing and describing RESTful APIs. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Aug 2019
How do I foster reusable code across dev projects?
Developers don't have a lot of free time. Code reuse helps dev teams focus on the most valuable aspects of a project. So ensure your team knows how to write, and test, reusable code. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Jul 2019
Apache exec talks prudent open source software project usage
The open source community faces a number of technical and existential threats. A veteran talks open source's role, funding, security and compliance, as well as his favorite projects. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2019
Mendix tweaks low-code, no-code platform with AI, mobile
The latest version of Mendix's low-code platform aims to empower both professional developers and citizen developers to build apps easily. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2019
Discern these open source license terms to avoid legal snags
Fluent in Ruby but at a loss in legalese? Open source licenses obligate developers to observe specific conditions, so you must know these terms. Let's break them down in plain English. 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
15 Jul 2019
GitHub Enterprise features, dev appeals reveal strategy
GitHub made moves in 2018 and 2019 to broaden and deepen its user base. Learn the major changes that users should know before committing code on the platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2019
Get started with native Windows mobile app development
There are pros and cons to embarking on Windows mobile app development. Find out if developing natively in Windows is right for your company. 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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Feature
28 Jun 2019
Compare the top mobile operating systems for developers
Explore the differences between the leading mobile operating systems as well as the ways that they differ from traditional desktop applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2019
5 common open source software licenses you need to know
Everyone likes getting credit, but not everyone remembers to give it. Learn what conditions open source licenses impose, such as copyright notices and redistribution rules. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2019
How to use Web Components with UI design tools
What are Web Components and how can you best make use of them? Here's how the set of web APIs helps designers create and customize reusable modules for web apps and user interfaces. Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 Jun 2019
What's shaping the future of UI and UX design
UI/UX designers serve as the voice of users, so it's crucial that they're tuned into their needs. Aaron Fazulak of Flatiron School disseminates UI/UX advice in this podcast. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Appery.io integrates Ionic 4 support for mobile app development
Exadel's low-code platform, Appery.io, added Ionic 4 support that enables developers to create high-performing web and mobile apps, according to the vendor. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2019
Learn which low-code techniques fit which projects
There's an ideal time and purpose for low- and no-code development tools. And among those platforms there are various modus operandi, each apt for different apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2019
What to expect from AI in app development tools
If an IDE or test suite could truly do it all, would you want it to? See how AI is evolving in app development tools, from assists and prompts to full-scale code generation. Continue Reading
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Podcast
21 May 2019
Measure UX or risk losing customers, says consultant
A quality customer experience helps ensure software product viability. So, why do organizations stop short in their UX efforts? In this podcast, Isabel Evans espouses the value of UX. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2019
Microsoft tunes Power Platform for pros, citizen developers
Microsoft's PowerApps low-code app dev environment has quietly crept into a leadership position among low-code tools with its ties to Microsoft Office and Dynamics platforms. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2019
Microsoft gets its dev mojo back with Linux, .NET 5, web IDE
Microsoft enticed developers at Build 2019 with a bevy of tools and services that focus on open source, open standards and innovation, including a new release of .NET. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2019
5 factors for using open source code in proprietary software
To make the best use of the vast and varied pool of open source software available, developers must be astute about what can actually best serve a project. 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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Infographic
16 Apr 2019
Get the picture: Enterprise DevOps maturity
DevOps promotes shifts in team organization, container usage and, of course, software delivery. Note these DevOps adoption trends to see where your team has room to adapt and mature. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2019
How low-code governance helps IT protect data, limit sprawl
Low-code app developers must adhere to policies that govern data and resource usage. Lacking governance puts budgets, security and compliance at risk. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2019
Select between distributed version control systems and tools
Before you branch out with a new version control tool, assess the pros and cons of these different options, and make sure to ask for developers' opinions. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2019
Modest Visual Studio 2019 advances target productivity
The latest version of Microsoft's Visual Studio tool set is no big bang, though it does add incremental and useful features for developers to build apps on any platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2019
Make application usability a priority -- wherever testing occurs
Testers don't have time to fully evaluate apps before deployment. But poor-quality code simply isn't an option. Enter shift right and APM, two tasks testers must be ready to accept. 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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Tip
25 Mar 2019
Undertake software dependency management to reduce conflicts
Apps can bind to dependencies with various levels of interconnectedness -- sometimes to deleterious effect. Here's how to approach software dependency management and reduction. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2019
TensorFlow.js brings machine learning to JavaScript
Google has delivered a version of its TensorFlow machine learning library to support JavaScript developers, and the technology has proved to be a hit with users. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2019
Mendix deepens native integration with IBM Cloud, Watson AI
IBM cloud users gain low-code options, as Mendix's re-engineered platform natively integrates with IBM Cloud services, particularly Watson AI and Kubernetes container orchestration. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2019
IBM renews code challenge to stress-test open source projects
IBM's Code and Response challenge builds on last year's Call for Code to apply open source development efforts to actual natural disasters. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Feb 2019
Single Responsibility Principle (SRP)
Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) is the concept that any single object in object-oriented programing (OOP) should be made for one specific function. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
Ionic 4 taps Web Components for mobile app development
Ionic 4, a rebuilt version of Ionic's web and mobile development platform, conforms to the Web Components standard and expands support to all popular JavaScript frameworks. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2019
Kite boosts Python code completion with machine learning
Software development tools startup Kite applies machine learning models to help developers automate the process of completing lines of code in real time. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2019
IBM, CTA: Apprenticeships key to bridging IT skills gap
Apprenticeships might help to cut the shortage of skilled IT workers and help companies keep pace with demands for new apps and services for their employees and customers. 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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Definition
13 Jan 2019
VIPER (View, Interactor, Presenter, Entity and Router)
VIPER (View, Interactor, Presenter, Entity and Router) is a design pattern for software development that develops modular code based on clean design architecture. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2019
IBM touts quantum to build AI applications
Though quantum computing is still in its early phase, IBM developed technology to help organizations build quantum apps, particularly AI programs. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
GitHub courts devs with unified GitHub Enterprise, free repos
GitHub wants to grow its base with its offer of unlimited free private repositories for users of GitHub's free plan and enhancements to the enterprise version of its hosting service. 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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Answer
26 Dec 2018
What makes for a quiet developer work environment on the road?
Developers run into distractions when they work out of a hotel or Airbnb. Here's how to fight back against subpar accommodations that halt productivity -- and how to avoid them next time. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Dec 2018
How the developer experience builds trickle-down usability
Developer experience is the equivalent of user experience (UX). The way developers experience tools and consume libraries matters and leads to better engagement. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2018
imperative programming
Imperative programming is a software development paradigm where functions are implicitly coded in all the steps required to solve a problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2018
Prioritize UX in a serverless mobile app framework
There's no universal approach to incorporate serverless functionality into mobile app development. Cloud tools and serverless elements can complicate a deployment. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2018
IBM-Red Hat open source culture clash worries some insiders
IBM's acquisition of Red Hat could threaten the Linux leader's open source culture of allowing developers to work on any open source projects. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2018
Pick up stateless software precepts for modern app design
Change and state are complex interrelated concepts that shape how an application performs its tasks. Learn the meaning of state, mutability and change as they relate to app design. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2018
BSD licenses
BSD licenses are a low restriction type of license for open source software that does not put requirements on redistribution. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2018
Kendo UI helps devs build accessibility into apps, websites
Progress Software updated its UI-building toolkit to enable developers to comply with the latest standards for website and application accessibility. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2018
IBM hopes Domino version 10 gives the platform new life
IBM looks to improve its position in the collaboration software market with a buffed-up version of its venerable Domino platform that supports mobile applications. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2018
PyTorch 1.0 brings developers closer to cloud services
The release candidate version 1.0 of Facebook's PyTorch deep learning framework enables developers to more easily include machine learning in their applications. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
OutSystems 11 buffs up low-code options -- with a ceiling
Version 11 of OutSystems' low-code platform takes aim at troublesome legacy apps. Some developers see low-code benefits, but other shops remain skeptical. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2018
BPM development goes beyond low-code with AI, RPA
BPM vendors are enhancing their low-code process development tool sets with AI and robotic process automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Sep 2018
Low-code tools showdown: PowerApps vs. Appian
Low-code dev products, such as PowerApps and Appian, come with benefits and tradeoffs. See which option comes out on top in this faceoff, and plan your workflow accordingly. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
Julia 1.0 brings API stability to machine learning language
The Julia programming language is catching on with enterprise developers, particularly to create data science and AI apps, or in other situations that require computational applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2018
The developer's crash course to the application network
Developers, we get it; you don't want to deal with the network. But hear us out, as a basic understanding of subnets, VPNs and IP addresses boost app stability and performance. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2018
No-code and low-code tools seek ways to stand out in a crowd
No-code and low-code vendors seek to diversify their products in hopes to cash in on market demand for systems that enable nonprogrammers to build applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2018
Sustain high quality in low-code app development
Organizations can keep their standards high and their programming low if they follow these guidelines for a low-code, model-driven approach to software development. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Aug 2018
private API
A private API is an application programming interface that has its application hosted with in-house developers. Continue Reading
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News
13 Aug 2018
Low-code platform leaders for business users push usability, AI
One research house identified the top low-code development platforms that target business users who want to build mobile apps without coding. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2018
Siemens boosts low-code development play with Mendix buy
Siemens' acquisition of Mendix will add low-code capabilities to its industrial IoT strategy and help create a raft of SaaS applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2018
Break app infrastructure responsibly with chaos engineering
More enterprises are intentionally breaking applications with chaos engineering. It helps developers learn the causes of software failures and how to build better apps. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jul 2018
IBM blockchain apps starter pack targets developer disparity
With demand high for blockchain development expertise, IBM has delivered a new blockchain-as-a-service offering that helps developers learn the basics of the database ledger. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jul 2018
Web app development morphs as apps and websites merge
The lines between web and mobile app and websites are blurring, so development silos are out, and boning up on building progressive web apps and single-page apps is in. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2018
DRY principle
The DRY (don't repeat yourself) principle is a best practice in software development that recommends software engineers to do something once, and only once. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 May 2018
Serenity BDD
Serenity BDD is a framework and open source library for the creation of automated software testing for code in development. Continue Reading
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Quiz
01 May 2018
What do you know about continuous software development?
What's the difference between continuous development and deployment? Take the quiz to see if you can distinguish among all the continuous software processes. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
8base targets blockchain for no-code app development
The popularity of blockchain and demand for blockchain applications has spurred the creation of a no-code application development platform for building blockchain apps. Continue Reading
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Video
19 Apr 2018
Java video tutorial: JDK download and JRE installation
This quick and concise Java video tutorial shows you how to perform a JDK download and JRE installation, while also explaining how to configure PATH and JAVA_HOME system variables. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2018
stateful app
A stateful app is a program that saves client data from the activities of one session for use in the next session. The data that is saved is called the application’s state. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2018
Which app is apt: native app vs. hybrid app?
Developers have to know what type of application best fits them. Learn about native applications and hybrid applications to decide what works for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2018
IBM lures developers with AI and machine learning projects
IBM open source projects help to facilitate the creation of machine learning apps and grow that developer base. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2018
Thumb through these app development books for a skills tuneup
Software experts discuss the latest app development books. Pick up one of these recommended books to round out your knowledge and rev up your career. Continue Reading