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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Tip
15 Mar 2018
Testing tools for continuous deployment
Continuous testing and integration are the basis for continuous deployment without disasters. Expert Tom Nolle discusses the steps for automated and regression tests. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2018
Jenkins basics: The DevOps and build platform for dev teams
Software expert Walker Rowe discusses how Jenkins goes beyond a DevOps tool. Get a better understanding of how and why your enterprise should install Jenkins. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2018
Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)
Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) is an open source project created to improve the performance of web pages for mobile delivery. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2018
application platform
An application platform is a framework of services that applications rely on for standard operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2018
A DevOps beginner's guide for user experience professionals
If you're a UX pro brand-new to DevOps, you might wonder where to begin. UX columnist Jason Grant offers a step-by-step approach for designers who are DevOps newbies. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Feb 2018
Citizen developers push the pace in BizDevOps
BizDevOps is one way that companies large and small look for creative ways to break down functional silos and reduce operational friction. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2018
browser extension
A browser extension is a small application that adds a capacity or functionality to a browser. 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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Photo Story
31 Jan 2018
What are the emerging trends in software development?
It's not about the quantity of software releases, but about the quality, according to industry experts. Look for test automation, a big role for cloud and another telling trend. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jan 2018
How to develop a UX workflow
This approach to UX improves software design, whether your goal is to build a new product, modernize a legacy one or improve functionality and features. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2018
Testers face pressure to improve software technical skills
If you want to stand out from the testing crowd, spend some time acquiring technical skills. Expert Matthew Heusser offers an on-point tester training curriculum. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2018
Q format
Q (number) format is a fixed-point method of coding fractional and whole integers for processing by a computer’s CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP). Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Dec 2017
block diagram
A block diagram is a visual representation of a system that uses simple, labeled blocks that represent single or multiple items, entities or concepts, connected by lines to show relationships between them. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2017
progressive web app (PWA)
A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that looks and behaves as if it is a mobile app. PWAs are built to take advantage of native mobile device features, without requiring the end user to visit an app store, make a purchase and download software locally. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Sep 2017
UX vs. UI design: It's complicated but important to understand
User experience is tied to user interface, but they're not the same thing in software design. Expert Jason Grant offers his take on how to use both to make better software. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2017
modeling and simulation (M&S)
Modeling and simulation (M&S) is the use of a physical or logical representation of a given system to generate data and help determine decisions or make predictions about the system. 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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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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News
14 Sep 2016
Why low-code/no-code platforms are coming to your workplace soon
Suddenly you don't have to code to program. The introduction of low-code/no-code platforms are bringing coding to the masses and showing the biz side how development really works. Continue Reading
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Guide
08 Jun 2016
Want satisfaction guaranteed? Add user experience to the design process
UI and UX are set to change nearly everything about application design, development and testing. Get expert advice on this new user experience design process. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2016
Why you should reconsider using model-driven software development
Model-driven development has been around a long time, but in today's complicated app world, it may be time to give this methodology another look. Expert Tom Nolle explains. 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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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
09 Sep 2015
Visual Studio IDE offers many advantages for developers
Microsoft's Visual Studio IDE allows development teams to create apps for multiple Windows 10 mobile and desktop platforms, as well as for iOS and Android. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2015
Learn more about the Android Studio IDE from Google
Android Studio IDE from Google allows developers to build apps running on mobile, desktop and other emerging technologies running on Android. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2015
Virtual worlds used as business collaboration tools
Consider virtual worlds as legitimate business collaboration tools. Not only might you save travel money, you might spur team creativity and innovation. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2015
What is collaboration and why is it important to Agile methodologies?
Agile methodologies stress the benefits of collaboration, working with cross-functional teams to encourage communication between business owners and IT. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 May 2015
The good and the bad of online discussion forums
What is the value of online discussion forums? This expert sees the good and the bad in online forums. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Mar 2015
Agile Manifesto: Both timeless and outdated?
The Agile Manifesto changed the way we look at the software development process. Today, the Manifesto is outdated in some ways and timeless in others. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Feb 2015
Four principles for staying true to real Agile
Over time, software teams develop their own variants of Agile. Here's how to make sure your practice remains aligned with the spirit of Agile. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2014
When tracking defects, make efficiency the end goal
Tracking defects can benefit the development team if done for the right reasons. Explore the reasons to track defects in this expert response. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2013
SaaS application testing: Keep performance tests in mind
Performance testing must be a high priority for SaaS application testers. Learn why and pick up tips on how to test a SaaS system's performance. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2013
compatibility
In the world of IT, compatibility refers to the ability of software and hardware from different sources to work together without having to be altered to do so. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Apr 2013
The Death Star Conspiracy as software testing ethics training
Take a satirical look at the facts behind the destruction of the Death Star and learn about the need for ethics training in software QA management. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Feb 2013
Mobile apps development: Defining requirements is a whole new ballgame
Software pros must address three critical issues in the requirements phase of mobile apps development: choosing a platform, security and usability. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2012
Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2011
Managing change requests to your application
In this tip, we look at end user requests, and the process to prioritize the requests for IT, so they know where to focus their work efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2011
Application security: Protecting application availability, data confidentiality and integrity
Network security and application security are both important in keeping your applications safe from hackers. In this tip, security engineer John Overbaugh focuses on application security, which is needed to protect the confidentiality, availability and integrity of your application and its data. Learn more about various areas of security that need to be considered when designing secure applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2011
Waterfall vs. Agile development: A case study
Two projects very similar in scope were executed by the same project team for the same users. The first project used a waterfall methodology and resulted in missed deadlines and failure to deliver user requirements. The second used an Agile methodology, and while there were initial problems with the learning curve, the project was a resounding success. Read on to find out more about the projects, what worked and what didn't. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 May 2010
What does "change management" mean in software development and QA?
Change management, sometimes called configuration management, has a few different meanings in the software development community, from team changes to code changes, explains expert Yvette Francino. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2010
STAREast keynotes concentrate on continuous integration and Agile
Continuous integration, ensuring a high-level of quality and agile were just a handful of the "hot topics" STAREast conference keynoters raised. Read about other areas of software IT pros are buzzing about in this post. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Aug 2009
How to deliver software with an SDLC iterative model
The phases of iterative SDLCs come together to build better software applications faster, as long as the team avoids some common development and planning mistakes. Continue Reading
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Quiz
27 Jan 2009
Quiz: Open source software development
Test your knowledge of open source development with this quick quiz covering open source models, languages and tools. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2008
Survey: Agile interest high, but waterfall still used by many
While there's a strong interest in new software development techniques and processes, SearchSoftwareQuality.com's 2008 Agile Trends survey found that many people still follow waterfall practices. Continue Reading