Software testing tools and techniques
Learn how testing and QA teams can find the right tools, frameworks and platforms for their software development techniques. Gain insights into what to look for in the abundance of testing tools and practices available.
Top Stories
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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
29 Oct 2024
GitHub Copilot Autofix expands as AI snags software delivery
GitHub Copilot Autofix could help vulnerability management keep pace as the volume of AI-generated code swamps delivery processes, but can AI be trusted to rein in AI? Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Apr 2020
Can we fully automate our software testing?
Your boss has jumped on the bandwagon to automate software testing. Don't despair. Software testing expert Matt Heusser walks through what to say -- and do -- to keep everyone happy. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2020
4 ways to use record and playback test automation tools
Many test automation tools offer record and playback testing. Here's how to apply this handy capability for training, usability tests and continuous automated testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
How to evaluate test automation languages
You have options when choosing a test automation language. Is Java the way to go? What about Ruby or Python? Let's look at the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2020
Test automation maintenance requires knowledge sharing
An important but overlooked aspect of test automation maintenance is the institutional knowledge of how the testing is done. Don't restrict that information to just a few people. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
5 key software testability characteristics
How do you design the software components for comprehensive testing? Start with these fundamentals of software testability -- from mocks and stubs to infrastructure-as-code. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Mar 2020
test case
A test case is a set of actions performed on a system to determine if it satisfies software requirements and functions correctly. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2020
Software security testing and software stress testing basics
In this excerpt from Ric Messier's book, learn why software security testing and stress testing are critical components of an enterprise infosec program. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2020
How to use Selenium IDE for record and playback testing
Testers can use a tool like Selenium IDE for test automation to efficiently check web app interfaces. Here's how to put the open source tool to work in no time. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Feb 2020
Popular microservices testing tools developers should know about
Testing microservices gets messy as services are independent and communicate often. Here are tests necessary for microservices, and popular tools developers use to perform them. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2020
Iowa caucus app fiasco a cautionary tale for all enterprises
App testing is crucial to ensuring that mobile apps are ready for mission-critical systems such as the mobile app that failed during the Iowa caucuses. Continue Reading
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Podcast
31 Jan 2020
How Python makes automating security tasks a snap
Security professionals with coding skills can get a lot done in not a lot of time. Hear why Python suits beginners and how it puts security and developers on the same team. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2020
How to write a good software bug report
When it comes to defect reporting, the more detail, the better. Here's how to produce defect reports that get bugs fixed fast. 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
20 Dec 2019
Manual mainframe testing persists in the age of automation
Mainframe testing is still done manually by many IT shops, despite mainframe modernization and digitization efforts that benefit from automated software testing methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2019
How to do API testing to improve application quality
APIs run apps, so it's essential to test them beyond simple connectivity. Study these API testing basics, like when to run such tests, and the benefits of giving this task to QA. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2019
Is RPA the future of test automation?
IT organizations will use test automation, RPA and low-code development tools to create, assess and automate complex processes in the near future. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2019
Kubernetes tools vendors vie for developer mindshare
Developers in the cloud-native industry running Kubernetes environments say they need more and better Kubernetes tools to get around some of the complexity of the platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2019
How to perform test automation maintenance
Automated tests run on their own, but they need a little help to stay in shape. Proactively address test automation maintenance with initiatives in these two key areas. 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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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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Answer
21 Oct 2019
What's the difference between API and web services testing?
Web services and APIs aren't the same -- or are they? How do web services and API testing differ, and what does each type of test aim to achieve? 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
09 Oct 2019
Web and mobile testing faceoff: Sauce Labs vs. BrowserStack
Two automated testing platforms enter; only one tool leaves. IT consultant Tom Nolle examines how Sauce Labs and BrowserStack each test apps across mobile devices and web browsers. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2019
5 key ways to fulfill the role of QA in DevOps
DevOps teams want production-ready code, which means someone in this fast-moving pipeline needs to think like a user. Enter QA, with its toolkit of exploratory tests, design review and more. 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
18 Sep 2019
How to approach test case design
To be a good tester, start at requirements and user expectations, then develop test cases that make certain those needs are met. Walk through the basics of test cases with expert Gerie Owen. Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2019
Mobile Labs adds GigaFox Red, Silver to mobile device cloud suite
The new GigaFox platforms enable users to create a pool of shareable mobile devices; remotely add, disable, reboot and unlock devices; control and monitor device usage and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2019
How to prevent lingering software quality issues
Coders can learn a lot from manufacturers, according to Gary Gruver, even though the products are distinctly different. This free chapter excerpt covers how to approach QA issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2019
How to achieve speedy application response times
Development and operations teams both have a responsibility to ensure fast application response times. Follow this advice to measure and reduce delay. Continue Reading
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News
05 Sep 2019
DevOps tools market shrinks with SmartBear, TPG Capital moves
The DevOps tools space has seen a steady stream of mergers and acquisitions, as private equity investors and larger companies see money in software development and delivery tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2019
How to plot out a test automation strategy
Test automation can deliver great value or immense frustration. Map out a winning approach that helps engineers learn test automation skills and doesn't leave them exasperated. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Aug 2019
Listen and learn about QA automation, built-in quality
Poorly designed environments and QA automation scripts impede digital transformation. In this podcast, we discuss how to stabilize a quality signal and implement continuous improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2019
Staging environment best practices that boost software QA
Despite advances like shift-right testing in production environments, staging environments still have a crucial role to play. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2019
How to build a test automation framework
To create an automated testing framework, establish plans for test creation, tools, reporting, logs and maintenance. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2019
How to meet QA responsibilities during a software tester shortage
An organization facing a dire shortage of QA engineers can't just dump these tasks on developers. Here's how to keep up software quality with limited QA resources. 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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Answer
28 Jun 2019
How do I know what's test automation vs. automated testing?
A script-based tool has replaced a daily testing exercise on some code. Is it simply an automated test, part of a test automation strategy or even DevOps-enabled continuous testing? Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
SmartBear acquires Cucumber to bolster its testing tool set
SmartBear adds Cucumber's behavior-driven development tools in a bid to pad its lead in software testing, but must also balance the needs of open source and paid tool audiences. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2019
Eggplant adds new features to AI test automation suite
Eggplant has added customer experience-focused upgrades to its Digital Automation Intelligence Suite that aim to make the testing process faster and easier. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Applitools Eyes now free for open source libraries
Open source libraries can now access Applitools Eyes at no cost as part of Applitools' effort to invest in open source. It has also partnered with This Dot for an apprentice program. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2019
How autonomous software testing could change QA
Manual testing takes too much time, and test automation scripts need ongoing maintenance. Autonomous testing might provide an answer for teams unwilling to compromise on speed. Continue Reading
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Quiz
31 May 2019
Review QA fundamentals with this software testing quiz
Software testing occurs throughout the development life cycle, and these tests require a deft hand to execute well. Check your knowledge of the fundamentals to see where you stand. 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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Feature
22 May 2019
6 ways to accelerate automated software testing
Reducing software test time requires a change in approach. Consider ways to simplify test setup, eliminate redundant aspects of your procedures and override failures. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2019
IT wrangles with test automation benefits and challenges
Test automation is a valuable practice, but it presents challenges for teams and individuals alike. A gradual approach to automation helps boost the odds of successful adoption. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2019
TestComplete vs. Katalon Studio: Test automation tool face-off
How many features do you need in a test automation tool? IT consultant Tom Nolle shares what users value most in these two automated front-end testing options -- and crowns a winner. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2019
Apply these types of code coverage to squash most bugs
Learn technical types of code coverage -- such as all-pairs testing and branch tests -- as well as ways to gather meaningful test cases and prioritize them. 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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Podcast
18 Mar 2019
Author, QA expert extols continuous testing virtues
Long tests and isolated QA grind app delivery to a crawl. In this episode of 'Test & Release,' author Eran Kinsbruner explains how DevOps cannot exist without continuous testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Mar 2019
Software testing using AI changes things, but not everything
Will artificial intelligence eliminate the need for human expertise in software testing? Here's where things are headed. 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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Feature
28 Feb 2019
Move into better QA with shift left and shift right testing
App dev teams face pressure to deliver software frequently and to a high-quality standard. Make QA an ongoing and teamwide effort to achieve these sometimes contradictory goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2019
Automate tests with attention to UI, rapid feedback and more
If your app-dev group just can't seem to get automated tests right, you're not alone. Here's how to implement an effective test automation strategy, one piece at a time. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Feb 2019
What is white box testing?
White box testing is a software testing methodology in which the code structure is known and understood by the tester. 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
07 Feb 2019
test harness
In software development, a test harness is a collection of software and test data used by developers to unit test software models during development. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2019
Monitor APIs with these metrics for smooth app integrations
What user information do you pull in from APIs? Do you even know how well they perform? Dev teams should track these metrics to create and maintain smooth API communication. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2019
How to use Jira as a test management tool
While Atlassian Jira is a common tool to manage software projects, Amy Reichert's team uses it to manage tests. She details snags you might encounter with test cases and management. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Feb 2019
3 ways to test in production promptly and productively
As much as Agile and DevOps changed development, they also shifted testers' roles -- to the right. Gerie Owen offers three ways to evaluate apps in production to find failures. 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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Tip
28 Jan 2019
Use shift-right testing to cut skepticism, deployment delays
Production environments are the final frontier for bug hunters. So, embrace -- don't eschew -- shift-right testing. It has the potential to enhance software quality for users. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Jan 2019
Why I moved from programming to a software testing role
Testers rejoice when they find flaws, even as project managers gnash their teeth. Matt Heusser explains how, in QA, he learned to stop worrying about deadlines and love the delay. 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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Tip
11 Dec 2018
How to create test data that yields accurate QA results
Testers need valid data to prevent app defects, which means they must simulate real data types and structure them as closely as possible. Don't fake it when you make it. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2018
Use these shift-right methods to test code in production
There's no shortage of ways for a QA team to adopt shift-right testing. But, while the approach can fit in with continuous deployment, don't consider it a catch-all for bug removal. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
Learn how to improve software quality with reverse-engineering
Customer complaints about a team's app can contain insight on how to improve it. Yet, to decipher the actual cause of any problem and a change to fix it, QA needs to be brought in. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2018
Big picture QA testing skills foster better app usability
As companies wrestle to fit QA into budgets, keep in mind the skills that human testers provide -- from customer satisfaction to disaster prevention. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2018
Combat algorithm bias with these software test pointers
As AI penetrates all kinds of software, it's imperative that testers devise a plan to verify predictive results. Put QA professionals on task to root out AI bias. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2018
Recommended QA conferences for software testers of all stripes
Testing, QA and development conferences host a breadth of experts and helpful peers. From one-day vendor events to weeklong national shows, there's an option to fit your needs. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Jira update flexes cloud collaboration features
Atlassian's Jira rework adds collaborative UI updates on the front end and ports Jira Software Cloud to AWS-based microservices on the back end. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2018
Sympli pushes DesignOps model for more team collaboration
Designers now can collaborate on and check in design files with software that helps to smooth the designer-developer handoff. 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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Feature
12 Oct 2018
Make your pitch for chaos engineering practices
Is your QA team ready for chaos engineering? Find out how to prep staff for resilience engineering and why you should avoid that 'chaotic' name altogether. Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2018
Chaos engineering enters mainstream QA, drills down to apps
Add a bit of chaos to predeployment application testing to gain resilience. Gremlin CEO Kolton Andrus discussed the value of breaking apps to fix them. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Sep 2018
Craft an integration testing plan with quality before quantity
When it comes to integration testing, the end user is more important than the test volume. Increase test efficiency to please both application users and owners. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Sep 2018
Words to go: QA testing methodologies
Do bottom-up and top-down testing throw you for a loop? In the dark about the difference between black box and functional testing? Print out this handy cheat sheet of testing terms. 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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Feature
10 Aug 2018
Improving testing architecture when moving to microservices
Gamesys, the developer and operator of many online games, rethought its approach to testing during the move from a monolith. A pyramid made software tests more manageable. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2018
How containers and Kubernetes change deployment and DevOps
Containers and Kubernetes have changed how many enterprises approach application deployments. The technologies could prompt a widespread shift in DevOps tooling. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2018
Which software testing tool best fits your project?
Learn what developers should look for in AI testing tools and which style is best for a project. Expert Tom Nolle compares Applitools and Functionize. 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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Tip
29 Jun 2018
What would win an AI testing face-off? Applitools vs. Functionize
Expert Tom Nolle compares two AI testing tools that both interact with -- plus utilize -- applications' GUIs for more comprehensive testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2018
A QA team finds continuous testing benefits worth the effort
QA teams can gain a lot from continuous testing. While successful continuous testing requires all of an organization to get on board, the results are worth it. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2018
Enterprise software developers: Forget minor software bugs
Many enterprises think software isn't perfect unless they eliminate minor defects. However, this approach won't prevent major disasters, and it hinders the practices that would. Continue Reading
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Video
30 May 2018
Run code complexity tools and Java coverage tests with Maven
No software should go into production without complete test coverage. Here, we look at how to install Maven and use it to run code complexity tools and ensure full Java code coverage. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2018
10 important automated testing best practices to implement
QA and test pros give advice on how to craft software test automation strategies that can speed app deployment. They also share their criteria for choosing automated test tools. Continue Reading
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01 May 2018
Strategies to master continuous testing
This Software Development Training Center entry covers how to perform and improve continuous testing. Learn strategies to secure continuous delivery through proper testing methods. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Apr 2018
model-based testing
Model-based testing (MBT) requires a test team to create a second, lightweight implementation of a software build- typically only the business logic - called the model. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Apr 2018
AI in software testing has arrived. Here's why robots rule.
AI promises to make software testing faster and much more accurate. New tools are available, but it will take time for artificial intelligence to become ubiquitous in testing. Continue Reading
- 12 Apr 2018
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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
30 Mar 2018
IBM goes full steam toward eliminating AI problems
At IBM Think 2018, CEO Ginni Rometty discusses ways and tools to overcome AI problems and bottlenecks. 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
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Tip
20 Mar 2018
Five tips for testing with mobile app developer tools
Mobile app developer tools can alleviate the confusion of mobile test projects. Here are five strategies to consider if you're in the midst of testing complications. 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
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
