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.

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Tip 11 Apr 2024
Speed up Python and NumPy by avoiding the conversion tax

Data and memory transfers in Python come with a hidden performance tax. Here's how to use NumPy for optimal performance by avoiding jumps across a hidden line of conversions. Continue Reading
Video 09 Apr 2024
Top REST API URL naming convention standards

There is no official REST URL naming standard. However, these 15 RESTful API naming conventions will help you create highly interoperable web services. Continue Reading

News 09 Apr 2024

New Google Gemini AI tie-ins dig into local codebases

Google ties in its latest Gemini AI model with company-specific data in a new code assistant and Vertex AI updates that also anticipate a coming wave of AI agent development. Continue Reading
Definition 09 Apr 2024

middleware

Middleware is software that bridges the gap between applications and operating systems by providing a method for communication and data management. Continue Reading
Video 04 Apr 2024

10 constructor types in Java

How many different types of Java constructors could you name? The Java spec names 10. Generic, canonical and anonymous Java constructor types just might be new to you. Continue Reading
News 04 Apr 2024

JetBrains IDEs add local AI code completion

JetBrains beats GitHub Copilot to an increasingly popular trend that circumvents copyright and data privacy concerns with cloud-based AI assistants. Continue Reading
Tip 04 Apr 2024

How to apply impact mapping to software with examples

Impact mapping can reduce scope creep and enable flexibility in the SDLC by creating a shared understanding among all stakeholders. Learn how to apply it to software projects. Continue Reading
Definition 29 Mar 2024

REST (REpresentational State Transfer)

REST (REpresentational State Transfer) is an architectural style for developing web services and systems that can easily communicate with each other. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Mar 2024

Testing generative AI apps

With generative AI apps rising in popularity, QA professionals should be aware of their unique failure modes. Learn what testers need to consider when handling these tools. Continue Reading
Definition 25 Mar 2024

Spring Framework (Spring)

The Spring Framework (Spring) is an open source software development framework that provides infrastructure support for building Java-based applications on any deployment platform. Continue Reading
Video 19 Mar 2024

Learn Maven tutorial for beginners

Apache Maven is the Java world's most popular build tool, and if you're a Java developer, it behooves you to learn it. This Maven tutorial will make you an expert in a hurry. Continue Reading
Definition 19 Mar 2024

scripting language

A scripting language is a type of programming language in which the instructions are interpreted individually at runtime. Continue Reading
Definition 15 Mar 2024

low-code and no-code development platforms

Low-code/no-code development platforms are software development tools and environments that allow enterprise developers and citizen developers to create new applications using drag-and-drop components, linking them together and creating mobile or web apps. Continue Reading
News 15 Mar 2024

CISA software supply chain security form omits SBOMs

Federal suppliers now have a self-attestation deadline amid ongoing efforts to secure software supply chains. But SBOMs' spotlight is fading and big risks remain, experts said. Continue Reading
Definition 15 Mar 2024

application architecture

An application architecture is a structural map of how a software application is assembled and how applications interact with each other to meet business or user requirements. Continue Reading
Definition 15 Mar 2024

no-code

No-code is a software development approach that requires few, if any, programming skills to quickly build an application, website or module that links into an existing system. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Mar 2024

Applying Kanban principles to software development

Kanban was conceptualized in manufacturing and later adopted by software development teams, alongside other methodologies, such as Lean and Scrum. Learn to apply Kanban principles. Continue Reading
News 13 Mar 2024

Researchers warn devs of vulnerabilities in ChatGPT plugins

OpenAI and two third-party providers fixed vulnerabilities in the experimental ChatGPT plugins framework, but Salt Security researchers caution devs that security risks persist. Continue Reading
Definition 06 Mar 2024

program counter

A program counter is a special register in a computer processor that contains the memory address (location) of the next program instruction to be executed. Continue Reading
Definition 06 Mar 2024

functional programming

Functional programming is a programming paradigm that uses functions to construct programs and control how those programs operate. Continue Reading
Definition 05 Mar 2024

declarative programming

Declarative programming is a method to abstract the control flow for logic required for software to perform an action. Instead, it involves stating what the task or desired outcome is. Continue Reading
News 28 Feb 2024

New Nvidia, GitHub AI coding assistants expand devs' options

GitHub Copilot Enterprise and StarCoder2 LLMs, both released this week, will add to an array of AI coding assistants. But caution, especially with security, is still warranted. Continue Reading
Definition 06 Feb 2024

API gateway (application programming interface gateway)

An API gateway is a software pattern that sits in front of an application programming interface (API) or group of microservices to facilitate requests and delivery of data and services. Continue Reading
News 29 Jan 2024

Credit Karma preps 'Zero-touch' Argo Rollouts

The Intuit subsidiary is in the process of moving to a homegrown event-driven progressive delivery platform and has already contributed some related code upstream. Continue Reading
Definition 25 Jan 2024

Java

Java is a widely used programming language expressly designed for coding applications and services used in the distributed environment of the internet. Continue Reading
Definition 25 Jan 2024

Chaos Monkey

Chaos Monkey is a software tool Netflix engineers developed to test the resiliency and recoverability of their Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure. Continue Reading
News 23 Jan 2024

Docker Build Cloud claims speed boost for dev workflows

Docker ships a managed service that pushes container image builds to AWS and adds shared caches to customers' existing dev tools. Continue Reading
Definition 12 Jan 2024

polyglot programming

Polyglot programming is the practice of writing code in multiple languages to capture additional functionality and efficiency not available in a single language. Continue Reading
Tip 08 Jan 2024

Compare 3 top AI coding tools

AI-powered coding tools GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer and Tabnine take an innovative approach to software development -- but don't count the human developer out just yet. Continue Reading
Definition 05 Jan 2024

beta test

In software development, a beta test is the second phase of software testing in which a sampling of the intended audience tries out the product. Continue Reading
Tip 03 Jan 2024

How to write a sprint goal in Scrum

The product of every sprint planning session is a sprint goal. Here, we look at its purpose along with how to write a sprint goal properly. Continue Reading
Feature 03 Jan 2024

12 Web3 courses to try in 2024

Gain the skills necessary to engage with the newest iteration of the web using one of the many Web3 developer courses and learning resources available online. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Jan 2024

Create an open source security policy for your organization

Using open source software raises concerns about security and intellectual property. Here's how to make sound decisions and avoid situations you'll regret. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Dec 2023

The benefits of using compiled regex in Python and Java

Whether you're programming in Java or Python, compiled regex can significantly speed up your text manipulation routines. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Dec 2023

Conduct load tests with JMeter on Kubernetes

Apache JMeter and other load-testing tools can be used with Kubernetes to conduct stress tests to see how well an app performs in specific scenarios. Continue Reading
Tip 27 Dec 2023

Shorter code, fewer bugs: Python's syntax is its saving grace

Is shorter code too dense and hard to parse, or is it inherently more efficient and secure? Here's why Python's compact syntax tends toward less buggy code. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Dec 2023

Object-oriented vs. functional programming explained

While plenty of developers entertain the idea of adopting a functional programming model, it's important to first know exactly how it differs from the object-oriented approach. Continue Reading
Definition 20 Dec 2023

iOS software development kit (iOS SDK)

The iOS software development kit (iOS SDK) is a collection of tools for the creation of apps for Apple's mobile operating system (OS). Continue Reading
Feature 19 Dec 2023

The 5 SOLID principles of object-oriented design explained

In this primer on SOLID, we'll examine the five principles this development ideology embodies, the practices they encourage and the reasons these concepts matter. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Dec 2023

How to set up Python coding standards for a dev team

Python team leaders have two challenges when it comes to code standards: creating a style guide and getting developers to stick to it. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Dec 2023

The pros and cons of a layered architecture pattern

Layered architecture patterns provide a consistent and secure way to organize code when implemented correctly. However, the way those layers interact should remain a top concern. Continue Reading
News 06 Dec 2023

Google Gemini, AWS GenAI tools face uphill battle for devs

Google's Gemini model claims performance advantages over GPT-4, while AWS touts foundational model choice, but Microsoft still has the advantage in developer tools, IT pros say. Continue Reading
Definition 06 Dec 2023

citizen development

Citizen development is a business process that encourages non-IT-trained employees to become software developers, using IT-sanctioned low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms to create business applications. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Nov 2023

Elixir vs. Clojure for functional programming at scale

While they don't have the prestige of JavaScript or Python, Elixir and Clojure are making a name for themselves when it comes to functional programming at scale. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Nov 2023

6 common problems with open source code integration

Open source provides its fair share of benefits for businesses that put it to use. However, don't ignore these six hazards that development teams may face along the way. Continue Reading
Definition 22 Nov 2023

natural user interface (NUI)

A natural user interface -- or NUI -- is an interface that is designed to feel as natural as possible. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Nov 2023

6 green coding best practices and how to get started

Software developers can support sustainability efforts via a range of green coding tactics. These best practices range from shrinking artifacts to maximizing efficiency. Continue Reading
Feature 16 Nov 2023

Logistics firm taps Netflix Conductor service to manage AI

SPI Logistics looks to a microservices orchestration service provider founded by the creators of Netflix Conductor as it prepares to weave AI into developer workflows. Continue Reading
News 08 Nov 2023

Intel exec affixes OpenSSF, CNCF open source security efforts

Intel's Arun Gupta, now governing board chair of both the CNCF and OpenSSF, discusses his plans to bring all three organizations together to improve open source security. Continue Reading
Tip 31 Oct 2023

Compare Ansible vs. Docker use cases and combinations

Ansible and Docker play particular roles. Used together, Ansible's playbooks and Docker's Dockerfiles provide greater control and configurability over servers. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Oct 2023

Best practices for automated end-to-end testing

Advanced end-to-end testing can save a company time and money, but it isn't easy to implement. Let's look at some of the important elements of test design. Continue Reading
Tutorial 18 Oct 2023

How to tame Gradle dependency version management

Need to quickly and easily switch between versions of your dependencies at build time? Gradle's dependency catalogs are the answer. Here's how to use them. Continue Reading
Definition 18 Oct 2023

prompt engineering

Prompt engineering is an AI engineering technique encompassing the process of refining LLMs with specific prompts and recommended outputs, as well as the process of refining input to various generative AI services to generate text or images. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Oct 2023

Is a continuous planning process in DevOps worth it?

Is a continuous planning strategy right for your organization's DevOps efforts? Know the practical benefits and challenges, as well as how to improve development efficiencies. Continue Reading
News 05 Oct 2023

Docker enters GenAI development fray with new tools

Docker jumps aboard the generative AI bandwagon with a pre-built set of tools to jump-start app development using LLMs and a Docker AI productivity tool. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Sep 2023

Collaborative coding basics and best practices

Successful collaborative coding includes teamwide situational awareness, highly effective communication, strong project management practices and strict version control. Continue Reading
Definition 12 Sep 2023

model-view-controller (MVC)

In programming, model-view-controller (MVC) is an architectural design pattern that organizes an application's logic into distinct layers, each of which carries out a specific set of tasks. Continue Reading
News 07 Sep 2023

Server-side WebAssembly takes shape, but faces challenges

Server-side Wasm's release next quarter will provide a cleaner way to connect apps, followed by further improvements in early 2024. Will it be enough to convince skeptics? Continue Reading
Opinion 07 Sep 2023

Containers vs. VMs: Is the VM all that bad?

Containers and VMs are needed to build and maintain software. Containers can deploy and scale apps, while VMs are more resource-intensive and can support separate environments. Continue Reading
Definition 30 Aug 2023

skeuomorphism

Skeuomorphism is when something is designed with extra ornamentation to make it resemble another object so it is more familiar. Continue Reading
Definition 30 Aug 2023

thread

A thread is, fundamentally, a clear, well-defined theme, subject, topic or focus. Continue Reading
Definition 22 Aug 2023

Unified Modeling Language (UML)

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standard notation for modeling real-world objects as a first step in designing an object-oriented system. Continue Reading
Feature 16 Aug 2023

Compare machine learning vs. software engineering

Although machine learning has a lot in common with traditional programming, the two disciplines have several key differences, author and computer scientist Chip Huyen explains. Continue Reading
Definition 15 Aug 2023

C++

C++ is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language that is viewed by many as the best language for creating large-scale applications. C++ is a superset of the C language. Continue Reading
Definition 25 Jul 2023

unique device identifier (UDID)

A unique device identifier (UDID) is a 24-character string assigned to Apple devices. Apple uses the UDID for software beta test enrollment and Find My activation status. Continue Reading
News 21 Jul 2023

Postman API platform will use Akita to tame rogue endpoints

Akita's discovery and observability will feed undocumented APIs into Postman's design and testing framework to bring them into the enterprise governance fold. Continue Reading
News 20 Jul 2023

GitHub Copilot Chat aims to replace Googling for devs

GitHub's public beta of Copilot Chat rolls out GPT-4 integration that embeds a chat assistant into Visual Studio, but concerns about AI linger for some developers. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jul 2023

Haskell vs. PureScript: The difference is complexity

Haskell and PureScript each provide their own unique development advantages, so how should developers choose between these two popular programming languages? Continue Reading
Definition 13 Jul 2023

Remote Method Invocation (RMI)

Remote Method Invocation (RMI) is an application programming interface (API) in the Java programming language and development environment. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Jul 2023

The negative impact of technical debt

Adding features on top of poorly written code is a recipe for a bad reputation and a compromised user experience. Here's a look at 12 negative effects of technical debt. Continue Reading
Tutorial 06 Jul 2023

Concurrent programming in Go with channels and goroutines

In this hands-on guide, you'll learn how to write faster, more efficient Go code by taking advantage of channels, the language's built-in mechanism for managing concurrent tasks. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Jun 2023

5 noteworthy challenges of automotive software development

Modern cars are loaded with technology, but creating in-vehicle applications isn't always a cakewalk. Here are five unique challenges developers face with automotive software. Continue Reading
Definition 28 Jun 2023

loose coupling

Loose coupling is an approach to interconnecting the components in a system, network or software application so that those components, also called elements, depend on each other to the least extent practicable. Continue Reading
Definition 27 Jun 2023

pseudocode

Pseudocode is a detailed yet readable description of what a computer program or algorithm should do. Continue Reading
Definition 26 Jun 2023

git stash

Git stash is a built-in command that stores, or stashes, changes in the software development tool Git that aren't yet ready to be committed. Continue Reading
Definition 26 Jun 2023

WebAssembly

WebAssembly (Wasm) is a binary instruction format for compiling and executing code in a client-side web browser. Continue Reading
Feature 21 Jun 2023

How AI changes quality assurance in tech

AI and automation have become more commonplace across business processes. In the tech industry, for example, the use of both can enhance quality assurance. Continue Reading
Definition 21 Jun 2023

wall time

Wall time, also called real-world time, clock time, wall-clock time or -- more accurately -- elapsed real time, is the amount of time that a program or process takes to run from start to finish as measured by a person. Continue Reading
Quiz 20 Jun 2023

Scrum master certification exam questions and answers

Are you ready for the Scrum master certification exam? Test yourself on these 10 tough Scrum master exam questions and answers. Continue Reading
Quiz 20 Jun 2023

More Scrum product owner certification exam questions

Want to get Scrum product owner-certified? These tough practice exam questions test your ability to apply the Scrum framework in the capacity of a Professional Scrum Product Owner. Continue Reading
Quiz 20 Jun 2023

Scrum product owner certification exam questions and answers

Here are 10 tough sample Scrum product owner exam questions and answers to help gauge your readiness for the certification test. Continue Reading
Definition 19 Jun 2023

polymorphism

Polymorphism is a popular concept in object-oriented programming (OOP), referring to the idea that an entity in code such as a variable, function or object can have more than one form. Continue Reading
Opinion 19 Jun 2023

App development trends and their security implications

Enterprise Strategy Group analysts look at how organizations are modernizing software development processes and how security teams can support the growth and scale. Continue Reading
Definition 19 Jun 2023

requirements analysis (requirements engineering)

Requirements analysis (requirements engineering) is the process of determining user expectations for a new or modified product. Continue Reading
Tip 16 Jun 2023

Microservices vs. headless architecture: A brief breakdown

Microservices and headless architectures are both techniques capable of providing flexibility and modularity, but how do you make a wise choice between them? Continue Reading
News 15 Jun 2023

CISA SBOM standards efforts stymied by confusion, inertia

Efforts to establish SBOM standards and guidance have progressed, but unanswered questions persist -- including how the federal government plans to enforce its own requirements. Continue Reading
Definition 14 Jun 2023

garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)

Garbage in, garbage out, or GIGO, refers to the idea that in any system, the quality of output is determined by the quality of the input. Continue Reading
Definition 14 Jun 2023

Microsoft Power Apps

Power Apps is a suite of Microsoft products that enable both developers and nontechnical users to build custom applications to fulfill various business needs. Continue Reading
Definition 14 Jun 2023

joint application development (JAD)

Joint application development, frequently shortened to JAD, is a methodology that involves the client or end user in the design and development of a software application through a succession of collaborative workshops called JAD sessions. Continue Reading
Definition 09 Jun 2023

Korn shell (ksh)

The Korn shell (ksh) is an operating system (OS) command shell that was developed for Unix by David Korn at Bell Labs. Continue Reading
News 08 Jun 2023

Sysdig CNAPP runtime threat detection wins over BigCommerce

Sysdig's fast, comprehensive data collection, now part of a larger CNAPP product, sealed the deal with the e-commerce company. Next, it might replace vulnerability management tools. Continue Reading
News 06 Jun 2023

Free Atlassian Jira DevSecOps tab opens doors to expansion

Vulnerability management data from Atlassian partners surfaces in a new Security in Jira tab for cloud customers, setting the stage for a potential DevSecOps expansion. Continue Reading
Definition 06 Jun 2023

histogram

A histogram is a type of chart that shows the frequency distribution of data points across a continuous range of numerical values. Continue Reading
Definition 06 Jun 2023

internationalization (I18N)

Internationalization is the process of designing and building a product so that it can be easily adapted to specific languages and cultures. Continue Reading
Definition 05 Jun 2023

UX research

User experience (UX) research is the study of learning what end users of a system or product need and want, then employing those insights to enhance the design process for products, services or software. Continue Reading
Feature 31 May 2023

The emerging usability of ChatGPT in software development

In the hands of a creative developer, ChatGPT has what it takes to be a helpful coding tool. But generative AI may soon attain the capability to act as more than an assistant. Continue Reading
Definition 24 May 2023

Power Platform

Power Platform is an intuitive and collaborative platform from Microsoft. Continue Reading
Definition 19 May 2023

no op (no operation)

No op means 'no operation,' which is a computer instruction that specifies no operation but takes up a small amount of storage space. Continue Reading
Definition 19 May 2023

Google Firebase

Google Firebase is a set of cloud-based development tools that helps mobile app developers build, deploy and scale their apps. Continue Reading
Definition 17 May 2023

continuous integration (CI)

Continuous integration (CI) is a software development practice in which frequent, isolated changes are immediately tested and reported on when they're added to a larger codebase. Continue Reading
Definition 16 May 2023

Unicode

Unicode is a universal character encoding standard that is maintained by the Unicode Consortium, a standards organization founded in 1991 for the internationalization of software and services. Continue Reading
News 10 May 2023

Google teases generative AI expansion within its own cloud

Google's new generative AI features, including a coding assistant, were tied closely to GCP in preview demos this week, while industry experts said its LLM still lags rivals. Continue Reading