Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Compare the top automated functional testing tools

  This roundup of top automated functional testing tools, including Selenium, Micro Focus UFT and TestComplete, will guide you to pick the best choice for software testing needs. Continue Reading

• Weigh test automation's advantages and disadvantages

  Automated testing can add speed and completeness to the software development process, but be sure you've considered the tradeoffs. Let's look at the pros and cons. Continue Reading

• Know when to choose automated vs. manual testing

  Vendors have inched toward automated application testing for a long time, yet there is still room for growth. Software tester Amy Reichert offers her insights. Continue Reading

• 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

• TDD vs. BDD vs. ATDD and other Agile development techniques

  Agile development doesn't always start with, well, development. Put tests before coding in TDD, BDD and other Agile techniques to minimize waste and focus on the user. Continue Reading

• 3 reasons testers need a QA manager in Agile

  Agile teams without a QA manager prioritize developers' perspectives -- even to the software's detriment. Here are three ways in which a QA manager offers value to Agile teams, and how they support testers.Continue Reading

• Organize your team with an Agile scaling frameworks comparison

  It's not easy to get Agile right, let alone replicate an individual team's success. For enterprises looking for a wide-scale transition, an Agile scaling framework might do the trick.Continue Reading

• application lifecycle management (ALM)

  Application lifecycle management (ALM) is an integrated system of people, tools and processes that supervise a software application from its initial planning through retirement.Continue Reading

• Project management tools and strategies: Gantt charts, PERT charts and PM planning tools

  In project management, charts can visualize work in progress -- and there are many ways to do so. Learn how Agile teams use Gantt, PERT, burn down and other charts to stay on track.Continue Reading

• 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

• What's in store for software development trends in 2020?

  New year, new IT priorities. While not all initiatives stick, these development and testing trends will shape how teams create, evaluate and deploy software. Get ahead of the curve.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• DevSecOps puts software development and security on equal footing

  With DevSecOps, organizations spread out security responsibilities to ops and devs. Here's how programmers can expect their roles to change and why it's not such a bad thing.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• hybrid application (hybrid app)

  A hybrid application (hybrid app) is one that combines elements of both native and Web applications. Hybrid apps are popular because they allow developers to write code once and still accommodate multiple platforms.Continue Reading

• 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

• Web application (Web app)

  A Web application (Web app) is an application program that is stored on a remote server and delivered over the Internet through a browser interface.Continue Reading

• 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

• ALM tools face-off pits SpiraTeam vs. Jira

  Development teams must adopt an ALM tool that supports its procedures and objectives. Atlassian and Inflectra cater to different size dev teams. Which tool fits your needs?Continue Reading

• Get the most out of version control in software engineering

  Version control is a key concept in software engineering, as it enables dev teams to make code changes without overwrites or miscues. Learn version control basics with this guide.Continue Reading

• Discover the leading mobile app development platforms

  Explore the many factors that go into considering a mobile app development platform, such as cost of deployment and Android versus iOSContinue Reading

• 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

• Define a continuous improvement process with EA models, practices

  Continuous improvement isn't just about centers of excellence or feedback loops. Ultimately, it must bring the vast enterprise architecture into rapid-fire code changes, and vice versa.Continue Reading

• 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

• Evaluate GitHub features for dev and project management

  Developers need to write, branch and merge code without losing one bracket. Many version control tools offer project management features, so compare capabilities for the right fit.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How GitHub and Bitbucket augment key Git features

  Learn how GitHub and Bitbucket enhance the Git version control system, enabling management and security on top of Git's native abilities to clarify workflows and protect data.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• rapid application development (RAD)

  Rapid application development (RAD) is a model based on the concept that higher-quality products can be developed faster through more expedient processes, such as early prototyping, reusing software components and less formality in team ...Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Tools and methods for testing big data applications

  Data is more valuable than gold for businesses, so QA must ensure that they test big data applications and their output thoroughly and accurately.Continue Reading

• Compare trunk-based development to feature-based approaches

  The repo-centric trunk-based development model can be a good fit for teams adept enough to maintain a codebase. But it means taking the road less traveled.Continue Reading

• Choose the best load testing software for your apps

  Load testing is critical to ensure that apps will not malfunction on customers. Assess the leading products for application development in this comprehensive guide.Continue Reading

• AI in software development puts testing to the test

  It makes sense to apply sophisticated AI tools to software testing. Before that can happen though, those tools need to be taught what it is they are supposed to do.Continue Reading

• 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

• How the Agile paradigm saved app development

  Traditional app-dev thinking can lead to modern-day failure. In this excerpt from Scrum -- A Pocket Guide, Gunther Verheyen explains why Agile is a must, not optional.Continue Reading

• Software resilience engineering helps teams quash chaos

  What does a nuclear power plant or government team of epidemiologists have to teach software engineers? Quite a lot, if your aim is not just better apps, but more resilient ones.Continue Reading

• 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

• Concourse vs. Drone: Pick a CI/CD tool that fits your team

  For CI/CD, a software team should weigh how well a tool fits into its existing practices. Drone and Concourse each highlight ease of use and pipeline features.Continue Reading

• 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

• Evaluate load testing tool features and vendors

  Application load testing products come in a variety of forms and their features vary. Read through these specs to find the tool that's right for you.Continue Reading

• 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

• 3-tier application architecture

  A 3-tier application architecture is a modular client-server architecture that consists of a presentation tier, an application tier and a data tier. The data tier stores information, the application tier handles logic and the presentation tier is a ...Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• What to look for in application load testing tools

  Load testing tools help ensure an app is ready for prime time. But, with so many tools on the market, buyers must closely examine the products' features and their own environments.Continue Reading

• Ansible vs. Puppet: Declarative DevOps tools square off

  Vendors in the declarative DevOps space cater to the increasing emphasis on software quality in the release cycle. See how Puppet and Ansible stack up in this face-off.Continue Reading

• 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

• How to keep developers and testers happy -- and productive

  The stresses of software development can strain testers and developers' comradery. Foster a collaborative and communicative environment to keep the whole team productive.Continue Reading

• Application load testing is critical for business success

  Load testing tools help ensure apps can withstand normal amounts of user traffic, as well as spikes and other conditions. Learn how these tools work and their business benefits.Continue Reading

• 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

• Which APM tool works for devs, CIOs? New Relic vs. Stackify

  Stackify Retrace and New Relic tools typify a divide between developers and CIOs on application monitoring. The products share many capabilities, but those features aren't equally granular or accessible.Continue Reading

• DevOps metrics point to fast releases, open source adoption

  You can always be better at DevOps. Assess these metrics from a variety of DevOps teams to see where you could stand to improve -- and give your team some positive reinforcement.Continue Reading

• BPM tools try to add customization without complication

  AI capabilities are being worked into more business applications -- even business process automation. Here's how those features can enhance the power of BPM tools.Continue Reading

• 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

• application

  An application, also referred to as an application program or application software, is a computer software package that performs a specific function directly for an end user or, in some cases, for another application.Continue Reading

• What are the top software testing methodologies?

  Whether you want to discover new software testing methodologies or rejuvenate test cases, QA is all about efficiency. Evaluate these testing techniques and strategies to meet QA goals.Continue Reading

• What the CI process can and can't do for software delivery

  Continuous integration, software delivery and deployment are distinct software lifecycle stages, but they are far more complementary than competitive in modern dev methodologies.Continue Reading

• 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

• Learn the value of exploratory testing vs. scripted testing

  In this podcast, testing expert Matt Heusser explains how exploratory and scripted tests differ and how they complement each other.Continue Reading

• The road to effective bot development in DevOps environments

  A bot that simply helps you help yourself goes a long way in a DevOps environment. One bot that does one thing really well is better than an army of chatbots.Continue Reading

• A DevOps developer should be adaptable, creative

  Unlike in the past, companies don't necessarily look to hire developers with hard technology skills. DevOps is changing the rules, so, for developers, it's time to get creative.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Which DevOps testing tools do I need to know?

  There are numerous DevOps tools, so as a tester, is it necessary to know all of them? Gerie Owen explains why tools might come secondary to the goal of DevOps.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• IT pros weigh Git version control against the competition

  You won't get far today without version control to safely iterate on application code. But is Git -- or one of the many commercial products based on Git -- right for your team?Continue Reading

• Ten ways to implement automated app testing effectively

  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

• Why new feature testing should be at the heart of DevOps

  Continuous testing is a good idea, but if used as a Band-Aid, it will miss things. Expert Matt Heusser explains why the focus should be on new feature testing.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• DevOps, cross-platform, test are top mobile developer skills

  Learn about four mobile app dev skills and experience enterprises value: Agile, DevOps, cross-platform and test-driven development, and newer, native languages Swift and Kotlin.Continue Reading

• native app

  A native application is a software program that is developed for use on a particular platform or device.Continue Reading

• What developers must know about supervised machine learning

  Humans play a vital role in training an ML/AI system. Expert Torsten Volk explains what software developers need to understand about machine learning education.Continue Reading

• The promise of ML/AI is real -- so are the challenges

  Machine learning and artificial intelligence will make the impossible happen, if developers can understand the what-ifs involved. Expert Torsten Volk unpacks it all.Continue Reading

• With BizDevOps, building apps without code becomes possible

  To get business applications developed quickly, some organizations turn to the BizDevOps approach of using citizen developers and a low-code/no-code platform.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Why the promise of low-code software platforms is deceiving

  Low-code/no-code platforms mean anyone can code, right? Wrong. Columnist Bob Reselman explains why this is a dangerous thought for enterprises.Continue Reading

• Is there a software developer age limit? Apparently, it's 45

  Software development is a young person's purview, according to a Harvey Nash Technology Survey. Expert David Savage explains how over-45s can stay in the game.Continue Reading

• 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

• What breakthroughs we won't (and will) see in DevOps 2018

  Will 2018 be the best of times for DevOps? Perhaps. But there's no doubt sweeping changes on the developer and operations sides are coming. Here's what to prepare for.Continue Reading

• Why you should get on board with software testing trends

  Will your organization design a machine learning app in 2018? Or should you pick up DevOps skills to be in demand as a tester? These trends will all have a major effect on software testing.Continue Reading

• Low-code platforms move the BizDevOps trend forward

  The next IT mashup -- BizDevOps -- brings business leaders to the table, and new no-code/low-code platforms give them the tools to be active participants in app development.Continue Reading