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Building Software Project Teams

• Types of software requirements you need to know

  Not all software requirement types are the same. See the benefits of stakeholder input and apply these seven characteristics to produce well-written requirements. Continue Reading

• Real-world developers' low-code examples focus on productivity

  Two enterprise IT organizations share the benefits their dev teams gained from different low-code platforms, the process issues the tools exposed and how teams can get started. Continue Reading

• How to patch your open source software vulnerabilities

  No matter how big your software vulnerabilities backlog has grown, here's how you can tackle it, and get on the path to continuous security monitoring. Continue Reading

• Use intrusive testing to push software to, and past, its limits

  Grab your sledgehammer and get to work with destructive software testing. Here's how to use these intrusive methods to identify points of failure before software reaches users. Continue Reading

• DevOps in the enterprise requires focus on security, visibility

  App dev, quality and delivery challenges constantly pop up in DevOps implementations. Hear how overworked IT professionals deal with these challenges, and how tools can help -- or not. Continue Reading

• What goes into a user story vs. use case for Agile development?

  Developers refer to software requirements to code a good product, but there are different ways to categorize user needs. What's the difference between a user story vs. a use case?Continue Reading

• 10 tips for effective change management in Agile

  Agile development encourages product owners to address customer needs through change. Follow these 10 tips for change requests and management practices that keep projects on track.Continue Reading

• A DevOps pipeline works only when the tooling works

  A DevOps toolchain needs to help IT people do their job, sure. But to do that, it also needs to provide useful glimpses into the process so that everyone is in the loop.Continue Reading

• 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

• Implement a DevSecOps pipeline to boost releases' security posture

  Break security out of its silo, and get the whole team on board to create a culture of quality with the right tools at the right time -- and stop blindly rushing to release.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 10 skills of highly effective software testers

  QA professionals with hands-on experience and a mix of technical and soft skills offer great value for software engineering teams. Testers with these 10 skills can boost their careers.Continue Reading

• How do I foster reusable code across dev projects?

  Developers don't have a lot of free time. Code reuse helps dev teams focus on the most valuable aspects of a project. So ensure your team knows how to write, and test, reusable code.Continue Reading

• 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

• How to form a regression testing plan with these 5 questions

  Make regression testing part of a software quality control plan. Determine the project's testing requirements, and team preferences, to clarify a potent regression testing strategy.Continue Reading

• 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

• Quality assurance testing vs. user acceptance testing

  There are differences between QA and UAT, but testers from both sides ought to collaborate and firm up test plans to resolve issues.Continue Reading

• Common software compatibility issues and how to fix them

  Developers tend to look forward, to the next iteration or the newest software. But, when releasing a feature, don't leave behind end users with older systems and edge case setups.Continue Reading

• 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

• Why flaky tests are a problem you can't ignore

  Monotonous as the task might be, QA must detect and fix the root causes of flaky tests. Invest the time and effort, or risk the dangers of an unreliable test automation suite.Continue Reading

• Apply automated security scanning during app development

  For developers, security is not often a high priority -- but it should be. Automated security scanning tools can help detect and address weaknesses before evildoers discover them.Continue Reading

• How to deprecate software features without bothering users

  There's more to software deprecation than it seems. Organizations must consider the method of deprecation, how to inform users and what alternatives they should offer.Continue Reading

• How can I course-correct my testing career path?

  Don't get stuck in QA monotony. Show your technical knowhow and expand your horizons to boost your career -- even if it means throwing out the map.Continue Reading

• What makes for a quiet developer work environment on the road?

  Developers run into distractions when they work out of a hotel or Airbnb. Here's how to fight back against subpar accommodations that halt productivity -- and how to avoid them next time.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Good teams come clean about their IT competence

  How is your company culture going to stay up to date on IT trends? Don't let that question linger, since, sooner or later, you'll work with a technology you don't understand at all.Continue Reading

• How do I find my career path in software testing?

  I've been a tester for many years and want to progress professionally. Yet, I'm struggling to find chances for advancement and a career path in software testing. Any pointers?Continue Reading

• Checklist for mobile app testing: 12 gaps to look out for

  Emulators and automation tools are useful, but don't rely on them solely. Use this checklist for mobile app testing to ensure that software has no critical flaws.Continue Reading

• 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

• How to save DevOps from cargo cult programming

  The meaning of DevOps -- better cooperation between developers and operations professionals -- has been lost in many companies. Expert Theresa Neate explains what has to happen.Continue Reading

• Security in open source software isn't automatic

  Just how much time and effort should you commit to securing all that open source code your organization makes use of? Probably more than you are now.Continue Reading

• OSS security requires DIY scrutiny, not trusting 'many eyes'

  How many ways can hackers exploit the security flaws in open source? Cybersecurity experts count the ways and the approaches that can prevent costly security breaches.Continue Reading

• Missing out on software conferences? Here are four worthy alternatives

  When you skip a conference, you miss the chance to hear talks from thought leaders, learn new practices, network and even discover upcoming technological advents. Here are four comparable ways to ...Continue Reading

• The secret to DevOps test automation? Pick your battles

  The pain of software test automation is real, particularly in a DevOps environment. But what if it was possible to approach it all differently? App maker Airtasker has a plan.Continue Reading

• Amp up OSS security with these steps

  A test vendor's CTO describes the OSS security mistakes that enterprises make, such as not patching vulnerabilities or inaccurate inventory dependencies.Continue Reading

• Don't fear chaos engineering if you are a DevOps tester

  DevOps teams use chaos engineering, but at what cost? Learn how this testing method secures applications in ways that traditional testing can't.Continue Reading

• Salary snapshot: Test automation engineer salaries in four cities

  It seems nearly any job related to DevOps carries a higher salary, and test automation is no exception. Here's our salary snapshot of test automation engineers in four U.S. cities.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

• How can I attend software testing conferences?

  You want to attend a software testing conference, but your employer said it's too expensive. Here are some ways to improve your chances to attend.Continue Reading

• It's past time to revisit Agile's definition of 'done'

  The definition of 'done' only covers what happens on the dev side. So, it's not very useful in a DevOps shop. Expert Theresa Neate explains what needs to change.Continue Reading

• Automated security testing frees devs to prevent breaches

  Common software security mistakes include testing at the last minute and not testing open source code and VMs. Expert Matt Heusser suggests ways to avoid these and other missteps.Continue Reading

• Which software engineer skills matter? All of them

  The ongoing developer shortage means employers face unique challenges when it comes to hiring. LinkedIn's Sarah O'Brien offers insight into how developers behave and what they're really looking for.Continue Reading

• Adoption of continuous testing in DevOps and Agile cultures

  The best way to engender continuous testing in DevOps shops? Take the lead. Here's how testers can create change and align disparate goals for organizations.Continue Reading

• Agile vs. DevOps: Test your software methodology knowledge

  To develop software faster, Agile or DevOps can help. But that doesn't make either choice easy. Test your knowledge to see if you understand what makes each methodology unique.Continue Reading

• 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

• Database virtualization lets developers code with confidence

  For the longest time, sharing a database has meant long nights for developers. But as more and more organizations adopt virtualized databases, those days are numbered.Continue Reading

• A complete beginner's guide to blending DevOps and security

  DevSecOps sounds like a mouthful for those new to DevOps, but building security in from the start is key to DevOps success. Expert Kevin Beaver explains.Continue Reading

• 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

• A comprehensive beginner's guide to DevOps for testers

  Newcomers to DevOps have a steep learning curve and nowhere more so than in test. Expert Matthew Heusser has a beginner's guide to DevOps and testing.Continue Reading

• Is a software test schedule at the development team's mercy?

  Does the development team determine the software test schedule? Find out why working with DevOps can alleviate some time and test constraints.Continue Reading

• What enterprises learn from software failure incidents

  Research from Etsy and IBM suggests we are learning the wrong lessons from software failure incidents and points toward how to get it right.Continue Reading

• What is the best way to load test mobile applications?

  Mobile apps create a challenge for testers; no approach can cover every device. However, there are best practices for load testing mobile applications.Continue Reading

• Gene Kim tells why we should all be on a DevOps journey

  DevOps advocate Gene Kim is a tireless campaigner for the software development methodology and an enthusiastic newbie skateboarder. Here's why those two skill sets go together.Continue Reading

• How a low-code platform can end application sprawl forever

  Low-code platforms make it easier for anyone to create apps, but did you know they can be used to stop the spread of app sprawl as well? Successful companies share their secrets.Continue Reading

• Take the pain out of software developer hiring

  Hiring software developers is hard enough, but finding the right ones for the job is even harder. Here's what you need to consider to future-proof your development team.Continue Reading

• Creative ways to boost your in-house enterprise DevOps talent

  If only experienced DevOps developers grew on trees. Here's how large enterprises are training their own employees -- and college kids -- to increase the pool of available DevOps talent.Continue Reading

• Northrop Grumman explains DevOps teams' successes at DOES 2017

  At DOES 2017, Northrop Grumman explained how difficult it was to scale DevOps and why it required changes in everything from testing to training. George Lawton shares the story.Continue Reading

• Three experts weigh in on the state of DevOps in 2017

  DOES17 will offer a report card on how the development methodology is faring in the enterprise. Three speakers offer their views on what is working, what is not and where we're headed.Continue Reading

• An insider's guide to the AI and IoT testing process

  Testing the internet of things is one thing, but AI takes it to the next level. A LogiGear executive shares what the company learned from its first serious foray into this world.Continue Reading

• Anki test director talks IoT and AI testing challenges

  A complicated new game required a complicated testing strategy and help from the outside. Here's what game maker Anki learned from working with LogiGear on AI testing.Continue Reading

• Who is responsible for software development and design?

  Can developers and designers ever meet in the middle? And if so, how can they speak the same language? Expert Jason Grant offers tried-and-true advice for making it work.Continue Reading

• 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

• At the CAST 2017 conference, less testing is the new big thing

  Testing expert Matthew Heusser attended CAST 2017 and was surprised to hear why testing less might lead to better software. Here are his key takeaways.Continue Reading

• The IoT testing process using microservices and containers

  The internet of things is a challenge for software testers. Luckily, microservices and containers can make things more straightforward. Here's where to begin.Continue Reading

• How to use microservices and containers for IoT

  Developing for IoT can be tricky, particularly when it comes to containers and microservices. Expert Christopher Tozzi outlines the considerations.Continue Reading

• Should the QA process always include the business side?

  Quality assurance professionals need to start thinking about bringing business along for the ride. Expert Amy Reichert offers tried-and-true advice to get started.Continue Reading

• How to better manage your offshore software testing team

  Managing a local software testing team is one thing, but when testers are remote, it's challenging. Expert Gerie Owen unpacks her top tips to make the process smoother.Continue Reading

• How to hang on to software testing standards during hard times

  Software testing is a tough job, and it's made even tougher in a regulated industry where competitive pressures don't exist. Expert Gerie Owen on how to survive.Continue Reading

• Is Agile stuck? Looking for answers at Agile2017

  It's hard not to ask the "Is Agile still relevant?" question today. And it's harder to still to hear some of the answers, ranging from straight up "No" to "too much focus on process" to "they're ...Continue Reading

• How can a female junior software tester survive in a sexist startup?

  Software testers are no more immune to hostile work environments than anyone else. Expert Gerie Owen explains how to survive in a challenging startup.Continue Reading

• How do I advance my test automation engineer career?

  Usually, software testers with strong technical skills have bright career prospects. If you're being overlooked, there's a reason. Expert Gerie Owen explains.Continue Reading

• Smoke tests are fine, but sometimes soak testing is the answer

  Some software applications can really benefit from a long testing time, and that's where soak tests come in. Expert Gerie Owen explains how and why to use that type of test.Continue Reading

• Here's why IoT testing is really going to matter to QA pros

  It's easy to ignore the challenge of IoT and testing if that's not your job, but that's soon going to change. Expert Jennifer Lent explains what you need to know.Continue Reading

• What happens when acceptance criteria in software testing is missing?

  You can't test something if you don't know what it's supposed to do. Often, testers have a very incomplete understanding of what they're testing. Here's how to fix the problem.Continue Reading

• What's the latest DevOps challenge? A tendency toward groupthink

  In order to speed up development and delivery, a DevOps team has to be collaborative. But when does that cross the line into dysfunctional? Expert Gerie Owen explains.Continue Reading

• Why am I always being passed over for software test lead jobs?

  It can be frustrating and demoralizing when you're not chosen to test the latest and most interesting software. Expert Gerie Owen shares what to do about it.Continue Reading

• How can QA best work with contract software developers?

  At some point, software testers are going to end up working with remote or contract developers. Expert Amy Reichert explains how to make the arrangement work for you.Continue Reading

• I'm a software tester -- where can I find a primer on DevOps basics?

  Software testing plays an important role in DevOps, but it can be tough to decipher it all. Expert Gerie Owen offers her best advice to discover your role in a DevOps world.Continue Reading

• I'm in a rut! How can I find a stable software testing career path?

  You want to move your testing career forward, but your employer isn't helping. Expert Gerie Owen offers advice about taking charge of your career development.Continue Reading

• Red Hat's 8 rules of successful Open Source

  Everyone wants to use and participate in an open source software environment but sadly not everyone knows how to do it right. This is the perspective of Matt Hicks, vice president of engineering ...Continue Reading

• Why you need a digital transformation roadmap in 2017

  Buzzwords aside, 2017 is the year when digital transformation will begin in earnest. Expert Christopher Ward has done the research that will help you convince the boss.Continue Reading

• How do we make testing in DevOps happen correctly?

  CI/CD are at the heart of DevOps and it can be tricky to determine when/how to fit in testing. Expert Gerie Owen explains why testers are facing a steep learning curve.Continue Reading

• The promise -- and pitfalls -- of low code/no code

  Amidst the many changes we saw in 2016, one stands out to me as I look forward to 2017 and that's the rise of low code/no code platforms. These tools are designed to let pretty much anyone -- even ...Continue Reading

• Why won't companies invest in software testing resources?

  Software testing is hard enough, but without adequate and appropriate equipment, it's unrealistic to expect accurate results. Expert Amy Reichert explains why QA needs more support.Continue Reading

• Agile estimation techniques: Here's how to do it right the first time

  To estimate or not to estimate is the question. And expert Jennifer Lent asks author Johanna Rothman for her best advice on estimating just enough to make the customer happy.Continue Reading

• Developer advocates for more women in STEM, top-level tech jobs

  It's high time to break the tech glass ceiling, says Telerik's Jen Looper. She describes tactics for getting more women in STEM jobs and C-level tech positions in this podcast.Continue Reading

• Mark Curphey just gave you the tools to make safe apps -- for free?

  Is it possible to build software speedily but safely? Startup CEO Mark Curphey thinks so, and he's using big data analytics to make open source code safe for developers everywhere.Continue Reading

• Why containers aren't one size fits all

  At a time when it seems containers and microservices are practically all everyone is talking about, it's easy to think they're a no-brainer solution to so many development problems. But it's not ...Continue Reading

• Comparing development methodologies: Agile vs. DevOps vs. Lean Startup

  It's a confusing, jargon-filled world out there. Expert Christopher Ward brings clarity in part one of a series of articles on the differences between Lean, Agile and DevOps.Continue Reading

• How can I negotiate for a better QA salary?

  It's not all about the paycheck, but salary is important. Expert Amy Reichert offers firsthand advice to help you negotiate the salary of your dreams. Her secret? Always bargain.Continue Reading

• How do I know if my busy QA professionals are actually engaged?

  A busy tester seems like a happy tester, but expert Amy Reichert warns that appearances can be deceiving. Here's why you need to be sure your testers are really paying attention.Continue Reading

• Making metrics less elusive in DevOps

  Andreas Grabner, a "performance enthusiast" who works at Dynatrace, understands that metrics are the holy grail of a DevOps team, but he also knows that the information can be hard to come by on ...Continue Reading

• When DevOps and requirements gathering techniques collide

  Moving from Agile to DevOps? Requirements gathering is a great place to start rethinking and incorporating a high level of collaboration. Expert Christopher Ward explains.Continue Reading

• How should I handle root cause analysis in software testing?

  It's important to take finding the root cause of a defect seriously in an Agile team using continuous improvement. Expert Amy Reichert explains how she narrows it down.Continue Reading

• Don't get stuck: Here's how to avoid the worst Agile meeting syndrome

  Too much talking and not enough listening equals boredom and ineffectual meetings. Columnist Jennifer Lent has great advice on how to keep regular Agile gatherings lively and relevant.Continue Reading

• How to make crowdsourced testing actually help the development process

  The trouble with paying bug bounties to outsiders for testing help is doing so can create an adversarial relationship between developer and tester. Expert Robin Goldsmith offers advice.Continue Reading

• The secret to Agile problem solving? OpenSpace Agility

  Even Agile organizations get stuck sometimes. What to do? OpenSpace Agility is a bold new way to work through problems, but it can be tricky. Expert Jennifer Lent explains.Continue Reading