Tips

Tips

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How to document software requirements without hating your job

  Software requirements specifications explain, in painstaking detail, what is expected of a project. So, why develop without one? It's not worth the risk. Read why an SRS is vital.  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

• How to write and structure worthwhile SRS documentation

  Software projects contain many moving parts, and a miscommunication can derail them easily. Keep everyone on the same page with clear and exhaustive requirements specifications.  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

• Learn the basics before you work with Git

  Git can scale with complex environments, but more conflicts can arise. Get the Git basics down before your developers use forks or branches for projects.  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

• 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

• Foster cross-team collaboration with IM, mind maps and more

  Build a collaborative workspace that's more than just an HR slogan. These tools get teams to talk and tackle problems together.  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

• Embrace these 5 tenets for better QA leadership

  Knowledge and hands-on skills are always useful, but successful QA team leads also inspire and stand up for their teams. Here are five ways to remove team obstacles and coach great testers.  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

• Ways to partially implement Agile and still get results

  Pair programming, iterative workflows, timeboxed builds and other Agile tenets benefit app dev teams. Here's how to incorporate Agile practices and culture with minimal disruption.  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

• 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

• 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

• Prioritize UX in a serverless mobile app framework

  There's no universal approach to incorporate serverless functionality into mobile app development. Cloud tools and serverless elements can complicate a deployment.  Continue Reading

• Construct a better build-deploy pipeline with these 6 measures

  Developers can launch code to production faster than ever, and still do it safely, with careful attention to the build-deploy pipeline, tests and monitoring metrics.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Pick up stateless software precepts for modern app design

  Change and state are complex interrelated concepts that shape how an application performs its tasks. Learn the meaning of state, mutability and change as they relate to app design.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How to foster collaboration in software development

  App owners, developers and testers are friends -- not enemies. If it doesn't always feel that way on your collaborative team, use these techniques to foster better communication.  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

• Calibrate your definition of 'done' in Scrum to meet requirements

  Get together with business leaders before software launches and find common ground to define done. One company's idea of perfect code is another's lurking disaster.  Continue Reading

• The developer's crash course to the application network

  Developers, we get it; you don't want to deal with the network. But hear us out, as a basic understanding of subnets, VPNs and IP addresses boost app stability and performance.  Continue Reading

• Prevent AI bias in predictive applications before it starts

  While AI offers predictive insights, developers must train AI models to ensure accurate results. These five types of input, in particular, can cause poor output from the finished app.  Continue Reading

• Hire a software testing team that fits your startup culture

  Albeit strapped for cash and time, software startups need testers as much as large companies. Advocate for a testing team, and find candidates who will excel in a startup culture.  Continue Reading

• How startups can accelerate a software product launch

  At your software startup, product delivery must be top priority, even at the expense of some bells and whistles. Get creative with some shortcuts to deliver quality software.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Improve the rapid application development model for deployment readiness

  Get a better understanding of the top three areas in IT to improve a rapid application development model. Expert Tom Nolle discusses the future of RAD and DevOps.  Continue Reading

• Understand continuous delivery and continuous deployment

  Learn why it is important to understand the differences between continuous delivery and deployment. Expert Matt Heusser discusses how they work with one another.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• A comprehensive beginner's guide to DevOps for developers

  Starting DevOps in your organization and not sure where to begin? Cameron McKenzie explains everything a developer needs to know to successfully begin the DevOps process.  Continue Reading

• Lower the risk of change in continuous testing

  Expert Matt Heusser explains how to improve mobile and web application continuous testing in seven steps. Learn how to identify goals and avoid failures with continuous flow.  Continue Reading

• Four critical continuous testing components to implement

  Rapid continuous delivery is unlikely to go off without a hitch, unless the team relies on continuous testing. Expert Justin Rohrman explains how to get it underway.  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

• How to develop a UX workflow

  This approach to UX improves software design, whether your goal is to build a new product, modernize a legacy one or improve functionality and features.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How to get started with synthetic monitoring

  Expert Justin Rohrman says passive monitoring might not be enough to create the best user experience and that synthetic monitoring is the way to go.  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

• Why domain experts are vital for DevOps test automation

  Automation is always seen as the way to speed up software testing, but it is more limited than people realize. Expert Gerie Owen argues domain experts must get involved.  Continue Reading

• Advice on how to survive a new test automation strategy

  There's no getting around management's enthusiasm for automating software testing. Expert Matthew Heusser offers step-by-step ideas on how you can survive it.  Continue Reading

• Find the right embedded software test tools for the job

  Embedded software is ubiquitous, but the solutions for testing it aren't as easy to come by. Expert Amy Reichert outlines the top tool choices for the task at hand.  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

• Beyond user interface testing: Here's what you need to know

  As if testing isn't complicated enough, now there's a new emphasis: looking into the UI and beyond. Expert Amy Reichert outlines everything testers need to know.  Continue Reading

• Moving to lean QA? You need to use an idea presentation

  Any change is hard, but moving to a lean QA organization is especially tricky. Amy Reichert continues her lean QA series with advice on implementation.  Continue Reading

• How a tester can contribute to the code review process

  Can a software tester really play a meaningful role during code review? Expert Matthew Heusser explains the step-by-step process to make yourself useful during code review.  Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know -- and love -- about testing microservices

  Like it or not, DevOps and, thus, containers and microservices are here to stay. Expert Gerie Owen explains what you need to understand about this new world.`  Continue Reading

• Automated testing in Agile is still much harder than you think

  Automation is a key feature of Agile and DevOps, but it remains elusive. A recent survey from LogiGear shows companies are making very slow progress on both automation and Agile.  Continue Reading

• Testers add this new skill to your repertoire: chaos engineering

  Software testers just want to just focus on the application. But networks, clouds and other things can break your software too. Gerie Owen explains how chaos engineering can help.  Continue Reading

• The latest trends from the Agile Alliance Technical Conference

  The Agile development methodology has been around so long now it's easy to think people aren't taking the technology seriously. Expert Matthew Heusser explains what's going on.  Continue Reading

• Five reasons your software testing career is harder than necessary

  No job is perfect, but software testers do have a few things to complain about. Expert Amy Reichert shares the five things that make her want to polish her résumé.  Continue Reading

• If you missed QUEST 2017, here's what you need to know

  The QUEST 2017 software testing conference brought people from around the world together to discuss the latest challenges and opportunities. Expert Gerie Owen shares her experience.  Continue Reading

• Performance testing .NET applications secrets to success

  When it comes to performance testing .NET applications, it's all about the tools. Expert Matthew Heusser offers his best advice, tips and tricks for successful testing.  Continue Reading

• How trying a design thinking process can mean better Agile

  If your team is stuck in an Agile rut, one option might be design thinking. Columnist Jennifer Lent explains how design thinking can bring app developers closer to end users.  Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about testing .NET applications

  For the most efficient testing, you need the right tools for the job. Expert Matt Heusser explains in detail all the testing tools for tackling apps built with Microsoft's .NET.  Continue Reading

• Why testing in production is going to be the next big thing

  At a time when manual testing is feeling the squeeze, it's time to think of alternatives. Expert Gerie Owen explains why synthetic testing is going to be important going forward.  Continue Reading

• Functional programming in Java 8 vs. .NET: What you need to know

  The 'which is better' debate over .NET and Java has been going on forever. Expert Tom Nolle weighs in on which is the better choice if your goal is functional programming.  Continue Reading

• The more technical tester series, part four: Learn how to code

  Software testers are under increasing pressure to become more technical. Expert Matthew Heusser is back with another 'more technical tester' article on learning to code.  Continue Reading

• Moving along with your digital transformation roadmap? Try mobile first

  Everyone is talking about digital transformation, but in the process, mobile is often an afterthought. Expert Christopher Ward explains why mobile needs to be number one.  Continue Reading

• Are you ready for the latest software testing trends?

  From security to integration and flexibility, the software testing profession is undergoing more changes. Expert Matthew Heusser offers his best advice.  Continue Reading

• It's time to take the software testing profession more seriously

  Want to be taken seriously as a tester? You have to treat your job like it's a profession. Expert Gerie Owen explains why 2017 is the time to lean into your testing career.  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 to be a DevOps engineering leader in your workplace

  It can be hard to get senior management's attention when it comes to making a big shift like a move to DevOps. Here's expert Christopher Ward's best advice on getting started.  Continue Reading

• What will be the most important user experience trends for 2017?

  It's always supposed to be the year of the user, but in 2017, it's finally going to happen. And this focus on user experience is going to change everything about software design.  Continue Reading

• Be a more technical tester with HTML, CSS and JS

  If you're ready to boost your testing skills, why not learn more about web development? Expert Matt Heusser walks you through HTML, CSS and JS to get you started.  Continue Reading

• Do we need a DevOps 2.0? Yes, if you want to get back to 'startup'

  BizDevOps can help an organization be more nimble and return to its startup-like roots. But expert Christopher Ward warns that there can also be downsides, like technical debt.  Continue Reading

• Learn the skills to become a more technical tester

  Technology is changing fast and your testing skills need to change, too. Expert Matt Heusser walks you through more advanced techniques in part two of his series.  Continue Reading

• Here's what you need to know -- and do -- to be a more technical tester

  Want to be a better tester? It's not about coding, it's about reading the code. Expert Matthew Heusser takes you through the step-by-step process of setting up a Unix server.  Continue Reading

• The advantages of turning Agile pair programming into pair coaching

  Working on the idea of pair programming, pair coaching is another way to get the most out of Agile. Expert Yvette Francino explains how and why the process works.  Continue Reading

• How a source code review process helps breed better developers

  Collaborating on a code review process will not only improve the quality of a codebase, but it's also an easy way to build solid, team-wide best practices.  Continue Reading

• Who is to blame for bad coding? Time to look in the mirror

  Sometimes, when software goes wrong, the problems are self-inflicted. Expert Gerie Owen explains why development teams can fall prey to bad decision-making, and how to get out of the downward spiral.  Continue Reading

• An insider's guide to successful pair-programming techniques

  Two heads are better than one, but sharing one computer can be tricky. Expert Yvette Francino explains how pair programming can make for better-quality code.  Continue Reading

• Software testing in the cloud? Meet testing as a service

  Testing as a service offers the flexibility to test applications in almost any type of cloud combination you'd need. Expert tester Gerie Owen explains how it works.  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

• 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