Software development best practices and processes
The enterprise software development landscape has changed drastically with the rise of Kotlin, Clojure, Python and JavaScript. From a focus on functional programming to new takes on object-oriented analysis and design, Java programmers and JDK architects can learn from these languages' development processes and software engineering best practices.
Top Stories
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Video
02 Apr 2025
SonarQube code coverage tutorial for beginners
Most software bugs follow common patterns that continuous inspection tools identify before production deployment. If you're not already using SonarQube, here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
How to write pseudocode: A guided tutorial
Writing pseudocode might feel like an extra step, but its value becomes clear in complex projects. Focus on the logic without getting tangled in language-specific syntax. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
The benefits and limitations of headless browser testing
Headless browsers offer efficient web UI testing but lack the visual debugging capabilities of traditional browsers, making assessing the app's state upon test failure challenging. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2025
GitHub Copilot vs. ChatGPT: How do they compare?
Copilot and ChatGPT are generative AI tools that can help coders be more productive. Learn about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as alternative coding assistants. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2025
Understanding code smells and how refactoring can help
It works, but does it pass the sniff test? Code smells can be the canary in the coal mine for poor coding, which calls for refactoring. Explore how to identify and deodorize code smells. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2025
12 prompt engineering best practices and tips
Asking the right questions is crucial for effective generative AI use. Learn 12 tips for writing clear, useful prompts, including mistakes to avoid and advice for image generation. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2025
What is security by design?
Security by design is an approach to software and hardware development that seeks to make systems as free of vulnerabilities and impervious to attack as possible through such measures as continuous testing, authentication safeguards and adherence to best programming practices. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2025
Prompt engineering takes shape for devs as agentic AI dawns
Real-world best practices are emerging at companies such as LinkedIn, Oracle and AWS, and agentic AI is poised to fundamentally alter the day-to-day work of software engineers. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Mar 2025
Story points and hours of effort in Scrum
Story points and hours help Agile teams calculate the amount of work and time estimated to complete tasks. Here's how these systems are different. Continue Reading
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Video
14 Mar 2025
Camel case vs. pascal case vs. snake case vs. kebab case
Want to know the differences between common code naming conventions like camel case, pascal case, snake case and kebab case? This quick tutorial has all the answers. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2025
Implementing webhooks: Benefits and best practices
Webhooks are a simple technology, so make the implementation strategy simple, too. Start by designing an intuitive workflow that plans for the unexpected and prioritizes security. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2025
Top 5 Agile estimation techniques
Stakeholders want development teams to stick to rigid timelines, which doesn't align with Agile development. These five Agile estimation techniques can help bridge the divide. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2025
Best practices for writing clean code comments
Well-written code comments are a great tool to explain code intent. Use these tips to ensure your comments are adding value to source code, not cluttering it up. Continue Reading
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Video
03 Mar 2025
Build Java SOAP web services in Eclipse with Jakarta EE
REST-based web services are popular, but there's a home in modern enterprise architectures for SOAP-based web services. Here's how to build them using Jakarta EE in Eclipse. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2025
What is the Agile test automation pyramid?
The Agile test automation pyramid is a graphical strategy guide for implementing automated software testing. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Feb 2025
Host your own Bluesky Personal Data Server (PDS) tutorial
Want to really understand how the decentralized Bluesky network works? Connect your own Bluesky PDS to the network. Here's how to do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2025
How to fix software bugs: Guide and best practices
'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' -- Benjamin Franklin, 1736. The original quote pertained to fire safety, but it still applies to software bug prevention today. Continue Reading
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Video
25 Feb 2025
How to get started on Twitter alternative Bluesky Social
Are you on Bluesky yet? If you're looking for an alternative to Twitter, it just might be what you're looking for. Here's how to get started on Bluesky Social. Continue Reading
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Video
20 Feb 2025
Get started with Bluesky API and Python API
Discouraged by Twitter's $42,000 monthly price tag for access to their enterprise APIs? Why not try Bluesky Social's SDK? It's free and it's easy to use. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2025
How do you plan an iteration in Agile software development?
Iterative planning in Agile helps teams to plan and adapt, collaborate, gather feedback and deliver to customers. Follow these tips to keep product development efforts on track. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2025
Optimize code using binary notation
Code optimization can be more creative than compilers and instruction-level parallelism. Here are specific ways to optimize code using hardware resources with high-level languages. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2025
Comparing low-code vs. traditional development
The lines between low-code and traditional development aren't always clear. Compare the pros and cons of each approach to judge which makes sense for your organization. Continue Reading
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Video
10 Feb 2025
Set your Bluesky handle to a custom domain name
One of the coolest features of Bluesky is the ability to set your domain name as your handle. Here's how you do it. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2025
What is HTTP and how does it work? Hypertext Transfer Protocol
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules for transferring files -- such as text, images, sound, video and other multimedia files -- over the web. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2025
How to use story points in Agile
Complex variables and unknown factors can obscure time-based work estimates for development projects. Story points help teams account for change through relative estimation. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Jan 2025
What is the spiral model and how is it used?
The spiral model is a systems development lifecycle (SDLC) method used for risk management that combines the iterative development process model with elements of the Waterfall model. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Jan 2025
JavaScript, React and object-oriented programming
This tutorial ties together JavaScript, React and object-oriented programming to show developers how to use the React framework's powerful and flexible features and functions. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2025
Top 9 smart contract platforms to consider in 2025
Platform speed, scalability, security and smart contract development support vary widely. Here's how to match features to your needs plus the lowdown on the major players. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2025
11 key Agile metrics to ensure effective measurement
Agile metrics are crucial to help software development teams track speed, efficiency and quality. Here are some important ones, and how to combine them for best results. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jan 2025
What is lazy loading?
Lazy loading is a design pattern in web development that only loads necessary code components immediately, deferring nonessential components. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Dec 2024
Stubs vs. mocks in software testing
Running a software test and need to simulate a function or object? Here's how to choose between two common options, stubs vs. mocks, and ensure reliable and maintainable tests. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2024
What is a test case?
A test case is a set of actions performed on a system to determine if it satisfies software requirements and functions correctly. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2024
13 must-know Markdown tips and tricks
Use these tips to improve your Markdown-based documentation, streamline your approach and structure your documents. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Dec 2024
The 5-second rule to create effective technical illustrations
Like any picture, a well-crafted technical illustration is worth a thousand words. Make the most of your diagrams and flowcharts and follow the 5-second rule for reader usability. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2024
Webhook security: Risks and best practices for mitigation
Webhook security is an ongoing process, with responsibility shared between providers and consumers to protect against threats and ensure a secure webhook ecosystem. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Dec 2024
Why Agile estimation and planning never works
Modern application development can defy traditional project planning and delivery. Here's how to incorporate more flexibility into your Agile estimation and planning. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2024
The 5 Scrum events explained
Scrum consists of four formal events for inspection and adaptation within one containing event -- the sprint. Learn how to execute each event in this framework. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2024
What is a software requirements specification (SRS)?
A software requirements specification (SRS) is a comprehensive description of the intended purpose and environment for software under development. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2024
Agile estimation: Predicting the unpredictable
Agile teams' overreliance on estimates detracts from the overall goal to deliver value to the customer. Avoid these agile estimation pitfalls in your software development efforts. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2024
What is an 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
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Tip
21 Nov 2024
Know these top 5 Scrum antipatterns
Embrace sprints, set clear goals, engage with customers -- these behaviors and others will help your teams avoid common Scrum antipatterns. Continue Reading
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Video
19 Nov 2024
Java, JDBC and SQL Server tutorial
This tutorial shows how to create a JDBC connection to Microsoft's SQL Server, and get started creating Java-based applications that are scalable and secure. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2024
Scrum master responsibilities: What does a Scrum master do?
While the title may sound authoritative, Scrum masters have little control over their team. So, what exactly does a Scrum master do? The answer might surprise you. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Nov 2024
What is a Waterfall model? Definition and guide
The Waterfall model is a linear, sequential approach to the software development lifecycle (SDLC) that is popular in software engineering and product development. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Nov 2024
MySQL vs. PostgreSQL: Compare popular open source databases
This deep dive compares two popular open source database options, MySQL vs. PostgreSQL, across key categories including performance, compliance, security, scalability and more. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 Nov 2024
How to build a Python port scanner
Python offers beginning coders a lot of flexibility and is a novel way to build tools designed to probe port performance across your network. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2024
8 microservices best practices to remember
From integrating domain-driven design to securing APIs, explore a range of microservices best practices for building a resilient and scalable application. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is alpha testing?
Alpha testing is the initial phase of validating whether a new product will perform as expected. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is acceptance testing?
Acceptance testing is a quality assurance (QA) process that determines to what degree an application meets end users' approval. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is a product owner?
A product owner is a role on a Scrum team that is responsible for the project's outcome. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2024
What is Agile software development?
Agile is a type of software development methodology that anticipates the need for flexibility and applies a level of pragmatism to the delivery of the finished product. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2024
What is happy path testing?
Happy path testing is a type of software testing that uses known input and produces an expected output. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2024
What is a functional specification document?
A functional specification is a formal document used to describe a product's intended capabilities, appearance and interactions with users in detail for software developers. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Oct 2024
What is monolithic architecture in software?
Monolithic architecture is the traditional unified model for the design of a software program. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Oct 2024
OKRs vs. KPIs: Driving bold outcomes and measuring steady performance
KPIs track outputs, and OKRs focus on outcomes or changes in user behavior. Here's how business can use them together to measure outcome-driven progress and success. Continue Reading
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Video
11 Oct 2024
Git commit message conventions and best practices
Never underestimate the power of a good git commit message. Need help writing one? Here are the commonly accepted git commit message guidelines and best practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Oct 2024
What is black box testing?
Black box testing assesses a system solely from the outside, without the operator or tester knowing what's happening within the system to generate responses to test actions. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2024
How to use security as code to achieve DevSecOps
Security as code helps organizations achieve DevSecOps and shift-left security. Learn about SaC's benefits, challenges and implementation best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2024
Simplifying native interoperability in Java with JEP 454
Finalized in Java 22, JEP 454 helps developers safely and efficiently call native functions and manage memory outside of Java. Here's a rundown of how it works. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2024
What's wrong with Java? Nothing, but evaluate alternatives
Java's benefits don't always fit a given task, and a different language might be a better choice. Use these comparisons to choose the best code for your needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2024
What are ModelOps (model operations) analytics models?
ModelOps (model operations) is a holistic approach to building analytics models that can quickly progress from the lab to production. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2024
What is a PERT chart? And how to use it, with examples
A PERT chart, sometimes called a PERT diagram, is a project management tool used to schedule, organize and coordinate tasks in a project. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Sep 2024
What are the types of requirements in software engineering?
Requirements fall into three categories: business, user and software. See examples of each one, as well as what constitutes functional and nonfunctional software requirements. Continue Reading
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Video
16 Sep 2024
Dependency injection and inversion of control in Spring
At the heart of every Spring project, be it Spring AI, Spring MVC or Spring Data, lies a powerful dependency injection and inversion of control container. Here's how it works. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2024
What is BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)?
BASIC, short for Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code", is an early programming language that was designed to help non-technical users and students solve easy problems with a computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Sep 2024
What is a software stack?
A software stack is a collection of independent components that work together to support the execution of an application. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2024
What is machine code (machine language)?
Machine code, also known as ‘machine language’ or ‘native code,’ is the elemental language of computers. It is read by the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), is composed of digital binary numbers and looks like a very long sequence of zeros and ones. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
10 dying or 'dead' programming languages
In a rapidly evolving landscape, these 10 programming languages are becoming increasingly obscure. Learn how programming languages die despite their former prominence. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2024
What is value-sensitive design?
Value-sensitive design is a concept that advocates the consideration of human principles and standards when planning technology. Continue Reading
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Video
22 Aug 2024
Sprint review vs. retrospective: What's the difference?
While the purposes of Scrum sprint planning and the daily standup are self-evident, people often confuse the sprint review and retrospective. Here's the difference between them. Continue Reading
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Video
16 Aug 2024
How to deploy Spring Boot apps in AWS
You don't need a Kubernetes cluster to host your cloud-native Spring Boot microservices. Learn how to quickly deploy your Spring Boot applications in AWS using ECS and Fargate. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2024
What is a build server?
A build server, also called a continuous integration server (CI server), is a centralized, stable and reliable environment for building distributed development projects. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2024
What is shift-right testing?
Shift-right testing is a method of continuously testing software while it is in a post-production environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Aug 2024
What is the software development lifecycle (SDLC)?
The software development lifecycle (SDLC) is a project management framework that describes the stages and tasks involved in each step of software development. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Aug 2024
Epics, features and user stories explained
Epics, features and user stories are all uniquely important work products in Agile product management. Learn the difference between them and how they work together to create value. Continue Reading
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Video
02 Aug 2024
Agile vs. Scrum: How to choose between them
Scrum and Agile both emphasize collaboration and efficiency for DevOps teams in different ways. Learn when to use each approach and when to use them in tandem. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2024
A beginner's guide to learning new programming languages
Rust or Ruby? Go or Groovy? As the competitive IT landscape evolves, developers can enhance their skills and career potential by learning new programming languages. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jul 2024
What is continuous integration (CI)?
Continuous integration (CI) is a software development practice in which frequent and incremental changes are routinely added (integrated) to the complete codebase immediately after the changes and additions are tested and validated. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Jul 2024
Natural language programming using GPTScript
GPTScript enables programmers to use natural language syntax and tap into OpenAI when building apps. Here's a basic GPTScript tutorial with examples for beginners. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2024
What is no-code? Everything you need to know
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
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Video
19 Jul 2024
GET vs. POST: What's the difference?
POST and GET are the two most-used RESTful HTTP methods. But how well versed are you on the differences between them? Continue Reading
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Video
17 Jul 2024
How to install MySQL on Windows
Need a well-maintained, open-source, standards-based database to test your Java apps and Spring Boot microservices? Here's how to download and install the MySQL Community Edition. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
component
In programming and engineering disciplines, a component is an identifiable part of a larger program or construction. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
exception handler
An exception handler is code that stipulates what a program will do when an anomalous or exceptional event occurs and disrupts the normal flow of that program's instructions. Continue Reading
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Video
15 Jul 2024
How to print any star pattern in Python -- or Mojo
Mojo is a superset of Python. What does that mean? For one, printing a Python star pattern looks a lot like solving a Mojo star pattern. Continue Reading
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Video
15 Jul 2024
REST vs RESTful API: What's the difference?
Are your APIs RESTful? The only way to know is to fully understand what REST is. Here's how REST and RESTful APIs work together. Continue Reading
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Video
09 Jul 2024
Python's GIL removal is a poison pill and benefits Mojo
Developers have pleaded for 30 years for the stewards of the language to remove Python's GIL. If they do it now, it will be the end of Python. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jul 2024
Top benefits of the Zig programming language
Does the world really need another programming language? Yes, say developers behind Zig. Here are five of the top features Zig brings to the programming world. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
Requirements vs. user stories in software development
User stories fulfill the same purpose as software requirements but through different means. Learn how to write user stories and how they relate to software requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jun 2024
The 3-level DBMS schema architecture
The three-level DBMS architecture makes database design more secure, extensible and accessible for client applications. Learn the basics of how it works, with examples. Continue Reading
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Video
25 Jun 2024
My 2024 Scrum Guide updates
An update to Scrum's defining document is brewing. Here are 10 changes I'd like to see in a 2024 Scrum Guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2024
5 principles of Agile project management
Through Agile project management, techniques such as self-management, self-organization and continuous delivery achieve benefits beyond the domain of software development. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
software patch
A software patch or fix is a quick-repair job for a piece of programming designed to resolve functionality issues, improve security or add new features. Continue Reading
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Video
20 Jun 2024
No-GIL Python is a mistake
Python's GIL is slated for the chopping block, and while the promise is improved performance, the reality of removing the GIL may be quite different. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2024
reactive programming
Reactive programming is a programming paradigm, or model, that centers around the concept of reacting to changes in data and events as opposed to waiting for an event to happen. Continue Reading
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Video
14 Jun 2024
Scrum methodology explained
Want to learn about the Scrum methodology? Then forget everything you think you know about Scrum because it's likely wrong. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jun 2024
object-oriented programming (OOP)
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a computer programming model that organizes software design around data, or objects, rather than functions and logic. An object can be defined as a data field that has unique attributes and behavior. Continue Reading
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Video
06 Jun 2024
Is Scrum a framework or methodology?
There has always been debate in the Agile community over whether Scrum is a process, methodology or a framework. It might actually be none of them. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2024
domain-driven design (DDD)
Domain-driven design (DDD) is a software development philosophy centered around the business domain, or sphere of knowledge, of that software's users. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jun 2024
Advanced Java pattern matching techniques, with examples
Dive deeper into Java pattern matching techniques with these examples that range from nested records to type inference, variables and generics. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2024
Understanding and implementing the software testing pyramid
Frameworks such as the software testing pyramid help developers implement Agile core values. Learn how the testing pyramid helps teams prioritize test type frequency. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2024
4 distributed ledger technology risks and how to solve them
Ready to use distributed ledger technologies for smart contracts or other transactions? Know what risks to avoid and overcome to maximize these platforms for your organization. Continue Reading