Tips

Tips

• OKRs vs. SMART goals in software development

  OKRs and SMART are two goal-setting approaches. Knowing their differences and how to implement each is essential to steer your business objectives in a clear direction.  Continue Reading

• How to gradually incorporate AI in software testing

  While some software teams may find themselves wary to weave AI into their software testing routines, a gradual introduction of AI-based testing strategies could be worth the effort.  Continue Reading

• A few simple strategies to reduce software test redundancy

  While comprehensive test coverage is a must, software teams must make conscious efforts to keep suites from becoming overpopulated with hampering numbers of redundant test cases.  Continue Reading

• How to develop an API test automation strategy

  A suite of automated API tests can set up an application for success but only if QA teams determine the right tests to automate and implement them correctly.  Continue Reading

• How to build a regression test suite

  Code changes are an unavoidable aspect of software development. Teams need to properly test to make sure those changes don't adversely affect the end product.  Continue Reading

• How to balance data access and security in fintech testing

  Using real data is beneficial in software testing -- but teams must be careful not to compromise security and privacy. Six core strategies for fintech testing can help.  Continue Reading

• Test frameworks and examples for unit testing Python code

  Unit testing is a crucial aspect of software development. Teams can adopt Python for unit testing to optimize Python's advantages and built-in framework options.  Continue Reading

• The attributes of an effective database testing strategy

  Teams need to implement a proper database testing strategy to optimize results. Explore effective database testing attributes here.  Continue Reading

• Code comment best practices every developer should know

  Source code can benefit from well-written code comments. If teams implement proper writing strategies, code comments can be a great tool to explain code intent.  Continue Reading

• 6 alternatives to Heroku's defunct free service tiers

  Though the end of Heroku's free-tier services has left many developers and software teams in the cold, a flock of cloud platform providers seem determined to fill the void.  Continue Reading

• What details to include on a software defect report

  Teams that can write clear and detailed defect reports will increase software quality and reduce the time needed to fix bugs. Here's what to know about getting reports right.  Continue Reading

• How to run an ADA-compliant website test

  Digital accessibility benefits both developers and website users alike. By following WCAG guidelines and using testing tools, teams can ensure that their websites are ADA-compliant.  Continue Reading

• 4 critical API caching practices all developers should know

  API caching can increase the performance and response time of an application, but only if it's done right. Learn about some of the caching tools and techniques worth implementing.  Continue Reading

• Make the shift-left testing approach work for your team

  Developers test to find defects and correct flaws before an application reaches release. But the ever-quickening pace of development puts pressure on testing.  Continue Reading

• 3 software developer goals that are top of mind in 2023

  Like many people, software professionals have their own goals in mind for 2023, including a focus on project management, software accessibility and data structure decisions.  Continue Reading

• Mob programming benefits for Agile development teams

  Mob programming brings the whole team together for simultaneous code creation and review. If they specify roles and engage, Agile teams can benefit from mobbing practices.  Continue Reading

• How to validate a Kubernetes manifest

  Dev teams must validate Kubernetes manifests. Developers can navigate validation and issues that arise with the help of native and third-party tools and other coding methods.  Continue Reading

• 10 essential Scrum Master skills

  From sprint planning to servant leadership, Scrum Masters help Agile developers, product owners and other team members perform at their best. Here's what makes a good Scrum Master.  Continue Reading

• Tools and techniques to test Kubernetes objects

  Kubernetes manifests and objects represent the baseline of code development on the platform. Here's why and how to test these integral elements of Kubernetes.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for low-code integration within dev pipelines

  When a nontechnical team leads the charge on application development, it still falls to developers and testers to integrate low-code tools and apps into the pipeline.  Continue Reading

• How to compare acceptance criteria vs. definition of done

  Acceptance criteria and the definition of done both measure quality in product development, but the ways teams calculate and achieve these features vary dramatically.  Continue Reading

• Who writes acceptance criteria?

  Product owners are usually responsible for acceptance criteria. But everyone who has a say in the final product should be involved in the process.  Continue Reading

• An overview of data-driven API testing

  API testing -- including data-driven API testing -- differs from other software tests in its overall process and relevant metrics. Analytics and automation play a key role.  Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits of Docker for testers, QA teams

  From simplified test setup to enhanced isolation, Docker containers offer a range of advantages to QA engineers. Containers also encourage earlier, and more frequent, testing.  Continue Reading

• The role of the T-shaped software tester in modern dev

  While a T-shaped tester delivers a powerful and specialized skill set, continuous learning should be an ongoing priority for all software team members.  Continue Reading

• The major differences between QA and SDETs

  How do SDET and QA roles differ? The similar positions both focus on code testing, but it's their unique focuses that makes them a valuable part of an Agile team.  Continue Reading

• Make quality a priority in your software engineering culture

  A software team needs quality to ensure a strong product. Here are some ways to implement quality in all facets of development and build it into every software release.  Continue Reading

• How you can incorporate lean coffee for Agile, QA meetings

  Don't let formal meeting agendas turn away attendees. The lean coffee format encourages participation and idea sharing on topics to drive conversation in numerous settings.  Continue Reading

• The 5 prevailing Agile pitfalls that prevent true adoption

  To successfully implement Agile and maintain its momentum, teams must often overcome a predictable series of both technical and cultural adoption challenges.  Continue Reading

• Why security chaos engineering works, and how to do it right

  While 'chaos' doesn't sound like something software security managers would want, chaos engineering has an enticing amount of value when it comes to identifying potential threats.  Continue Reading

• 7 essential GitHub features for dev, project management

  When teams use GitHub, they want features that simplify project management and enable more control. Here are seven features to tinker with during application development.  Continue Reading

• Here's why you still need exploratory testing documentation

  While documentation is an important part of exploratory testing, it doesn't have to be extensive -- and it shouldn't get in the way of learning about the software.  Continue Reading

• Emphasize culture in your Agile implementation approach

  Team structure and culture should be a primary focus during any shift to Agile principles and methodologies.  Continue Reading

• Explore common types of Agile teams

  Agile methodologies can take many forms, and one Agile team can look and perform very differently from the next. Communication, however, is always key.  Continue Reading

• CircleCI vs. GitHub Actions: CI/CD platform comparison

  Learn the differing features, commands and perks that make CircleCI and GitHub Actions distinct CI/CD platforms. Then, decide which offering meets your team's needs.  Continue Reading

• Key things to consider when choosing regression testing tools

  Making a decision about regression testing tooling purchases means taking stock of plans for CI/CD implementations, existing automation capabilities, staff expertise and more.  Continue Reading

• 4 low-code best practices to streamline adoption

  To be successful with low-code adoption, organizations must clearly define project goals, ensure the right mix of staffing and tools, and regularly asses business value.  Continue Reading

• How test summary reports yield business value and benefits

  The data a test summary report compiles can provide great benefits to a development team -- and, in turn, business value to the larger IT organization.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate proprietary vs. open source testing tools

  Cost, complexity and support levels are key items when teams consider proprietary or open source functional testing tools for their development environments.  Continue Reading

• 6 key phases of the software testing lifecycle

  For QA teams, a successful software testing process starts long before the actual test occurs.  Continue Reading

• Identify and fix broken builds with CI/CD pipelines

  Experiencing broken builds in your CI/CD pipeline? These best practices related to credentials, flaky tests and alerts can boost productivity and confidence.  Continue Reading

• Implement reliability testing methods, tools for better dev

  Reliability testing can play an integral role in software development. Here are some methods and tools to incorporate into your app development lifecycle.  Continue Reading

• The ins and outs of low-code application testing

  When teams use low-code for application development, it can save time and money. But don't neglect testing for potential issues just to deploy the app sooner.  Continue Reading

• Smoke testing vs. sanity testing explainer on key differences

  While smoke and sanity testing are both techniques QA professionals use to quickly identify feature defects, they differ when it comes to scope, automation requirements and timing.  Continue Reading

• How to scale Scrum with Scrum of Scrums meetings

  Enterprise-scale software development can be difficult to coordinate across multiple teams. For Agile-adhering IT organizations, Scrum of Scrums is one way to stay organized.  Continue Reading

• How software testing affects a successful multi-cloud strategy

  Here's how QA professionals working with multi-cloud can deal with the increased complexity associated with the strategy, plus the risks and workflow factors.  Continue Reading

• Breakdown of 4 common mobile testing platform options

  Mobile app testers, here is how four mobile testing platform options compare. Also, learn when testing frameworks, simulators and emulators become relevant factors.  Continue Reading

• Choose a software testing model by weighing these 5 factors

  Software development teams have options for their preferred software testing methodology. Consider these five key metrics before choosing a testing model for your team.  Continue Reading

• The fundamentals of writing effective acceptance criteria

  Acceptance criteria plays a key role in shaping an application from the user standpoint. We review some of the basic things to remember when it comes to acceptance criteria.  Continue Reading

• 6 ways to perform microservices load testing

  While it's not easy to conduct load testing in hectic microservices environments, certain best practices can help testing teams ensure fair and equal distribution of workloads.  Continue Reading

• Developer vs. DevOps engineer similarities and differences

  What does a DevOps engineer do? What does a developer do? The two roles sound alike, but their roles, skills and tools are quite different and require unique expertise.  Continue Reading

• How to develop a dependable regression testing strategy

  Haphazard code changes can quickly break any application. Learn what a successful regression testing strategy entails, including the necessary scope and test suite requirements.  Continue Reading

• Why a successful software tester's skillset is more than just technical

  How can you become a good software tester? It requires more than just technical expertise. Here are some important personality traits QA pros need to have.  Continue Reading

• Understanding code smells and how refactoring can help

  Code smells can be the canary in the coal mine for poor coding. And poor coding is a sign that refactoring is called for. Let's explore how to look at and deodorize code smells.  Continue Reading

• 3 important considerations before outsourcing Agile

  To successfully outsource an Agile development practice, organizations must prioritize communication and provide ample onboarding resources.  Continue Reading

• Where requirements-based tests fit in software testing

  Requirements-based testing has its upsides and downsides, and it's not right for every software project. But certain dev teams should still adopt the method. Learn which ones.  Continue Reading

• The crucial role of test scenarios, especially in automation

  Test scenarios are often touted as a key part of effective software testing strategies. But what exactly do they do and how can teams ensure the ones they develop are effective?  Continue Reading

• AI/ML in software testing, cross-platform testing benefits

  AI-powered cross-platform and cross-browser testing has both benefits and complications. Learn more about the role machine learning technologies can play in these QA processes.  Continue Reading

• 6 strategies for better software project portfolio management

  When implemented correctly, software portfolio management can help enhance communication across multiple IT teams for better product delivery. Here are six ways to do it right.  Continue Reading

• Why and how to hold a sprint retrospective meeting

  Software development teams can learn from past mistakes to streamline and improve processes. Retrospectives help them do just that.  Continue Reading

• What regression testing types make sense for your applications

  Craft an in-depth regression testing plan that uses multiple types to test all facets of an application's functionality and ultimately lead to cleaner development.  Continue Reading

• Testing automated Kubernetes deployments, a GitOps benefit

  GitOps and GitOps tooling may be your answer to the tricky, taxing problem that is testing Kubernetes environments. Explore why, how and what's necessary to perform GitOps testing.  Continue Reading

• How to manage and reduce technical debt in Agile

  Don't let technical debt snowball. Here's how to monitor, maintain and reduce this problematic element of Agile and continue application development projects.  Continue Reading

• What unit test coverage percentage should teams aim for?

  Unit testing is frequently needed, but what amount? Learn how to determine the amount of unit test coverage you need, what code to focus on, how to measure coverage and more.  Continue Reading

• Static and dynamic code analysis: Complementary techniques

  While every programmer wants to deliver high-performing, secure, bug-free and compliant code on the first try, that's not possible. Effective code analysis techniques will help.  Continue Reading

• Continuous integration principles and standards to implement

  Development and DevOps teams, abide by these best practices and standards to make your IT organization's continuous integration processes as effective as they can possibly be.  Continue Reading

• Quality engineering vs. quality assurance: Know the differences

  Any dev team serious about improving software quality should study the quality engineering vs. quality assurance debate. Let's review the two practices' differences and overlap.  Continue Reading

• Don't fall victim to these 5 Scrum anti-patterns

  Scrum is meant to adapt and change to different scenarios. Here are five common anti-patterns that can arise in Scrum when teams get complacent or comfortable with their old ways.  Continue Reading

• Use cases of various types of test doubles for unit testing

  Test doubles run the gamut from mocks, to stubs, to fakes and spies. Let's examine the ups and downs of using various test double types with unit testing.  Continue Reading

• Follow these database testing basics for better data

  Data is typically a company's most valuable asset. The data should be treated as such, with vigorous, almost constant testing, regardless of its location.  Continue Reading

• Are you really doing Scrum? Follow these guidelines to be sure

  Let's examine how the proper implementation of Scrum elements like timeboxing, the product owner and Scrum Master ensure a team will actually benefit from the Agile framework.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to TDD benefits, risks and examples

  Programmers, looking to implement -- or improve -- your team's TDD practices? Review the fundamentals and examples below to remember how TDD can be a benefit and not a burden.  Continue Reading

• How to write a test report for software testing

  Test report writers, here we will overview how to write your summary, what details to include in it, how to keep your audience in mind and other important considerations.  Continue Reading

• What productive backlog grooming sessions entail

  Backlog grooming is essential for smooth Agile software development. Here's what it takes to get user stories straight and organize a grooming session that yields results.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right chaos engineering tools

  Chaos engineering tool options include the original (Chaos Monkey), open source projects like Chaos Toolkit and Chaos Mesh and Gremlin. Weigh these factors when choosing your tool.  Continue Reading

• How Agile team culture can help improve software quality

  Any Agile team that wants its team's culture to be squarely centered on improving software quality, should consider the following incentives and tactics.  Continue Reading

• How to manage and maintain automated UI tests

  Examine how teams can navigate the obstacles associated with automated UI tests -- including maintenance, debugging, change management and business logic challenges.  Continue Reading

• Basics of SaaS testing, challenges and strategies

  With the software-as-a-service model, QA professionals must address particular test challenges and criteria. Let's look at those SaaS issues and the strategies to navigate them.  Continue Reading

• An introductory guide to mobile app security testing

  Secure mobile apps by engineering security right into the software and with thorough mobile app security testing. Here's what risks to look for, processes to use and tools to adopt.  Continue Reading

• Condensed Agile sprint timeline pros and cons

  Is a condensed Agile sprint possible for your dev team? Here's how to shave off some sprint time and what perils to look out for in a smaller Agile sprint window.  Continue Reading

• Who is responsible for integration testing?

  It's not always clear who is responsible for the integration testing of those new application components. Let's sort through the confusion.  Continue Reading

• How to implement mock objects for simpler testing

  Test mocking can serve as a valuable asset in a developer's toolbelt. Here's how to implement mock objects within testing processes and some potential pitfalls to be aware of.  Continue Reading

• What are an SDET's roles and responsibilities?

  A QA professional remains essential to the creation of quality software, while a software development engineer in test adds a different layer to the process.  Continue Reading

• How to build a CI/CD pipeline with Azure and GitHub

  Some organizations need to build and deploy apps to specific cloud platforms. This walkthrough shows you step by step how to create a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub and Azure DevOps.  Continue Reading

• 10 Scrum benefits and how to realize them

  Scrum can be difficult to implement and manage, but the effort is usually rewarded. When run correctly, Scrum delivers valuable benefits for the business and the development team.  Continue Reading

• SAST vs. DAST vs. IAST: Security testing tool comparison

  Before your team decides upon a security testing tool, take into account both the methods and limitations of SAST, DAST and IAST. Consider what each approach brings to the table.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways to write maintainable automation code

  Development teams can ensure the automation code they write is maintainable if they're careful about their tooling and the processes they adhere to. Consider the five rules below.  Continue Reading

• 4 UX analysis methods that ensure optimal user experiences

  UX analysis ensures users will have smooth experiences. Use these four methods to analyze a UX. Learn what each method entails, when to deploy them and who performs each analysis.  Continue Reading

• Mobile app security best practices for 4 vulnerability types

  Adequate mobile app security must assess various dimensions of software, including each OS's best practices, traffic and API calls, data storage and source code.  Continue Reading

• How to use mind maps for software testing

  Mind mapping is a visual way to brainstorm test ideas. Learn how to create and use mind maps to improve software quality.  Continue Reading

• How to address 5 common CI/CD implementation challenges

  CI/CD removes the manual steps involved when you create and install application code. Address these CI/CD challenges and ease the flow of your software pipeline.  Continue Reading

• 6 ways to harness test automation in a CI/CD pipeline

  Effective automated checks in CI/CD help minimize and mitigate bugs and keep software builds and deployments running on time. Try these practical tips in your pipeline.  Continue Reading

• Flow efficiency is one of the trickiest DevOps metrics

  Let's take a look at what it takes to measure flow efficiency, how it can help DevOps teams improve development practices and why it's not an easy metric to track.  Continue Reading

• 9 CI/CD best practices for DevOps teams

  Building and maintaining a CI/CD pipeline requires more than just chains of automation. Adopt these CI/CD approaches to maximize your development and deployment efforts.  Continue Reading

• How software testing certifications can boost your career

  How can software testing certifications give QA professionals a leg up in their careers? Learn how in this overview, as well as what certification types testers should consider.  Continue Reading

• Compare design thinking vs. Agile for QA

  Design thinking helps a team figure out what problems to solve, while Agile is a framework that helps a dev team build better software faster. Let's compare the two approaches.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of CI/CD pipelines

  Many enterprises begin their DevOps journey with a continuous development and delivery pipeline. Before you get started, understand some fundamental CI/CD pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• A Selenium IDE vs. WebDriver comparison

  Selenium IDE and WebDriver play their own roles in test automation. It's important to know how the two tools differ and how they complement each other.  Continue Reading

• Will codeless test automation work for you?

  Simple and repeatable -- that's the appeal of codeless test automation. But just how useful is it? Find out in which circumstances the method can be most effective.  Continue Reading

• The 3 essential Scrum team roles

  Every successful Scrum team needs a product owner, a Scrum Master and developers. Here's why each role is essential and how effective collaboration between the three happens.  Continue Reading