Professional skills development and career advice
Software developers must stay ahead of the ever-changing computer programming landscape. Communication, collaboration, consensus building and openness to new ideas are just as crucial to a software development career as is the ability to implement complex algorithms. These resources will help you plan your development as a software engineer and expand your soft skills.
Top Stories
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Feature
07 May 2025
18 ways to improve developer productivity
One of the most important factors of dev productivity is a good developer experience. Give developers a productivity boost with these concrete strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2025
4 pseudocode examples: Python, Java, JavaScript and C++
Successful pseudocode conversion goes beyond simply making the code work. It's about creating implementations that respect each language's conventions. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2025
4 pseudocode examples: Python, Java, JavaScript and C++
Successful pseudocode conversion goes beyond simply making the code work. It's about creating implementations that respect each language's conventions. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2025
How developers can benefit from AI in job hiring
Companies increasingly rely on AI in job recruitment and hiring. Here's what software engineers must know to get seen and get ahead of the game. 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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Tutorial
21 Mar 2025
A developer's guide to thrive vs. AI in coding
Will AI replace software developers? No, if humans focus on what they can do best and AI can't: experienced analysis, imagination and creativity. 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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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
13 Feb 2025
17 common QA interview questions and answers
Use these typical QA interview questions -- broken into basic, intermediate and advanced -- to progress from the screening interview to the final stages and land the job. 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
06 Feb 2025
What is an IT project manager?
An IT project manager is a professional charged with overseeing the process of planning, executing and delegating responsibilities around an organization's information technology (IT) pursuits and goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2025
A guide to software design documentation and specifications
Software design documents still rank as important SDLC components -- even in the age of DevOps. Learn why they are important, how to write one and who should contribute. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Dec 2024
Level up with these 10 soft skills for software developers
Standing out in today's competitive market requires more than just exceptional technical skills. Review topical advice for building must-have soft skills for software developers. Continue Reading
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Quiz
17 Dec 2024
Professional Scrum Developer exam questions and answers
Professional Scrum Developer is a highly respected certification, but it's not easy to get. Take this sample PSD exam to test yourself and see how prepared you are for the exam. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2024
Top Scrum certifications: Which path to choose
Ready to level up your Agile and Scrum skills? Here are the top certification paths, from Scrum master to Agile leadership, that will make your resume stand out from the others. 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
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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Video
03 Dec 2024
How to install Python on Windows
Want to jump into the world of AI, ML and data science? Your first step is to install Python and get familiar with the Python programming language. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Dec 2024
How to pitch to VCs: 5 questions a tech startup must answer
Tech startups pitching investors for funding must quickly and convincingly present their business case. Prepare your answers to these five questions and you'll nail that meeting. 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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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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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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Tip
07 Nov 2024
Ultimate Markdown guide: 5 rules to know
Markdown is crucial to documentation writers. Learn the vendor-based variations and several basic formatting rules to get started with this potent markup language. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2024
How to improve DevOps through collaboration
Collaboration is key in DevOps, surpassing any one tool, product or individual. Discover why collaboration is crucial and tips for collaborating effectively in DevOps. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2024
7 top software testing certifications in 2025
Certifications validate the candidate's software testing skills and keep them current with industry trends. Learn which certs offer the most value in the testing job market. Continue Reading
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Video
31 Oct 2024
Spring Boot Actuator tutorial
What's the easiest way to get insights into how your Spring Boot applications are running? The Spring Boot Actuator is the answer. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Oct 2024
Pursuing the exit event: Why software startups aren't family businesses
Launching a software startup is doable, but know what you're getting into with long-term goals. There are few mom-and-pop software shops for good reasons. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Oct 2024
Do AI capabilities enhance or impair human cognition?
AI has many benefits and uses, but we should be cautious where there is potential crossover in which AI capabilities undercut human learning abilities and skills. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Oct 2024
How a zero-based approach can improve your cloud budget
Traditional budgeting strategies have IT teams scratching their heads about what costs to cut next. Could a zero-based approach to cloud budgeting shift this mindset? Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2024
How to find climate software jobs in software development
A career in climate tech can appeal to those who seek to tackle complex issues and are concerned about the planet. Here's how to find a job as a developer in climate tech. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2024
Tips for onboarding remote developers
More companies today hire developers who work remotely. Follow these steps for an efficient remote onboarding process for devs, from a tech on-ramp to cross-org team interaction. 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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Tip
16 Jul 2024
10 skills an SDET needs
SDETs need a blend of development and testing skills to be effective, as well as soft skills critical to both disciplines. Learn to develop important skills for this hybrid role. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2024
How to navigate a job promotion outside your comfort zone
A work promotion can feel uncomfortable due to expectations and uncertainty, but that's also a sign of career and personal growth. Here's how to navigate your new promotion process. 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
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Tip
20 May 2024
Pivoting your developer career into AI? Here's what to know
Want to pivot your software development career and focus on AI? Here's how to pick from several paths, hone specific skills and evaluate potential AI roles and organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2024
Know how and when to use blockchain vs. distributed ledgers
Blockchain and distributed ledgers are similar but not quite synonymous. Learn their differences and how they are used, including together, for transactions and data storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2024
5 code refactoring patterns, with examples
First-time finished code is rarely elegant or maintainable. Refactoring helps keep a growing codebase maintainable and extendable over time -- as long as you know where to stop. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Apr 2024
Worlds toughest core Java interview question
The trickiest Java interview question ever asked? In five words or less, explain the red 'x' the Eclipse IDE displays at the end of the provided Java code snippet. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2024
2024 technology predictions around AI, Mojo and blockchain
Blockchain, AI, anti-competitive activity and the new programming language Mojo are sure to fill the headlines in 2024. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jan 2024
Debunking 5 blockchain myths and misconceptions
There's more to blockchain development than what you hear from the crypto community. Here, we debunk five common blockchain myths. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2024
Use the Feynman Technique to learn complicated concepts
Learning new concepts is key to any work or life endeavor. Here's how the Feynman Technique helps maximize learning new concepts and improves communication skills. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2023
massive open online course (MOOC)
A massive open online course (MOOC) is a typically free web-based distance learning program that's designed for large numbers of geographically dispersed students. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2023
6 tips to navigate an employee performance review
Worried about your next employee performance review? Follow these six tips to get the most out of it. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2023
What does the Python 'if name equals main' construct do?
Ever wonder what Python's if name equals main syntax does? Here we explore what it does and when to use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Oct 2023
How to deal with a layoff: 5 actions to take right now
So you've been laid off -- now what? These tips can help professionals deal with the uncertainty of sudden unemployment, get back in the job market and maybe find a new career. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2023
site reliability engineering (SRE)
Site reliability engineering (SRE) is the application of scripting and automation to IT operations tasks such as maintenance and support. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2023
chief digital officer
A chief digital officer (CDO) is charged with helping an enterprise use digital information and advanced technologies, such as the cloud, AI, machine learning, automation, IoT, mobile and social media, to create business value. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Aug 2023
cohort learning
Cohort learning is a learning strategy prioritizing coursework or lessons that groups of students complete together in an interactive fashion. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2023
assembler
An assembler is a computer program that takes in basic instructions and converts them into a pattern of bits that the computer's processor can use to perform basic operations. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jul 2023
5 tips and career advice for young tech professionals
Want to be taken seriously as the youngest member of a tech team? Start networking, don't be afraid to ask questions and polish your communications skills. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jul 2023
10 types of programming jobs to check out in 2023
Some core programming skills are more in demand than others. Learn which ones are most valuable to the jobs in today's market. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2023
Haskell vs. PureScript: The difference is complexity
Haskell and PureScript each provide their own unique development advantages, so how should developers choose between these two popular programming languages? Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2023
What developers should know about working for a startup
Think you want to be a developer working at a startup? There are reasons it's appealing, but know what you're getting into, from workloads and resources to compensation options. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2023
Introduction to Solidity: Build an Ethereum smart contract
This introduction to Solidity tutorial walks you through a real-world example that flexes the power of this programming language: building a Solidity smart contract. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Jun 2023
How to pass a Scrum certification exam with a 100% score
There are no shortcuts to passing the Scrum master certification exam, but there is one trick that will help confident test takers get closer to a perfect 100% score. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Jun 2023
More Scrum master certification exam questions
To pass the Professional Scrum master exam, you need to know the tricks. These Scrum master exam questions will show you how to answer even the toughest questions on the test. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Jun 2023
Scrum master certification exam questions and answers
Are you ready for the Scrum master certification exam? Test yourself on these 10 tough Scrum master exam questions and answers. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Jun 2023
More Scrum product owner certification exam questions
Want to get Scrum product owner-certified? These tough practice exam questions test your ability to apply the Scrum framework in the capacity of a Professional Scrum Product Owner. Continue Reading
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Quiz
20 Jun 2023
Scrum product owner certification exam questions and answers
Here are 10 tough sample Scrum product owner exam questions and answers to help gauge your readiness for the certification test. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 May 2023
Is the daily Scrum recommended for colocated teams?
Is the daily Scrum recommended for colocated teams? Yes, yes it is. Any suggestion that the daily Scrum is not recommended for colocated teams is false. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 May 2023
World's 10 best cities for tech workers
Explore the key characteristics that make each city stand out, such as high pay, low cost of living, job opportunities and innovation. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 May 2023
2023 full-stack developer roadmap
What does it take to get a career as a full-stack developer? This 2023 full-stack developer roadmap shows you the skills you need to developer to build your full-stack developer portfolio. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 May 2023
Are there too many meetings in Scrum?
Some people say there are too many meetings in Scrum. If that's true, which one of the Scrum meeting types would you remove? Planning, reviews, the retrospective or the daily Scrum? Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 May 2023
Who starts the Daily Scrum?
Who should start the Daily Scrum? Well, since only developers can participate in the Daily Scrum, the answer has to be 'one of the developers.' Any developer can start the Daily Scrum. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2023
2023 DevOps Roadmap
Want a lucrative career as a DevOps engineer? Follow this 2023 DevOps roadmap and master the key technologies that will put your skills in demand. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2023
How to write your first Java program
Want to learn to code and write your first Java program? Here's a quick and fun Java programming tutorial that will have your running your first Java program in less than 10 minutes. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2023
2023 web development roadmap
Here's an easy-to-follow web developer roadmap that will guide you through the world of HTML, CSS and JavaScript based technologies. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 Mar 2023
Daily Scrum vs standup meetings: What's the difference?
Other than being an ableist term that discriminates against people who can't stand, there are many differences between a standup meeting and the daily Scrum. Here we look at the 10 most important ... Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2023
How developers can avoid remote work scams
Software developers can find good remote programming jobs, but some job offers are too good to be true. Follow these tips to spot remote job scams. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2022
How developers can stay motivated when working remotely
Feeling like you've lost your edge in your remote work? Follow these tips to stay energized, sharpen your skills, and tighten relationships in your company and career. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Nov 2022
Three interview success tips for tech job candidates
Don't be intimidated by an upcoming tech job interview. These tips will help you prepare how to answer tech questions and present yourself to give it your best shot. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Nov 2022
Docker interview questions for developers
Get a handle on these Docker interview questions to get a leg up on your next job, and a successful career using containers in your day-to-day activities. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Nov 2022
Four interviewing techniques to evaluate a tech hire
Looking for the right tech hire for your team? These four interviewing techniques will help you gauge a candidate's skills and strengths to contribute to your team. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Oct 2022
Hands-on Kubernetes interview questions
Review these in-depth Kubernetes interview questions and answers to showcase your applied knowledge of Kubernetes and container orchestration. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Oct 2022
My five-point ranking system to evaluate tech candidates
Worried about hiring the wrong tech candidate? Here's a tried and true, five point evaluation system that has regularly proven itself in the field. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2022
Abstract pattern recognition skills aid developers and musicians
What do good programmers and musicians have in common? The ability to recognize and apply abstract patterns helps both roles keep their work in harmony. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2022
5 tips to make the transition from programmer to manager
Developers who want to shift gears from programmer to manager must embrace a different mindset and various skills. These five tips will guide your path. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jun 2022
8 tech jobs that don't require coding
Looking for an IT job that doesn't involve coding? These eight tech roles are important in any organization, with no programming required. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 May 2022
How can business leaders and IT improve communication?
The days when companies could afford to treat IT as simply the department that keeps the computers running are long gone. Technology delivers massive value to business leaders. Business ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 May 2022
How should developers approach professional development?
There's a joke that goes like this: A doctor takes his Mercedes in for a brake job. When he picks up the vehicle the next day, the mechanic presents him with a bill for $2000. "Two thousand dollars ... Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 May 2022
How to communicate effectively in the workplace
Don't bury the lead. Grab your audience's attention early. Be graceful when others disagree. These and other tips will help you communicate more effectively with your peers. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2022
Want to become a freelance developer? Weigh these 4 factors
Some people want independence even if it sacrifices the security of a salaried position. Consider these criteria to see if being a freelance developer is the right choice for you. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jan 2022
Ageism in software engineering is still a problem
Many developers want to program right up to retirement, but the reality of age discrimination unfairly hampers their career plans. Here's how to pitch experience as an asset. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2021
How enterprises are building inclusive language in code
Inclusive language in code is just one step towards a diverse community, but it's a good place to start. It's a conversation more and more open source enterprises are tackling. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2021
How developers can help build a diversified workforce
Diversity comes in many forms. One way to diversify your workforce is to find new applications for the unique skills developers bring to your organization. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 May 2021
How technologists should approach professional development
Old approaches to professional development don't stand up to the pace of change in the cloud-native world. Here's how DevOps professionals can cope. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2021
Incorporate diversity and inclusion in technology design
DEI in technology is about more than creating a diverse workplace. We talked to a few DEI professionals about how teams build tools with diversity and inclusion in mind. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Aug 2020
How to manage the rise in developer responsibilities
Corporate developers wield more power today than ever before. As such, this power must be offset by checks and balances that create a strong dev environment for everyone in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2020
5 tips to improve remote work productivity
As more people work from home as a result of COVID-19, employees used to the onsite work life will need to adapt to the remote work lifestyle. At first, it can seem like a welcome change but after ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 May 2019
Why is programming so hard to master?
Why is programming so hard? Because it’s no longer about programming. Allow me to elaborate. I wrote my first line of professional code back in 1987. It was an application written in BASIC that did ... Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Feb 2019
An independent contractor software developer cash flow guide
Cash management is a big part of your role as an independent software developer. Learn how to properly manage your funds and cash flow with these tips. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2019
Developers and the enterprise software sales process
Should developers be privy to the ins and outs of software sales? A strong business relationship can be mighty helpful in this expensive and tedious process. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Jan 2019
Why developers don't stay in management for IT career change
A move up the ladder might make sense for an IT career change, but the day-to-day work difference for developers could keep those in IT away from management positions. Continue Reading