As solutions architects, we often find ourselves at the intersection of innovation and legacy. We’re constantly faced with choices that can lead us toward modern, elegant solutions or the well-worn road of tried-and-tested approaches. A few years ago, I encountered this crossroad when I was asked to lead a Fintech project requiring me to convert a legacy Windows-based platform written in VB.NET to a new web-based solution. The timeline? It was a challenging seven months, with a high-stakes presentation at a major industry conference on the horizon.
Continue reading Balancing Innovation with Legacy: Choosing the Right Path for the Greater GoodCategory: Better Coding
The Role of Critical Thinking in Software Development
Introduction
Software development and innovation is moving faster than ever before, but there is a skill that developers, architects, and coders need adopt to stay competitive. This skill is Critical Thinking. In this article, we will confidently explore its importance and practical applications. The Critical Thinking skill will help you be a better developer, coder, problem solver, and valuable team member. Innovation should become more naturally when Critical Thinking is practiced and less gaps should be filled in the final product.
Let’s dig into it…
Continue reading The Role of Critical Thinking in Software DevelopmentSecure Software Development Life Cycle – Best Practices
Security has become a paramount concern in the rapidly evolving world of technology. As developers, we must ensure our applications are secure from the ground up. Here are some best practices for a secure software development life cycle (SDLC):
Continue reading Secure Software Development Life Cycle – Best PracticesWhy a Process is Important
A Software Development Perspective
A process is important as it creates an expectation of an outcome. Outcomes can measure a process and result in different ways making the process essential to follow. Without a strategy, we will not confidently be able to measure. Without measurement, we will not know we are doing something correctly.
Continue reading Why a Process is ImportantStarting a WebForm Project
-
I started working in the DotNet while it was in the Beta stage. Ewe Beta! Since then I discovered there is more than one way to tackle a start of a project and I have perfected it for my purpose.
I would suggest starting with an empty project rather than letting Microsoft build you one. By you creating an empty project you are able to control what goes in it. The “Web Forms”template that Microsoft offers has so many files and structure that you would likely not even use.
Continue reading Starting a WebForm Project
How a Developer can Mitigate Stress of a Designer
Working with a designer and can be a challenge as a developer as we are totally different mind sets. Working with a designer as a DotNet developer can be even more of a challenge, but there can be a simpler way. DotNet can be absolutely daunting to a designer who is used to working with HTML or PHP, but using your designer as you build your application will make things easier for everyone.
If I have my way; I like to work with the design first and then do my coding as this provides the best results and the least stress for everyone involved.
Continue reading How a Developer can Mitigate Stress of a Designer
Stop Spending Good Money On Mobile Sites
For about 4 years I have been preaching to my customers why they do not need a mobile site. Instead, it is better to spend money on a responsive site. If you are getting your site done or redone, find a designer who will give you a responsive site. A responsive site should not cost you more and it should be the only solution.
Last is King – Back To Basics CSS
CSS is the basics of HTML styling, but I am finding out that somehow it is missed. It’s hard to be a Web Designer without knowing how CSS style sheets work. For those who do not know, CSS is short for Cascading Style Sheets. If you can picture a waterfall, that is basically how CSS works. Continue reading Last is King – Back To Basics CSS
Senior should be a Junior for a Day
There are times where a Senior Developer should take a step back and become a Junior Developer. There are times when a Junior Developer can teach a Senior Developer new skill, thoughts and patterns. Granted there are a fair number things that Senior Developer can teach a Junior Developer. In this blog I will discuss why a Senior should become a Junior – for a short time. Continue reading Senior should be a Junior for a Day
Do Not Forget The Customers
New developers often design and develop what they believe is cool and cutting edge. What is forgotten is how the customer or the user will think about the experience. If the customer or user refuses to accept what you have built, you have just wasted time and money. Potentially you are out of business. Continue reading Do Not Forget The Customers