As more and more people work on a project, it increases the complexity of software development. As a result, software developers embrace viable solutions to help streamline the development process.
A recent Forbes article indicates that “only 1 in 4 software development projects is considered a success.” Thus, streamlining software development can be the difference between successful software and a total waste of resources.
Develop with Security in Mind
Embrace the DevSecOps model that lets you integrate security measures in DevOps. The model focuses on integrating security practices early in the software development process. It recognizes that DevOps teams are better positioned between development and operations to apply security measures.
DevSecOps is a continuation of the DevOps model since it extends DevOps’s philosophy of shared responsibility in software development by including security objectives. A successful team in implementing DevOps practices should consider DevSecOps as an evolutionary step.
Most developers acknowledge that the aim is to create an environment that creates business value by transitioning from code to production seamlessly and sustainably. The new model brings methodologies and tools that increase the pace where conventional security measures prohibit high-pace DevOps practices. Eventually, security practices in conventional DevOps were done separately by external teams post-production, which slowed things down.
The DevSecOps model extends the culture of shared responsibility associated with DevOps to include security measures. The measures include establishing and solving security problems early in the software development lifecycle. To accomplish this, the model allows development teams to carry out most of the security practices independently during development.
The model helps decrease vulnerabilities that find their way to production, thus decreasing the cost of fixing security bugs. It creates a collaborative culture that ensures that security is a major objective in DevOps. DevSecOps aims to include security in every phase of the software delivery process, starting with the requirements phase and establishing a plan for automating security.
Benefits of Embracing the DevSecOps Model
- Better security posture
- Faster delivery
- Decreased costs
- Improved security integration pace
- Supports overall business success
- Improves the value of DevOps
Create a Better Workflow
This way, it becomes easier for the software development leader to establish who is working on what. Also, they are in a better position to evaluate the progress and state of the software.
Arguably, creating a workflow is the most important factor when streamlining the software development process. Regardless of the task, ensure the workflow is clear. Today, various software tools make it easy to customize the workflow and assign particular task levels of importance.
Embrace Automation
Even when working in a team, developers use slightly different coding styles. It would not be an issue for a small software development team since it is possible to review the code manually before integrating it into the main codebase.
However, it is almost impossible for large teams to review the code manually. Automation makes it easier to compare the changes made in the code before adding it into the codebase if no conflicts exist. Automation saves time and promotes productivity since a manual review is only necessary for code that does not pass automated checks.
Also, when developing software as a team, the team members may use different development environments such as Linux, Mac, and Windows. So, the code may run in the developer’s environment but fail in the production environment.
Fortunately, automation makes it easy to replicate development and production environments to ensure all developers work in the same environment. It means that all machines, as well as the production server, can run the same code.
Also, automation makes it easy to test various software segments during development. It helps decrease coding errors in the final code besides making the software run faster and easier. Currently, various tools help developers automate the testing process.
Backlog Maintenance
Often developers assume all the tasks in their backlog are important. They may be, but it makes the backlog jam-packed. Unless developers actively participate in keeping the backlog organized, it does not serve any purpose.
Although backlog is a great place for keeping tasks, it also keeps tasks that may never be done. Thus, it is good practice for developers to either clean up their backlog of dead tasks or include them in more important tasks. Alternatively, create a separate backlog for tasks with relatively low priority.
So, developers should not hesitate to delete tasks in their backlog. An important task will always come back. Today, developers have a lot of software tools to help them create and keep tabs on their backlog.
Have a Standard Procedure for Tasks
Developers must have a precise definition of done. When it comes to software development, developers should consider various things before considering a software development project complete. These include:
- Ensuring they apply all the features
- Finishing all unit tests
- Ensuring an up-to-date software information
- Carrying out all quality assurance tests
- Include the code in the master branch
- Deploying the code for production
Having a standard definition of done helps developers eradicate confusion in every project. Also, it gives the team time to consider what they are trying to achieve. Developers should always consider it wise to spend more time completing a task to avoid revisiting it several times.
Control the Work in Progress
Leaders of software development teams should avoid overloading team members with multiple tasks that increase their work in progress. To avoid multitasking issues, the leaders should reduce the cycle times of developers by assigning developers fewer tasks at any given time. What’s more, they should consider setting a work-in-progress limit by setting limits for weekly and daily tasks. It helps decrease the burden on developers and helps control their tasks.
Visualize Progress
Visualization is a good way of showing progress to senior management. It helps highlight the already done features and the ones developers are working on. With so many tools available, developers should ensure the information is easy for the stakeholders to digest. To accomplish this, avoid technical information and clutter.