Category Archives: Software Development

Starting My Journey in Software Process Management

Hello everyone, my name is Rick Djouwe, and this semester I am also taking Software Process Management. While some of my other computer science courses focus on the technical side of software development, like design, coding, and architecture, this class emphasizes the processes, management strategies, and professional practices that ensure software projects succeed.

What This Course is About

Software Process Management is designed to explore the methods and tools used to manage software projects from start to finish. Topics include:

  • Version control and collaboration tools for effective teamwork.
  • Software process models (from agile to large-scale iterative methodologies).
  • Project management skills such as planning, measuring progress, estimating costs, and managing risks.
  • Software licensing and contracts, and an introduction to intellectual property.
  • Coding standards, documentation standards, and code reviews to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Software maintenance and testing as ongoing parts of the development lifecycle.

In short, this course highlights the practices that make the difference between a project that simply “works” and one that is well-managed, scalable, and sustainable.

Skills and Outcomes

By the end of this course, I will be able to:

  • Gather and prioritize requirements through communication and negotiation with stakeholders.
  • Develop project plans and track progress to ensure goals are met on time and within budget.
  • Apply management techniques in both agile and larger-scale development contexts.
  • Analyze needs and goals to make informed decisions about software solutions.
  • Understand contracts, licensing, and professional ethics within the software industry.

These skills go hand-in-hand with the Computer Science program outcomes, such as analyzing problems, applying ethical reasoning, and demonstrating leadership and effective teamwork.

Why This Matters to Me

As I prepare for a career as a software engineer, this course will strengthen my ability not only to contribute technically, but also to lead and manage software projects effectively. Understanding process management is critical in real-world environments, where collaboration, deadlines, and accountability are just as important as writing clean code.

I also see a strong connection to my current role at The Hanover Insurance Group, where teamwork, version control, documentation, and project management practices are essential to delivering quality solutions. What I learn in this class will help me bring even more value to my work, both now and in the future.

I look forward to exploring how different methodologies shape the software development lifecycle, and how project management skills complement technical expertise. My goal is to come out of this course not only as a better developer, but also as someone prepared to guide teams, manage projects, and ensure successful outcomes.

I’m also excited to meet everyone in this class and learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences as we grow together throughout the semester.

From the blog Rick’s Software Journal by RickDjouwe1 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Welcome to My Journey in CS 343: Software Construction, Design & Architecture

Hello everyone, my name is Rick Djouwe, and this semester I am beginning CS 343: Software Construction, Design & Architecture. I am truly excited for this class because it represents the next step in strengthening my ability to think beyond coding and focus on building well-structured, scalable, and maintainable software systems.

What This Course is About

CS 343 covers a wide range of essential topics in modern software development, including:

  • Design principles such as abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
  • Best practices like SOLID, DRY (“Don’t Repeat Yourself”), and YAGNI (“You Ain’t Gonna Need It”).
  • Design patterns that provide reusable solutions to common problems.
  • Software architectures and frameworks, including REST API design.
  • Refactoring, code smells, and concurrency, which improve software quality and longevity.
  • Modeling and documentation tools like UML, which ensure clear communication of design decisions.

In short, this course is not just about writing code, it’s about learning to think like a software engineer who can approach problems critically, design solutions thoughtfully, and work effectively with others.

Skills and Outcomes

Through CS 343, I will gain valuable experience in:

  • Collaborating with stakeholders to design, test, and deliver software systems.
  • Applying professional judgment and staying current with evolving tools and practices.
  • Organizing projects using proven methodologies and team processes.
  • Communicating complex technical concepts clearly, both in writing and orally.

These outcomes connect directly to the broader goals of my Computer Science major: analyzing problems, building solutions, and developing the professional skills needed to succeed in the field.

Why This Matters to Me

As someone pursuing a career as a software engineer specializing in artificial intelligence, this course will help me strengthen the foundations of software design and architecture that are critical in building intelligent, scalable systems. Beyond my academic goals, I also see a strong connection to my current role as an Automation Developer at The Hanover Insurance Group, where I contribute to projects that rely on thoughtful design, testing, and collaboration. The principles and practices I learn here will make me more effective in my work today while preparing me for even greater responsibilities in the future.

I am eager to reflect on my progress throughout the semester, connect this material with experiences across my other courses, and apply these lessons directly to both my professional role and long-term career.

For me, CS 343 is more than a class, it’s a bridge between where I am now and the kind of innovative, responsible, and skilled software engineer I strive to become. I am also excited to meet everyone in this course and learn from each other as we move forward together. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect, collaborate, or study together this semester!

From the blog Rick’s Software Journal by RickDjouwe1 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

My Experience with Software Testing and My Future: A Reflection

Photo by ThisIsEngineering on Pexels.com

I never thought software testing would teach me many new things. I had experience with it in a previous college I attend. So when transferring, I assume I would relearn a lot about what was taught. Now after experiencing the class I realize my previous lessons were a mere microcosm compared to the vast methods of testing. Which makes sense as my testing back then was done out of necessity and as a way to auto grade my assignments. I won’t go too deep in the past, as today I will discuss the present and my future instead.

Hi, this is Debug Ducker, and I want to tell you what I have to learn about software testing. I would also like to share my thoughts and feelings on my upcoming graduating and my future in computer science. I hope you enjoy.

Now software testing is more than just testing, there are methods to it, different ways to approach it. One approach I didn’t really understand until later was black box testing. Basically, you don’t see the code, but you still run it. My first thought was, “Wow, that doesn’t make sense to me”. Why would I test something that I can’t see. Then after a while I understood perfectly. You don’t have bias when you don’t see the code. The developer has an idea how the software works base on what they write, so there is a possibility that they didn’t account for something. A person who wouldn’t know what the code looks like could test best on assumptions, and could find flaws without bias. QA testing does this regularly, and I understand why it helps developers save time.

Why I feel this is important because it opens my eyes to a lot of things about software testing and how useful they can be. Node path to see how the code progresses and to spot potential issues based on the structures of the code. The many range testing methods that can help detect potential functionality issues and see what needs to be tested or not. There is so much to share but so little time.

I have learned a lot and hope to use this knowledge for the future. Speaking of which, what about my future. Well, I think that is hard to say. Once I graduated, I plan to apply to some software development positions and see what happens. This is a very strange moment in my life. Like I am reaching a major conclusion. I can only see a small part of what life has for me, and I hope they are good and without issue. I just have to apply all my skills that I have learn throughout my four years in college and hope I succeed.

Thank you for your time.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Debug Duck by debugducker and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

My Look into QA Testing

Hello, Debug Ducker here and this time I got interested into learning about QA testing. This sudden feeling of wanted to know more about this field came from my time spent watching online entertainment. In a lazy afternoon I decide to watch a gaming podcast, and found out that one of the host of the podcast was QA tester and worked on several games. His stories about his time in the business intrigued me a lot and made me do further research on what the job of being a QA tester requires. What I found is very interesting and hope you find it interesting too.

Let’s start off with what QA testers exactly do. QA testers is to make sure a product meets quality and legal standards and how they go about it is by using automated test with the purpose of making the program malfunction of break. This helps development teams as they find the issues that need to be address while still focus on the development of the product.

What I found interesting is that QA testing is that they perform a method of testing known as black box testing. They can’t see the code but still test its functionality. In my time studying software testing I was thinking of the possible reasons on to why would I test something that I can’t see. I realize now that if you can’t see the code you don’t have any preconceived notions on how it should function. If you had someone else, like a QA tester test it they would attempt to break things easily as they don’t ahve the idea of what the code base looks like. They are the unbiased viewer. Which can help a lot. I remember when testing for software there would be this one thing I didn’t account for based on my own assumptions and my code. Which lead to many annoyance and headaches.

QA testing is a very important aspect of software development. It helps find issues that can be missed and can keep a project manageable and focus when there is an entire team focus on testing. QA testing can save a lot of time too which can be very important for a project.

Maybe one day I can tell you more about the podcaster and his foray into QA testing as he has a lot of interesting stories to tell.

Thank you for your time have a great day.

From the blog CS@Worcester – Debug Duck by debugducker and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Comparing Enterprise Testing to Consumer Testing

Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS on Pexels.com

Hello, Debug Ducker here. Last post I made was discussing the developer prioritization of quality for an enterprise product compared to a consumer product. The topic got me thinking what other things does a developer need to be concern with when it comes to Enterprise software and consumer software. What ideas or planning needed when it comes to the two.

First the differences are clear when it comes to developing and testing these types of software. For Consumer products you are developing for a large majority and prioritize the experience for an individual user. Enterprises are for mostly organization use, like a company. When making either one needs to think what is the needs for the software. Take consumer products such as photo editing, video editing, spreadsheets, etc. Enterprises product are specific to the organization that may need it to fill a specific purpose. That doesn’t mean that software that can help a business is always an enterprise software, some software is not just useful for the individual but for business like spreadsheets programs.

When it comes to developing the two products different mindsets and thoughts are needed. For consumer, you need to get into the consumers head and think what they may look for in the product. Probably not anything to specific to say but they may look for other things such as price and needs. Enterprises are different in the fact that they wouldn’t mind paying more and would want a degree of quality. I found that enterprise products tend to have more care put into them compare to consumer products but that is probably because a business wouldn’t want to upset a partner. Enterprise may want specifics that they hope the developers may be able to fill and it because of that is why software developers would work closely with business. Think of it as a bonus when it comes to working with Enterprise as it may demand more out of the developer but the advantage is if work closely, you may be able to get stuff done meeting their demands.

Testing for Enterprise software is a lot more complex to. I found some details online that list specific types to look out for.

  • Functionality Testing
    • Testing to see if it passes functionality requirements
  • Usability Testing
    • Test for optimal user experience
  • Security Testing
    • Testing for vulnerabilities
  • Performance Testing
    • Test to see how well it performance
  • Integration Testing
    • test to see if different modules and applications and external system work with it
  • Compliance and Regulatory Testing
    • Test to see if it passes legal and specific industry requirements

These are all the types of testing to look out for, when it comes to enterprises. Not to say the same can’t be done for consumers, though it is a lot more important when it comes to enterprise.

Thank you for your time, have a nice day.

The Ultimate Guide to Enterprise Software Testing – Testlio, 3 Jan. 2025, testlio.com/blog/enterprise-software-testing/.

Nasnodkar, Sid. “Enterprise vs Consumer Product Management.” Product School, 9 Jan. 2023, productschool.com/blog/product-fundamentals/enterprise-vs-consumer-product-management.

Shields, Keith. “Enterprise Software Development vs. Regular Software Development.” Custom Software Development and Mobile App Design, Designli LLC, 1 Mar. 2025, designli.co/blog/enterprise-software-development-process.

From the blog Debug Duck by debugducker and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Effective Exception Testing in JUnit 5: Boundary Value Testing and AssertThrows

Introduction

In modern software development, ensuring that a program handles exceptions correctly is crucial for building robust applications. Exception testing in JUnit 5 allows developers to verify that their code properly handles error scenarios, improving reliability and maintainability. This blog post explores key techniques such as Testing for Exceptions in JUnit 5, Boundary Value Testing, and using AssertThrows to create effective test cases.

Testing for Exceptions in JUnit 5

JUnit 5 provides a streamlined way to test exceptions in Java applications. Unlike JUnit 4, which required using the expected attribute or @Rule, JUnit 5 introduces Assertions.assertThrows(), offering a more flexible and readable approach.

Example of Exception Testing in JUnit 5

Consider a method that calculates the square root of a number. If a negative number is provided, it should throw an IllegalArgumentException.

import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.*;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;

class MathUtilsTest {

    double calculateSquareRoot(double number) {
        if (number < 0) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException("Number must be non-negative");
        }
        return Math.sqrt(number);
    }

    @Test
    void testCalculateSquareRootException() {
        IllegalArgumentException exception = assertThrows(IllegalArgumentException.class, () -> {
            calculateSquareRoot(-5);
        });
        assertEquals("Number must be non-negative", exception.getMessage());
    }
}

This test verifies that the method correctly throws an exception when given invalid input, ensuring robustness.

Boundary Value Testing

Boundary Value Testing (BVT) is a technique used to test the limits of input values. It focuses on edge cases, such as minimum and maximum values, where software is most likely to fail.

Example: Boundary Testing for Age Validation

Consider a function that validates a user’s age for registration, allowing only ages between 18 and 65.

boolean isValidAge(int age) {
    return age >= 18 && age <= 65;
}

Boundary tests should check values just inside and just outside the valid range:

import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.*;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;

class AgeValidatorTest {
    
    @Test
    void testAgeBoundaries() {
        assertTrue(isValidAge(18)); 
        assertTrue(isValidAge(65));  
        assertFalse(isValidAge(17)); 
        assertFalse(isValidAge(66)); 
    }
}

BVT ensures the system correctly distinguishes between valid and invalid inputs.

Testing for Exceptions with AssertThrows

The assertThrows method in JUnit 5 simplifies exception testing, making tests more readable and maintainable. It helps validate that methods correctly handle invalid inputs by throwing the expected exceptions.

Example: Division by Zero Handling

Consider a simple method that performs division:

int divide(int dividend, int divisor) {
    if (divisor == 0) {
        throw new ArithmeticException("Cannot divide by zero");
    }
    return dividend / divisor;
}

We can use assertThrows to verify proper exception handling:

import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.*;
import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test;

class DivisionTest {

    @Test
    void testDivideByZero() {
        ArithmeticException exception = assertThrows(ArithmeticException.class, () -> {
            divide(10, 0);
        });
        assertEquals("Cannot divide by zero", exception.getMessage());
    }
}

This ensures that the division method correctly throws an exception when dividing by zero.

Conclusion

Testing exceptions effectively is a vital part of software quality assurance. JUnit 5’s assertThrows method, combined with Boundary Value Testing, enables developers to create thorough test cases that improve the reliability and robustness of applications. By writing well-structured exception tests, developers can prevent unexpected failures and ensure their applications behave as expected under various conditions.

For further reading, check out:

#JUnit5 #ExceptionTesting #AssertThrows #BoundaryValueTesting

From the blog Rick’s Software Journal by RickDjouwe1 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Mastering Backend Development: A Comprehensive Guide

Backend development is where the real magic happens. While users interact with the front end of an application, the backend is responsible for everything from data storage to user authentication, ensuring smooth communication between services. Mastering backend development goes beyond learning a single language or framework it’s about understanding how to build scalable, secure, and maintainable systems. In this overview, Im going to talk about the article written by DEV COMMUNITY on mastering backend development

Choosing the Right Language

Choosing the right language is the first step in backend development. Your choice depends on the project’s requirements and your long-term goals. JavaScript (Node.js) is popular for event-driven servers, while Python is great for data-centric applications. Java is ideal for enterprise solutions, and Go is well-suited for high-performance services. Each language has its strengths, so pick one that aligns with your project needs.

Understanding HTTP and Networking

Since backend services communicate over the internet, understanding HTTP is crucial. Knowing how HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE work, along with concepts such as DNS, will help you design efficient and secure APIs. A solid understanding of these concepts allows smooth communication between services and ensures reliable system integration.

Working with Databases

Databases are fundamental to backend development. Whether you’re using relational databases like PostgreSQL or NoSQL databases like MongoDB, it’s essential to know when to use each. A solid understanding of database management enables you to store and retrieve data efficiently, which is crucial for building fast and scalable systems.

API Design and Development

APIs are the backbone of communication between system components. Designing an efficient and secure API is key to building scalable systems. Whether you’re using REST, GraphQL, or gRPC, consider factors like versioning, security, and documentation to make integration easy for other developers.

Security Practices

Security is essential in backend development. Implementing robust authentication methods like OAuth and JWT ensures that only authorized users can access your services. Understanding common security threats and mitigation strategies is key to protecting your system from unauthorized access and data breaches.

Caching and Performance

To optimize performance, caching is a must. Using tools like Redis or Memcached can help reduce database load and speed up response times by temporarily storing frequently accessed data. Proper caching strategies can drastically improve your system’s performance and scalability.

Scalability and Load Balancing

As your application grows, scaling becomes crucial. Load balancing tools like Nginx or HAProxy ensure that traffic is evenly distributed across servers, helping handle increased traffic without sacrificing performance. Understanding scaling strategies, such as horizontal and vertical scaling, is essential for building resilient systems.

Continuous Learning

Backend development is always evolving. Keep up with new tools, frameworks, and best practices by reading blogs, contributing to open-source projects, and experimenting with new technologies. Continuous learning is essential to becoming a skilled backend developer.

By mastering these concepts, you’ll be on your way to building robust, scalable, and secure backend systems.

Reference
https://dev.to/roadmapsh/mastering-backend-development-mpb

From the blog CS@Worcester – The Bits &amp; Bytes Universe by skarkonan and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Week 14

We have collaborated on the backend for the last few weeks. It is the central workload of our work, so I wanted to find an article about it. It very much intertwined with what were doing in class and outside of class with the homework. It is a great opportunity to see other people’s experiences working in the back end and real-life experiences. You can understand more things that we didn’t dive into the class by doing research and expanding our knowledge. That is why this week I found an article that specifically goes into detail about backend development.

The article starts by mentioning the importance of the backend and how it’s often overlooked because most of the spotlight is on the front end. The back end is like what is under the hood of a car you are happy when it works without having to open the hood. That being said the front end and back end work in tandem it’s not always necessary but for this scenario yes. The front is more the user-facing elements of a website. Like the text that is being displayed, graphics, buttons, and or anything the user interacts with.While the backend focuses on the behind-the-scenes work to make the website function. Outside of a car is the front end and its engine and other components are the back end. The backend is important to complete any user request by being safe and efficient. Security and efficiency are key processes of the backend for the user experience. This is why both backend and frontend developers must work in unison to create successful applications. The main importance backend developers should go for is innovation. Technology is always evolving and people must adapt to it becoming stagnant won’t be successful in this field.

Reading this article made me understand more about backend development. Backend development has so much more to it with data and security. It makes sense because security is often overlooked at times. The more information is stored online the more we have to make the effort to secure people’s data. Nobody will want to use your application if there is a breach of security. My main takeaway was their statement about innovation. Their final message to the reader was a hopeful one stating that a developer must change with the times because they are in the epicenter of it. Technology goes far out including healthcare solutions that might not be important to some but are highly integral to a lot of people.  

https://www.ciat.edu/blog/understanding-backend-development/

https://www.ciat.edu/blog/understanding-backend-development/

From the blog CS@Worcester – DCO by dcastillo360 and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

A License to Develop Software

I read a blog titled “Software License Management” by Samantha Rohn of Whatfix. It dives into the complexities of software licensing, explaining the different types of licenses and their implications. Since I’ve been learning about open-source projects and legal considerations in software development, this blog felt like an essential read. I picked this blog because software licensing is a topic that many developers, including myself, often overlook or misunderstand. In my coursework, we’ve briefly touched on the importance of licenses, but I never fully grasped the differences between them or their real-world applications. As I start working on team projects and open-source contributions, understanding how to navigate licensing is crucial to avoiding legal issues and contributing responsibly to the developer community.

The blog provides an overview of software licensing, emphasizing why it’s critical for both developers and organizations. It categorizes licenses into two main types:

  • Permissive Licenses: These allow more flexibility. Developers can modify, distribute, and use the software with minimal restrictions, often without the need to release their modifications.
  • Copyleft Licenses: These require derivative works to retain the original license terms. For example, modifications to a product under a copyleft license must also be distributed with the same license attached.

The post also introduces the concept of software license management, highlighting the need for organizations to track, organize, and comply with licenses to avoid legal and financial risks. It concludes with best practices for effective license management, such as inventorying all software assets and ensuring compliance with usage terms.

This blog was an eye-opener for me. One thing that stood out was the explanation of copyleft licensing. Before reading this, I didn’t realize how restrictive some licenses could be in terms of sharing modifications. For instance, if I modify software with a copyleft license, I’d have to release my work under the same license, which might limit its use in proprietary projects. This insight made me rethink how I approach licensing for my own projects.

I also found the section on license management practices especially relevant. As developers, we tend to focus solely on the technical aspects of coding and ignore legal considerations. However, knowing how to choose and manage licenses is equally important, especially as I start collaborating on larger projects.

This blog gave me a clearer understanding of how to responsibly use and share code. Moving forward, I’ll make sure to read and understand the terms of any license attached to the libraries and frameworks I use. Additionally, when I create software, I’ll carefully select a license that aligns with my goals, whether for open-source contribution or proprietary use. If you’re new to software licensing or want to understand how to manage licenses effectively, I recommend reading thisblog. It’s a straightforward guide to a topic every developer should know.

Resource:

https://whatfix.com/blog/software-license-management/#:~:text=For%20the%20most%20part%2C%20copyleft%20licensing%20is,with%20the%20source%20product’s%20copyleft%20license%20attached.

Software License Management: An Enterprise Guide

Software License Management: An Enterprise Guide

Software License Management: An Enterprise Guide

From the blog Computer Science From a Basketball Fan by Brandon Njuguna and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.

Semantics Antics

Recently, I came across an interesting blog post titled “A Beginner’s Guide to Semantic Versioning” by Victor Pierre. It caught my attention because I’ve been learning about software development best practices, and versioning is a fundamental yet often overlooked topic. The blog simplifies a concept that is vital for managing software releases and ensuring compatibility across systems. I selected this post because, in my current coursework, semantic versioning keeps appearing in discussions about software maintenance and deployment. I’ve encountered terms like “major,” “minor,” and “patch” versions while working on team projects, but I didn’t fully understand their significance or how to apply them effectively. This guide promised to break down the topic in a beginner-friendly way, and it delivered.

The blog explains semantic versioning as a standardized system for labeling software updates. Versions follow a MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format, where:

  • MAJOR: Introduces changes that break backward compatibility.
  • MINOR: Adds new features in a backward-compatible way.
  • PATCH: Fixes bugs without changing existing functionality.

The post emphasizes how semantic versioning helps both developers and users by setting clear expectations. For example, a “2.1.0” update means the software gained new features while remaining compatible with “2.0.0,” whereas “3.0.0” signals significant changes requiring adjustments. The author also highlights best practices, such as adhering to this structure for open-source projects and communicating changes through release notes.

Reading this blog clarified a lot for me. One key takeaway is how semantic versioning minimizes confusion during development. I realized that in my past group projects, we sometimes struggled to track changes because we didn’t use a structured versioning approach. If a teammate updated a module, we often didn’t know if it introduced breaking changes or just fixed minor issues. Incorporating semantic versioning could have streamlined our collaboration.

I also appreciated the blog’s simplicity. By breaking down each component of a version number and providing examples, the post made a somewhat abstract topic relatable. It reminded me that software development isn’t just about writing code but also about maintaining and communicating it effectively.

Moving forward, I plan to adopt semantic versioning in my personal projects and advocate for it in team settings. Using clear version numbers will make my code more maintainable and professional, especially as I contribute to open-source projects. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of software versioning or improve your development workflow, I highly recommend checking out Victor Pierre’s blog. It’s a quick, insightful read that makes a technical topic approachable.

Resource:

https://victorpierre.dev/blog/beginners-guide-semantic-versioning/

From the blog Computer Science From a Basketball Fan by Brandon Njuguna and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.