In my previous post , we explored the big changes required in architecture to make LLMs successful. As those who are familiar with me will know that quality and testing are vital aspects of software architecture to me. So, I feel like I wouldn’t be able to explore the topic of software architecture without aspects of testing and quality. Testing and QA Must Be Built Into Architecture In classical software engineering – at least at a fundamental code level - testing often tend

As I’ve already explored in my previous articles,  LLM-powered applications are having a big impact on the way we think about software development. With this rapid acceleration into AI adoption, many companies and teams are discovering that building applications powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) feels nothing like  building traditional software. The patterns are different, the risks are different, and so are the architectural decisions. LLMs introduce new forms of compl

Large Language Models (LLMs) are only as good as the data that shapes them. Whether you’re fine-tuning a model for domain-specific use or building an LLM-powered application from scratch, data readiness is the single biggest factor influencing performance, reliability, and ethical outcomes. As the saying goes, “garbage in, garbage out”  - but with LLMs, the cost of poor data goes beyond technical glitches; it can lead to bias, misinformation, and loss of trust. In this post,

In the previous blog post,  we explored how LLMs are changing the way we develop software and how we need to think differently about data, engineering, and architecture to cater to them. In this second part, I will explore testing, observability, and the related aspects of ethics a little further. And when it comes to LLM-powered applications, testing is certainly not second fiddle. In fact, it could be argued that it is even more important than in traditional software develo

While I’ve written on AI many times, I do often resist writing on the topic because I fear it is often overplayed and somewhat of a potential tech bubble. It won’t be going away, though, and even if its impact wanes, we still need to learn how to test and build quality around it. Especially in the realm of LLMs, which have had the largest impact on software development, both in how we create software and the types of solutions we can solve. Large language models (LLMs) like G

When it comes to application security , compliance can often feel like a roadblock: a slow, manual process that lags behind the pace of...

We can secure our access and secure our data ; however, with software the engine driving innovation, it is also a prime target for cyber...

In my previous post,  we looked at the importance of focusing on access control and perimeter security. However, protecting the perimeter...

In my previous post,  I started to look at modernizing security, starting with software architecture. However, when looking at secure...

In the modern digital era, security can no longer be viewed as an afterthought or a final step in the software development lifecycle. In...

Over the past few months, I’ve shared a range of thoughts on modernization, primarily focused on the functional design of software....

In my previous blog post , I explored the concept of Green IT through the lens of development practices, highlighting the importance of...

As organizations modernize their software systems, there's an increasing responsibility to do so sustainably. Green IT emphasizes the...

As organizations race to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology landscapes, software modernization has become a crucial strategic...

I’ve done several blog posts on modernization recently, with a big focus on transitioning older applications to be repurposed for the...

Artificial Intelligence has transformed software development by enhancing productivity, code quality, and automation. Initially, AI in...

Serverless applications present unique challenges for testing, given their event-driven nature and heavy reliance on managed cloud...

Serverless applications are inherently distributed, often integrating multiple services and resources across cloud environments. One of...

In my previous article , we explored the foundational considerations for modernizing to a serverless stack, focusing on how to evaluate...

At the end of 2024, I began exploring various steps toward modernization, and as we move into the new year, I will focus specifically on...