
We are happy to announce the launch of 
[`django-cypress`](https://github.com/HelloWorld-PC/django-cypress) v1!

## The Story Behind It
With a team background in [Laravel](https://laravel.com/), we were used to having a great tool called 
[`laracasts/cypress`](https://github.com/laracasts/cypress). However, we realized
there was a missing piece in the [Django](https://www.djangoproject.com/) ecosystem.
So we decided to build it ourselves.

## Current Features

### cy.migrate()
Running database migrations is a critical part of any
[Django](https://www.djangoproject.com/) project. With `cy.migrate()`, you can
handle migrations within your tests. It ensures that your database is in the right state for 
your tests and removes the interference from the previous runs.
```javascript
describe('complex test case', () => {
  before(() => {
    cy.migrate(); // Run the migrations before the test case
  })

  // tests
})
```

## cy.refreshDatabase()
The command `cy.refreshDatabase()` takes care of clearing the database,
providing a clean and consistent state before you run your tests.
```javascript
describe('complex test case', () => {
  beforeEach(() => {
    cy.refreshDatabase(); // Clear the database before each test
  })

  // tests
})

```
## cy.manage()
Executing  `./manage.py` commands directly within your Cypress tests is now possible by
running `cy.manage()`. This opens up opportunities for complex backend operations,
interaction with Django APIs, and access to Django-specific functionality during test execution.
```javascript
describe('complex test case', () => {
  // do some complex tasks

  // rebuild the search index of ElasticSearch
  cy.manage('search_index', ['--rebuild', '-f']); // Clear the database before each test

  // do some other complex tasks
})
```

## Next steps
We're committed to improving 
[`django-cypress`](https://github.com/HelloWorld-PC/django-cypress) further.
Our next steps include adding more commands to help the Django community in
their testing journey.

## How to get started
To get started, check out the 
[`django-cypress`](https://github.com/HelloWorld-PC/django-cypress) repository.

We can't wait hearing your feedback!

Introducing django-cypress v1


The Lottie Files Figma plugin proves to be an indispensable tool for designers looking to add engaging animations 
to their design projects.

By seamlessly integrating Lottie Files directly into the Figma workflow, designers can effortlessly access a vast 
collection of pre-made animation assets created by talented animators worldwide.

This plugin simplifies the process of incorporating captivating animations into interfaces, illustrations, and 
prototypes, saving designers considerable time and effort.

With its intuitive interface and real-time preview feature, the Lottie Files Figma plugin empowers designers to 
experiment with different animations, customize them to suit their specific needs, and visualize the final result 
instantly.

This powerful combination of convenience, creative potential, and time-saving features makes the Lottie Files Figma 
plugin an invaluable resource for designers aiming to add dynamic and interactive elements to their designs with ease.


Useful tools spotlight: Lottie Files Figma Plugin


Unsplash stock photography website and the Figma plugin form an unbeatable combination of useful tools for designers.

Unsplash offers a vast repository of high-quality, royalty-free images from talented photographers worldwide, 
providing designers with a diverse array of captivating visuals to enhance their projects.

The platform's accessibility and user-friendly search make it effortless to find and incorporate the perfect images 
into designs. Additionally, the Figma plugin facilitates seamless integration of Unsplash images directly into 
design projects, streamlining the creative process even further.

By combining the two, designers can access an extensive library of 
stunning visuals and swiftly integrate them into their designs, ensuring visually striking and legally compliant 
end products that cater to a broad audience. This dynamic duo significantly enhances designers' efficiency, 
elevates the aesthetics of their work, and fosters a more inclusive and compelling user experience overall.


Useful tools spotlight: Unsplash Website & Figma plugin


In recent times, micro-frontends have been hailed as the knight in shining armor for large web applications. By 
breaking monolithic frontends into smaller, more manageable pieces, developers are finding new ways to scale and 
maintain software. However, like all knights, this approach has its weaknesses.

### What are Micro-Frontends?

Imagine a sprawling city (your web application). Instead of a single governing body managing every nook and corner 
(monolithic frontend), the city is divided into districts, each with its local governance (micro-frontends). These 
districts can function independently but still coexist harmoniously.

### Why Opt for Micro-Frontends?

  - **Scalability:** Large teams can parallelize work by functionality or domain.
  - **Independence:** Individual segments can be developed, deployed, and scaled on their own.
  - **Flexibility:** Teams have the autonomy to choose tech stacks based on their requirements.

### A Glance at Three Leading Micro-Frontend Solutions

#### Webpack Module Federation

   - **What it is:** A feature in Webpack 5 that enables multiple webpack builds to form a single application. It 
     allows loading code from one build into another, facilitating the micro-frontend approach.
   - **Benefits:** Seamless integration, lazy loading, and shared dependencies.
   - **Complexities:** Requires alignment on shared dependencies and can increase initial setup overhead.

   Have a look [here](https://webpack.js.org/concepts/module-federation/).

#### Single-SPA

   - **What it is:** A JavaScript framework that helps with building micro-frontend architectures. It can tie multiple 
   frontend applications into one cohesive whole.
   - **Benefits:** Framework agnostic, allows for coexistence of multiple frameworks, and provides routing mechanisms.
   - **Complexities:** Introduces an additional layer of abstraction, and requires understanding of its lifecycle 
     events.

   Have a look [here](https://single-spa.js.org/).

#### ModernJS Micro-Frontend Guide

   - **What it is:** A comprehensive guide on how to build micro-frontends using the ModernJS stack.
   - **Benefits:** Offers an end-to-end tutorial, starting from the basics and covers advanced topics like 
     communication and deployment.
   - **Complexities:** As it's more of a methodology and guide, the complexities here would be in its implementation 
     nuances and decisions made on the architecture.

   Have a look [here](https://modernjs.dev/en/guides/topic-detail/micro-frontend/c02-development.html).

### Tackling The Micro-Frontend Maze: Challenges and Solutions

Despite the appeal, transitioning to micro-frontends introduces complexities:

#### Different Library Versions

  - **Problem:** Multiple teams might use varied library versions, causing compatibility issues.
  - **Solution:** Use shared component libraries and ensure regular inter-team sync-ups.

#### Styling Consistency

  - **Problem:** Achieving a uniform look and feel becomes a challenge.
  - **Solution:** Implement shared design systems or CSS frameworks across teams.

#### Complex Component Communication

  - **Problem:** Micro-frontends may need to share states or invoke functions from each other.
  - **Solution:** Utilize state management tools or set standardized communication patterns, like [Custom Events](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/CustomEvent).

#### Development Standardization

  - **Problem:** Ensuring that different teams follow similar development paradigms is challenging.
  - **Solution:** Create common development guidelines and conduct periodic code reviews.

#### Cross-Component Testing

  - **Problem:** Testing functionalities spanning multiple micro-frontends can be daunting.
  - **Solution:** Adopt end-to-end testing tools that mimic user behavior across components.

#### Deployment Complications

  - **Problem:** Deploying multiple fragments in harmony poses risks.
  - **Solution:** Use CI/CD pipelines and automate deployment sequences for synchronized releases.

#### Local Setup Intricacies

  - **Problem:** Developers might struggle with setting up all micro-apps locally.
  - **Solution:** Use containerization, like Docker, to mimic production environments locally.

#### Apps Management and Ownership

  - **Problem:** Determining which team owns what can get confusing.
  - **Solution:** Clearly define ownership, responsibilities, and create a central registry for all micro-apps.

### One Size Doesn't Fit All

While the benefits of micro-frontends are undeniable, it's crucial to recognize that they aren't suitable for every 
scenario. The complexities they introduce may outweigh their advantages for smaller projects or tightly-knit teams. 
An astute understanding of your project's needs and challenges will determine if this modern architectural approach 
aligns with your vision.

In summary, micro-frontends are reshaping the way developers perceive and build web applications. By staying aware 
of their potential pitfalls and actively seeking solutions, developers can harness the true power of this 
innovative approach.

Cheers!!


Micro-Frontends: Navigating Modern Web Architecture's Double-Edged Sword


The A11y color contrast checker Figma plugin is an invaluable tool for designers, as it significantly enhances the 
accessibility of their designs.

With a focus on inclusivity, this plugin enables designers to effortlessly assess 
the color contrast of their user interfaces, ensuring that text and visual elements maintain sufficient readability 
and visibility for all users, including those with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies.

By swiftly 
identifying and rectifying potential contrast issues, designers can create more user-friendly and universally 
accessible designs, ultimately fostering a more inclusive digital experience for everyone.

This easy-to-use plugin 
seamlessly integrates accessibility considerations into the design process, making it an essential asset for 
designers committed to crafting interfaces that prioritize accessibility and cater to a diverse audience.


Useful tools spotlight: A11y - Color Contrast Checker Figma Plugin


In the fast-paced world of web development, a successful launch is no small feat. It requires careful planning,
detailed design, sophisticated coding and meticulous testing.

However, one element that is crucial but often overlooked in this process is checking thoroughly the final
outcome before the official launch.

It is essential to verify the overall performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO of your website before it
goes live. This is where Google's Lighthouse tool comes into play.

## Why Check the Final Outcome?

Why should you bother checking the final outcome before launching a website? Well, the answer is straightforward -
to ensure a seamless user experience. A website is an essential touchpoint between your business and your audience.
If it isn't functioning at peak efficiency, you may be losing potential customers or visitors, which could
ultimately harm your business's reputation or revenue.

Checking the final outcome enables developers and marketers to identify and fix potential issues, ranging from
minor bugs to major structural problems, before the site goes live. It also allows for optimization of content and
design elements, ensuring the best possible user experience.

## Enter Google's Lighthouse

To help you perform this crucial check, there's no better tool than Google's Lighthouse. Lighthouse is an
open-source, automated tool designed to aid developers in improving the quality of web pages. It provides a
comprehensive audit of your website, checking various performance metrics, accessibility, adherence to best
practices, progressive web app criteria, and SEO.

This suite of tests provides a full picture of how well your website will perform once it's live. It's like having
a 360-degree view of your website's readiness, thus helping you to optimize and troubleshoot any potential issues.

### Performance

A website's load time and interactive speed are crucial factors for user retention. A delay of a few seconds can
make users abandon your website and move on to the next one. Lighthouse's performance audit helps measure the speed
of your website and identifies ways to improve it.

### Accessibility

Ensuring your website is accessible to all, including people with disabilities, isn't just a good practice – it's a
legal requirement in many parts of the world. The Lighthouse accessibility audit helps ensure your website is
user-friendly for everyone, which can not only improve overall user experience but also protect your business from
potential legal action.

### Best Practices

Adhering to modern web development best practices can have a significant impact on the success of your website.
Lighthouse's best practices audit checks whether your site is using HTTPS, whether all links have descriptive text,
and whether all images have alt attributes, among other things.

### SEO

Optimized SEO helps your website get found by search engines. Lighthouse’s SEO audit measures how well your site
adheres to SEO best practices, helping to ensure that your content is discoverable by users who are looking for it.

## The Final Verdict

The ultimate goal of launching a website is to provide an exceptional user experience that keeps visitors coming
back for more. Google's Lighthouse is a powerful tool in achieving this goal, providing a comprehensive audit of
your site's performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO. By utilizing Lighthouse before launch, you can
ensure a smooth, optimized, and user-friendly experience that leaves a positive, lasting impression.

In conclusion, remember this – when it comes to launching a website, the devil is indeed in the details. So, don't
overlook the importance of checking the final outcome before going live. Use Google's Lighthouse, fine-tune your
website, and set sail to an exceptional web presence. Cheers!!


Modern Website: Audit websites with Google's Lighthouse tool


[Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)](https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/) are crucial for building modern websites for a number of reasons:

### Inclusivity

The most important reason to consider WCAG is inclusivity. When you build a website in accordance with WCAG, you're 
ensuring that it is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This includes people with visual 
impairments, auditory impairments, physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and more.

### Legal Requirements

Many regions have laws and regulations requiring websites to be accessible. In the United States, for example, the 
[Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)](https://www.ada.gov/) has been interpreted by courts to apply to websites, meaning businesses can 
face legal issues if their websites are not accessible.

### Business Benefits

Aside from the ethical and legal reasons to follow WCAG, there are also practical benefits. By making a website 
accessible to everyone, we're expanding the potential audience and customer base. Accessible websites can also 
improve [Search Engine Optimization](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/seo-starter-guide) performance, as many of the best practices for accessibility overlap with 
those for 
SEO.

### User Experience

Making a website accessible often involves making it more usable for everyone, not just those with disabilities. 
For example, good contrast ratios make a website easier to read for those with vision impairments, but they also 
make it easier to read for everyone else, especially in challenging conditions like bright sunlight.

### Future-Proofing

Accessibility considerations often go hand-in-hand with good web standards and practices, meaning that by following 
WCAG, it is more likely that we are building a website that is robust, reliable, and compatible with future 
technologies and standards.

### Social Responsibility

Website developers have a social responsibility to make sure that the content is accessible to all users. 
This not only enhances the inclusivity and diversity of the audience but also demonstrates our commitment to fair 
practices.

### Conclusion

In summary, WCAG is a critical part of modern web design. It not only ensures that the websites we are building can be 
used by as many people as possible but also has several other benefits, including legal compliance, better user 
experience, and improved SEO. It's a set of guidelines that every web designer and developer should be familiar with.

### The WAVE tool

So how are tackling all these issues to align with WCAG? The [WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)](https://wave.webaim.org/) tool can be an excellent solution.

It is a free online tool developed by WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) that helps to identify accessibility issues 
on the websites we are building. WAVE analyses web pages for WCAG 2.0 and Section 508 compliance.
 
Cheers!!








Modern Website: Check with wave for WCAG issues & fix errors


In this blog post, we will guide you through several excellent platforms that offer not only robust, reliable hosting 
services but also user-friendly deployment methods for your static website. These platforms are designed to make 
your life easier and your online presence more powerful. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey to find the best 
home for your online content!

Here are some of them:

### GitHub Pages

Offers free hosting for static web pages and it integrates well with Jekyll.

Read more [here](https://pages.github.com/).

### Netlify

Provides hosting and serverless backend services for static websites, supporting continuous 
deployment from Git repositories.

Read more [here](https://www.netlify.com/).

### Vercel

Provides hosting for static websites and supports continuous deployment from Git repositories.

Read more [here](https://vercel.com/).

### Firebase Hosting

A developer-focused hosting platform from Google offering a range of services for web and mobile development.

Read more [here](https://firebase.google.com/docs/hosting).

### AWS S3 and Amplify

Amazon provides services for hosting static websites. S3 is a simple storage service and Amplify is a development 
platform for hosting.

Read more [here](https://aws.amazon.com/amplify/).

### GitLab Pages

Provides a static site hosting service and has continuous integration tools for easy deployment setup.

Read more [here](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/pages/).

### Surge

A simple, single-command web publishing platform. Free for basic usage.

Read more [here](https://surge.sh/).

### Cloudflare Pages

A platform for front-end developers to collaborate and deploy websites. Provides a global network for fast, secure, 
and scalable hosting.

Read more [here](https://pages.cloudflare.com/).

### Azure Static Web Apps

Microsoft's offering in this space, Azure Static Web Apps is a service that automatically builds and deploys full 
stack web apps to Azure from a GitHub or Azure DevOps repository.

Read more [here](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/app-service/static).

### Render

Render offers static site hosting with free SSL, a global CDN, private networks and auto deploys from Git. It's a 
fully-managed platform that also supports dynamic apps and backends.

Read more [here](https://render.com/docs/static-sites).

## Conclusion

All these platforms support custom domain configuration. Which one to choose depends on your exact needs and the 
tools you're comfortable using. Most of them offer free tiers, so you can try them out and see which one you like 
the most.
 
Cheers!!








Modern Website: Deploy the website


Sitemaps, especially in the form of a sitemap.xml file, still hold relevance and offer various benefits for modern 
websites, regardless of their scale or complexity. Here are a few reasons why sitemaps are useful:

## Improved Search Engine Indexing

Sitemaps provide search engines with an organized list of URLs for a website. This helps search engines understand 
the website's structure and enables more efficient indexing.

## Discoverability of Deeply Nested Pages

Without a sitemap, some pages might not be discovered by search engines, particularly if they're buried deep within 
the site's architecture and aren't linked to from other places. A sitemap ensures that these pages are discoverable.

## Prioritization of Content

A sitemap.xml file allows webmasters to indicate the importance of each page on a website. While this doesn't 
necessarily impact the site's ranking directly, it can help search engines understand which pages are more 
important and should be crawled more frequently.

## Faster Updates Detection

When you update content on your website or add new pages, having them listed in the sitemap can help search engines 
to find and index these changes faster.

## Facilitating the Crawling Process

Especially for larger or complex websites, a sitemap assists search engines in navigating the site. This can help 
prevent search engines from overlooking or missing pages during the crawling process.

## Metadata Incorporation

A sitemap can include additional information about each URL, such as when the URL was last updated, how often the 
URL changes, and any associated language translations. This can help search engines more accurately understand and 
index your content.

## SEO Optimization

Sitemaps contribute to search engine optimization (SEO) efforts by making it easier for search engines to find all 
the site's pages. This, in turn, can help improve site visibility and rankings.

## Conclusion

While modern web crawlers have become quite adept at discovering and indexing website content even without a 
sitemap, providing one certainly doesn't hurt and can help improve overall site visibility and search performance. 
Cheers!!








Modern Website: Create the sitemap.xml file


Adding animations and micro-interactions to a modern website can significantly enhance the user experience and 
improve various aspects of the site.

Here are some points highlighting the importance of incorporating these elements:

## Visual Engagement

Animations and micro-interactions create a visually engaging experience for users. They can capture attention, make 
the website more dynamic, and provide an immersive environment that keeps visitors interested and encourages them 
to explore further.

## Improved User Interaction

Animations and micro-interactions can help guide users through the website by providing visual cues and feedback. 
They can indicate the availability of interactive elements, highlight changes or responses to user actions, and 
provide a more intuitive and responsive interface.

## Enhance User Flow

Well-designed animations can improve the flow and navigation within a website. They can be used to smoothly 
transition between different sections or pages, providing a seamless browsing experience that feels natural and intuitive.

## Visual Hierarchy and Focus

Animations and micro-interactions can be used strategically to emphasize important elements on a web page. By 
employing subtle animations or highlighting certain areas, designers can draw attention to key information, calls 
to action, or interactive elements, effectively guiding users' focus and improving usability.

## Emotional Connection

Animations have the power to evoke emotions and create a memorable experience for users. When used appropriately, 
they can establish a sense of personality, enhance storytelling, and make the website more relatable and enjoyable, 
leading to increased user engagement and brand affinity.

## Feedback and Confirmation

Micro-interactions can provide instant feedback to users, letting them know that their actions have been recognized 
and registered. Whether it's a simple hover effect, a button press animation, or a loading indicator, these 
interactions offer reassurance and improve the overall user experience by reducing uncertainty and waiting time.

## Brand Differentiation

Adding animations and micro-interactions can help a website stand out from competitors. By incorporating unique and 
creative design elements, the website can reflect the brand's identity and personality, leaving a lasting 
impression on visitors and fostering brand recognition.

## Mobile-Friendly Experience

Animations and micro-interactions can be particularly effective in mobile website design. They can make mobile 
interfaces more engaging and intuitive, compensating for the limited screen space and touch-based interactions, 
ultimately improving the usability and overall user experience on mobile devices.

## Storytelling and Education

Animations can be powerful tools for storytelling and conveying complex concepts or processes. By incorporating 
animations to showcase products, demonstrate features, or explain ideas, websites can communicate information more 
effectively, making it easier for users to understand and remember.

## Increasing Conversion and Retention

Well-implemented animations and micro-interactions can have a positive impact on user engagement, conversion rates, 
and retention. By enhancing the overall user experience, reducing bounce rates, and improving the perceived value 
of the website, these elements can contribute to achieving business goals and driving success.

## Conclusion

When using animations and micro-interactions, it's important to strike a balance between functionality and 
aesthetics. They should complement the website's purpose, enhance usability, and not overwhelm or distract users 
from their primary goals. Cheers!!








Modern Website: Add animations & micro-interactions


Yes, when creating a website, adding meta tags is an important aspect for sharing link information. [Meta tags](https://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_meta.asp) are 
snippets of HTML code that provide metadata about a web page. They are used by search engines, social media 
platforms, and other services to understand and display information about your website when it is shared.

There are several meta tags that are commonly used for sharing link information. Here are a few examples:

### Title tag

The title tag specifies the title of the web page and is displayed as the clickable headline in search engine 
results. It is also typically used as the default title when the page is shared on social media.

```html
<title>My Website Title</title>
```

### Description tag

The description tag provides a brief summary or description of the web page's content. It is often displayed below 
the title in search engine results and is also used as the default description when the page is shared on social media.

```html
<meta name="description" content="This is a description of my website.">
```

### Open Graph tags

[Open Graph tags](https://ogp.me/) are used by social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to display rich previews of 
shared links. They provide specific information about the page, such as the title, description, image, and URL.

```html
<meta property="og:title" content="My Website Title">
<meta property="og:description" content="This is a description of my website.">
<meta property="og:image" content="http://example.com/image.jpg">
<meta property="og:url" content="http://example.com">
```

### Twitter Card tags

These [meta tags](https://developer.twitter.com/en/docs/twitter-for-websites/cards/overview/markup) are used specifically for Twitter sharing and provide similar functionality to Open Graph tags. 
They allow you to customize how your website appears when shared on Twitter.

```html
<meta name="twitter:title" content="My Website Title">
<meta name="twitter:description" content="This is a description of my website.">
<meta name="twitter:image" content="http://example.com/image.jpg">
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image">
```

### Conclusion

These are just a few examples of meta tags used for sharing link information. Depending on your specific 
requirements and the platforms you want to optimize for, there may be additional meta tags that you can use. It's 
important to include relevant and accurate meta tags to ensure that your website is displayed correctly when shared 
on various platforms. Cheers!!








Modern Website: Add the meta tags for sharing link info

The [process formation](https://12factor.net/concurrency) is the array of processes that are used to do the app’s 
regular business (such as handling web requests) as it runs.

Twelve-factor strongly favors languages which provide a REPL shell out of the box, and which make it easy to run 
one-off scripts.

In a local deploy, developers invoke one-off admin processes by a direct shell command inside the app’s checkout 
directory.

In a production deploy, developers can use ssh or other remote command execution mechanism provided by that deploy’s 
execution environment to run such a process. Cheers!!


Admin processes: Run admin/management tasks as one-off processes


Common error pages, like 404 (Page Not Found), 403 (Forbidden), 500 (Internal Server Error), and others, are very 
important for modern websites and web applications for several reasons:

### User Experience (UX)

Properly designed error pages can prevent users from being stuck when they encounter an error.
Instead of just displaying a generic message, a good error page can guide users to other parts of your site or app, 
maintaining the flow of user interaction and helping to reduce frustration.

### Professionalism and Trust

Showing a default browser error message can seem unprofessional and may reduce users' 
trust in your site or app. Custom error pages that match the look and feel of your website not only provide a more 
consistent user experience, but also convey a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail.

### SEO

Search engines might penalize your site if they encounter too many error pages. By having a custom 404 page, 
for instance, you can redirect users (and search engines) back to functional parts of your site, helping to 
maintain your search rankings.

### Error Diagnostics

Custom error pages can also be configured to report back details about errors, helping your team 
to diagnose and fix issues more effectively.

### Brand Image and Engagement

Error pages are an opportunity to infuse some creativity and humor, which can make your 
brand more memorable. Companies have created error pages with games, jokes, or unique graphics that align with 
their branding.

### Security

Generic error messages, particularly for server errors, can sometimes reveal sensitive information about 
your website's infrastructure which can be exploited by malicious users. Custom error pages can ensure only the 
necessary information is communicated.

For these reasons, creating useful, informative, and perhaps even entertaining custom error pages should be 
considered a necessary part of developing a modern website or web application. Cheers!!








Modern Website: Add common error pages

Logs are the stream of aggregated, time-ordered events collected from the output streams of all running processes 
and backing services.

A twelve-factor app never concerns itself with routing or storage of its output stream.

It should not attempt to write to or manage logfiles. Instead, each running process writes its event stream, 
unbuffered, to `stdout`.

During local development, the developer will view this stream in the foreground of their terminal to observe the 
app’s behavior. Cheers!!


Logs: Treat logs as event streams

The twelve-factor app is designed for continuous deployment by keeping the gap between development and production 
small.

Looking at the three gaps described above:

### Make the time gap small

A developer may write code and have it deployed hours or even just minutes later.

### Make the personnel gap small

Developers who wrote code are closely involved in deploying it and watching its behavior in production.

### Make the tools gap small

Keep development and production as similar as possible. Cheers!!


Dev/prod parity: Keep development, staging, and production as similar as possible


The digital ecosystem is in a constant state of flux, and at the epicenter of this revolution are mobile 
applications. As we navigate through 2023, businesses need to pay heed to some pivotal mobile app trends that 
promise to redefine the user experience and engagement models. These trends are not just shaking up the way we 
interact with technology, but are also recalibrating user expectations and business strategies.

### Artificial Intelligence

The first trend that's impossible to ignore is the increased integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 
Machine Learning (ML) in mobile apps. AI and ML are no longer futuristic concepts but are gradually becoming 
mainstream. These technologies enhance the functionality of mobile apps and offer a range of features such as 
personalized recommendations, voice recognition, and predictive analytics. Such intelligent capabilities can 
greatly enhance user interaction and offer an unmatched level of personalization.

AI-powered chatbots, for example, are providing real-time customer service, making interactions seamless and 
efficient. Additionally, AI-powered predictive analysis can provide valuable insights into user behavior, helping 
businesses to refine their strategies and make data-driven decisions. The infusion of AI and ML into mobile apps is 
creating an environment where apps are not merely tools, but intelligent partners that understand and anticipate 
user needs.

### Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Another profound trend making waves in 2023 is the fusion of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) with 
mobile applications. These technologies have begun to make significant inroads into our day-to-day app experiences, 
offering immersive experiences that were unimaginable just a few years ago. AR and VR technologies are not limited 
to gaming; they are transforming sectors from retail to real estate and healthcare.

For instance, retail businesses can leverage AR technology to offer virtual 'try-before-you-buy' experiences, 
enabling customers to visualize products in their real environment before making a purchase decision. Similarly, 
real estate companies can offer virtual property tours, creating immersive experiences for potential buyers. These 
innovative applications of AR and VR are just the tip of the iceberg, and their potential uses in mobile apps are 
virtually limitless.

### 5G technology

The rise of 5G is another trend shaping the future of mobile apps in 2023. With its lightning-fast speed and lower 
latency, 5G technology promises to supercharge mobile apps, enhancing the user experience by making it smoother and 
more seamless. This will facilitate the use of more data-intensive applications, including live streaming, gaming, 
and AR/VR, without any lag. The advent of 5G is set to create a paradigm shift in the way mobile apps are designed 
and used.

### Internet of Things

In addition, the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to influence the mobile app trends significantly. With smart 
devices proliferating our homes, offices, and cities, mobile apps are becoming the control hubs for these devices. 
From managing smart home systems to tracking health and fitness metrics, mobile apps integrated with IoT devices 
are providing users with greater control and convenience in their lives.

### App security

While discussing the future of mobile apps, it's also essential to consider the prominence of app security. As 
digital transactions become increasingly prevalent, mobile apps need to offer robust security measures to safeguard 
user data. Features such as two-factor authentication, secure data storage, and encrypted communications are no 
longer optional—they are necessities. Building trust with users will be an essential element of a successful app in 
2023 and beyond.

### Voice technology

Voice technology is another key trend to watch out for. With the success of digital assistants like Google 
Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, voice-activated commands are becoming commonplace in mobile apps. This trend is set to 
continue, with more apps integrating voice technology to offer hands-free use and provide a more accessible user 
interface.

### Conclusion

The future of mobile apps is a landscape of endless possibilities and opportunities. By understanding and 
integrating these trends, businesses can stay at the forefront of technological innovation, providing their 
customers with engaging and efficient experiences. It's time to embrace these exciting developments and let them 
lead the way to a future where mobile apps become more intuitive, interactive, and integral to our daily lives. 
Cheers!!


The Future of Mobile Apps: Trends you can't afford to ignore in 2023

The twelve-factor app’s [processes](https://12factor.net/processes) are disposable, meaning they can be started or stopped at a moment’s notice.

This facilitates fast elastic scaling, rapid deployment of [code](https://12factor.net/codebase) or [config](https://12factor.net/config) changes,
and robustness of production deploys.

Processes should strive to minimize startup time. Ideally, a process takes a few seconds from the time the launch 
command is executed until the process is up and ready to receive requests or jobs.

Processes should also be robust against sudden death, in the case of a failure in the underlying hardware. Cheers!!


Disposability: Maximize robustness with fast startup and graceful shutdown


When preparing content for a modern landing page we should consider the following factors:

### Keyword research

Identify relevant keywords and phrases for your target audience. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush 
to find high-volume, low-competition keywords that your potential customers are searching for.

### Keyword optimization

Strategically incorporate your target keywords throughout the content, including in the title tag, meta description,
headings, and body text. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it may lead to a negative user experience and Google penalties.

### Mobile responsiveness

Ensure your landing page is designed to be responsive on all devices, particularly mobile, as Google prioritizes 
mobile-friendly websites in search results.

### Page load speed

Optimize your page load speed by compressing images, using efficient CSS and JavaScript, and leveraging browser 
caching. Fast-loading pages not only improve user experience but also contribute positively to search engine rankings.

### User experience (UX)

Create an intuitive and visually appealing design that makes it easy for users to navigate and find information. 
This includes clear and concise copy, prominent calls-to-action, and easy-to-read fonts and colors.

### Valuable content

Provide informative, engaging, and high-quality content that addresses your audience's needs and pain points. This 
could include blog posts, videos, infographics, or other types of content that will establish your brand as a 
trusted authority in your industry.

### Internal and external links

Incorporate relevant internal and external links to increase the value of your content and improve SEO. Internal 
links help search engines crawl and index your site, while external links to authoritative sources can boost your 
credibility.

### Social sharing

Encourage users to share your content on social media by including social sharing buttons on your landing page. 
This can help increase visibility and drive more organic traffic to your website.

### Metadata

Optimize your title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags with relevant keywords and descriptive information to 
help search engines understand your content better.

### Analytics and tracking

Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor and track your landing page performance. This 
will help you make data-driven decisions to optimize your content for both SEO and user experience.

By considering these factors when preparing your landing page content, you can improve your search engine rankings 
and provide valuable information to your visitors, ultimately increasing conversions and driving more traffic to 
your website. Cheers!!


Modern Website: Add the main content on each page

In the twelve-factor app, processes are a first class citizen.

Processes in the twelve-factor app take strong cues from the unix process model for running service daemons.

Using this model, the developer can architect their app to handle diverse workloads by assigning each type of work 
to a process type.

For example, HTTP requests may be handled by a web process, and long-running background tasks handled by a worker 
process. Cheers!!


Concurrency: Scale out via the process model


Footers play a crucial role in website design for several reasons. Let's go through a list with the most prominent ones:

### Organizing content

Footers often house important links, such as contact information, privacy policies, terms of service, and other 
legal documents. This helps declutter the main content area and makes it easier for users to find essential 
information.

### Enhancing navigation

A well-designed footer can improve site navigation, particularly on large or complex websites. It provides a 
secondary means for users to explore the site and can offer quick access to frequently visited pages or sections.

### Building trust

Displaying essential information, such as contact details and legal documents, can help establish credibility and 
trustworthiness. Users are more likely to engage with a website when they can easily find this information.

### Promoting branding and consistency

A consistent and recognizable footer design can reinforce your website'sbranding, ensuring a cohesive user 
experience across different pages and sections.

### Increasing engagement

Footers can house links to social media profiles, newsletter signups, and other calls-to-action (CTAs) that 
encourage user engagement and interaction.

### Boosting SEO

Including relevant links and keywords in the footer can contribute to search engine optimization (SEO), making it 
easier for users to find your website through search engines.

### Conclusion

Overall, the importance of a website footer is huge since it plays a significant role in enhancing user experience, 
organization, and navigation. Cheers!!


Modern Website: Create the nav menu & mobile menu

The twelve-factor app is completely self-contained and does not rely on runtime injection of a webserver into the 
execution environment to create a web-facing service.

The web app exports HTTP as a service by binding to a port, and listening to requests coming in on that port.

HTTP is not the only service that can be exported by port binding.

Nearly any kind of server software can be run via a process binding to a port and awaiting incoming requests. Cheers!!


Port binding: Export services via port binding


The Navbar and header menu are essential elements of a web application's user interface, as they provide users with 
quick and easy access to the various features and content of the app. These elements serve as a roadmap for users, 
allowing them to navigate through the app and find what they're looking for without having to waste time searching.

In addition, the Navbar and header menu are often the first thing users see when they arrive on a website or app, 
so it's important that they make a good first impression. A well-designed Navbar and header menu can enhance the 
user experience and make it easier for users to engage with the app's content.

When it comes to mobile browsers, it's even more crucial that the Navbar and header menu be easily accessible. With 
the increasing number of people accessing web apps and websites from mobile devices, it's essential that the Navbar 
and header menu be designed with mobile users in mind.

This means that the Navbar and header menu should be optimized for smaller screens, and should be easy to navigate 
using touch controls. They should also be positioned in a way that makes them easily accessible without taking up 
too much screen real estate.

In conclusion, the Navbar and header menu are critical components of a web application's user interface, and their 
accessibility is crucial for the overall user experience. With the growing number of mobile users, it's more 
important than ever to design these elements with mobile users in mind to ensure a seamless and enjoyable 
experience. Cheers!!



Pulumi is an infrastructure-as-code (IAC) platform that allows developers and operators to define, deploy, and 
manage cloud resources using familiar programming languages like Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, and C#.

![pulumi example](/images/blog/pulumi-1.png)

Pulumi has gained traction in the community for several reasons:

- **Familiar programming languages**: Pulumi supports popular, general-purpose programming languages, enabling 
  developers to leverage their existing skills and knowledge. This allows for a smoother learning curve and 
  improved productivity.

- **Code reusability and modularity**: Pulumi's support for general-purpose programming languages enables better code 
reusability, modularity, and organization. Developers can create custom abstractions, share code between projects, 
and apply software engineering best practices to infrastructure management.

- **Integration with existing tools and libraries**: Pulumi's language support allows for easy integration with 
  existing tools, libraries, and frameworks. This can help streamline development workflows and improve overall 
  efficiency.

- **Strong support for cloud platforms**: Pulumi provides support for a wide range of cloud providers, including AWS, 
Azure, Google Cloud, and Kubernetes. It also offers support for additional providers and services through its 
growing ecosystem.

- **Real-time feedback and preview**: Pulumi offers real-time feedback and preview capabilities, allowing developers to 
see the impact of their infrastructure changes before applying them. This can help catch potential issues early and 
improve overall reliability.

- **State management**: Pulumi manages state using its Pulumi Service, which simplifies state handling, locking, and 
consistency for users. This can lead to a more streamlined user experience compared to some other IAC tools.

- **Policy as Code**: Pulumi includes policy-as-code capabilities, allowing organizations to enforce best practices, 
security policies, and compliance requirements across their infrastructure.

- **Growing community and ecosystem**: Pulumi has been attracting attention from developers and organizations 
  looking for a modern approach to infrastructure management. This has resulted in a growing community, ecosystem, 
  and library of pre-built components.

## Differences between Terraform and Pulumi

Both of them are infrastructure-as-code (IAC) tools that help users automate and manage their cloud infrastructure.

Although they share a common purpose, there are several differences between the two tools:

#### Language Support

**Terraform**: It uses its own domain-specific language (DSL) called HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) for writing 
infrastructure configurations. HCL is designed specifically for defining cloud infrastructure and resources, making 
it easy to read and understand.

![terraform example](/images/blog/terraform.png)

**Pulumi**: It supports general-purpose programming languages like Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, and C#. This 
enables users to leverage existing programming skills and use familiar constructs, libraries, and tools for 
infrastructure management.

![pulumi example](/images/blog/pulumi-2.png)

#### Ecosystem and Community

**Terraform**: Developed by HashiCorp, Terraform has a larger and more mature ecosystem with a broad range of supported 
cloud providers and services. It has a vast collection of pre-built modules and a large user community.

**Pulumi**: Pulumi is a newer and smaller player in the IAC space. Although it has a growing ecosystem and support for 
various cloud providers, its community and library of pre-built modules are not as extensive as Terraform's.

#### State Management

**Terraform**: It manages the state of infrastructure using a local or remote backend, which stores the current state 
of resources. Users must configure state backends and handle state locking and consistency.

**Pulumi**: It handles state management through its own Pulumi Service, which stores and manages the state by default. 
Pulumi automatically handles state locking and consistency, simplifying the user experience.

#### Pricing and Open Source

**Terraform**: It is an open-source tool, and its core functionality is free to use. HashiCorp also offers a commercial 
product called Terraform Enterprise that adds features like collaboration, governance, and enhanced security.

**Pulumi**: It offers a free tier with basic features and limited usage, but its advanced features and commercial 
support require a paid subscription. Pulumi's core is open source, but its service for state management is not.

#### Interoperability

**Terraform**: Terraform's HCL may have a learning curve for users who are not familiar with it. While Terraform has 
excellent cloud provider support, it can be more challenging to integrate with existing application codebases.

**Pulumi**: Since it uses general-purpose programming languages, Pulumi can more easily integrate with existing 
codebases, libraries, and frameworks, enabling developers to create reusable components and apply software 
engineering best practices to infrastructure management.

## Conclusion

That said, both Terraform and Pulumi have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them will depend on
factors such as the user's programming background, desired language support, existing tooling, and community support.

Despite being a newer player in the IAC space, Pulumi's unique approach of using general-purpose programming 
languages and its focus on developer experience has resonated with many in the community.

HelloWorld's professionals keep an eye on innovative solutions like Pulumi and Terraform, so they can use the right 
technologies and tools for the challenging problems they have to tackle every single day. Cheers!!


Pulumi vs Terraform

Twelve-factor processes are stateless and [share-nothing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shared-nothing_architecture).

Any data that needs to persist must be stored in a stateful [backing service](https://12factor.net/backing-services),
typically a database.

The twelve-factor app never assumes that anything cached in memory or on disk will be available on a future request 
or job – with many processes of each type running, chances are high that a future request will be served by a 
different process.

Even when running only one process, a restart (triggered by code deploy, config change, or the execution environment 
relocating the process to a different physical location) will usually wipe out all local (e.g., memory and 
filesystem) state. Cheers!!


Processes: Execute the app as one or more stateless processes


Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a modern approach to web development that combine the best of web and mobile app 
experiences. They are built using standard web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and can be accessed 
through a web browser or installed on a user's device. Here are several reasons why websites should consider 
becoming PWAs:

- **Improved user experience**: PWAs offer a more engaging and seamless user experience, with features like offline 
support, push notifications, and full-screen mode. These features help create a more app-like experience, 
increasing user satisfaction and retention.

- **Faster load times**: PWAs leverage modern web technologies, such as service workers and caching, to ensure fast load 
times and improved performance. This can lead to higher user engagement and conversion rates, as users are less 
likely to abandon a site that loads quickly.

- **Offline access**: PWAs can work offline or on low-quality networks, thanks to service workers and caching. This 
enables users to access content even when they have poor or no internet connection, making your website more 
accessible and useful in a wider range of situations.

- **Search engine optimization (SEO)**: PWAs are indexable by search engines, which can lead to better search rankings 
and increased visibility for your website. Improved SEO can drive more organic traffic to your site and help grow 
your user base.

- **Push notifications**: PWAs support push notifications, allowing you to engage with users even when they're not 
actively using your website. This can help drive user engagement, boost retention, and keep your audience informed 
about updates, promotions, or other relevant information.

- **Installable on the home screen**: Users can install PWAs on their devices' home screens, making them more accessible 
and convenient to use. This also increases the likelihood that users will return to your site, as it becomes more 
integrated into their daily routines.

By adopting a PWA approach, businesses can enhance their web presence and deliver an exceptional user experience, 
ultimately driving user engagement, retention, and growth. Cheers!!


Modern Website: Make the website a Progressive Web App


In the context of modern software engineering, DevOps is a complementary counterpart, much like the concept of 
Yin and Yang. These two concepts, originating from Chinese philosophy, represent the interconnectedness and 
interdependence of seemingly opposite forces in the natural world.

The traditional approach tech companies followed for many years often separated development and operations teams, 
creating silos and communication gaps. This separation could lead to inefficiencies, delays, and lower-quality 
software. DevOps brings these two functions together, integrating them into a seamless whole.

Just as Yin and Yang symbolize harmony and balance in nature, DevOps aims to harmonize the software development 
life cycle by fostering collaboration, shared goals, and continuous improvement, allowing organizations to deliver 
software faster, more reliably, and with higher quality.

Here are some key aspects that highlight the importance of DevOps culture for modern software products:

- **Faster time to market**: DevOps practices, such as continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD), enable 
organizations to release software updates and new features more frequently, allowing them to stay competitive and 
respond quickly to market demands.

- **Improved collaboration**: DevOps culture encourages cross-functional teams, breaking down silos between development, 
operations, and other stakeholders. This improved collaboration leads to better communication, faster 
  decision-making, and increased innovation.

- **Higher quality**: By automating testing and deployment processes, DevOps helps reduce human error and increases the 
overall quality of the software. This results in fewer bugs, improved stability, and better user experiences.

- **Increased efficiency**: Automation and streamlined processes in DevOps eliminate manual, time-consuming tasks, 
allowing team members to focus on more valuable work, such as feature development or innovation.

- **Better resource management**: DevOps practices, such as infrastructure as code (IAC), enable more effective 
management of resources, leading to cost savings and reduced waste.

- **Enhanced scalability**: DevOps enables teams to build and deploy software using cloud-native architectures and 
technologies, making it easier to scale applications up or down as needed.

- **Continuous learning and improvement**: DevOps culture emphasizes a continuous learning mindset, encouraging teams to 
regularly assess and improve their processes, tools, and skills. This constant feedback loop helps organizations 
stay agile and adapt to changes in the market.

In summary, adopting a DevOps culture is crucial for modern software products as it helps organizations stay 
competitive, deliver better quality software, and respond more effectively to market demands. It fosters 
collaboration, efficiency, and continuous improvement, making it a key aspect of successful software development 
and IT operations.

Cheers!!


Engineering without DevOps is like Yin without Yang


The twelve-factor app uses strict separation between the build, release, and run stages.

For example, it is impossible to make changes to the code at runtime, since there is no way to propagate those 
changes back to the build stage.

Every release should always have a unique release ID, such as a timestamp of the release (such as 2011-04-06-20:32:17 )
or an incrementing number (such as  v100 ).

Releases are an append-only ledger and a release cannot be mutated once it is created.

Any change must create a new release. Cheers!!


Build, release, run: Strictly separate build and run stages


Favicons and share images through meta tags are important elements to include when developing a website for the 
following reasons:

- Branding and Recognition: A favicon, also known as a site icon, is a small image that appears in the browser tab or 
bookmark bar when someone visits your website. It helps users identify and remember your brand, even when they have 
multiple tabs open. A well-designed favicon can enhance the user experience and make your website stand out.

- Credibility and Professionalism: When someone shares your website on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, 
or LinkedIn, a share image is displayed along with the link preview. A well-designed share image can make your 
website look more professional and trustworthy, increasing the likelihood of people clicking on the link and 
visiting your site.

- User Engagement: When someone shares your website on social media, the share image can also encourage users to 
engage with your content. For example, if the share image features an eye-catching photo or an interesting graphic, 
it may entice people to click through and read the article or explore your website.

- SEO Benefits: Including a favicon and share image with proper meta tags can also provide SEO benefits. Search 
engines like Google use this information to understand your website's content and improve its visibility in search 
results. A well-optimized share image can also improve click-through rates and drive more traffic to your website.

Overall, favicons and share images through meta tags are important design elements that can enhance the user 
experience, increase engagement, and improve the visibility of your website. Cheers!!


Modern Website: Add favicons and share image


The code for a twelve-factor app makes no distinction between local and third party
services. To the app, both are attached resources, accessed via a URL or other
locator/credentials stored in the config.

A deploy of the twelve-factor app should be able to swap out a local MySQL database
with one managed by a third party (such as Amazon RDS) without any changes to the
app’s code.

Likewise, a local SMTP server could be swapped with a third-party SMTP service (such
as Postmark) without code changes.

In both cases, only the resource handle in the config needs to change.


Backing services: Treat backing services as attached resources


The routing system of a website refers to the way in which URLs are mapped to specific pages or content within a 
web application. It determines how a user's request is processed and which content should be returned to them.

In simpler terms, the routing system is the mechanism that allows a web application to interpret the URLs entered 
by users and decide what action to take in response. For example, if a user types in "www.example.com/about", the 
routing system will determine that they are requesting the "about" page of the website and return the appropriate 
content.

The routing system is important because it allows for efficient navigation and organization within a web 
application. It makes it possible to create intuitive and user-friendly URLs that are easy to remember and 
understand. It also allows for the creation of complex and dynamic web applications that can handle a wide range of 
user requests and interactions.

In addition, the routing system plays a crucial role in search engine optimization (SEO). A well-designed routing 
system can help search engines understand the structure and content of a website, making it easier for them to 
index and rank its pages. This can lead to increased visibility and traffic for the website. Cheers!!


Modern Website: Create the routing of all project pages


The twelve-factor app stores config in environment variables (often shortened to env vars or env).

Env vars are easy to change between deploys without changing any code; unlike config files, there is little chance 
of them being checked into the code repo accidentally; and unlike custom config files, or other config mechanisms 
such as Java System Properties, they are a language- and OS-agnostic standard.

Env vars are granular controls, each fully orthogonal to other env vars. They are never grouped together as 
"environments", but instead are independently managed for each deploy. This is a model that scales up smoothly as 
the app naturally expands into more deploys over its lifetime.


Config: Store config in the environment


As we explained in our [previous post](Discovery-Phase-what-it-is-and-why-we-start-projects-with-it) the Discovery 
Phase of a new project is an important part of the project planning process. It involves researching 
and gathering information about the project to determine its feasibility, scope, and potential challenges.

### Typical Deliverables

The most typical deliverables of a Discovery Phase can include:

- **Project Charter**: The project charter is a high-level document that outlines the purpose, scope, and objectives of 
the project. It also includes information about the project's stakeholders, timelines, and budgets.

- **Business Case**: The business case is a document that provides a detailed analysis of the project's costs, 
  benefits, and risks. It helps to determine whether the project is worth pursuing and provides a framework for 
  decision-making.

- **Feasibility Report**: The feasibility report assesses the technical, operational, and financial feasibility of the 
project. It identifies potential risks and challenges and provides recommendations for how to mitigate them.

- **Requirements Document**: The requirements document outlines the functional and non-functional requirements of the 
project. It helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project has a clear understanding of what needs to be 
delivered.

### UX-related Deliverables

HelloWorld teams focus a lot on the usability and the usefulness of any new product having constantly the end-user in 
mind, so apart from the above they run a thorough UX analysis to help stakeholders evaluate their idea and steer the 
wheel towards the right direction before the Development Phase starts.

These are the UX-related deliverables HelloWorld experts work on during the Discovery Phase:

- **Personas analysis**: Personas analysis is a user-centered design technique used to develop a better understanding of 
  the intended users of a product or service. Personas are fictional characters that represent different user types 
  or user groups, based on data and research.

- **User-flow diagrams**: A user flow diagram is a visual representation of the steps a user takes to complete a task or
  achieve a goal within a product or service. It maps out the user's journey from start to finish, including all the
  touchpoints and interactions they have with the product or service.

- **User stories**: User stories are a tool used in Agile software development to describe a feature or functionality 
  of a product or service from the perspective of the user. User stories are short, simple, and focused on the end 
  goal of the user, and they are typically written in a specific format that follows the formula:

  "As a [user], I want [goal], so that [reason]."

  The user story format helps to ensure that the focus remains on the user and their needs, rather than on the
technical details of the feature or functionality.

- **Low fidelity clickable prototype**: A low fidelity clickable prototype is an early-stage design prototype that is 
  created using simple and rough sketches, wireframes, or other low-fidelity design tools. The prototype is designed 
  to be clickable, which means that the user can interact with it and simulate the experience of using the final 
  product.

  Despite their simplicity, low fidelity clickable prototypes can provide valuable insights into the user experience 
  of a product or service. By testing the prototype, stakeholders can identify potential issues and dead-ends early 
  enough and use this useful information to evaluate even better whether their idea worths pursuing or not and even 
  have a better picture about the end result.

### Conclusion

Overall, the deliverables of the Discovery Phase provide a solid foundation for the project. They help to ensure 
that everyone involved in the project is on the same page and that there is a clear understanding of the project's 
goals, objectives, and requirements.

Apart from that, deliverables such as the User Stories or the Clickable Prototype, prepare the ground for the next 
phases of the project, since they help professionals that will be involved down the road, grasp fast what we are 
trying to build and why.

By completing these deliverables, we can help to ensure that a new project is well-planned, feasible, and has the 
best possible chance of success while minimizing risk.

Cheers!!


Discovery Phase: deliverables


In our [previous post](discovery-phase-what-it-is-and-why-we-start-projects-with-it) we explained why the 
Discovery Phase is important and how much it affects projects' success. One thing we didn't mention though is that 
the Discovery Phase helps the team to evaluate the feasibility of a project in order to determine if it's worth 
pursuing in the first place.

Here are some crucial reasons why a Discovery Phase might lead us to abandon a project:

- One reason to consider abandoning a project during the Discovery Phase is if it doesn't align with the company's 
  goals or values. If the project doesn't fit into the company's long-term plans, it's better to move on early and 
  focus on projects that will help the company grow. Additionally, if the project goes against the company's values 
  or mission, it could harm its reputation and lead to negative consequences.

- Another reason to abandon a project during the Discovery Phase is if it's not financially viable. During the 
  Discovery Phase, the team should be conducting research to determine the potential Return On Investment (ROI) of 
  the project. If the projected ROI isn't high enough, it's not worth pursuing the project. Focusing on projects 
  that will generate a better ROI and help the company grow is better.

- Finally, if the team encounters significant roadblocks during the Discovery Phase that can't be overcome, it may 
  be time to abandon the project. This could include issues such as technical limitations or market saturation. If 
  the team can't find a way around these obstacles, it's better to cut their losses and focus on other projects.

In conclusion, deciding not to continue with the development of a new project during the Discovery Phase is a 
difficult decision, but sometimes it's the best one for the company. By staying objective and considering all 
factors, the team can make an informed decision about whether to continue or abandon the project. Ultimately, the 
goal is to focus on projects that align with the company's goals and values, have a high potential ROI, and can be 
completed successfully.

One of the core objectives of HelloWorld teams, throughout the Discovery Phase, is to help stakeholders evaluate 
products and projects so they can understand whether it's worth pursuing them.

Cheers!!


Discovery Phase: decide whether a project or a product is worth pursuing


A twelve-factor app never relies on the implicit existence of system-wide packages. It declares all dependencies,
completely and exactly, via a dependency declaration manifest.

Furthermore, it uses a dependency isolation tool during execution to ensure that no implicit dependencies "leak in"
from the surrounding system.

The full and explicit dependency specification is applied uniformly to both production and development.


Dependencies: Explicitly declare and isolate dependencies


Starting a new project can be exciting, but it's important to take the time to plan and prepare. A Discovery Phase 
is a crucial step in any project that involves User Experience (UX), Engineering and DevOps. This phase involves research, analysis, and planning that will inform the project's design and development. In this blog post, we will discuss why a Discovery Phase is important and how to get started.

Here are the reasons why a Discovery Phase is extremely important and should take place before actual development:

- The first reason to start a project with a Discovery Phase is to gain a deeper understanding of the users and their needs. A Discovery Phase involves user research, which can include surveys, interviews, and observations. By understanding the users' needs, pain points, and preferences, we can create a more effective and user-friendly product. This knowledge will inform the project's design and development, leading to a better user experience.

- Another reason to start a project with a Discovery Phase is to identify potential roadblocks and opportunities. During this phase, we will analyze the data and identify trends and patterns. This analysis can help us identify potential issues and opportunities that may arise during the project's development. By identifying these roadblocks early, we can develop a plan to mitigate them, ensuring that the project stays on track.

- The Discovery Phase is also an opportunity to establish a clear project vision and strategy. By gathering data and analyzing it, we can develop a project plan that is aligned with the core business goals and user needs. This plan will help guide the project's design and development, ensuring that everyone involved is working towards a common goal.

- Finally, a Discovery Phase can save time and money in the long run. By investing time in research and planning at the beginning of the project, we can avoid costly mistakes and redesigns later on. By establishing a clear project vision and strategy, we can ensure that everyone involved is working towards the same goal, reducing the risk of miscommunication and delays.

In conclusion, starting a project with a Discovery Phase is an essential step for any project that involves UX, Engineering and DevOps. By gaining a deeper understanding of the users and their needs, identifying potential roadblocks and opportunities, establishing a clear project vision and strategy, and saving time and money in the long run, we can ensure that the project is successful.

HelloWorld highly advises its customers to start all new projects with a Discovery Phase, so we collaborate closely to plan, analyze and prepare the core business needs and ensure that we are about to create a successful and user-friendly product.

Cheers!!


Discovery Phase: what it is and why we start new projects with it


A twelve-factor app is always tracked in a version control system, such as Git, Mercurial, or Subversion.

A copy of the revision tracking database is known as a code repository, often shortened to code repo or just repo.

There is only one codebase per app, but there will be many deploys of the app.

A deploy is a running instance of the app. This is typically a production site, and one or more staging sites.

Additionally, every developer has a copy of the app running in their local development environment, each of which also qualifies as a deploy.


Codebase: One codebase tracked in revision control, many deploys


So you have to deal with a task that seems boring and dull and you keep pushing and pushing it till the very end of the milestone. In the end, you feel bad about your performance and you give in.

This is a typical occasion since we might have to deal with things that we don't consider cool and shiny from time to time throughout our careers. You know what? This is normal.

What is the solution? Break the task into small tangible steps so you make progress, ask for a pair programming session so you get some motivation from a teammate, and in general, don't let it take you down.

Procrastination is something that happens to all of us so you need to find ways to fight it.


Fight procrastination


Creating solid documentation for the applications we build is not an optional thing to do.

Through it, we ensure the continuity of the project and the maintainability of the codebase itself while the value and the quality of the deliverables increase hugely.

That said, engineering teams should take seriously the documentation process of an application to guarantee its longevity and extendability in the near future.


Documenting is an important part of engineering


DevOps is an Agile approach that helps modern tech teams ship value in an efficient way.

It is cross-functional by its nature (Development + Operations) facilitating greater collaboration.

This means, that it connects engineers and operations in a better and more transparent way that results in successful products.

That said, the gain of DevOps is frequent, streamlined, and high-quality software releases.


DevOps is a culture


Code reviews speak volumes about the team’s health and collaboration.

Through them, the team ensures that best practices are applied and that the definition of done criteria are met.

These are classless so that all engineers, no matter their seniority level can participate and share thoughts, question things and make proposals.

Because of all these, code reviews bring engineers closer, push them to grow even more, and help them collaborate in an efficient and healthy way with each other.


Enforce classless code reviews


Whenever you feel stuck or overwhelmed ask for help! Don’t hang around aimlessly.

Do your best, do some research, and if you hit a wall, ask around. Ask your teammates. Ask in the channels. Don’t let it take you down!

Asking for support is a healthy attitude that pays off.

After all, the team is responsible for a deliverable, not individuals.


Build a healthy environment where asking for support is welcomed


Starting our day with a well-established plan is quite beneficial.

Daily scrum meetings (or daily standups) give us the opportunity to take a step back, prioritize our workload and focus on the deliverables that should be done first.

That way, we avoid randomness, and we can even manage expedites within the day more efficiently.

If we don’t work with a plan, things will get chaotic fast, and this won’t end up that well in terms of our productivity and mental fatigue.


Prioritize your workload on a daily basis to avoid burnout


Code coverage is a great way to check whether an application is covered with tests in the first place.

On the other hand, this percentage might lead us to a false positive belief since it doesn’t tell us much about the quality of our test suite.

Do we test the most critical user journeys using integration tests?

If we don’t do so, then a high code coverage percentage is a highly misleading indicator.


Code coverage percentage does not reflect the quality of the tests


Agile enforces us to work in an incremental way. Splitting the workload that way is great as long as we don’t make random decisions down the road.

Moving into steps without following a proper architectural plan is going to bite us sooner or later.

Avoid starting any implementation without having a solid design document in place.


Do not forget to design first and implement afterward


The more complex problems we try to solve through technology, the more complex applications we build.

Complex applications require people with various skills or even various teams of specialized people to get involved.

Engineers should be able to collaborate and communicate with peers and business stakeholders to design and develop such applications.

That said, sharpening people skills seems more important than ever before.


The myth of the lone wolf software engineer is dead


A tested application means that we ship an application that is solid and functional.

A testable application means we ship an application that can be tested, extended, and maintained easily.

If we don’t write tests from the very start, then we miss the opportunity to structure our code in a way it can easily get tested and extended in the near future.

Such an approach reduces the value of the delivered codebase and opens the door for technical debt.


Stop leaving tests for the end


Stop ignoring technical debt and start treating it with respect.

Create stories with a refactoring goal in mind 🧠♻️, put them into the backlog , and prioritize them accordingly 😉


Treat technical debt with respect


Keep engineers and business stakeholders as close as possible!!

Separating engineering and business teams can lead to uncertain results.

Bring these 2 worlds together, to minimize risk and ship solutions that solve actual problems 🏆


Keep engineers and business stakeholders as close as possible


Define what is considered done!!

The "Definition of Done" is a collection of quality standards a story should meet, so it can be considered done.

Through DoD, teams establish a common language when shipping a new increment of value so everyone is on the same page ✅


Define what is considered done


Avoid premature over-optimization of your code!

Always remember the "Rule Of Three":

- Does code exist that looks identical?
- Does the code repeat the same knowledge and logic?
- If yes, wait until you have at least three code duplicates before you make an abstraction 😎


Avoid premature over-optimization of your code. Always remember the Rule Of Three


Small and repeating iterations help a team stay focused and constantly ship value.

Such iterations force business and engineering people to work closely and minimize risk.

That way, we can move together towards our high goal while evaluating decisions all way long in order to ship something really useful in the end 😎


Publications about "engineering"

Introducing django-cypress v1

Stavros Panakakis

Tech Lead

Useful tools spotlight: Lottie Files Figma Plugin

Roula Adamopoulou

UX Expert

Useful tools spotlight: Unsplash Website & Figma plugin

Roula Adamopoulou

UX Expert

Micro-Frontends: Navigating Modern Web Architecture's Double-Edged Sword

Marios Fakiolas

CEO

Useful tools spotlight: A11y - Color Contrast Checker Figma Plugin

Roula Adamopoulou

UX Expert

Modern Website: Audit websites with Google's Lighthouse tool

Savvas Voumellis

Head of UX

Modern Website: Check with wave for WCAG issues & fix errors

By HelloWorld PC

Modern Website: Deploy the website

By HelloWorld PC

Modern Website: Create the sitemap.xml file

By HelloWorld PC

Modern Website: Add animations & micro-interactions

By HelloWorld PC