Tips For Mastering Code Control in Offshore Development

In the current IT world, many organizations have shifted to outsourcing for software development. Although it provides access to more skilled employees and cost advantages, codebase control worries can be a major obstacle.

This blog provides a step-by-step process for ensuring complete control over your codebase when you are working with offshore development teams, and this is designed especially for CEOs and CTOs. You may take advantage of offshoring savings while lowering risks and preserving the integrity of your work of art by putting all of this into practice.

Considering a mid-stage company with a focus on managed teams, offshore development, and staff augmentation, we are aware of the challenges associated with navigating the offshore environment. We focus on forming lasting partnerships with offshore businesses rather than just delivering code. This blog shares our experience to give you the resources and procedures required for offshore projects that succeed.

Key Steps for Offshore Code Control

The following are the essential procedures to keep your codebase under control when working with offshore development teams:

1. Daily push your code to Git with Version control:

A distributed version control system (DVCS) like Git is essential to keeping your codebase's entire history as it is. It makes it possible for developers to work together easily, keep track of changes, and roll back to earlier versions.

Make it clear in your policy that developers must submit their work to the central repository (such as GitHub or GitLab) at least once every day. It allows your internal team to see the code in real-time and generates frequent backups.

2. Do Coding Reviews Weekly or Biweekly:

Develop a thorough code review procedure whereby assigned team members, internal or external, carefully review the code to ensure that it complies with best practices, functionality, and coding standards.

Depending on the size and complexity of the project, schedule weekly or biweekly code review meetings. It guarantees code quality, enables information sharing, and enables quick error discovery.

3. Development and Approval of Pull Requests (PR):

Make sure pull requests (PRs) are used before integrating work into the main branch. The developer submits modifications in a PR for other team members to consider and discuss.

Develop a specific procedure for PR approval. Senior developers or assigned code reviewers usually do this by making sure the code is working, high-quality, and follows coding standards. By limiting the number of PRs that are merging into the main branch, it reduces the number of iterations.

4. Including SonarQube in the Development Process:

Make use of SonarQube and other static code analysis tools. SonarQube is a tool that you can integrate into your development pipeline to automatically scan code for security flaws, defects, and code smells that will prevent future issues.

SonarQube integration makes early problem detection possible, which speeds up bug fixes and enhances the ease of code maintenance.

5. Using a Multi-Layer Testing Method:

Follow the practice of a complete testing plan that includes both automated and manual testing.

Manual testing, performed by in-house or remote testing employees, ensures that the application operates as created from the user's point of view.

To develop unit, integration, and end-to-end (E2E) testing, invest in automated testing frameworks such as Apache JMeter and Selenium. Every build includes automated tests that find changes quickly and cut down on the amount of time needed for manual testing.

Build a Relationship with the Offshore Development Team:

Since the steps listed above offer a solid basis for codebase control, building a strong relationship with your offshore development partner is just as important. Here's how to make your relationship stronger:

Honesty and clear communication: Maintaining transparent relations through regular project meetings, daily stand-ups, and clear documentation will avoid misunderstandings and ensure consistency of objectives.

Knowledge Transfer: Give importance to knowledge transfer meetings where the offshore developers receive project insights, best practices, and coding standards from the internal team. It reduces integration problems and promotes code consistency.

Team building and on-site visits: If at all possible, think about scheduling frequent on-site visits to promote bonding and build a stronger work environment.

Top Benefits of Managed IT Services

You will experience a lot of advantages by putting these strategies into action, such as:

Decreased Bug Risk: Automated testing, static code analysis, and daily code reviews reduce the possibility of bug-free coding in production.

Better Code Quality: Codebase control encourages focusing on code quality, resulting in a more stable and maintainable codebase.

6. Security of Version Control:

Specific access controls should be implemented in your version control system. You can use this to specify various levels of access for developers, reviewers, and other members of the team.

Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for all developers having access to the repository. It improves protection and makes it more difficult for unauthorized people to enter your codebase.

Regular Backups: Keep regular backups of your codebase in a safe place. In the event of unplanned data loss or security breaches, this provides a layer of security.

7. CI/CD or continuous integration and delivery:

Automate the build, test, and deployment processes by implementing a CI/CD pipeline. It reduces the possibility of problems during deployments and enables faster iteration cycles and issue fixes.

CI/CD gives you clear access to the development process, making it possible to monitor development and spot problems. By doing this, the entire development lifecycle becomes easier, and performance will increase.

8. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs):

A protective measure for intellectual property. Before beginning the work, have all offshore developers sign NDAs. It enables them to protect your codebase and other sensitive information legally.

To make your code more difficult to figure out and analyze, take into consideration code encryption strategies. It could be an extra security measure that makes extremely sensitive code. Consider the benefits and drawbacks carefully because it might also make maintenance more difficult.

9. Tracking and Logging:

Keep an eye on changes and develop a mechanism to monitor any codebase modifications. It enables you to view the modifications that were made when they were made, and by whom.

Use Git's complete version history to track the development of your codebase over time. It can be helpful for troubleshooting problems and, if needed, rolling back to earlier versions.

Configure centralized logging for your program. It enables you to keep an eye on how applications behave, and instantly, you can see any possible security flaws and mistakes.

10. Creating a Stable Teamwork:

Accept and understand cultural differences when working with remote employees. Improved understanding and communication will result from creating a workplace that encourages.

Regular Reviews of Performance: Develop a routine for your offshore development team's performance reviews. It enables you to monitor their progress, resolve any issues, and make sure they stay up to your expectations.

Invest in training and development. Give your offshore developers guidance and training opportunities so they may develop professionally. It helps them become more skilled and develops an idea of closeness and commitment to the success of your business.

Choose Techno Tackle for the Best Offshore Development Services

With the integration of these technical best practices and a focus on developing trust and communication, you may effectively take advantage of outsourcing while maintaining control over your codebase. Remember that outsourcing needs to be a collaboration instead of cutting costs. You may create an ideal relationship with your offshore development partner by working to offer high-quality software applications and ensure successful project deployment.

Techno Tackle is specialized in managed teams, offshore development, and staff augmentation, we know how important it is to establish solid connections. We work closely with offshore businesses to ensure effective offshore experiences, going above and beyond just delivering code. Our employees will help you put the procedures described in this guide into reality, offering the knowledge and assistance required to maintain codebase control and reach your software development objectives.

If you are ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you navigate the world of offshoring with confidence.

1. Guidelines To Select Right Engagement Model

If you are a business owner, it is possible that you have attempted software development and  implementation for your business. If you have attempted software development and implementation for your business,it is quite possible that you have failed in the same. Yes, most software implementation projects fail - That's the harsh reality, even if you don't like it. 

So, this blog is intended to explain why this happens and how you can do a better job of choosing the right engagement model for developing and deploying software for your business. 

Why do most attempts fail?

Firstly, let’s understand the skill sets of an average businessperson. They  intuitively understand anything related to their product, service, people, consumer requirements, sales, etc. But, when it comes to pure technical domains like accounting or software development and implementation, they don’t have the functional knowledge to understand what is relevant and what fits their needs. 

But entrepreneurs, being entrepreneurs, value progress more than anything else.  So they take a decision and move forward, only to realize after that they have hit a dead end, the project is done and dusted, and they have lost quite a few things - firstly, their hard earned money; secondly - their valuable time; and finally - their team’s hope of implementing any software. At this stage , they have developed a fixed mindset that anything related to software development is not going to work for them. 

Factors For Success

For successful software development and implementation, there are several factors to be considered

• Choosing the right vendor

• Having your requirements objectively captured, agreed upon by the user and communicated to the vendors before proceeding to the development stage

• Making sure that you have the right model of engagement with your vendors

In the upcoming section of this blog, we are going to explain the various models in which you can engage with your software vendors, establish a few parameters that will help you choose the right vendors depending on the context.

Available Engagement Models

There are four models of engagement with your software vendor. They are

1. Fixed Bid

It is the simplest of all. You freeze the scope, ask for a quote, and freeze the quote for the scope - That’s it. If your scope is small, absolutely well defined, and if the complexity of the project is relatively low, it can be a good model to choose. Here, the degree of uncertainty should be low. The advantage is that you can get your development done at a low cost. But, if you have not done a thorough job at the scope stage or if you keep increasing the scope during the development phase, two things happen - One your relationship with the vendor gets strained and two - you will be developing something that is not of high quality or something that is difficult to implement

2. Time and Material

It is the exact opposite of a fixed bid.  Here, you don’t pay for the output; rather, you pay for the time for which the resources have been used. Here, the per hour cost of all resources involved in the project is agreed upon, and each bill is closed based on a timesheet containing the number of hours each resource has worked in that cycle. It is advisable to go for a time and material model if the scope is not set in stone  - In most circumstances, the scope might be broad and open in nature. Under such scenarios, it is better to opt for time and material so that the output quality is not affected due to the time constraint. If you have the budget, if you want great quality, and if you have an open scope, it might be a good model to go for. But, the disadvantage is that you should have some way of evaluating what might be a reasonable time for delivering the requirements. In other words, you should have the tech know how to evaluate if the output is commensurate with the time spent, or you should have a vendor who is transparent and reliable 

3. Staff Augmentation

This is not for you if you don’t have a tech team inside. This is suitable for entrepreneurs who have an in house tech team and want specialized capabilities for a specific period of time. Of course,you can hire a freelancer for the same.  But, an individual might not have the accountability that an entity does.  So it is preferred to hire a resource on a short term contract from a vendor offering staff augmentation services - Go for it only for urgent, specialized, and short term requirements. The advantage is that - you keep the costs variable; once the need for the resources is over, you need not pay for them. The disadvantage is that the per month cost can be on the higher side. However, if it is going to solve your problem, it is worth it.  Also, it can be a great way to scale or downsize your resources depending on market conditions. 

4. Managed Teams

The managed team is almost the same as staff augmentation , except that here the management aspect of the project is also outsourced. Assume you have a tech start up and have a small internal team to develop and deploy stuff. As your needs grow, you might want to introduce new modules, or you might want a solid maintenance team for your product or project. In those cases, this could be a great model, as you have a vendor who takes accountability for the resources and their management. If you can identify a great vendor who can understand your code base in detail and provide solid support—nothing like that—it makes a lot of sense to go for the model, as you will get quality and flexibility

Parameters For Selecting Engagement Model

Conclusion

Knowing your requirement parameters and choosing the right model of engagement with your software vendor can increase the probability of success significantly. So,the next time you think of developing something for your business needs, write down your requirements and choose the model that works for them. Cheers!!!

How to develop high coded software using the SonarQube tool?

Have you ever been stuck with messy code that's hard to understand and fix? Not only you, however, but this issue may have affected every IT CTO and CEO. In this blog, we will discuss a tool that helps to fix all the developers' issues and improves code quality. We are going to talk about a helpful tool called SonarQube.

What is SonarQube?

SonarQube is an open-source platform that discovers bugs, security flaws, and code smells in over 20 programming languages in addition to executing continuous code quality inspection and automatic reviews.

What are the benefits of SonarQube for high-quality code?

• Improves Quality: Enhances application code quality, leading to increased revenue, brand awareness, and better user engagement.

• Grows Developer Skills: Provides regular code feedback, enabling developers to learn from mistakes and improve future code.

• Continuous Quality Management: Incorporates quality control in every development phase, increasing maintainability and reducing technical debt costs.

• Reduces Risk: Scans code as it's written, reducing digital risk and preventing security breaches.

• Scalable: It will handle projects with millions of lines of code.

• Increases Productivity: Reduces maintenance costs, allowing developers to focus on code writing.

How SonarQube improve code quality for software?

If you are a developer, team leader, or project manager, picture yourself as a CTO/CEO managing a project that is full of errors, duplication of code, and security holes. The code appears to be a very challenging puzzle to solve, a common headache for all developers trying to improve code quality in complex scenarios. This situation often leads to frustration, especially when the deadlines for the project are tight.

Trying to fix these issues becomes a priority for the software development team, which creates a lot of stress for the team. In situations like these, maintaining good code quality feels like a difficult task. but there is a solution - SonarQube. This tool helps guide the developers through the code challenges, find the real problems, and improve the overall code quality of the software product.

Boosting Code Quality with SonarQube at Techno Tackle Software Solutions:

When managing code becomes a very difficult task for the developers, frustration increases, particularly when they meet tight deadlines. Enhancing the code quality becomes a tough job, and bugs that appear at the deployment stage require more time and effort to fix rather than moving forward.

In our company Techno Tackle Software Solutions we have 80+ employees including developers, who fight with this issue during our software development life cycle. Recognizing the need for solutions, we implemented SonarQube. This tool acts as a signal, making a difference as we explore through the complexities of code, identify issues, and ultimately enhance the quality of our software development processes, providing great relief to the developers.

We knew poor code quality was slowing down our teams for several reasons:

●            Reduced productivity of developers: Expended time troubleshooting flawed old code

●            An excessive number of production flaws pushes inadequate, untested code

●            Performance at slow speeds: Growing technical debt over time

●            High upkeep expenses: sustaining complex codebases can be challenging

After weighing our options, we chose to use SonarQube as the standard for integrated code quality and technical debt management.

How to improve code quality using SonarQube?

SonarQube is a code quality assurance tool that performs in-depth code analysis and generates an analysis report to ensure code reliability. SonarQube combines static and dynamic code analysis to empower continuous code quality practices.

SonarQube also provides support for 27 different languages, including C, C++, Java, Javascript, PHP, GO, Python, and much more. SonarQube also provides CI/CD integration, and gives feedback during code review with branch analysis and pull request decoration.

SonarQube is a robust code quality analysis tool with a combination of both static and dynamic analysis tools to review the source code and generate reports on the code quality of your project. It identifies bugs in your code by scanning the project and notifying developers to address them. To implement SonarQube, you need to install the tool, subsequently install a scanner, and create projects for scanning.

The achievements and future goals of integrating SonarQube:

As a result of our collective dedication to writing cleaner code, our engineering culture has improved. In the last six months, we've seen:

●            35 percent fewer errors and bugs

●            A 55% decrease in production-related complaints

●            Average developer velocity increased by 47%.

●            Much easier on boarding for new employees      

We want to use SonarQube even more in the future to continue our study and meet our high standards for quality. As the future limits of quality, integrating security and performance testing are high on our list of priorities!

Conclusion:

Is the speed of your codebase decreasing? Do performance difficulties, safety risks, and bugs come into production? Is the time spent debugging complicated, outdated systems?

Don't accept what is present if your team can connect to these difficulties, or else constructed deadlines will keep degrading quality. When you examine SonarQube objectively, you'll see how much more productive development can be achieved.

Ask for a free, customized consultation. Please contact our team to get started on the transformation right now. Allow us to identify your particular problems and provide code quality data to demonstrate how SonarQube may assist in effectively solving them. Request a free SonarQube consultation to enhance code performance.