Category Archive : Software

What Is the Work of a Software Engineer?

Software engineering is an aspect of computer science. The field of software engineering uses mathematical formulas, analysis along with the principles of computer science. A software engineer designs develops and creates software applications and packages. A software engineer develops systems and software to create a host of applications, games, operating systems, and network controls.

So, what does the work of a software engineer entail? The software development process creates and tests numerous applications and software systems. Engineers must have extensive knowledge of programming languages, software development, as well as computer operating systems. By applying engineering principles to the process of designing and building software, they create new technology and business solutions. Similar to how a civil engineer ensures that a bridge is created with a solid foundation, software engineers apply building principles to work systemically through the development process.

A software engineer uses programming languages like C++, JavaScript, and Python to design and develop software for computer applications, cloud platforms, web applications, and mobile apps. A software engineer’s responsibilities include designing, developing, testing systems and applications, and maintaining systems with updates and fixes. Additionally, they also work in a collaborative environment with developers and other engineers.

There are many things that a software engineer works on and develops, such as operating systems, computer games, and business applications. A site like nickmccullum.com is a good place to help you understand more about programming languages like Python and JavaScript and the role of a software engineer. You can even take a full course on code block.

A software engineer employs mathematical strategies, engineering principles, and in-depth knowledge of the development process and programming language to create customized systems for a host of industries, businesses, and government agencies. From computer games to operating systems, a software engineer must navigate new changes in technology and innovation to meet the needs of the ever-growing tech world. Let’s take a closer look at the work of software engineers.

Gaming

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Software Engineers help gaming companies design and create games while building scalable services. Their role in the gaming industry includes everything from developing and growing multiplayer services and features to developing dedicated game server hosting capabilities. Those interested in server hosting for Minecraft, for example, want to host and run their own Minecraft games instead of being faced with the unreliability, lag, low latency, and crashes of other game servers. A software engineer helps develop this technology so that gamers can employ and run their own dedicated servers games and improve their gaming experience.

Applications

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Software applications engineers help design and build a host of applications. Every mobile app or desktop computer application that you use was designed and created by application engineers. Application engineers collaborate and assist with product development by bringing together the user and technical perspectives for application creation. Most application engineers are tasked with developing apps that respond to specific needs and demands and offer solutions to common problems.

Systems Engineers

Systems engineers coordinate the creation, maintenance, and growth of computer systems. They design and create solutions for numerous businesses and organizations by coordinating departments, offering technical direction, and building networks. A Software Systems Engineer assesses problems and improves or designs new systems to create more efficient processes. System engineers possess a wide range of technical competencies and can deliver mission-critical infrastructure that focuses on availability, performance, and security.

A software engineer must employ both analytical skills and problem-solving skills to design and deliver innovative technology solutions. They must be intuitive problem-solvers who can focus on both the big picture and the individual moving parts. Rather than having extensive knowledge about a certain area of expertise, a software engineer must have the skills and knowledge relating to numerous areas. Using math, science, and technology, a software engineer delivers solutions across various industries.

5 Reasons You Should Learn ReactJS

Though React faces competition from other big names, the library is still the preferred choice of many developers worldwide. It’s often the right choice if you’re looking to build a new web application, and a compilation of templates means it’s easier than ever to create a workable interface. On top of that, React knowledge is popular with employers, universities, and advanced learning programs.

Whether you’re a business school applicant that’s looking to gain a competitive edge or you’re a job-seeker that wants to amp up your resume, here are a few reasons why you should learn ReactJS.

1. React Native improves the application development process.

Your standard application process involves a fair amount of R&D efforts and application optimization for disparate devices, impeding the process. Using different kits and tools for different operating system applications bogs down the app development process and is a key weakness for developers. Using React Native and the React-Admin framework, you can capably develop functioning applications for common operating systems like iOS and Android. This way, you don’t have to learn multiple ways to present a single application. In fact, once you’ve built up your React background, you can offer applications to your target audience members more quickly, efficiently, and widely. Since wide availability can impact product success or failure, it’s important to know you’re creating more accessible applications that touch on unique market needs.

2. ReactJS offers home automation options.

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React-Admin is one of the many tools you’ll see applied to home automation and management efforts. With React-Admin, the admin panel, and the general framework, you’re able to streamline the automation process and build open-source apps that connect distinct devices to your router. This means you can tie up an automation network to your mobile devices, My Cloud Home products, and other smart home devices like your speaker setup, security devices, and more. There are even existing examples of React users developing smart home interfaces that update in real-time. With the right triggers and feedback loops, it’s possible to create a more privatized automation network that offers greater levels of control.

3. React has a robust community of learners and professionals.

Whether you’re actively meeting with an MBA application consultant to prepare for business school or you’re trying to add another skill to a resume full of work experience, you’re liable to meet a kindred spirit in the React community. In fact, without the community, many modern React use cases wouldn’t exist. Since members actively contribute to the open-source library, it grows at a significant rate. It also allows users to contribute their own components to the library. Members talk across Reddit, Github, and other popular forums to exchange ideas, projects, and components. So, whether you want to impress MBA admissions with your skillset or you want to meet other career professionals, the React userbase can help.

4. Many corporations use React.

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Even if you’re fresh out of the top school in the country, some corporations won’t consider you for employment unless you present current, competitive skills. As such, many business schools and STEM students want to add React to their resumes. Part of the reason why React is so popular is that it was built to scale alongside business and application needs. It’s also proven that it has the capacity to do so. React was originally developed by Facebook, which shows that it has large-scale end-users. If you have an internet connection and use web apps developed by your favorite brands, developers can build those web apps on the React framework. Many brands work directly with React or tangentially to the framework from data providers to top business schools.

5. React has a smaller learning curve.

One key strength of React is that it doesn’t require a degree from Harvard Business School to master. While secondary education can help you get the comprehensive package and layouts of React, you can learn a fair amount on your own without ever spending a cent. Compared to Angular, React isn’t as “heavy,” and it’s also more intuitive. While thinking in React might require a few adjustments here and there, you’ll soon be able to create objects and apps after a few days of learning and research. This is doubly effective if you already have a stronger working knowledge of JavaScript. However, even the novice developer can learn different React concepts and incorporate them into web applications.

In many ways, React is the best way to develop applications that give you full control. While you might need a tutorial or two before you get started, the right insights can set you on a path to React success. Whether you’re looking to impress your MBA admission consultant or you want to start developing more impactful applications, React is your best bet. This frontend framework offers some helpful tools and a group of users that you can’t beat.

5 Tips for Managing a Research Lab

Management isn’t easy, whether you’re running a train station, a gallery, or a research lab. That being said, running a lab comes with more risks than running a boutique clothing shop does. There are plenty of hazards that the house team at a lab comes into contact with daily. Various dangerous materials, complicated machinery, and other dangers lie in wait for laboratory workers. There’s a reason that OSHA standards exist, and it’s to make sure that laboratories remain safe spaces for people to work in, whether they’re filled with software developers or chemists.

While this may sound daunting, there are a few key things to keep in mind that can make running a research laboratory a smooth experience. Read more to find out about the best way to maintain occupation safety and avoid unnecessary hazards to your house team’s health.

1. Keep everyone awake and hydrated.

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Sometimes software developers, scientists, and other laboratory employees have to work long hours on detailed tasks. This is especially common if the laboratory you’re running is part of a small business that’s trying to make waves and stand out on the scene. If this is the case, you want to ensure that your team isn’t falling asleep as they work, especially when there are health hazards lying about and dangerous machinery that shouldn’t be operated when drowsy. However, despite wanting everyone to be awake, you also don’t want to blow your entire small business’ budget at Starbucks or Peet’s.

One solution to this problem is to sign up for a coffee delivery service. Really excellent coffee service will allow you to choose the blend and roast of the coffee you’re ordering, whether it’s espresso or brewing coffee, and you can even add flavor preferences or specialty teas to your order. With a coffee subscription, you’ll be saving money on cups of coffee and making sure that the house team at your startup is focused on the task at hand and not keeping their drooping eyelids from closing.

2. Make sure you’re using pure water without contaminants.

If you’re developing software, you don’t need to think about pure water, deionizers, or reverse osmosis processes, but many other research facilities do need to be aware of these issues. If you’re working with delicate materials, you know that tap water will not do the kind of tasks you’re carrying out. Deionized water (DI water) purified through reverse osmosis is free of contaminants and impurities, not to mention minerals like calcium that are often found in ‘hard water.’ If you want to adhere to best practices for maintaining water purity and keeping ions and minerals like calcium, sodium, or magnesium out of your water source, you need to invest in a deionized water solution for your laboratory. While it may seem like an extravagance, bear in mind that impurities and ions in the water can compromise your whole research project, so taking care of the liquid you use is actually a crucial part of managing a successful research facility.

3. Learn more about OSHA requirements.

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Safety has to be the priority, regardless of what you’re researching and which time zone of the United States you’re operating in. After all, a supervisor’s role is to make sure everything runs smoothly, which means keeping the workplace secure and comfortable. Some supervisors show resistance when they learn all they must do to adhere to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. Still, the truth is that a certificate of OSHA compliance shows that employer responsibility is being taken seriously in a facility.

If you’re a supervisor or project manager who needs to get your facility up to code and aren’t sure where to start, OSHA training courses are available for that purpose precisely. During the OSHA training course, a trainer will walk you through all the steps involved in getting your facility OSHA compliant. Everything from mitigating hazards to fall protection comes up during the training course, so you’ll be sure to be prepared for anything the OSHA representatives ask of you.

4. Put software outsourcing to good use.

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A project manager can keep everyone on task and safe by using a software outsourcing company to manage databases, manage projects, and get customized software geared to a facility’s specific needs. Software out sourcing and working with software developers or software engineers who have the ability to understand your needs and streamline your employee experience will make everything easier.

By employing a software solution grounded in machine learning and artificial intelligence, a business owner or supervisor such as yourself can be using programs that are continuously learning about your specific business needs. Keeping track of suppliers, streamlining workflow and communication, and data management or analysis will all take your capacity to the next level. This is critical for several important reasons. By relying upon an outsourced company for software development, you’ll be working with sharper tools without the expense of paying someone on your house team to figure out the nuts and bolts for you.

5. Invest in employee experience.

Happy employees take more care with their work, and that’s just the simple truth. In fact, this may be the most important thing that a business owner can invest in. You can have the best coffee, the purest deionized water, and the smartest software developers, but if your employees aren’t happy, you can count on a lousy workflow. That, of course, means that you won’t bring financial success to your small business the way that Prabir Purohit brought to Dominion Energy. Take an example from Purohit. He knew that it’s not just about being the most important worksite in the U.S.; it’s about having a development team that cares about company values and feels committed to one another. Whether you’re in South Carolina, Maine, New York, or California, you need to have a finger on the pulse of your house team’s social dynamics. Ensure everyone is happy and fulfilled, and you’ll be running a successful worksite in no time.

What Equipment Is Needed to Run a Call Center?

When you set up a call center, you streamline the process for your team to achieve goals. A great set up starts with considering how many employees you’ll need and setting concrete objectives for your call center. 

Once those are established, you’ll want to make sure the call center equipment you use is right for your needs. Here are some tips for getting your new system running. 

Find Practical Computers

Call center operations use sophisticated software to enhance the customer experience and ensure that all calls are routed to the right agent for minimum frustration and maximum efficiency. The desktop computer is the basic element undergirding the whole operation. Even when using cloud-based call center software, agents need a way to access it.

Locate your nearest uBreakiFix location so any computer issues can be fixed the right way the first time, and with minimal downtime. As you buy, choose desktops over laptops. While some laptops are cheaper, there are good reasons to prefer desktops: 

  • Faster processing speeds at a lower cost than equivalent speeds on a laptop
  • More storage space
  • More connections for working with headsets, microphones or any other add-ons
  • Greater safety for your investment, as a larger size, makes them harder to steal and less likely to be moved and dropped

Use Efficient Headsets

Your personnel needs quality headsets. The traditional phone simply won’t do the job, and a poor quality headset will result in frustrated customers (and agents). Agents will have difficulty hearing the customer over the noise of the call center, and customers will have trouble making out the agent if the headsets aren’t equipped with a quality microphone.

While choosing a headset is always a balance of cost and quality, good headsets have a few things in common:

  • They are wired since wireless headsets have to be recharged and cost more for equivalent quality
  • They are comfortable so that agents are not tempted to remove them frequently
  • They offer noise reduction technology that enables agents to hear customers clearly
  • They have a reputation for quality, so you don’t have to replace them in just a few months
  • They have USB connections for the best sound quality and voice clarity

Select User-Friendly Software 

The software you choose for your call center should improve quality and speed. Good software gets your agents, customers and business goals all on the same page and reduces handling times, callbacks, and transfers. The right software will also offer you a high degree of functionality without the need to invest in extensive on-premises infrastructure.

There are many types of cloud-based call center software available, but not all are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

  • Omnichannel integration so you can communicate with your customers seamlessly across channels
  • Call center quality management so you can observe, measure, and evaluate how the call center is performing
  • Consistent, reliable uptime with 24/7 customer support
  • Scalability so your call center can respond flexibly to your business needs
  • Predictive dialers with CRM integrations and customizable workflow

Settle In With Comfortable Equipment

Call centers have an unpleasant reputation for high turnover among agents. Every time an agent leaves, you have to find a new one, retrain them, and accept slower speeds and lowered efficiency for a while as the new agent learns the ropes. One simple way of retaining your call center agents is by making them comfortable.

You may choose to make agents comfortable by hiring them to work from home, but if you have them come to your facility, here are some things to consider getting:

  • Chairs comfortable enough to sit in for hours at a time
  • Desks designs and computer mice that minimize repetitive stress injury
  • Lighting that is comfortable rather than glaring
  • Blue light filters for computer screens to minimize headaches and eyestrain
  • A break room where agents can decompress

The future of Robotics