Thoughts on (Modern?) Software Development - Observations From a 21-Year Journey
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Alex Thurow
Alexander Thurow Software Development & Consulting
Founder
In software development, it’s tempting to chase the latest tools. However, some of the most effective solutions have been around for decades. In this talk, we’ll delve into the enduring value of timeless (testing) tools.
We’ll explore why established tools like Selenium, GNU Make, Maven, and Bash remain vital in today’s toolkit. Despite their age, these tools are adaptable, versatile, and reliable. I’ll share examples of how they’ve consistently addressed our testing and automation challenges, proving that sometimes, the “old” ways are the best.
While I also use AI tools in my daily work, this isn’t a rant against them. This session aims to encourage a deeper appreciation of familiar tools. By understanding their strengths, you can make more informed decisions and enrich your toolbox.
Let’s rediscover the power of the classics and see how they can work hand in hand with modern tools for a “best of both worlds” approach to software testing and development.
World Congress 2026 Europe - Virtual Stage
Alex Thurow
Alexander Thurow Software Development & Consulting
Founder
Jen Callou
JenCallou.de
Founder
Sérgio Sancho Pinto
Celfocus
Software Development Engineer
Jens Knipper
OpenValue
Senior Software Engineer