Last week, our team at Ncoded Solutions tuned into the **Next.js Conference 2024**. Expectations were high for this conference, especially with the significant shifts in recent years like the **App Router** and **React Server Components**. There's been a lot of chatter online about this year’s Next.js conference, with some wondering if the updates were a bit light. But as we watched the sessions, it was clear that the focus was on strengthening stability, performance and scalability.

The big news? **Next.js 15 is finally here and stable!** It introduces some solid features that strengthen the framework with improved data handling, caching control and Turbopack stability. Let’s have a quick recap of this year’s conference and the best features of the new Next.js 15 version.

## Highlights from Next.js Conference 2024

### React Server Components
A standout session from Norwegian developer **Aurora Scharff** (Inmeta) showcased best practices for **React Server Components**. Through a [live demo](https://youtu.be/CvAySC5ex9c) of her interactive task manager app, built with **Next.js 15**, **Tailwind CSS**, and **Prisma**, she demonstrated how server-side rendering improves app performance by reducing JavaScript bundle sizes, enhancing interactivity, and enabling real-time streaming. 

Aurora also introduced **Partial Prerenderin**g — a technique that allows developers to prerender specific sections of a page, balancing performance with functionality by reducing server load. 

### Optimizing LCP with Partial Prerendering
**Wyatt Johnson**’s talk took **Partial prerendering (PPR**) further, focusing on its impact on **Core Web Vitals**, especially **Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)**. Using the eco-friendly “Eco Store” app as an example, Wyatt explained how PPR merges static and dynamic rendering. In static rendering, the initial page loads quickly but lacks real-time data, while dynamic rendering delivers the latest content but can leave users waiting as the server processes each request.

static-vs-dynamic.png

With PPR, Next.js builds a **static shell** of the page ahead of time, loading essentials like **CSS**, **JavaScript** and **fonts** directly from the edge for a near-instant initial view. At the same time, a request is sent to the server for live data, combining the speed of static elements with the interactivity of real-time updates. 

## Key Features of Next.js 15
Next.js 15 introduced some interesting features (check out the [Vercel's list](https://nextjs.org/blog/next-15)), and our team at Ncoded Solutions has already picked a few top favourites:

### Async request APIs for better data handling
One of the most impactful updates in Next.js 15 is the move to async request APIs. This means that server-side rendering doesn’t have to wait for all data before rendering, enabling faster load times and a more responsive user experience. This change affects the following APIs:
- **cookies**
- **headers**
- **draftMode**
- **params** (in layout.js, page.js, route.js, default.js, generateMetadata, generateViewport)
- **searchParams** (in page.js)

Although synchronous access is still available, the async approach will be the new standard.

Screenshot 2024-10-29 at 23.58.02.png

### Improved caching semantics
Next.js used to be pretty aggressive regarding how it caches stuff and it could lead to some strange behaviours, sometimes causing outdated content. Now, Next.js 15 has changed its caching approach, moving from automatic caching to an **opt-in model**. 

**Fetch requests**, **GET route handlers** and **client navigations** now **prioritise fresh data over cached content**, ensuring pages automatically refresh when revisited. This change gives developers more control over when data is cached, making it easier to manage real-time data needs without risking outdated information, providing a smoother, more dynamic user experience.

cache-next-js.png

### Full support for React 19
**React 19** compatibility is now **built into Next.js 15**, bringing support and new experimental hooks like **useActionState**, **useFormStatus** and **useOptimistic**. These hooks simplify state management for actions, improve real-time form tracking, and allow for optimistic updates, which are perfect for creating responsive UIs that update instantly while waiting for server data.

react19+next15.png

Next.js 15 also introduces support for the new experimental **React Compiler** from **Meta**. Designed to deeply understand JavaScript semantics and React rules, this compiler optimizes code by reducing the need for manual memoization with **useMemo** and **useCallback**. By adding automatic optimizations, the React Compiler makes code easier to maintain and less error-prone.

### More detailed hydration errors
Debugging hydration errors just became less painful! 🎉 
Next.js 15 now includes **more detailed hydration error messages**, showing the error messages that actually make sense and **exact source code** that caused the issue. This means less time spent hunting for bugs and diagnosing errors, and more time building cool stuff. We’re very happy about this change! 😄

For example, this was a hydration error in Next.js 14:



hydration-error-1.png

hydration-error-2.png

### Stable Turbopack 
**Turbopack** is now **officially stable**, providing substantial speed improvements for development. By running **next dev --turbo**, developers can experience faster build times, hot refreshes, and server startup speeds. These improvements are particularly beneficial for larger applications, making the development process much smoother and more efficient.

- Up to **76.7%** faster local server setup
- Up to **96.3%** faster code updates with fast refresh
- Up to **45.8%** faster initial route compile without caching 

This feature is really awesome and let’s hope it becomes a default in some near future 🤞
You can learn more about this cool tool [here](https://nextjs.org/blog/turbopack-for-development-stable).

### The new Form component
The new **<Form> component** in Next.js 15 is focused on forms that primarily have a function to navigate to another page – like search form. It enables:
- **Prefetching** – layout and loading UI are prefetched when the form is in view, so navigation is faster
- **client-side navigation** – shared layouts and client-side state are preserved on submission
- **progressive enhancement** – even if JavaScript hasn’t loaded yet or is disabled, the form still works via full-page navigation.

For example:


```
import Form from 'next/form';
 
export default function Page() {
  return (
    <Form action="/search">
      <input name="query" />
      <button type="submit">Submit</button>
    </Form>
  );
}
```

For forms that are used for submitting some data, we still need to use a regular form element. 

TypeScript Support for next.config.ts
TypeScript fans will appreciate the new support for next.config.ts. With TypeScript in the configuration file, developers now benefit from type-safety and autocomplete, making code less error-prone and easier to maintain. Example:


```
import type { NextConfig } from 'next';
 
const nextConfig: NextConfig = {
  /* config options here */
};
 
export default nextConfig;
```

After exploring all these updates, you may be considering Next.js for your next project. Check out our thoughts on whether Next.js is the right fit for you in our [blog post](https://ncodedsolutions.com/en/articles/should-you-use-next-js-for-your-upcoming-projects/).

## How to upgrade to Next.js 15?
Next.js 15 introduces the **@next/codemod CLI** that makes upgrading your existing Next.js project pretty easy. Here’s the command:


```
npx @next/codemod@canary upgrade latest

```

This tool helps you upgrade your codebase to the latest stable or prerelease versions. The CLI will update your dependencies, show available codemods, and guide you through applying them.

## Wrapping up
As you could see, the **Next.js Conference 2024** delivered impressive updates focused on making development faster, smarter, and more efficient. While it didn’t have the flashiest announcements, Next.js 15 comes packed with solid improvements in stability, performance, and scalability. With async APIs, Turbopack, React 19 compatibility, and detailed hydration error messages, it’s clear these upgrades are all about making life easier for developers. 

At Ncoded Solutions, we’re definitely ready to test these features out. **Which Next.js 15 feature excites you the most?** Let us know in the comments or reach out to us ✍️

large_Build.gif

medium_Build.gif

small_Build.gif

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Build.gif

Explore key features in Next.js 15, from React Server Components to Turbopack.

Discover what’s new in Next.js 15 from Ncoded Solutions' recap. Key updates on speed, stability, and smarter tools for developers.

Next.js conference 2024 recap by Ncoded Solutions: What’s new in Next.js 15?  #14

Remember when deploying code used to be such a headache? Endless manual steps, unexpected errors and long downtimes made it a real pain for developers. Without an efficient **workflow**, too much time gets spent on setup instead of coding…



Thankfully, those days are behind us. Today, we have and , tools that make the deployment process much easier 😄



In this blog post, we'll explore how [Vercel](https://vercel.com/docs), combined with [GitHub Actions](https://github.com/features/actions), can automate your **CI/CD pipeline**, make the whole process smoother and take the stress out of deployments – except on **Fridays**.😅



At [Ncoded Solutions](https://ncodedsolutions.com/en), we've adopted this approach to keep our deployments as hassle-free as possible. We'll walk you through a simple tutorial for automating your deployment process, so keep scrolling.

&nbsp;
&nbsp;

-----------
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

## Vercel

First things first, what is **Vercel**? 



No judgement here, but if you haven't heard of it yet, that's quite surprising… 🧐

Vercel is a big deal in the web development world because it makes deploying and managing web applications super easy. It’s a cloud based system that’s widely used by developers due to its seamless integration with popular frameworks and libraries like **Next.js**, **React**,** Angular** and **Vue.js**, providing a powerful and scalable environment for modern web projects. Actually, Vercel supports **over 35 frameworks/libraries**; you can find the full list .



The important thing is that your project needs to be hosted somewhere to be accessible to users on the web. In order to achieve that, it needs to be deployed to a server. Here are a few common options for doing this:

1. Host it on a **dedicated server**, separate from your backend.
2. Host it on the **same server** as your backend.
3. Host it on a **Platform-as-a-Service** (PaaS) like Heroku, Railway, Render, etc.

Each of these options requires considerable **setup and configuration**. This includes setting up authentication and networking to your local environment and possibly your backend server(s), caching your project globally for fast access, handling DNS to provide a user-friendly URL and more. While these tasks might seem overwhelming, they are crucial for a successful deployment.

**Vercel**, and its competition, are designed to simplify project deployment by automating many of these tasks, making the process as seamless as possible.

In the context of a **CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment)**, Vercel plays a key role in the deployment phase. It aims to make the software development process **faster** and more **efficient**.

&nbsp;
## Continuous Integration (CI)
Continuous Integration involves frequently merging code changes into a shared repository. Automated testing and building ensure that the application functions correctly before deployment. These tasks can be automated using GitHub Actions:

GitHub Actions can run a suite of tests on your application every time you push new code, ensuring that your changes don’t break existing functionality. This helps in identifying and fixing bugs early in the development cycle.
GitHub Actions can also handle the build process, compiling your code into a production-ready format.

By automating these steps, CI reduces the risk of integration issues and improves the overall quality of the software.

&nbsp;
## Continuous Deployment (CD)
Once your application has successfully passed all tests in the CI phase, it’s time for Continuous Deployment, where Vercel takes the spotlight:

Vercel automatically deploys the latest version of your application as soon as it passes the CI tests. This ensures that your production environment is always up-to-date with the latest code changes.
By integrating Vercel with GitHub Actions, any code merged into your main branch can trigger an automatic deployment, minimizing manual intervention and speeding up the release cycle.

> Simply put: CI is a set of practices performed as developers are writing code, while CD is a set of practices performed after the code is completed.



ci:cd process.png

## GitHub Actions
GitHub Actions is a tool integrated with GitHub that allows you to **build**, **test** and **deploy** your code with ease. By setting up **workflows**, you can define a series of actions that run automatically in response to events in your repository, such as code pushes or pull requests.

[GitHub workflows](https://docs.github.com/en/actions/using-workflows) are part of the GitHub Actions and they’re automated processes that you can set up directly in your GitHub repository. Workflows allow you to automate a wide range of tasks, from running tests to deploying applications and sending notifications. They’re defined with YAML files in the .github/workflows folder of your project. Key components of workflows are: **triggers**, **jobs** and **steps**.

* **Triggers** specify events that trigger the workflow, such as pushes to a branch or pull requests.
* **Jobs** define a series of tasks that run on virtual machines. Each job contains multiple steps.
* **Steps** are individual tasks within a job, like checking out code, setting up environments, running tests or deploying applications.

Okay, now you’re ready to start our tutorial 👇🏼

## Step-by-step tutorial to automating deployments with Vercel and GitHub Actions
### Prerequisites
First of all, if you don’t have a project yet, you should create one as soon as possible. After your project is created, make your first commit and push it in order to link the project with your GitHub repository. 

### YAML files
In the root project folder, create a new folder named **.github** and a subfolder named **workflows**. 


workflows-folder.png

**For each pipeline or a workflow you want to create, you’ll need a separate YAML file inside of the workflows folder.**

In our case, we’ll make two: a **production** and a **preview** deployment pipeline, so let’s name the files accordingly: **production.yaml** and **preview.yaml**. 

In your new yaml file **.github/workflows/production.yaml**, copy and paste the following code:


```
name: Vercel Production Deployment
env:
  VERCEL_ORG_ID: ${{ secrets.VERCEL_ORG_ID }}
  VERCEL_PROJECT_ID: ${{ secrets.VERCEL_PROJECT_ID }}
on:
  push:
    branches:
    
      - main
jobs:

  Deploy-Production:
  
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      
      - name: Install Vercel CLI
        run: npm install --global vercel@latest
       
      - name: Pull Vercel Environment Information
        run: vercel pull --yes --environment=production --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
        
      - name: Build Project Artifacts
        run: vercel build --prod --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
        
      - name: Deploy Project Artifacts to Vercel
        run: vercel deploy --prebuilt --prod --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
```
&nbsp;
For better understanding, we’ll explain each part of this file:

```
name: Vercel Production Deployment
```
* **name** – represents the name of your pipeline (workflow)


```
env:
  VERCEL_ORG_ID: ${{ secrets.VERCEL_ORG_ID }}
  VERCEL_ORG_ID: ${{ secrets.VERCEL_ORG_ID }}
  VERCEL_PROJECT_ID: ${{ secrets.VERCEL_PROJECT_ID }}
```
* **env** – here you define environment variables that will be available in all jobs of a workflow. VERCEL_ORG_ID and VERCEL_PROJECT_ID are retrieved from GitHub Secrets to securely manage sensitive information.
```
on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main
```
* **on** – in order for workflow to be triggered automatically, we use on to define the appropriate events that trigger the workflow. 

For production, our production pipeline should start only when something is pushed to the main branch. Here, we specify every push into the repository, but then define a filter for certain branches.

```
jobs:
  Deploy-Production:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
```

* **jobs** – here we are describing what we need to perform in our workflow, and here it’s just one job – Deploy-Production job that runs on ubuntu-latest virtual machine.

```
steps:
```

* **steps** – a list of the steps or tasks that should be done within the job. 

```
  - uses: actions/checkout@v2
```

* The first step is usually to checkout to the repository. 

```
     - name: Install Vercel CLI
        run: npm install --global vercel@latest
```

* Then we install the Vercel CLI using npm (since we need it for deployment)

```
- name: Pull Vercel Environment Information
        run: vercel pull --yes --environment=production --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
```

* Before we can use Vercel to build a project, we need to pull the environment configuration for the production environment from Vercel using the token stored in GitHub Secrets. This will save environment variables and project settings from a Vercel cloud to a local cache in a subfolder. You should pass ‘production’ as an environment and a token.

```
- name: Build Project Artifacts
        run: vercel build --prod --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
```

* Run vercel build which builds your project with Vercel CLIt. We pass a token for authentication.

```
     - name: Deploy Project Artifacts to Vercel
        run: vercel deploy --prebuilt --prod --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
```

This step deploys the prebuilt project artefacts to Vercel using the token stored in **GitHub Secrets**.  The **--prebuilt** flag is passed since we did a building in the previous step.

That’s it, the Production pipeline is all set up! 🚀

For the Preview pipeline, the file is pretty similar with some simple changes:

```
name: Vercel Preview Deployment
env:
  VERCEL_ORG_ID: ${{ secrets.VERCEL_ORG_ID }}
  VERCEL_PROJECT_ID: ${{ secrets.VERCEL_PROJECT_ID }}
  
on:
  push:
    branches-ignore:
      - main
      
jobs:
  Deploy-Preview:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      
      - name: Install Vercel CLI
        run: npm install --global vercel@latest
        
      - name: Pull Vercel Environment Information
        run: vercel pull --yes --environment=preview --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
        
      - name: Build Project Artifacts
        run: vercel build --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
        
      - name: Deploy Project Artifacts to Vercel
        run: vercel deploy --prebuilt --token=${{ secrets.VERCEL_TOKEN }}
```


preview-settings.png

After you commit and push the changes to GitHub repository, in Actions section you’ll see something like this:


production-deploy-1.png

The pipeline is **running** (because we did a push to the **main** branch), but it failed. Why? Because the **variables** that are needed in the pipeline are **not present yet**. 


deploy-failed.png

In order to get those variables, we’ll need to create a Vercel project. 

### Create a Vercel project
Go to [vercel.com](vercel.com) and make a free account, if you don’t have one already. You can choose to authenticate either with a **Git provider** or by using an email. 

Vercel CLI needs an **API access token**, so in addition to that we need an org ID and a project ID of the project. 

Once you’re logged in, go to **Account Settings** > **Tokens** and create a new token.

tokens.png

Define a **name**, **scope** and an **expiration date** and then click on the **Create** button. Copy your token and go to your GitHub repository Settings and under Secrets and variables choose **Actions**. Create a new repository secret named **VERCEL_TOKEN** and paste your token in the **Secret section**.

Now we can create a Vercel project and we can do it using the Vercel CLI locally. 

First, install the Vercel CLI:
```
npm i -g vercel
```

Then login into a Vercel account:
```
vercel login
```

Create a Vercel project using:
```
vercel link 
```

This command will ask you a few questions:


vercel-link.png

Vercel **recognizes the framework automatically** so it suggests appropriate build and install commands for your project. You can modify these if you want, in this tutorial we won’t do it. 

The result of the **vercel link** command is the .vercel subfolder in your project. It contains the project.json file with **project** and **org IDs**. 

ids.png

Copy those two values and make two new secrets in your GitHub repository. The first one should be called **VERCEL_PROJECT_ID** and the second one **VERCEL_ORG_ID**. 

Our Vercel configuration is done. Now we can test out the pipelines!

### Run the pipelines
Let’s first try out the **Preview pipeline**. If you remember it will trigger when we make a push on **any brunch but the main**. So, let’s create a new branch, make some changes and push them. In your GitHub repository in **Actions** section you’ll see the Preview pipeline running:

run-the-pipelines-1.png

To test our **Production pipeline** we can simply merge our new pull request into the main branch:


run-the-pipelines-2.png

With everything set up, Vercel will automatically detect your future commits and seamlessly deploy your project.

You can make your pipelines more complex by adding **automated testing**. Just add this peace of code into your yaml file, before the build step:

```
           - name: Run the tests
             run: npm run test
```

This way, every change gets a thorough check-up before going live, giving you peace of mind and extra confidence in your deployments. 

Automatic deployment in Extreme Programming (XP)
When talking about automated deployment, [Extreme Programming (XP)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_programming) is definitely something worth mentioning. It’s an agile software development methodology that focuses on **frequent releases** in **short development cycles**. 


xp.png

Automating your deployment process is incredibly helpful in XP because it makes these frequent deployments fast and reliable. With a good CI/CD pipeline and thorough tests, you can ensure that every change is tested and ready for production without manual intervention. This means the code is always in a deployable state, reducing errors, saving time and allowing your team to focus on creating high-quality code.

Moreover, automated deployment supports XP's emphasis on continuous feedback. By quickly deploying updates, you can gather user feedback sooner and iterate on your software more effectively. 

## Why invest time in automating deployments?
By now, it should be obvious, but let’s make it clearer now:

* **Speed and efficiency** – manual deployments are time-consuming and prone to errors, so automating this process allows you to have rapid, consistent deployments with a reduced time between writing code and getting it into production. This means quicker iteration, faster release cycles and the better response to customer feedback.

* **Consistency and reliability** – with automatic deployments every deployment will follow the exact same steps, eliminating the factor of human errors that often accompany manual processes. So, automated deployments are consistent, repeatable and standardized. 

* **Scalability** – as your project grows, the complexity and frequency of deployments are likely to increase. Automated deployment processes scale effortlessly with your needs.

* **Productivity and better Developer experience** – developers can focus more on what they do the best – writing code and less on the manual work – the deployment process. This improves productivity and fosters better collaboration among team members 🤝

&nbsp;

## Why use Vercel for automated deployment?
Choosing the right platform for automated deployment is crucial to maximizing the benefits of the automation process. You probably noticed our enthusiasm for Vercel in this blog, well here’s why:



vercel-adventages.png

* **Easy integration with modern frameworks** – Vercel is designed to work effortlessly with over 35 modern frameworks and libraries.
* **Global edge network** – Vercel’s global edge network ensures that your applications are served with low latency, providing a fast and responsive user experience regardless of where your users are located. This network also supports automatic scaling, so your application can handle traffic spikes without any manual intervention.
* **Automatic previews** – every time you push changes to your repository, Vercel generates a unique preview URL for that branch or pull request. This feature makes it easy for team members to review changes in a production-like environment before merging, enhancing collaboration and reducing the risk of introducing bugs.
* **Zero configuration** – Vercel automatically detects the framework and sets up the necessary build and deployment settings. 
Built-In CI/CD pipeline – every push to your codebase triggers an automatic build and deployment process, ensuring that the latest changes are always live. 
* **Serverless functions** – allow you to deploy backend code alongside your front-end applications. This feature is particularly useful for building APIs, handling form submissions, or performing other server-side tasks without managing separate server infrastructure.
* **Performance monitoring** – gives you insights into your application’s performance metrics. These tools help you identify and address performance bottlenecks, ensuring your application runs smoothly and efficiently.
* **Custom domains** – With Vercel, setting up custom domains and HTTPS is straightforward. Vercel automatically provisions SSL certificates for your domains, ensuring secure and encrypted connections for your users. 


&nbsp;

## Vercel VS. other popular CI/CD tools
When it comes to CI/CD tools, developers have a variety of options to choose from. So, let’s compare Vercel with other popular CI/CD tools like [Jenkins](https://www.jenkins.io/), [CircleCI](https://circleci.com/) and [Travis CI](https://www.travis-ci.com/).


ci:cd-vs.png

While **Jenkins**, **CircleCI**, and **Travis CI** each have their strengths, **Vercel** stands out for its simplicity, efficiency and seamless integration with modern web development frameworks. 

&nbsp;

--------

&nbsp;

At Ncoded Solutions, these advantages make Vercel our preferred choice for automating our CI/CD pipelines.

Now that you've seen how Vercel and GitHub Actions can revolutionize your deployment workflow, what are your thoughts? 

How do you envision integrating CI/CD pipelines into your projects, and what challenges do you anticipate? 

Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below! 🤝


large_Automatic Deployment 1.gif

medium_Automatic Deployment 1.gif

small_Automatic Deployment 1.gif

thumbnail_Automatic Deployment 1.gif

Automatic Deployment 1.gif

Automate your deployments with Vercel and GitHub Actions. Learn how to streamline your CI/CD pipeline for faster, error-free deployments.

Automate your deployments using CI/CD Pipeline with Vercel and GitHub Actions #13

The competition to grab users’ attention has never been **so intense**. More and more companies are trying to level up their website’s engagement with **blogs**, **multimedia** and **games** – proving that a successful business website needs more than **good looks** and **detailed information**. 

At Ncoded Solutions, we’ve paid close attention to these trends.

As website owners, you want your visitors to stay engaged and interact with the content, but the thing is – _how to achieve that?_ 

At first, the problem seems pretty simple: _we make a website and we want people to use it as long and as frequently as possible_. But, it’s not that easy to grab a user's attention nowadays…

Let’s use good old-fashioned **psychology** for just a moment. Most people like the concept of **rewards**, right? We are inherently **motivated by challenges** and ability to overcome them, and that’s **the engagement cycle** that is hard to break away from. 

So far, the best technique for managing this concept is gaming. In fact, **gaming** is one of the biggest growing entertainment businesses of the 21st century. 

In order to truly stand out, you should consider **gamification** of your website. 
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

-----------------------------------
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
## What is Gamification?
**Gamification** is a special technique used for boosting user experience and engagement in digital products. 

> It adds game-like elements to non-game environments and that’s how it makes websites more dynamic and engaging. 

Game mechanics may include **points**, **levels**, **challenges**, **rewards**, **leaderboards**, and more when applied to websites. 

So it’s not about transforming your website into an actual game – _it just uses game principles in non-game contexts_.

As we like to say here in Ncoded Solutions:

> If there are humans involved in some process, that process can be gamified. 

Game elements can be seamlessly inserted into any digital product to increase its **usability**, **engagement** and **performance**. 

For example, think of social media apps like _Facebook_. If we swap the concept of **likes** for **points** and **number of followers** for **levels**, we’ll soon see the growth in number of users and their overall engagement. Even a smaller change, like _customizing your avatar_ in the app, showed to be very efficient.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

## The engagement cycle

The engagement cycle or the hook model is based on **4 main concepts**:


the-hook-model.png

**Triggers** initiate user–product interactions and they are usually connected to the user's needs and emotions.

**Actions** are basic behaviours that users perform to receive rewards. Balancing actions and rewards in the right way is a real challenge – if a game is too easy or if rewards are too frequent, users may lose their motivation. **Rewards** should feel earned and make the user come back.

**Investment** represents the effort we put into our product to upgrade it and give the user a reason to come back.

## User experience (UX)
Exploring how people interact with digital technologies can be quite complex. Traditionally, the focus was on **usability** — how easy a technology is to use, learn, and perform tasks with. However, **user experience (UX)** goes beyond just usability by considering the **emotional responses** people have when using a product.

> Gamification introduces emotional design elements into UX, which can dramatically affect how users feel about a product. 

Game mechanics like **points**, **badges** or **levels** can evoke feelings of satisfaction which is crucial for positive UX. 
&nbsp;

## User engagement
User engagement is directly linked to how often users return to a digital product and to profitability, that’s why it’s so important. 

> High engagement leads to higher retention rates. 

Also, users that are highly engaged are more likely to return and share your app with friends.

A couple of researches show that fully engaged customers are not only more loyal but also more profitable. 

> On average, a fully engaged customer contributes to a **23%** increase in **profitability**, whereas a disengaged customer can decrease profitability by **13%**. 

This demonstrates the significant impact that customer engagement can have across various industries.

Engagement isn’t just about making your product pretty or nice to use, it’s an interactive process that dynamically builds over time as the user finds new and rewarding things to do. **There is no such thing as being done with engagement**.

&nbsp;
&nbsp;

## Gamification techniques and examples


techniques.png

## Examples of Gamification
Let’s have a look at some real-world examples and see how diverse businesses use gamification techniques to engage their customers and achieve their goals.

&nbsp;

### 1. Linkedin
Every profile on **Linkedin** has its own completion **progress bar** which encourages users to fill it up. The complete Linkedin profile increases its visibility on the platform and helps the user to attract more good opportunities. As it turns out, this **game-like feature** motivates users to engage much more with the Linkedin platform.


linkedin-progress-bar.png

Another thing that Linkedin implements is the **mystery box technique**. 

> “Someone viewed your profile” – at first it seems useless, but the actual goal is to evoke the user's curiosity → “Who viewed my profile? Is someone considering me for a job?”

The user can get an answer by subscribing to Linkedin premium.

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### 2. Duolingo
Another great way to use gamification for business is by encouraging **competition**. Duolingo uses game-like elements – **points**, **levels** and **leaderboard** to make learning a new language more fun and engaging.

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### 3. Salesforce
Badges give users a feeling of accomplishment and push them to level up. A good example of this is Salesforce and their **Trailblazer Community** system. **Salesforce** encourages their users to gain more and more knowledge about Salesforce platform and move up in the ranks at the same time. 



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### 4. Starbucks
**Points systems** drive user engagement by rewarding them for doing specific actions. Starbucks loyalty customers can earn **stars** (point) every time they purchase and stars can be exchanged for **free coffee** or **food** later. Also, this program encourages customers to try out Starbucks new products. 

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To deepen customer relationships, consider integrating a points system alongside a **leveling system**. This approach unlocks new features or content for users as they progress, which will enhance their long-term engagement.

### 5. Nike
Nike uses gamification in their **Nike Run Club** product to make fitness more engaging – users can set their personal goals, earn achievements for their **milestones** and share their success with their friends on social media.
Sharing achievements on **social media** not only provides social validation for the user, but also increases your product’s exposure.


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### 6. Lacoste’s virtual store
**Virtual reality (VR)** enhances user experience by making interactions with digital products more intuitive and realistic. For example, **Lacoste** uses VR in their online store to showcase their collections in a more engaging way. They incorporate "**hunting**" elements, where users can explore the virtual space to find and collect vouchers and discounts, adding an interactive, game-like dimension to shopping.

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## Ncubed
Recently at **Ncoded Solutions**, we launched our game **Ncubed** — a memory game that challenges players in **3 dimensions**. The game presents a cube composed of various cards, and your task is to match pairs of cards as usual. However, instead of laying flat, these cards are arranged on the faces of a rotating **3D cube**. 

But, it’s not just about what you remember, it’s about **how quickly** you can do it and with **as few moves as possible**. 

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To make Ncubed a little bit more exciting, we’ve added a **leaderboard** feature. After completing a game, players can save their scores and see how they rank against other players. 

Ncubed serves as an example of how even simple games can be useful in driving user engagement and enhancing user experience (UX). It’s suitable for players of all ages and offers a great brain exercise – memory and problem solving skills.

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## How to play Ncubed? 
Playing Ncubed is simple:

1. **Rotate the cube** - use your mouse, touchpad or mobile screen to spin the cube and view all its sides.
2. **Find and match** - click on two cards to turn them over. If they match, they'll freeze, bringing you closer to collecting the whole cube
3. **Dominate the leaderboard** - continue matching pairs until all cards are matched and the cube is full. If time runs out, you’ll need to try again. At the end, you can save your score and see your place on the leaderboard. 


**Ready to play?** 

We invite you to try out the **Ncubed game** - it’s available now on the [Ncoded Solutions' website](https://ncodedsolutions.com/). Happy gaming! 🕹️

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Make use of gamification for UX and engagement.

Boost user engagement and UX with strategies from Ncoded Solutions. Discover tips to keep your audience hooked and enhance your website's performance.

How to boost User engagement and UX of your website? #12

Choosing the right technology for your mobile application can be the key part of your business’s success. **Flexibility**, **efficiency** and **performance** are crucial to staying competitive and meeting consumer expectations. 

Developing for **both iOS and Android platforms** often complicates mobile app projects. At Ncoded Solutions, we use React Native to simplify this process, letting you focus on what really matters – your product. React Native enables us to build your app for both platforms simultaneously, reducing development time and costs. That’s why now, we’ll focus on React Native, a powerful framework that revolutionizes how mobile apps are built.

## A choice of the world’s leading companies
When it comes to picking a technology for your mobile app product, knowing who else is using it can be very convincing. React Native is used by some of the biggest names out there - from social media giants to major retailers, this framework is trusted across industries because it works well and saves time. Let’s see who’s using React Native for their mobile products:


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- **Meta**: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger
- **Microsoft**: Microsoft Office, Skype, Microsoft Teams
- **Amazon**: Amazon Shopping, Alexa, Amazon AppStore
- **Shopify**
- **Pinterest**
- **Uber**
- **Tesla**
- **Walmart**
- **Bloomberg**
- **Discord**

More information about this can be found here: [Who is using React Native?](https://reactnative.dev/showcase)

## Cross-platform functionality
One of the biggest advantages React Native offers over native development is **higher code reusability**. In traditional native development, you typically need separate codebases for iOS and Android. This means writing and maintaining two different sets of code, which can be both **time-consuming** and **costly**. It also has the potential to support other platforms through third-party libraries and tools.

## Development speed
With React Native development processes spend **less time**, which can significantly cut down on development and maintenance costs. 

**Fast refreshing** is a feature in React Native that allows developers to see changes to their code in real-time without losing the current state of the app. This speeds up the development process, as developers can quickly iterate on their code and see the results in real-time. It also improves productivity and reduces the time spent waiting for the app to rebuild and reload after each code change.

React Native includes various **pre-built components** and **libraries** that developers can use and they cover common functionalities needed in many apps, such as navigation, state management (e.g., Redux) and forms. This reduces the time needed to build an app from scratch.

## The advantage of JavaScript with React Native
JavaScript continues to dominate the tech world as a key player in programming. It's basically everywhere, from websites to mobile apps and even in server-side technology. It works on nearly all platforms and devices, so it’s highly flexible. Also, with new frameworks, it’s constantly evolving in order to meet modern demands. So if you want to have engaging, interactive digital products, JavaScript is a clear go-to. 

React Native is built on JavaScript and it acts as a **bridge**, translating the JavaScript code into instructions that the iOS and Android devices understand. It utilizes JavaScript and the React framework to allow developers to build applications with native platform capabilities across **Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, tvOS, Web, Windows and UWP**.

As we look to the future, JavaScript's position only strengthens. Currently a hot topic in tech circles is "the programming languages of the future," and JavaScript tops the list. It seems like JavaScript will remain at the forefront of digital innovation for years to come.

### TypeScript
What’s taking its place in modern React Native apps is **TypeScript**. It is an open source language built on top of JavaScript with type definitions. It catches errors at build time instead of run time, making for more stable apps and faster development. 

## Performance
Performance is key in mobile apps, and React Native provides powerful tools to enhance it. One notable feature is **Concurrent Mode**, which allows developers to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, leading to smoother and more responsive apps.

Additionally, React Native has introduced the new **Fabric architecture**. Fabric improves performance by using just one thread for UI operations, significantly enhancing responsiveness on both Android and iOS devices.

## Scalability
React Native offers **significant advantages in scalability** through its cross-platform capabilities. This unified development process leads to **faster deployment** and **easier maintenance**. 

React Native’s component-based architecture facilitates the reuse of code, which can be particularly beneficial as applications grow in complexity and size. Compared to Native tech, React native provides a wider set of opportunities for higher amounts of development work and more complex functionalities.

Ultimately, the choice between React Native and native development should be guided by the specific requirements of the project, but **React Native** seems to be a **winner in terms of scalability**. 


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## The future of React Native

Predicting technology's future is tough, especially with rapid innovations each year. With the rise of wearables, **virtual reality** (VR) and the **Internet of Things** (IoT), the demand for compatible third-party apps is increasing.

React Native is well-equipped to handle these emerging trends. It can integrate with **VR frameworks** (React 360), **AI libraries** (for example TesnorFlow.js for machine learning) and many more. This makes its future in developing apps for new tech like wearables and IoT devices very promising.

## Fun fact
Did you know that the **PlayStation 5 interface** uses React Native? 👀

This choice shows how flexible React Native actually is, bridging the gap between traditional app development and advanced gaming consoles. Sony's use of React Native for the PS5 helps to create a smooth and responsive UX.


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## FAQ
### Can we integrate React Native with existing native apps?
Yes, you can integrate React Native into existing native applications. This is a powerful feature of React Native that allows you to add new functionalities to your app without having to rewrite it entirely. Whether your existing application is built on iOS using Swift/Objective-C or on Android using Java/Kotlin, React Native can be added incrementally.

### Can we use React Native for web development?
Well, yes, it is possible. React Native can be extended to web platforms using the [React Native Web](https://github.com/necolas/react-native-web) project. This library allows us to write code using React Native components and APIs, which then compile to web-compatible HTML and CSS. 

However, while React Native Web makes it possible to share most of your code across platforms, you may still need to make some adjustments and optimizations specifically for the web environment. This is usually done when you need to implement significant business changes in your digital product.

Our team at Ncoded Solutions can help you in the process of selecting the best code base for your project.

### Are React Native apps truly native?
React Native apps are "**truly native**" in the sense that they use native components for rendering the user interface, which means they can provide a user experience comparable to apps developed directly with native SDKs (like using _Swift_ for iOS or _Kotlin_ for Android). However, they are not entirely native because they still rely on JavaScript for their business logic, which runs on a JavaScript engine and communicates with the native components via a bridge.

React Native's approach is to blend the development experience of web technologies with the performance and user interface standards of native development. This combination aims to provide the best of both worlds, enabling faster development cycles and easier maintenance without sacrificing the quality of the end user's experience.

### What are the downsides of React Native? 
Even though it’s great and effective, it must have some weaknesses, right? 

First that comes up is **performance**. React Native offers **near-native performance**, it may not match the exact performance of fully native apps (especially in complex graphics-intensive apps), but the difference won’t be much noticeable to end users.

The next thing is **debugging** in the React Native projects – it can be more complex compared to traditional web or Native app development. Issues may arise from the interaction between JavaScript and native code, making it sometimes challenging to pinpoint the root cause of bugs. 



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React Native - the most popular framework for Mobile development

React Native vs Native development. Which one should you choose? Let's dive in.

Is React Native the future of Mobile app development? #11

The web is constantly changing and evolving. What was considered best practice a year ago may now be **outdated** 🙃
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And no, staying current with the latest web and mobile development standards is not just about keeping your site looking modern - it’s more about ensuring:

* **compatibility**
* **security**
* **accessibility**

That's precisely why our team keeps up with the latest development standards, to ensure your app is secure, fast and user-friendly 🤝
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### Better performance ⚡︎
Modern development standards introduce **optimized codebases**, **leaner frameworks** and **more efficient algorithms**, all of which contribute to **faster load times**, **smoother interactions** and a **more robust overall performance**. 

Your users have to stay **engaged** and not turn to competitors, due to sluggish response times…
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### Enhanced security 🔐
Using the latest standards in development means your application is **less vulnerable to security threats**. This **protects** not just your data but also the information of your users, which is paramount in building trust with your audience.
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Updates usually come with **optimizations** that improve the **performance** of your applications. This can mean **faster load times**, **better resource management** and an overall **smoother user experience**. 
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We have to agree on this: _Happy users are more likely to convert and become **loyal customers**!_
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### Improved UX
Current development standards prioritize:

* **responsive design**
* **accessibility**
* **intuitive navigation**

All of this is ensuring that your product not only meets but **exceeds user expectations**. 

Moreover, these standards keep you **aligned with the latest UX trends** and **technologies**, from **voice navigation** to **gesture controls**.
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### Better SEO
Search engines favor websites that **load quickly**, that are **secure** and are **mobile-friendly**—all of which are encouraged by current web development standards. 

By following these guidelines **we can help improve your site’s visibility**, driving more organic traffic.
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### Competitors
In a crowded marketplace, leveraging the newest technologies can give you a significant competitive edge. It can make your services or products **stand out** by offering something more **efficient**, **secure** and **user-friendly** than your competitors.
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## Why does Accessibility matter so much?

It ensures everyone can use a website. It is no longer an afterthought, it’s a crucial aspect of web design and development. Ensuring your website is accessible to people with disabilities is not just a moral obligation, it’s a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. An accessible website can reach a wider audience, improve your site’s SEO and enhance user experience for everyone. Many people, faced with plain and uninviting text, tend to skip it and scroll further, just like this one. Making your website accessible means everyone can use it easily. Sadly, many sites don’t follow this rule, making it hard for people to use them…





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How often have you caught yourself **struggling to read** a text on a website because the contrast and the sizing were inappropriately set?
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Or been shocked when a video started playing unexpectedly as soon as you loaded a page? 
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→ This is an experience many of us have faced, and it highlights a crucial aspect of website design that often goes overlooked: **Accessibility** and **User comfort**.
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For example, you probably skipped the paragraph before the image, because it's not visually interesting and it has no:
* **boldness**
* **color**
* **format** 
* **structure**
* **media content**

> A website without accessibility is like a **library with no doors**—full of valuable information and potential, but  impossible for anyone to enter and explore...
> 
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## SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

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Equally important is ensuring your site is **easily discoverable**. Everyone wants their product to be **successful** and **easily searchable**. 
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👉🏻 This is where **SEO** comes into play, it boosts your site's visibility and makes sure it reaches the widest possible audience.

Think of it like this: when you search for something on **Google**, you usually check out **the first few options that pop up**, right?

Everyone wants their product to land in those **top 10 spots** because it means more people will find and click on it. 

Simply put:

> Good SEO helps your product stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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## What do we do about this?



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Here's what we can do for your digital products:

1. **Audit & Compliance** - We first make an overview of your present website in comparison to the [Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ](https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/) (WCAG). This lets people with disabilities easily access your website.
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2. **Optimizing for SEO** - From optimizing meta tags and headings to improving your site’s load speed and responsiveness, we ensure that your site is built to rank well on search engines.
Also, we can help fill your content with the right keywords to boost visibility and attract the target audience.
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3. **User-friendly design** - We take an accessible approach to design, offering proper colour contrasts and ensuring your product is easily navigable via keyboard. This improves the usability of your website for all users. 
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4. **Adaptive technology** - We incorporate functionalities that facilitate screen readers and additional assistive technology like text-to-speech and others.
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5. **Constant surveillance** - We offer **ongoing site maintenance** and **monitoring** to ensure that it complies with new standards and technological advancements.
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6. **Local SEO** - For businesses serving local communities, we optimize your site for local search, helping you attract local customers when they’re searching for services or products you offer.

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### Technologies
In addition to the services outlined above, we use a range of technologies specifically designed to enhance accessibility for all users:


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* **VoiceOver for Mac and iOS** - A powerful screen reader that provides auditory descriptions of each onscreen element and is integral for users who are blind or have low vision.

* **NVDA for Windows** - An open-source screen reader that enables blind and visually impaired users to interact with and access Windows operating systems and many third-party applications.

* **TalkBack for Android** - Google's screen reader, which offers vocal and vibration feedback to help users navigate their devices. It’s crucial for making Android apps and content accessible.

* **JAW for Windows** - A screen reader that allows users to read and interact with various elements on Windows. It’s known for its customization options, such as Text-to-Speech and PDF readers.

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Want to see what does a modern app look like? [Contact us](https://ncodedsolutions.com/contacts) ✨

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Learn web accessibility: its importance, benefits, and impact on user loyalty.

Learn why you should invest in web accessibility & SEO and how they can help your product's loyalty. 

Are you up with the latest standards? Is your website accessible? #10

As we celebrate International Women's Day at Ncoded Solutions, we're proud to spotlight the incredible women on our team. From software engineers and project managers to QA specialists, each woman at Ncoded Solutions brings a unique story and set of skills to the table. 
In this blog, we will share their stories through a series of interviews that shed light on their professional journeys ✨
The one thing that was common for all the women we interviewed is their favourite thing about working in Ncoded - ✨the people✨. They all appreciate how everyone is ready to help and encourage each other, making it a great place to work. Also, they mention the wonderful atmosphere and a good sense of humor around the office. 
P.S. You'll notice that all of our engineers are Frontend oriented 😅

# Melita - The first woman of Ncoded (Frontend Engineer)

As the **first woman** to sign a contract at Ncoded Solutions, Melita had a really interesting experience. She was the one to break the ice. Initially, as the only female, she witnessed the team's effort to be polite and not make some of their usual internal jokes in her presence. But, the old habits proved hard to shake, so they made the '**izvini-melita**' (sorry-melita) sticker on **Slack** as a sign of apology 😅



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Let's have a look at Melita's interview:

>Since I was a little girl, I didn't have a clear picture of what I'm going to be when I grow up, but I knew that I was good at **natural sciences** and I had a great love for **mathematics**, so that guided me through schooling, and later university, where everything became clear what profession I would pursue. It all clicked, and my **creative side** and **feeling for aesthetics** naturally guided me to Frontend development. 

#### What your favorite thing about Ncoded?
>The thing I love most about Ncoded is the **amazing energy among the team**. 
>
>For me, **the most important thing when you come to work is that you look forward to it and that you feel good while you are there.**

#### In your opinion, what's the biggest misconception about women in tech, and what's your response to it?

> I don't agree with the idea that tech is just for men; it's more about interest levels, not capability. **We're all equally capable**, regardless of gender. And for those who don't think so, I have only one thing to say: **We are women, we are bad bi***hes**! 💪 



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## Natalija - Frontend Engineer

Meet Natalija, our beloved Frontend Engineer with a serious coffee habit ☕️  and a passion for **clean code**. She loves to **optimize code**, and make the code more **streamlined** and **efficient**. Besides her coding skills, you'll always find her with perfectly done long nails 💅 

> During my fourth year of undergraduate studies at the **Faculty of Electronic Engineering**, I decided to shape my career as a Frontend Engineer at Ncoded Solutions, in order to apply my previous knowledge and **gain new practical experience**. 
> 
> Ncoded Solutions stood out to me as an innovative company, particularly for the Frontend development. Upon completion of my internship, I was thrilled to be offered a **full-time position** and now, I'm happy to collaborate with such talented engineers and contribute to real-world projects!

#### What do you like most about working here?
> Firstly, it's the **amazing people** I've had the privilege to work with. The **team** here is truly **exceptional** – supportive and knowledgeable. Every colleague was always ready to lend a hand in solving problems and eager to share their knowledge.
>
>Secondly, what truly stands out are the **diverse projects** I've had the opportunity to work on. So, my experience at Ncoded Solutions is both rewarding and fulfilling 💖

#### What's your proudest moment and achievement at Ncoded Solutions?
> Throughout my time here, I've consistently **pushed my limits**. Despite encountering challenges along the way, **I refused to give up**!
>  By **overcoming obstacles** (including my personal fears and weaknesses) I've grown as an **engineer** and a **problem solver**. Every time **I surpassed my own expectations** and achieved success, it motivated me to give even better results in the future. 
>  Additionally, my greatest accomplishment lies not only in the concrete results I've made, but also in the **personal growth and evolution** that have defined my path at Ncoded Solutions ✨

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## Anđela - Frontend Engineer
Meet Anđela, our dynamic Frontend Engineer at Ncoded Solutions. With a background as a 🏀  **basketball player** 🏀, she hasn't left her athletic spirit behind - she's our **office health and fitness advocate**, inspiring us all to stay active and mindful of our well-being. Beyond her dedication to fitness, she loves to organize and decorate things, making our workspace more pleasant. Let's check what she has to say 👇

> My journey sums up in a single word: **unexpected** 😅
> 
> During my studies, I was very insecure about my knowledge and skills, I constantly questioned myself whether this was the profession I belonged to. I always felt like I was missing something... 
> 
> I started my career as an intern in Ncoded and had the opportunity to work and learn from very experienced colleagues from whom I received constant support. And, it turns out that **Ncoded was the piece I was missing** in my journey, and that profession as a Frontend Engineer is a perfect fit for me!

#### How do you balance a healthy lifestyle with your busy schedule as a Frontend Engineer at Ncoded Solutions?
>Sports have been a big part of my life since I was a kid. It helps me clear my mind and feel good both physically and mentally. Starting my day with a workout is a must for me because it boosts my focus and productivity at work. Making fitness a regular thing in my routine helps me balance my workload while taking care of myself 💪 



## Jovana - QA Specialist
Meet Jovana, our QA specialist at Ncoded, who just hit her one-year mark with us 🥳 She's friendly and fun but takes her testing role very seriously. Trust us, veeery seriously... When testing begins, you'll see her serious side, but we must admit it - she plays a key role in making sure our products are top-notch.
Sometimes she's our in-house DJ, playing music that keeps our spirits high and our workspace lively. Jovana is also known for her love of online shopping, often having packages waiting to be opened 🛍️ 

**Can you share a funny reaction when you reported a big bug?**
>The thing that led me to QA is my passion for problem-solving, and I found joy in making sure that things were done correctly. My journey of becoming a QA Specialist at Ncoded Solutions involved education, experience and passion. Here, I gained the skills in automation, performance testing and user acceptance testing. 
Whenever I report a big bug, the reactions are always hilarious. But, one of my colleague (not pointing any fingers) has a classic response: 

1. Phase 1: "I don't believe your screenshots, you're making it up, show me where the problem is" 
2. Phase 2: "That's a frontend thing" he says, knowing full well he's a backend developer...
3. Phase 3: He finally accepts the fact that the bug does exist 🙏 
4. Phase 4: After fixing the bug, he strolls over to me and says, "I don't know what bug you reported. Everything seems to be working just fine"



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It's all part of our office routine which makes our workday a lot funnier.

## Jelena - Project Manager

Meet Jelena, our Project Manager at Ncoded. She's known for her big smile and the joy she brings to the office. Even when her role demands her to be strict, she's still polite - she just can't help it. 
Jelena is a woman of many interests—reading a good book, having the long walks with her cute dog Lala 🐕, admiring the nature, listening to insightful podcasts, exploring new project management strategies, cooking—she always has something interesting going on. She also looks after us with daily vitamin C boosts!

>After graduation, I was feeling a bit lost among countless job ads and advices from friends. It was like finding a hidden treasure map without knowing exactly where to go. I've always liked to organize and put things in order, so somewhere along the way it became clear what I wanted to do.

**What strategies do you use at Ncoded Solutions to keep your team motivated and on track?**
>As a PM, my job involves handling many challenges and tasks. Building trust with clients and the team is essential, and clear and open communication is key to building this trust. I listen to concerns, support my team, and acknowledge their efforts because people are central to every project's success, and I want them to know they're appreciated 🫶🏻

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It's all part of our office routine which makes our workday a lot funnier.

## Lena - Front End Engineer
Meet Lena, our talented Front End Engineer, whose vibrant energy shines not just in her work but also around our office. As a :volleyball: **former volleyball player** :volleyball:, Lena brings the same **teamwork** and **precision** to her role at Ncoded Solutions. She's balancing her **Master's studies** and work very well. Around the office, Lena is famous for making **the best iced coffees** :bubble_tea: and having the **cutest desk**. Right now, she's working hard on a **complex mobile app project** for one of our clients. Let's have a look at what she has to say 👇
#### What inspired you to  pursue a career in Software Development at Ncoded Solutions?
> To be completely honest, I can’t say that I’ve always known what career I wanted to pursue, but I can say that I never intended to become a Front End Developer 😅
>
> However, that completely changed when I started my internship at Ncoded Solutions and got to know the field better. All I knew is that I wanted to **constantly improve** and **evolve my knowledge**, so that I could remain motivated in my work and never lose sight of what I love to do. ~ **Ncoded Solutions offered me just that**.
>
> Something I appreciate most about Ncoded Solutions is the opportunity to work alongside **talented and passionate programmers** who are always willing to help. Ncoded workplace is very **supportive** and **vibrant**, and it provides us needed professional development. I’m very grateful to have such **amazing mentors** and **wonderful colleagues** :smiling_face_with_3_hearts:
#### Can you share something about a project you are particularly proud of in Ncoded Solutions?
>Ncoded Solutions is involved in a **diverse range of projects**, both internal and client-driven.  I've had the privilege of contributing to several of these projects during my time here. Over the past six months, I've been engaged in a project that required me to handle **both web and mobile development** responsibilities. This experience is something that I'm most proud of, because it allowed me to challenge myself and to learn new technologies and methodologies.
#### What's advice for young women considering a tech career
> Girls, dive in with **confidence**!
>
> The tech industry is a **welcoming** and **inclusive** space. Don't let stereotypes or misconceptions hold you back, instead, focus on your passion for technology and your ability to make a meaningful impact!
>
> Seek out mentorship, learn as much as you can and never miss a chance to expand your skills and expertise.
>
> You got this girl! 🫶🏻

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## Milica - Front End Engineer
Meet Milica, our Front End Engineer who brings the fun of "The Office" to our team. She's famous around here for her cool _Prison Michael Scott key ring_ and her unbeatable work ethic—**good luck catching her on a break**! She always has her colleagues in mind, offering help whenever needed. With her jokes and dedication, Milica lights up our workspace and sets the bar high.



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#### What inspired you to become a Software Engineer?
>In my case, it wasn't a thing that inspired me, but rather a person. My journey started with my older brother's stories, along with his insights into software, hardware, and software engineering in general. Hearing about his achievements, I made my decision to follow his footsteps and enter the world of tech. What's more, I learned that women are just as capable as men in this field, thanks to my brother's encouragement and the inspiring stories he shared. 


#### What do you most like about working at Ncoded Solutions?
>What I love most about working at Ncoded Solutions is the **incredible people**. From day one, I've been surrounded by a team of **friendly**, **funny**, **smart** and genuinely **supportive** individuals who are always ready to lend a helping hand. The people are the **heart** and **soul** of Ncoded, and it's their warmth, humor, and willingness to go above and beyond for the team that truly make Ncoded such a great place to work.

#### What's your proudest moment and achievement at Ncoded Solutions?
>One of my proudest  achievements has been my continued involvement in a **significant project**. Securing my first contract as a Junior Front End Engineer provided me with the opportunity to contribute to this project from the outset. Working alongside a great mentor and a team of exceptional developers, I have been able to play a role in its development. This ongoing experience not only validates my skills but also allows me to continually grow and learn within the supportive environment of Ncoded Solutions.
>
One funny thing about that project is that when I initially joined, the project lead humorously welcomed me and another colleague with the words, "_Welcome to the best team in Ncoded, as said by Milan Starinac_" So, needless to say, I'm thrilled to be a part of what's considered the best team here!



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## Andrea - Frontend Engineer
Welcome Andrea, our new **Junior Frontend Engineer** at Ncoded Solutions! While she's just started with us, Andrea is also working hard on her master's studies, showing her commitment and energy. Everyone enjoys talking with her, she's friendly and helpful. Right now, Andrea is working  on a development of a client's big web project with our team. She's fitting in great and we're thrilled to watch her progress and contributions grow ✨



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#### What inspired you to pursue a career in tech and become a Software Engineer?
> What inspired me the most was the opportunity to be a part of **innovation** and a **dynamic digital world**. The challenge of **problem solving** and the endless opportunities for creative exploration and creation were crucial in my decision.
> 
> That's also why I want to pursue my master's degree. I seek for even greater knowledge and development and I believe that gaining some advanced skills, through the master's program, will help me to more effectively solve the challenges I'll face in my career.

#### What do you think about working in Ncoded Solutions?
> What I appreciate most about working here is working with **extremely professional** and **talented people** who are always ready to help. I just love our **teamwork** and a **dynamic environment** in which **everyone's contribution is valued**, as well as the company's commitment to encouraging the personal and professional development of employees.

#### In your opinion, what's the biggest misconception about women in tech, and what's your response to it?

> I think that we should all agree that the time of stereotypes about women in tech and similar fields is **over** and that women have proven that they are great in tech industry. It's encouraging to see the progress we've made in breaking down barriers and fostering an equal environment.
> 
> **Embrace your uniqueness and don't shy away from challenges!** 🥰
> 
> Let your **passion** and **curiosity** drive you forward!







## Ema - Frontend Engineer
Introducing Emilija, another fantastic new talent joining our team as a **Junior Frontend Engineer** at Ncoded Solutions. Alongside her close friend Andrea, Emilija is balancing her Master's studies in Niš with her career in tech. Ema is involved in a challenging project for one of our clients right now. 



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#### Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a Frontend Engineer and pursuing a Master's degree?
> What has always motivated me to become a Frontend Engineer was **instant** gratification of **seeing visual results of my work**. I started my career here at Ncoded where I was able to hone my skills through hands-on projects and continuous learning.
> 
> Master's program enriches my understanding of **complex concepts**, hones my analytical skills and fosters a deeper appreciation for cutting-edge technologies. This academic knowledge will help me contribute to upcoming innovative projects, tackle industry challenges and  advance my career as a tech professional.

#### What do you most like about working at Ncoded Solutions?
> It's blend of **challenging work** and a supportive, **collaborative culture** that makes my experience here fulfilling ✨

#### In your opinion, how can the tech industry be more inclusive for women?
>IT companies should provide scholarship programs for young women to pursue STEM education, organize networking events to connect women in tech and give equal opportunities in leadership roles. 
>
>Embrace your **curiosity** and believe in your potential! Have **confidence** in your abilities and let your voice be heard 🫶🏻

## Mila - Frontend Engineer & Salesforce Developer
Ever became an office best friend with someone in less than a month? 🧐 That person is Mila - office new 🍪 - a girl with exceptional skills that will truly amaze you. Bringing creativity to every task, she contributes to Ncoded in countless ways. Besides being a master queen in Salesforce, she possesses a magical ability to brighten your day, no matter how tough it may seem (and makes best homemade healthy sweets 🍭)

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As my fellow colleagues already said, the atmosphere in Ncoded is really unique and it makes workdays better. Also, this is a company that strongly encourages women to gain their tech knowledge and skills. The Ncoded team welcomed me so nicely and I'm glad to be here, where I get to do what I love every day 🫶🏻

**How did you decide to become a Software engineer?**
>I've always felt destined to be a Software engineer. Solving big issues is what I enjoy most. My favourite area in Software engineering is Frontend development, because it combines my interests in art and tech. Salesforce wasn't in my original plan actually, but I've come to like it over time, especially the frontend side of it 😅

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The International Women's Day at Ncoded Solutions. Women in tech industry: frontend developers, quality assurance tester, project manager

Women of Ncoded Solutions #9

Interested in **extending your software development team** with **qualified engineers** for business growth? 🧐

At Ncoded Solutions, we specialize in assembling client-specific software development teams, offering an effective **team augmentation solution**. In this way, you can expand your development capabilities in the most cost-effective way.

Let's have an overview of our services 👇

## First, why Staff augmentation?
Finding the **right engineering team** is more than a necessity—it's a game changer. Why? 

Well, finding the right team means getting your project done **right**, **quickly** and with **less hassle**. Outsourcing an experienced team is a **smart move** because it gives you instant access to a **group of professionals** who are already **used to working together efficiently**. It's all about making your project successful with a team that fits perfectly from the very start, right? 

Plus, it's cost-effective and quicker, as you won't have the overhead of permanent hires or assembling a team from scratch. 

## Why Ncoded Solutions?

Yeah, that's all nice, but why should you choose us? 🧐

At Ncoded Solutions, we understand the importance of **augmenting** your **in-house teams** with skilled and experienced **software experts**. Specializing in **offshoring**, **nearshoring** and **outsourcing** IT services, we bring together skilled software engineers to become an integral part of your projects.

> **Engineering your problems away.**

Our motto isn't just a catchy phrase—it's the core of what we do. With a team of over 45 dedicated professionals, Ncoded Solutions is **well-recognized within the tech community** for our commitment to quality and innovation. Our ongoing engagement with the **latest technologies** and **methodologies** allows us to provide fully operational teams for our clients.



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### 1. A Leader in Staff augmentation
Our excellence in staff augmentation has not gone unnoticed. We are currently ranked **second** on [Clutch’s list](https://clutch.co/rs/it-services/staff-augmentation) of **the best staff augmentation companies in Serbia**! This prestigious recognition is a testament to our commitment to **quality**, **reliability** and **customer satisfaction**.

### 2. Global Collaborations
We pride ourselves on our successful partnerships with **multinational companies** from **North America**, the **UK**, **Belgium**, **Germany** and **Sweden**, showcasing our capability to deliver high-quality services across different regions. Our experience with diverse **industries** and **over 40 completed projects**, enables us to understand and meet the specific needs of businesses worldwide.

From our experience, many **DACH countries** are now implementing **nearshore team augmentation** to scale their operations efficiently. This trend underscores the growing trust in nearshoring as a viable and effective strategy for enhancing business.


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## Our Approach to Offshoring, Nearshoring and Outsourcing
As already mentioned, Ncoded Solutions supplements your team with **our experienced software experts and teams**. Whether you're looking to expand your team with new services or simply need additional support, we provide **flexible outsourcing solutions tailored to your needs**.

Our teams operate from **modern, well-equipped offices**, ensuring they can focus on delivering high-quality work efficiently and cost-effectively. By choosing Ncoded Solutions, you benefit from lower operational costs without sacrificing quality or control over your projects.

### The "Own Team Model"
We offer an opportunity to **extend your team** with our **IT staff**, encompassing not just Software engineers but also experienced **Project managers** and **Quality Assurance experts**. This approach provides a **long-term**, **cost-effective** solution to boost your development process. 

We work closely with you to **recruit the ideal candidates** who then become your dedicated team, **working from our offices but fully integrated into your organization** and using your systems.

## Our tech expertise 




You can find out more about our services in one of our recent blogs - [Ncoded Services](https://ncodedsolutions.com/articles/ncoded-services/). 

Want to hear more? [Contact us](https://ncodedsolutions.com/contacts) ✨

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Boost your business with Ncoded Solutions: Get simple, smart offshoring, nearshoring, and outsourcing. Grow and succeed with us!

Your trusted Nearshoring, Offshoring and Outsourcing Partner #8

In today's highly connected world, having an app for your business is super important. Apps boost **customer engagement**, keep people **coming back** to your brand, and make it **easy** for them to use your products or services. That's why more and more businesses are looking for good quality apps.

> But, why choose **Next.js** for app development? 

That's a question many business owners ask. Well, Next.js is a **framework** that's really **powerful**, **flexible**, and **easy** for developers to use. Apps made with Next.js are **fast**, **simple to use**, and **easy to keep up-to-date**. That's why Next.js is a popular choice for building apps.

Let's take a closer look at why Next.js could be the right choice for your business apps ✨

## A short overview of Next.js
Next.js is a framework based on **React**, which is a popular **JavaScript library** for building user interfaces. It's a really powerful tool that helps developers build websites and apps that look great and work smoothly. 

Next.js helps developers **split their code automatically**, supports **TypeScript**, lets them **render their web pages on the server side (SSR)**, allows **dynamic routing** and provides **static site generation (SSG)** capabilities. All of these features make coding faster and easier, so developers can create awesome apps in less time.

👉🏻 **Automatic code splitting**
👉🏻 **TypeScript support**
👉🏻 **Server Side Rendering**
👉🏻 **Static Site Generation**

One really cool thing about Next.js is the **big community**. So, if a developer gets stuck on something, they can always ask for help from the Next.js community.

👉🏻 **Big support community**

Now, let's talk more about some of the special things that Next.js can do:

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### 1. Server-side rendering (SSR)
**Server-side rendering (SSR)** is a web development technique where web pages are **generated** and **rendered** on the **server side**, and as a result, a fully formatted HTML document is sent directly to the client's browser. This is different from **client-side rendering**, where your browser gets a simple page and uses JavaScript to finish it. 

With Next.js, when you ask for a web page, **the server makes the whole page ready for you**. You get a full, ready-to-view page right away, instead of a basic one that needs more work from your browser. SSR makes **pages load faster**, giving you a **better experience** from the start.

👉🏻 **Faster loading of web pages**

Also, Next.js helps with **SEO (Search Engine Optimization)**, making it easier for search engines to understand and list your pages. Search engines prefer fully finished pages, and SSR gives them just that. _This means more people can find your site when they search online._

👉🏻 **SEO: it's easier to find your site while searching online**

Another good thing about SSR is that it **works well with other server tools**, like databases and APIs. This means Next.js apps can talk to these tools **directly**, giving you **dynamic features** while still keeping things simple and fast for users.

👉🏻 **Dynamic features**

### 2. Static site generation (SSG)
Next.js **Static Site Generation (SSG)** is a cool feature that **pre-renders web pages at the build time**. 
> The website's content is ready to be shown to visitors without needing extra processing from the server each time they visit a page.

The content is rendered and saved to a _Content Delivery Network_ (CDN).

Since the pages are pre-rendered during the build process, **less server-side processing is required** upon user request. This saves server load and hosting costs and results in a cost-effective process.

👉🏻 **Reduced server load and hosting cost**

With Next.js, the framework does all the work during the building process. It fetches the needed data, creates the HTML files, and stores them for use later. These files can then be sent out quickly to visitors when they visit the site, making **pages load faster** and the site work better overall. Again, it's great for **SEO** and gives users a **better experience**.

👉🏻 **Better processing speed**

SSG is super handy for busy websites because it helps handle lots of visitors without slowing down the site. It's ideal for websites that process a large volume of data, such as **e-commerce platforms**.

### 3. Routing
Routing in Next.js is a **fundamental aspect of building dynamic web applications**. Next.js provides a powerful routing system that allows developers to define **routes** and **navigate between different pages** seamlessly. 

In version **Next.js 13**, a new **App Router** concept is introduced which is built on **React Server Components**, supporting:
* **shared layouts**
* **nested routing**
* **loading states**
* **error handling** 

The App Router works in a directory called `app` which works along with `pages` directory to allow for incremental adoption. Each folder represents a route that maps to a URL segment. A special `page.js` file is used to make route segments publicaly accessible. 

For example, a file named `page.js` in the `dasboard` subdirectory  inside of `app` corresponds to the `/about` route in the application.





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Next.js also supports **dynamic routes**, allowing developers to create routes with parameters that can be accessed programmatically. By using brackets (`[]`) in the folder name, developers can define dynamic segments in the URL. For example, a blog could include the following route **pages/blog/[slug].js** where **[slug]** is the **Dynamic Segment** for blog posts.

👉🏻 **Dynamic routing** is possible using special brackets notation `[]` for folder names

In addition to **file-based routing**, Next.js provides a built-in **Link** component that enables client-side navigation between pages. The **Link** component allows developers to create links between pages **without triggering a full page reload**, resulting in faster navigation and improved user experience.

👉🏻 **Link component** enables client-side navigation between pages without a full page reload

Next.js also supports **server-side routing**, enabling developers to handle dynamic routes and API routes directly within the application. Server-side routing allows for more complex routing scenarios and provides greater control over data fetching and rendering.


### 4. Automatic code splitting 
**Automatic code splitting** is a handy feature in Next.js that _breaks down JavaScript bundles into smaller pieces automatically_. 

Instead of sending the entire JavaScript codebase to the client, Next.js analyzes the application's dependencies and **dynamically splits the code** into smaller **bundles** based on the routes or components being accessed. This makes it easier to manage and speeds up how quickly pages load because only the code needed for each page is sent to the user's browser. Plus, since developers _don't have to manually configure anything_, it saves them a ton of **time** and **effort**.

### 5. Hot reloading 
**Hot reloading** in Next.js allows developers to **see code changes in real time** without needing to refresh the entire page. 

>When developers **make changes to their code**, those changes are **immediately reflected** in the **browser** without having to **manually reload** the page

This feature is powered by **Hot Module Replacement (HMR)**, which replaces modules in the running application with updated versions while the application is running. As a result, developers can **instantly** see the effects of their code modifications without losing the current state of the application. This not only improves productivity but also allows for more **efficient debugging and testing**.

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## FAQ

#### 1. Is Next.js suitable for small & simple or large-scale & complex projects?
Next.js is suitable for projects of **all sizes**. It offers a streamlined development experience for small projects and powerful tools for managing complexity in large-scale applications. Whether you're building a small prototype or a large production application, Next.js provides the capabilities needed to develop high-quality web projects efficiently.


#### 2. What's the difference between Next.js and React.js?
Next.js is a framework **built on top of React**, offering additional features and optimizations for building web applications. While React is a JavaScript library focused on building user interfaces, Next.js provides server-side rendering, static site generation, and other features out of the box. Essentially, Next.js extends React's capabilities by adding features like built-in routing, data fetching, and file-based routing. It simplifies common tasks and provides a more structured approach to building web applications compared to React alone.


#### 3. When should I use server-side rendering (SSR) vs. static site generation (SSG) in Next.js?

Server-side rendering (SSR) is ideal for dynamic content that needs to be generated on each request, such as personalized user data or real-time updates. On the other hand, static site generation (SSG) is suitable for content that can be pre-generated at build time and served as static files, resulting in faster page loads and better performance. Choose SSR for dynamic content and SSG for static content that doesn't change frequently.








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Answer: Yes! It offers us server-side rendering, dynamic routing, SSG etc.

Master Next.js easily with our blog! Discover tips for building quick, SEO-strong websites. Start learning and enhance your web skills now!

Should you use Next.js for your upcoming projects? #7

In the dynamic world of software development, **adaptability**, **collaboration**, and **responsiveness** to change are key to success. We are all witnesses of the rise of Agile development, since almost all projects today are based on it. Many tools are used to help manage and implement complex software solutions, breaking them into iterative segments. 

> You probably ask yourself _why_? 🧐
> What is **so special** about Agile anyway? 
> Do I have to use it to be a good developer?

Overall, Agile and Scrum have gained popularity because they offer a more effective, efficient, and customer-focused approach to software development, enabling teams to deliver value-driven solutions that meet the needs of today's dynamic and competitive markets.

At Ncoded Solutions, we've embraced **Agile and Scrum** methodologies as the foundation of our development approach, empowering our teams to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the needs of our clients and end users.

In this blog post, we'll take you behind the scenes to explore how Agile and Scrum simplify a complex development process. 

Our dear _Project Manager_, **Jelena Petrović**, played a key role in shaping the insights shared here, drawing from her expertise and experience in Agile project management ✨


### Agile Methodology

**Agile Methodology** is a **flexible** and **iterative** approach to software development that prioritizes **adaptability**, **collaboration**, and **customer satisfaction**. It focuses on delivering value in short, **incremental cycles**, allowing teams to respond quickly to changing requirements and feedback. 

The [Agile Manifesto](https://agilemanifesto.org/) is a foundational document that articulates the core values and principles of Agile software development. The document now consists of **4 key values** and **12 principles**.

There are more than a few Agile frameworks, but the most commonly used one is **Scrum framework**. 

### Scrum

**Scrum** is a lightweight Agile framework for software development that provides a structured approach to project management. It defines:
* **roles**: Scrum Master, Product Owner and Developer
* **events**: Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, Retrospectives
* **artifacts**: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment

All of this is used to guide teams through the development process in short, iterative cycles called **Sprints**.


### Key 4 values of Agile

The [Agile Manifesto](https://agilemanifesto.org/) outlines four key values that guide Agile development practices:

1. **Individuals and Interactions over Processes and Tools**: It emphasizes the importance of **communication**, **collaboration**, and **teamwork** within development teams. By **prioritizing human interactions**, Agile fosters a culture of **transparency**, **trust**, and **empathy**.

2. **Working Software over Comprehensive Documentation**: While documentation is important, Agile encourages us to focus on creating **functional software** that can be **tested** and **validated** by stakeholders. This value emphasizes the importance of **delivering value early** and continuously throughout the development process.

3. **Customer Collaboration over Contract Negotiation**: Agile emphasizes the importance of **collaborating with customers and stakeholders** throughout the development process. By involving customers in the **planning**, **feedback**, and **validation** of the product, Agile ensures that the end result meets their needs and expectations. This collaborative approach fosters a **deeper understanding of customer requirements** and enables teams to respond quickly to changes in priorities or preferences.

4. **Responding to Change over Following a Plan**: Agile embraces **change** as a natural part of the development process. Instead of rigidly sticking to a fixed plan, Agile teams are adaptive and responsive, embracing change to deliver better outcomes. In this way teams can deliver value more **effectively** and **efficiently**.


### Key 12 Agile principles

Here are the 12 Agile principles as outlined in the [Agile Manifesto](https://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html):

1. Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through **early and continuous delivery of valuable software**.

2. **Welcome changing requirements**, even late in development. Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage.

3. **Deliver working software frequently**, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale.

4. Business people and developers **must work together daily** throughout the project

5. Build projects around **motivated individuals**. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.

6. The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is **face-to-face conversation**.

7. **Working software** is the **primary** measure of progress.

8. Agile processes promote **sustainable development**. The sponsors, developers, and users should be able to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.

9. Continuous attention to **technical excellence** and good design enhances agility.

10. **Simplicity**--the art of maximizing the amount of work not done--is essential.

11. The best architectures, requirements, and designs emerge from **self-organizing teams**.

12. At **regular intervals**, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behaviour accordingly.

These Agile principles provide guidance and direction for Agile teams and organizations, helping us prioritize collaboration, flexibility, customer value, and continuous improvement in our development practices.

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### Scrum Roles
As already mentioned, Scrum framework requires **3 roles** to be fully functional and bring the best of this framework. Every role in a Scrum team has a clearly defined set of responsibilities:
* **Product Owner (PO)** - represents the **interests of stakeholders** and is responsible for **maximizing the value of the product**. They **prioritize the Product Backlog**, **define user stories**, and **make decisions** about what features should be included in each sprint. The PO **collaborates closely with the development team** to ensure that the Product Backlog is refined, updated, and aligned with stakeholder needs.
* **Scrum Master (SM)** - a leader responsible for ensuring that the Scrum framework is understood and followed by the team. The Scrum Master helps the team maximize its efficiency, effectiveness, and self-organization.
* **Cross-functional team** - a team of people with a variety of expertise, usually comprising engineers, QA specialists and designers.

### Scrum Events
In Scrum, there are five basic events:

1. **The Sprint** - This is the basis of Scrum. The Sprint is an iteration of project development. It usually lasts for [**2 to 4 weeks**] and developers are focused on completing their tasks within that time. During one Sprint other 4 events happen.

2. **Sprint Planning** - The **first meeting** at the start of each Sprint where the whole Scrum Team plans the work to be done during the sprint. The team selects items from the Product Backlog and creates a Sprint Backlog, which contains the tasks to be completed during the sprint.
⏳ It is usually the **most time consuming** and the **most important** event in Scrum framework, since achieving the right goal is determined by the quality of planning. It can last from [**1.5 to 8 hours**], depending on the complexity of requirements.

3. **Daily Standup** - A short, time-boxed meeting held every day during the Sprint where the Development Team discusses progress, plans for the day, and any impediments they are facing. The Daily Standup helps ensure transparency, communication, and alignment within the team.
⏳ It shouldn't last more than [**15 minutes**] **no matter the size of team**. Participants are developers and the Scrum Master. 

> The most common mistake inexperienced IT companies do is turning the Daily Standup meeting into a **lengthy discussion forum**. Instead of focusing on **short updates** and identifying any **blockers**, team members may go into detailed discussions about various issues and their solutions, resulting in an **exhausting meeting** for everyone involved.

4. **Sprint Review (Demo)**: A meeting **at the end of the Sprint** where the Scrum team demonstrates the work completed during the Sprint to stakeholders and gathers feedback. The PO reviews the Increment and determines whether it meets the **acceptance criteria**. The team also discusses what went well, what didn't, and how they can improve in future sprints. As a result **Product Backlog** may be updated.
⏳ It usually takes from [**1 to 4 hours**], depending on the complexity of the work done and number of stories completed. The time for this meeting is determined by the team and developers are the ones in charge for this meeting. 

5. **Sprint Retrospective**: A meeting held **after the Sprint Review** where the Scrum Team reflects on the sprint and identifies opportunities for improvement. The team discusses what went well, what could be improved, and any action items to address issues or make changes in the next sprint.
⏳ Usually, it lasts from [**1 to 4 hours**]. It is a time dedicated to development team, PO and Scrum Master to review their work, interactions, processes and tools implemented during the Sprint. Scrum Master makes sure that all participants are confident in sharing their problems and suggestions.

### Scrum Artifacts

The term **artifacts** refers to documents that enable Scrum team to gain insights into the development process. There are 3 main artifacts in Scrum framework:
1. **Product Backlog**: A prioritized list of all desired work on the project that needs to be done to achieve the **Product Goal**, maintained by the Product Owner. It contains **user stories**, **features**, **enhancements**, **bug fixe**s, and other **requirements** that need to be addressed. The Product Backlog is dynamic and evolves as new insights emerge or priorities change.

2. **Sprint Backlog**: A **subset of the Product Backlog** items selected for a specific Sprint, created during Sprint Planning. It contains the **tasks**, **user stories**, or **backlog items** that the Development team commits to completing within the sprint. The Sprint Backlog guides the team's work during the Sprint and is updated as progress is made or new information arises.

3. **Increment**: A **concrete piece of work** done to accomplish the Product Goal. It's the sum of all the completed and potentially shippable Product Backlog items at the end of a Sprint. To be considered as an **Increment**, the work must be **useful** to the stakeholder or user and meet the **Definition of Done**. It is demonstrated during the Sprint Review and forms the basis for feedback and future iterations. Every Sprint has at leas one Increment.

. . .

Well, this is a lot of rules and guidelines to follow up. Right? 

#### 🧐 Should we follow those Scrum rules strictly?
No necessarily, while Scrum and Agile offer robust frameworks for software development, many companies **tailor them to suit their unique needs and preferences**. These adaptations may involve **modifying some practices**, **introducing additional processes**, or **combining elements** from other methodologies. 

By customizing Scrum and Agile, organizations can **optimize** their development processes to better **align with their business goals**, **team dynamics** and **project requirements**. 

However, it's **essential to maintain the core principles** of Agile and Scrum, such as **customer collaboration**, **iterative development** and **self-organizing teams**, to ensure the continued success of their implementation.

### Frequently used terms

* **Epic** - a **large high-level requirement** that can be **broken down** into smaller, more manageable pieces. It represents a significant feature or initiative that provides value to the user or business.

* **User Story** - a **concise description of a feature** from the **perspective of an end-user**. It captures **who** the user is, **what** they want to accomplish, and **why**. User Stories help teams understand and prioritize user needs and guide development efforts.

* **Task** - a **specific unit of work** that needs to be completed to fulfill a User Story or Epic. Tasks are **smaller** and **actionable items** that are typically assigned to individual team members. They represent the steps required to implement a User Story or address a specific aspect of the development process.

* **Bug** - an **error**, **flaw** or **defect** in the software that causes it to behave unexpectedly or not as intended. Bugs can arise from coding errors, logic mistakes or unexpected interactions between different parts of the system. Identifying and fixing bugs is an **essential part** of the software development process to ensure the quality and reliability of the final product. Most often, the bug is reported by the QA during testing.
 
* **Story Points** - unit of measure used in Agile to estimate the overall effort or complexity of User Stories. They are **not based on time** but rather on factors such as **complexity**, **risk**, and **uncertainty**. Story Points help teams prioritize and plan their work, allowing them to estimate how much effort will be required to complete a User Story compared to others.

* **Acceptance Criteria** - **conditions** or **requirements** that must be met for a User Story to be **considered complete**. It defines how a particular feature could be used from end-user's perspective. Its purpose is to help the team to understand what is functionally expected from certain requirement. **The developed software must meet the actual business requirements**. Acceptance Criteria is usually formed as a **set of statements**, each with a clear pass/fail result, defined for every User Story.

* **Definition of Done (DoD)** - a **checklist of criteria** or **conditions** that a User Story must meet to be considered complete and ready for release. It ensures that the work meets the required quality standards before it is delivered to customers or stakeholders.

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### Development Team Responsibilities 

Besides attending required meetings, estimation, code implementation, testing, writing documentation and so on, developers should:

* ⏱️ log hours daily
* 🎟️  populate tickets 
* 👉🏻 move tickets to appropriate stage

It may seem exhausting, but it's very important to **log your hours** because it has a huge impact on **amount of work** that has been completed, it improves **client awareness**, the **value of the feature** is clearer, the **estimation accuracy** improves and **bottlenecks** are identified easier. 

When you finish your work on the ticket or you're facing some issues, **your ticket should't be in the same stage for days**. There is nothing wrong with having blockers or problems while developing, but your team needs to know what is going on. Maybe someone else from your team is depending on your work or someone should take over your ticket. 

Moving tickets to appropriate stage and keeping the board up to date is extremely important for **team awareness** and **coordination**, **effectiveness** and **avoiding confusion**. 

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Agile and Scrum project management methods we use at Ncoded Solutions on everyday basis. 

Agile and Scrum in Ncoded Solutions #6

At Ncoded Solutions, we believe in more than just cutting-edge technology, that's why we're dedicated to promoting a **positive work environment** that empowers our team. We are creating a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making an impact. Here is our guide to building a positive work environment at the IT company:

### **1. Make an effort for your onboarding process**
From day one, new team members should be **welcomed with open arms**. Personalized welcome materials and a friendly introduction to the team contribute to creating an inclusive and inviting atmosphere. 

To ease the transition, each new team member in Ncoded is paired with an **onboarding buddy** or a **mentor**. This seasoned team member serves as a go-to resource for questions, guidance and a friendly face in the initial days. It's a simple yet effective way to foster connections and ensure that no one feels alone during their onboarding journey. Our onboarding process includes a detailed introduction to the various **processes**, **tools** and **systems** used at Ncoded Solutions. Whether it's project management tools or communication platforms, we ensure that everyone feels confident and well-equipped to contribute effectively. 

Other than this, over time, we've made a tradition to start our days with **high-fives**. It's our way of infusing energy, positivity and dash of fun into the day 🤝

### **2. Encourage open communication and trust**
One of the key concepts of a positive work environment is definitely an **open communication**. 

We encourage our team members to **share their ideas**, provide **feedback** and **collaborate** on projects. This **transparency** fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that every voice is heard, regardless of role or seniority. 

As you already know, the tech world is ever-evolving, and so are the projects we work on. Everyone in the team should be **on the same page** when it comes to changes, updates and problem solving. **Trust** is the basis of a successful team and open communication is the key to building it. So, when team members feel free to express their thoughts and concerns, trust flourishes. 

### **3. Provide opportunities to learn and grow**
Employees appreciate their company's effort to fostering their growth by providing **learning opportunities** and gaining new **certifications**. At Ncoded Solutions, we understand that our **greatest asset is our team**. We invest in professional development opportunities, training programs and mentorship initiatives to support the growth of every individual. This not only enhances the skill set of our team but also contributes to a positive and forward-thinking work culture. 

Don't forget that personal growth depends on **feedback**! That's why we've established a continuous **performance review** process that encourages team members to seek and provide constructive feedback. 

### **4. Think about employee's well-being and healthy work-life balance**
> People who like coming to work do better work 🚀

We prioritize the **well-being** of our team members by offering:



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Our belief is that a **healthy work-life balance** is essential for maintaining a positive and productive workplace. As part of our commitment, we offer different **gym membership** options. Physical health contributes significantly to overall well-being, so providing access to various fitness facilities allows our team members to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. 

It's also crucial to have comfortable and productive work space, so we provide **ergonomic furniture**, **temperature-regulated interiors** and **spaces for relaxation and recharging**. 

### **5. Build an eco-friendly office space**
Environmental concerns arise every day, so creating a sustainable office space is more necessary than ever. Our commitment to **sustainability** extends beyond our workstations. Ncoded Solutions actively implements **eco-friendly practices** within our office spaces, from **energy-efficient lighting** to **waste reduction** initiatives. We strive to create work environments that minimize our **ecological footprint**. 

To further reduce our environmental impact, we have an excellent waste separation system with separate bins for different types of garbage. This allows us to properly **recycle**, **compost** and **dispose of waste** in an environmentally responsible manner. Our workspace is decorated with thriving **live plants**, not only adding a touch of nature but also contributing to improved air quality and a vibrant atmosphere.

In our quest to **reduce CO2 emissions**, we use the **[KINTO Join](https://www.kinto-join.co.uk/)** app. By utilizing this innovative tool, we streamline transportation coordination among team members, significantly reducing our collective **carbon footprint**. It's a simple yet effective way to contribute to a cleaner, greener tomorrow 🍀

### **6. Celebrate all the achievements**
Acknowledging and **celebrating achievements**, both big and small, is a fundamental part of our culture. From project **milestones** to personal accomplishments, we take the time to recognize and appreciate the efforts of our team members, because that's what make each team member unique. This creates a positive feedback loop and reinforces a culture of continuous improvement. 

Recently, we had the joy of celebrating a significant milestone – our **4th anniversary**. This momentous occasion was marked with a vibrant celebration party, bringing together our incredible team to honour the journey, accomplishments and shared successes of the past four years. 



Discover Ncoded Solutions, where positivity fuels productivity.

Discover Ncoded Solutions, where positivity fuels productivity. Join our empowering work culture that promotes innovation and teamwork. Excel with us!

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