Westfield Insurance
Westfield Insurance, a well-regarded provider of insurance solutions, marked the beginning of my professional software development journey. From February 2007 to October 2007, I worked as a Java Web Developer intern, where I honed my application development skills and learned valuable industry practices. Despite their mini waterfall approach, the company practiced many modern concepts for the time, including unit testing, nightly tests, and other automation techniques.
I developed and maintained JEE applications, managed sophisticated database operations with DB2, and performed comprehensive quality control tests during my tenure. Under the guidance of a great mentor, I learned the importance of continuous learning and growth to succeed in software development.
The categories for this project include Software Development, Quality Assurance, and Professional Growth.
Key Projects and Contributions
Development and Maintenance of JEE Applications
Project Overview: Developed and maintained Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) applications using IBM's Rational Application Developer (RAD) and WebSphere Application Server.
Technologies and Applications:
- Development Tools: IBM Rational Application Developer (RAD), WebSphere Application Server, Clear Case
- Database: DB2
- Testing Tools: JUnit, Mercury Quality Control Center, PMD
Features and Processes:
Defect Fixing and Maintenance:
- Fixed defects tracked using Mercury Quality Control Center.
- Performed basic maintenance on JEE applications to ensure reliability and performance.
Unit Testing:
- Created, updated, fixed, and ran unit tests using JUnit (Struts) TestCases.
- Executed comprehensive quality control tests to maintain high standards of software quality.
Code Standardization:
- Created a standard code formatting and cleanup template to be run on code as it was checked into the Clear Case repository.
- Implemented code metrics using PMD to ensure code quality and adherence to best practices.
Outcomes: These efforts ensured Westfield Insurance's JEE applications' reliability, performance, and maintainability. By incorporating unit testing and quality control measures, I contributed to the software systems' overall stability and robustness.
Impact and Practices
Modern Development Practices
At Westfield Insurance, I was exposed to modern development practices for the time, such as unit testing, nightly tests, and automation techniques. These practices were instrumental in maintaining software quality and reliability.
Mentorship and Professional Growth
Under the guidance of a great mentor, I learned the importance of continuous learning and growth to succeed in software development. This mentorship instilled a strong interest in technology-driven business solutions and laid the foundation for my professional growth in the industry.
Quality Assurance and Code Standardization
My contributions to quality assurance and code standardization ensured the maintainability and performance of the software applications. Implementing code formatting templates and metrics fostered a culture of adherence to best practices and high code quality standards.
Outcomes and Reflections
The engagement with Westfield Insurance demonstrated the critical role of modern development practices, quality assurance, and mentorship in shaping a successful career in software development. By fostering a continuous improvement and learning culture, I contributed to significant enhancements in the development process, system stability, and overall operational efficiency. This experience underscored the importance of integrating modern technologies and practices to achieve successful outcomes in software development.
Conclusion
Partnering with Westfield Insurance was a transformative experience that laid the foundation for my career in software development. I significantly improved Westfield's operational efficiency and software quality by developing and maintaining JEE applications, implementing quality assurance measures, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. These initiatives align with Dev3loper.ai’s mission to leverage cutting-edge technology and best practices to drive transformative change across diverse industries.
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a question about our services, need a consultation, or just want to connect, our team is here to help. Reach out to us through the form, or contact us directly via social media.
