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What is PHPUnit?

08/24/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

PHPUnit is an open source framework for running automated tests in the PHP programming language. It is designed specifically for testing PHP applications and provides a set of features and tools to help developers write and execute unit tests, integration tests, and functional tests for their PHP codebase.

PHPUnit allows developers to write test cases that verify that certain parts of their code work as expected. This helps find bugs and ensure that the code is reliable and bug-free. The framework provides assertions that allow checking if certain conditions are met, as well as test runners that allow running tests in an automated and repeatable way.

Here are some key features of PHPUnit:

Assertions:PHPUnit provides a variety of assertions that developers can use to check whether certain conditions are true or false. For example, you can check if a function returns the expected value or if a variable contains a certain value.

Test suites: Test suites allow you to group test cases so that you can run multiple tests simultaneously.

Test Runner: PHPUnit's Test Runner can automatically detect and execute tests and report results.

Data provider: PHPUnit provides the ability to provide test data from different sources to test different scenarios.

Mocking: PHPUnit supports creating mock objects to create isolated tests for classes that depend on other classes.

Integration with CI/CD: PHPUnit can be integrated with continuous integration and deployment processes to ensure that tests are executed on every code change.

PHPUnit is widely used in the PHP development community to ensure the quality and reliability of PHP applications. It plays an important role in testing software to ensure that changes to the code do not have unexpected side effects and that the application works correctly.

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CSS vs. Vue.js: A look at the pros and cons of both tech

08/24/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

In the world of web development, developers often face the challenge of choosing the right technology for their projects. A frequently discussed topic is the comparison between CSS and Vue.js - two important building blocks for website design and functionality. While CSS provides the foundation for design, Vue.js enables the creation of interactive user interfaces. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of both technologies.

CSS: Kingdom of Design

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are indispensable when it comes to designing the look and feel of a web page. Here are some advantages of CSS:

Advantages:

Universal application:CSS is fundamental to web design. Every web page needs CSS to define colors, fonts, layouts, and other visual aspects.

Easy to use: The basics of CSS are easy to learn and implement. It allows developers to precisely control the look and feel of their website.

Separation of content and design:CSS allows the content of a web page to be separated from its design. This makes maintenance and changes easier.

Disadvantages:

Limited interactivity: CSS is mainly limited to design and provides limited ability to create interactive user interfaces.

Complexity in larger projects: CSS can quickly become cluttered with complex layouts, which can lead to code that is difficult to maintain.

Vue.js: The power of interactivity

Vue.js is an advanced JavaScript framework that enables the development of interactive front-end applications. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Vue.js:

Advantages:

Component-based structure:Vue.js uses a component-based architecture that promotes reusability and facilitates the development of complex UI elements.

Reactive data binding: Vue.js provides reactive data binding, where changes in data are automatically reflected in the UI. This saves development time and reduces errors.

Easy integration:Vue.js can be integrated incrementally into existing projects, making it easier to migrate to modern technologies.

Disadvantages:

Learning curve: While the basics are relatively easy to learn, mastering more advanced concepts of Vue.js can take time.

Performance overhead: For larger applications, Vue.js can introduce some overhead that can impact load times.

Conclusion:

The comparison between CSS and Vue.js makes it clear that the two technologies have different focuses. CSS is indispensable for web design and layout, while Vue.js enables the creation of interactive user interfaces. The choice depends on the requirements of the project - for visual design CSS is indispensable, while Vue.js is the right choice when it comes to engaging interactivity. In many cases, both technologies are even used together to provide an optimal user experience.

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Key findings of the GEM country report Germany 2021: Founding activity and impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.

08/24/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

The GEM country report Germany 2021 presents pleasing results regarding start-up activities in 2021 and their connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. The start-up rate, measured by the total early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA), has increased significantly compared to the previous year. This could be due to a positive response from business and the adaptability of those looking to start a business during the pandemic.

Start-up rate at the second highest level since 1999

The TEA rate, which represents the proportion of 18-64 year olds in Germany who have founded a company or are in the process of founding one, reached the second highest value in 2021 since the survey began in 1999 – 6.9%. This represents an increase of 2.1 percentage points compared to the previous year (4.8%). This increase suggests that, despite the ongoing uncertainties due to the pandemic, the willingness to start a business has increased in Germany.

Pandemic as driver for new business opportunities

Interestingly, more than a third of the TEA founders surveyed appear to indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has opened up new business opportunities. This makes it clear that in the midst of the crisis, entrepreneurial opportunities can also arise that lead to new start-ups. In 2020, that proportion was even lower (a quarter of TEA startups were based on pandemic-related opportunities).

More focus on digital sales channels

Although around 76% of TEA founders in Germany have set up their sales channels digitally, the report shows that there is still room for further progress in the field of digitalization. In particular, cooperation between established companies and young, up-and-coming start-ups could lead to a win-win situation. Digital sales platforms and the customers of established companies could offer young companies faster market access.

Gender differences in start-up activity

An interesting aspect highlighted in the report concerns gender disparities in start-up activity. This shows that the gender gap, i.e. the difference between the start-up activities of men and women, was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This applies above all to the prospective founders (nascent entrepreneurs), whose proportion is equalizing. The results indicate that women are more likely to intend to start a business, but are less likely to put them into practice than men.

Measures to promote start-ups by women

The report proposes various measures to further reduce the gender gap and to promote the start-up activities of women. This includes the expansion of childcare options, the promotion of women in business and STEM subjects and the presence of successful female founders as role models. Access to venture capital for female founders could also be improved, especially in the technology-oriented area.

Conclusion: increase in start-up activities despite the pandemic

The GEM country report Germany 2021 shows that the start-up rate in Germany increased in 2021 despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This could be due to an increased adaptability of the entrepreneurs, the identification of new entrepreneurial opportunities and the positive reaction of the economic policy. Gender differences in start-up activity have also narrowed during the pandemic, indicating increased support for start-ups by women. In order to further support this trend, targeted measures could be taken to strengthen the framework conditions for women in the start-up world.

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Microsoft Excel Revolutionizes Data Analysis with Python Integration

08/24/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

In a groundbreaking announcement, Microsoft Excel has unveiled a new chapter in data analytics by introducing Python integration to its platform. This momentous stride brings together the power of Python's analytical capabilities and the versatility of Excel's data organization and visualization tools. With the launch of Python in Excel, users can seamlessly merge Python and Excel analytics within the same workbook, ushering in a new era of efficiency and sophistication in data analysis.

A Fusion of Python and Excel: The Next Evolution in Data Analytics

From its inception, Microsoft Excel has been at the forefront of transforming data handling, analysis, and visualization. Now, with Python in Excel, Microsoft takes another leap forward, offering a Public Preview of this groundbreaking integration. The synergy between these two stalwarts in the data world allows users to directly input Python code into Excel cells, with the calculations executed in the Microsoft Cloud. The results, including plots and visualizations, are then seamlessly integrated into the Excel worksheet, all without requiring any intricate setup.

The initial roll-out of Python in Excel is available for those participating in the Microsoft 365 Insiders program, accessed through the Beta Channel in Excel for Windows.

Unveiling the Distinctive Features of Python in Excel

Catering to Analysts' Needs: Excel's familiar tools like formulas, charts, and PivotTables are utilized by millions for data analysis. Now, Python in Excel takes this a step further by natively integrating Python directly into the Excel grid. The new PY function enables users to input Python code directly into Excel cells, offering access to potent Python analytics alongside Excel's trusted features.

Unleashing Python's Power via Anaconda: Python in Excel leverages Anaconda Distribution for Python, a repository embraced by countless data practitioners globally. This integration facilitates access to popular Python libraries like pandas, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn, amplifying the analytical prowess available within Excel.

Security and Cloud Compatibility: Python in Excel operates securely in the Microsoft Cloud environment, utilizing Azure Container Instances for isolated execution. The integration ensures data privacy, restricting Python code's knowledge of users' identities and keeping workbook data isolated and secure.

Team Collaboration Made Effortless: Collaboration takes center stage with Python in Excel. Teams can interact with and refresh Python-powered analytics without grappling with complex installations or management of libraries. Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook seamlessly enable shared workbooks and foster a cohesive working environment.

Microsoft's Commitment to Python: The partnership across various Microsoft teams underscores the company's dedication to enhancing Python's accessibility and integration. Guido van Rossum, Python's creator and Microsoft Distinguished Engineer, lauds this milestone, highlighting the collaborative spirit.

Unlocking New Avenues in Data Analysis

Python in Excel opens up a realm of possibilities, transforming Excel from a traditional spreadsheet tool into an advanced analytical powerhouse. Advanced visualizations utilizing Python's renowned charting libraries, machine learning, predictive analytics, and even data cleaning are now within Excel users' grasp. This integration enhances the workflow of diverse sectors, from education and corporate analytics to financial analysis.

The Road Ahead

With Python in Excel making its debut through the Public Preview for the Microsoft 365 Insiders program, the future holds promise. Expectations are high as Microsoft works on refining the integration, expanding editing experiences, error management, documentation, and more. The integration's potential to revolutionize data analysis and collaboration ensures a keen eye on its evolution.

In this era of data-driven decision-making, Microsoft's Python in Excel heralds a transformative era where two juggernauts, Python and Excel, coalesce to empower analysts and organizations worldwide. The fusion of these platforms unlocks a future of unparalleled data exploration, analysis, and insight generation.

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No press article without a press photo - The importance of pictures in the news

08/24/2023 | by Patrick Fischer, M.Sc., Founder & Data Scientist: FDS

The changing media landscape

The media landscape has changed a lot over the years, and yet one constant remains: images remain an indispensable part of news articles. In an era where information travels in seconds and readers' attention spans are shrinking, images have become a powerful tool to convey messages, evoke emotion and tell stories.

The power of images

A picture often says more than a thousand words. This ancient wisdom reflects how powerful visual stimuli affect our brain. Images have the ability to quickly convey information and create a connection with readers. A powerful image can capture a reader's attention long before they actually read the article. It can evoke emotion, arouse sympathy or outrage, and make a story unforgettable.

First impressions count

In today's digital world, news is often shared on social media platforms and news aggregators, where competition for limited user attention is fierce. This is where the importance of images comes into play. A meaningful thumbnail can mean the difference between clicking and ignoring an article. It conveys the essence of the story and creates curiosity.

Credibility and authenticity

Press photos are not just there to attract attention. They also add credibility and authenticity to an article. A well-chosen image can support the facts in the text and give the reader a sense that the story is solid. Photographs of events or people being reported anchor the reality of the story and make it come alive.

The responsibility of the media

With great power comes great responsibility. Media must think carefully about which images to choose and how to present them. An image chosen incorrectly or taken out of context can distort a story and lead to misunderstandings. The selection of press photos should be ethical and respectful to maintain the integrity of journalism.

The balance between aesthetics and information

While images undoubtedly play an important role in news, striking the balance between visual aesthetics and informative value is crucial. An excessive focus on sensational images could result in superficial or trivial content being promoted. The power of images should be used to tell deeper stories and explain complex issues.

Conclusion

In an age where information travels at breakneck speed, images retain their irresistible appeal. They are the link between a news article and its audience, and they have the ability to tell stories with a skill that words alone cannot. The selection and presentation of press photos is an art that the media industry must master in order to ensure impressive, authentic and informative reporting.

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