Scientists in focus

Scientists in focus

Peter analyzes how companies develop software to identify improvement potential and actions to take.

Can you provide some insights into your work at fortiss?

I'm a research associate in the Center for Code Excellence (CCE). My job is to assess the quality of software and carry out potential analyses to identify improvement processes. Our goal is to help companies create an awareness of software quality and adhere to "clean code" standards. If code is not programmed clean from the start, maintenance costs increase at a later point, plus it makes it difficult to test, maintain and enhance the software. Even the smallest software improvements can have a big impact. An important foundation here is our CCE Check tool, which we use to analyze software processes.

How did you become aware of fortiss?

I did my internship (simulation environments for smart grids), plus my bachelor's thesis (intelligent light and heating controls depending on people present in the room) at fortiss. I was involved with critical infrastructures and my interest in the need for high-quality code then led me to CCE.

What special success have you achieved over the past several months?

Our CCE Trends tool went online. This tool analyzes Github data for the individual technologies and job advertisements on the Stack Overflow worldwide platform. It also supplies a statistical analysis of how much specific technologies are in demand and how they are related.

"We are always state-of-the-art here at fortiss and we become familiar with lots of new technologies that eventually find utility in industry."

fortiss scientist Peter Bludau

How long have you been programming?

I had informatics courses in school beginning in the 7th grade. I always had fun solving tricky tasks and puzzles with logic. I was able to use programming to pursue this hobby with smaller game and home projects. I enjoy using the nearly limitless possibilities to constantly try out new and interesting things.

What does the work environment at fortiss offer you?

I value the creative freedom at fortiss, plus the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. Unlike academic research, the focus at fortiss is using applied research to transfer results to practical applications. I therefore have a lot of contact with companies and can work with them to determine the areas of research together.

„Unlike academic research, the focus at fortiss is using applied research to transfer results to practical applications.“

What are your colleagues like?

They are all very nice and helpful. And because they come from various fields of expertise, my interaction with them broadens my own expertise.

What motivates in your job?

Software is becoming more and more important and crucial, but also more complex. In just a few years, every company will be a software company as well. Even traditional professions will use more and more smart devices and software. That makes it even more important to create an awareness of quality code and introduce improvements. Because using software with fewer flaws in production eases the burden and allows you to remain competitive.

What is your biggest challenge?

Things move extremely fast in the software industry, especially research in this area. That's a challenge of course, but it's also an incentive to try and keep pace with the latest technologies. We are always state-of-the-art here at fortiss and we become familiar with lots of new technologies that eventually find utility in industry.

Where would you like to see your research results applied?

Ideally I'd like to see every small-to-medium company use the results of my research to avoid software issues and to ease the burden on the employees. It also makes it easier for companies to integrate and retain new developers if the software that is employed is high-quality and less susceptible to flaws since functional enhancement become less problematic. Today we're already providing companies the CCE Check tool, which they can use to analyze and improve process flows. We are then commissioned on an individual basis to develop prototypes and provide development processes that can be used in specific environments.

What advantages of working at fortiss would you point out to applicants?

There is something for everyone at fortiss. The institute is broadly positioned and offers a lot of great research opportunities. Another advantage is the focus on applied research, so that can see for yourself the utility it brings in real applications. That's a tremendous motivation.