Imagine you’re dropped in a new position with no one there to help provide a smooth knowledge transition. It’s like being dropped right out of the sky. That’s exactly how a new software architect felt who reached out to me … Read on...
Lean Software Architecture: Focus On the Pain – Part 3 of 3
In previous parts of this series, we outlined a simple two step process for being a lean software architect:
- Build the simplest thing that could possibly work
- Focus on the pain
In part one of this series, we outlined some … Read on...
Lean Software Architecture: Build The Simplest Thing – Part 2 of 3
In part one of this series, we outlined some specific examples of complexities that today’s software architects may consider. And we considered how each potential complexity must be justified because each “best practice” has a corresponding context. Finally, we outlined … Read on...
David & Goliath: Haswell Ultrabook vs Desktop Replacement Laptop
Okay, so it was only a few months ago I was rambling on about how I am quite happy with my four year old desktop replacement style Dell laptop. It’s been completely reliable, runs cool, has a roomy keyboard, … Read on...
13″ Haswell Ultrabook Showdown
I recently decided it’s time to pickup a better machine for traveling and working unplugged. As a frequent conference speaker and remote worker, I need a machine that’s geared toward flying the friendly skies and working from hotels and coffee … Read on...
Lean Software Architecture: Focus on the Pain – Part 1 of 3
An architect’s job is to manage complexity, not increase it. Yet the developer life is filled with jargon, acronyms, and seemingly infinite choices. So how do we know when complexity makes sense? And what is complexity in the first place?… Read on...
Want to Get Better? Here’s a Strategy to Solicit Genuine Useful Feedback
I just wrapped up presenting two sessions at Codemash and I’ve never learned more about how to improve from a single session. How? Well, a few days ago I was chewing on ideas to gather more useful feedback from session … Read on...
Hey Developer, Are You Focusing on the Right Thing?
At a certain point (perhaps sooner than you think), becoming more technically competent isn’t going to change the trajectory of your life. You have to change your paradigm. Are you solving the right problems in the first place? At the … Read on...
Seven Reasons Clean Code Matters
Anyone who knows me well knows the one technical topic I’m unapologetically religious about is the importance of clean code. I recently wrote a guest post on the Pluralsight blog: “Seven Reasons Clean Code Matters”. I won’t rehash … Read on...
Programming Your Brain: The Art of Learning in Three Steps
From time to time, I run into people who are interested in breaking into programming. Last night at the company holiday party a guy (we’ll call him Sam) walked up and introduced himself, asking for advice on how to move … Read on...