Newsletters

A Git story

July 07, 2024

In this issue, explore the unexpected origins of Git, dive into the art of boring code for scalable systems, decode Alt+number sequences, and discover UUID versions and soft skills in software development.

The Itanic Saga

June 30, 2024

In this issue, explore the Itanium saga, Facebook's caching strategies, the risks of code certainty, the concept of percentiles in data, and the complexities of coupling. Plus, a look at a significant supply chain attack affecting over 100,000 sites.

Always Measure One Level Deeper

June 23, 2024

In this issue, explore the depths of performance measurement, the evolving landscape of software development, and insights on code readability. Discover lessons from Google’s file reformatting journey and the significance of implementation details.

The documentation tradeoff

June 16, 2024

This issue features insights on documentation trade-offs, the GJK algorithm for shape overlap, rapid MVP development, GIN indexes in Postgres, and building a basic RDBMS from scratch. Dive in for valuable knowledge.

Queueing

June 09, 2024

This issue dives into key tech topics: explore queueing strategies for HTTP requests, understand the complexities of cookies and tokens, and debate the pitfalls of natural keys in database design. Plus, learn about designing a database for Google Calendar and uncover quirks in S3 that could lead to vulnerabilities.

Engineering for Slow Internet

June 02, 2024

This issue dives into navigating tech challenges like slow internet in remote areas, understanding software complexity, and the nuances of authentication terminology. Plus, insights on building effective AI products with LLMs.

The curious case of the missing period

May 27, 2024

In this issue, we explore a curious email glitch, essential coding pitfalls for software engineers, Uber's data migration for savings, the evolution of monolithic systems, and Airbnb's strides in web accessibility.

Programming like it’s 1977

May 19, 2024

This issue features insights on retro programming with the Atari VCS, understanding CPU cache levels, speeding up Postgres queries, evaluating the microservices trend, and avoiding soft delete pitfalls.

Uncovering the Seams in Mainframes for Incremental Modernisation

May 12, 2024

This issue delves into the challenges and strategies of modernizing legacy systems, career empowerment, the impact of refactoring, optimizing Postgres connections, and timeless performance insights. Explore these insightful topics.

Good Ideas in Computer Science

May 05, 2024

In this issue, explore essential programming insights, from the pitfalls of AWS S3 costs and common DB schema mistakes to the art of Makefiles and effective API design principles. Discover ideas that every programmer should know.

Software Design Principles I Learned the Hard Way

April 28, 2024

In this issue, dive into essential software design lessons, scaling content counting services, enhancing data reliability, and the truth about logging levels. Plus, explore the debate on 10x engineers and a crucial FTC announcement.

Hardest Problem in Computer Science: Centering Things

April 21, 2024

In this issue, we explore the challenges of centering rectangles, the complexities of concurrency, SMS fraud defenses, the role of semicolons in programming, and a fascinating engineering feat by Apple.

The guide to git I never had

April 14, 2024

This issue features essential insights on mastering Git, intuitive accounting with double-entry bookkeeping, effective code review techniques, and innovative load balancing strategies—perfect for tech enthusiasts.

The Design Philosophy of Great Tables

April 07, 2024

In this issue, we explore the evolution of tables, the potential threat from xz Utils, delve into GitLab's mechanics, and discuss the importance of clear naming in coding. Plus, discover the advantages of FIFO algorithms.

How Photoshop works with files that can't fit into memory

April 01, 2024

In this issue, explore how Photoshop tackles large files, discover open-source projects with exceptional documentation, and learn about the evolution of software, API design, and containerization.

How web bloat impacts users with slow devices

March 24, 2024

In this issue, we explore the impact of web bloat on low-end devices, Figma's journey to scale its Postgres stack, insights on testing, the future of coding in education, and embracing chaos for productivity.

40 years of programming

March 17, 2024

In this issue, explore the history of programming with Lars Wirzenius, learn job application tips from Ben Hoyt, dive into HTTP/2 and HTTP/3, master project leadership with Jordan Cutler, and discover key latency numbers by Sam Who.

Leap Day Bugs

March 10, 2024

In this issue, discover the Leap Day bugs affecting NZ petrol stations, delve into SSD insights, learn about event interception, reflect on Git's evolution, and explore the trie data structure for predictive text.

Pains of building your own billing system

March 03, 2024

In this issue, we tackle the complexities of building billing systems, explore authentication fundamentals, and discuss modularization pitfalls. Plus, learn about Wide Events and how video games creatively use LUTs.

If Architects had to work like Programmers

February 25, 2024

In this issue, explore the intersection of architecture and programming, learn about retry methods, debunk myths for junior developers, discover bloom filters, and uncover clever uses of the 'cat' command in shell scripting.