Newsletters

Escaping creative downturns

May 14, 2023

This issue explores overcoming creative downturns, understanding Big O notation, and navigating programming mindsets. Dive into software architecture strategies and the complexities of building scalable recommendation systems.

Rules of Thumb for Software Development Estimations

May 07, 2023

This issue dives into the complexities of software development estimations, explores the nuances of floating-point arithmetic, and shares insights on OCaml, WebGPU, and innovative profiling techniques.

Why is OAuth still hard in 2023?

April 30, 2023

This issue dives into the complexities of OAuth in 2023, essential CLI tips for developers, database selection strategies, PostgreSQL full-text search, and the quirks of Windows file paths. Discover insights to enhance your development skills.

Is Critical Thinking the Most Important Skill for Software Engineers?

April 23, 2023

In this issue, we explore the rising importance of critical thinking for software engineers, modern HTML email practices, and the intricacies of distributed databases. Plus, learn about managing data in a car fleet system and LLM prompting techniques.

Junior to senior: An action plan for engineering career success

April 16, 2023

This issue dives into career growth for engineers, exploring essential skills for advancing to senior roles. Discover insights on load balancing, modularity, and the art of writing effective design docs. Plus, a look at innovative gesture-based typing.

Remaining Relevant Over Four Decades

April 09, 2023

In this issue, explore insights from a veteran programmer's four-decade journey, the benefits of modules over microservices, Lyft's innovative load testing, and tips for enhancing your pull requests. Plus, discover how Postgres can serve as an effective graph database.

How Programming Affects Your Brain

April 02, 2023

In this issue, we explore the psychological impact of programming, offer a project checklist for better software maintainability, and delve into database sharding to enhance performance. Plus, insights on Docker’s evolution and insights into vendor migration projects.

Eight Graphs That Explain Software Engineering Salaries in 2023

March 26, 2023

In this issue, explore insights on software engineering salaries in 2023, the pitfalls of inheritance in coding, the power of Postgres logical decoding, and the rise and fall of Visual Basic, plus tips for spotting fake GitHub stars.

How Complex Systems Fail

March 19, 2023

In this issue, we explore the inherent hazards in complex systems like healthcare and transportation, dive into naming conventions in programming, and discuss the value of customer interactions for developers. Plus, we reflect on the evolution of ecommerce from 1979 to 2023.

How Discord Stores Trillions of Messages

March 12, 2023

In this issue, discover how Discord scales message storage, explore web frontend architecture, dive into recent JavaScript features, and learn about innovative projects like a BMW shifter turned Bluetooth keyboard for Vim.

A Senior Engineer’s Guide to the System Design Interview

March 05, 2023

This issue explores essential topics for programmers, from mastering system design interviews to tackling project contributions. Discover insights on maintaining scalable platforms and understanding password strength.

Kubernetes Infrastructure At Medium

February 26, 2023

In this issue, explore how Medium utilizes Kubernetes for microservices, discover innovative meme search engine tech, and learn about optimizing pricing systems for high traffic. Plus, dive into web app building strategies and container networking basics.

Saving Millions on Logging

February 19, 2023

In this issue, explore strategies for saving on logging costs, tackling technical debt, understanding programming language specs, and effective caching methods. Plus, insights on building a cross-platform AR runtime.

How a single line of code brought down a rocket launch

February 12, 2023

In this issue, we dive into how a single line of code halted a rocket launch, explore SQL window functions for ranking, and discuss the significance of state in programming philosophies. Plus, discover insights on tag systems and using GPT for enhanced note-taking.

Contracts you should never sign

February 05, 2023

This issue covers essential insights on contracts, asynchronous computing at Meta, and the count-distinct problem. Plus, discover PageRank applications and a guide to using Pandas effectively.

What we look for in a resume

January 29, 2023

In this issue, we explore resume evaluation insights, debugging strategies for engineers, the complexities of floating point problems, exciting hardware advancements, and a nostalgic look at the Apple Lisa's legacy.

1500 Archers on a 28.8: Network Programming in Age of Empires

January 22, 2023

This issue explores the intricacies of network programming in Age of Empires, the evolution of web browser engines, the beloved PNG format, and insights on writing your own operating system. Don’t miss the curated design patterns.

Things they didn't teach you about Software Engineering

January 15, 2023

In this issue, explore essential insights into software engineering beyond the classroom. Discover the importance of corporate legibility, effective logging practices, and even a fun take on designing a powerful Twitter server.

8 Hard Truths I learned when I got laid off from my SWE job

January 08, 2023

Happy 2023. Dive into this week’s top reads: explore hard truths about layoffs, avoid double payments in distributed systems, and demystify HTTP/3 prioritization. Plus, tips for becoming a better developer and a nostalgic look at historical code.

What my life would be without programming

December 18, 2022

In this issue, we explore the impact of programming on our lives, delve into Product Engineering, dissect log analysis, and discuss strategies to combat technical debt. Plus, insights on Git 2.39 and Lichess's Scala update.