Newsletters

The painfully shy developer's guide to networking for a better job

March 06, 2022

This issue explores essential skills for developers, from networking tips for the shy to mastering monorepos. Learn how to create technical diagrams and optimize GIFs, plus discover what you can achieve without JavaScript.

Practical guide to solving hard problems

February 27, 2022

This week's newsletter features a practical guide for tackling coding challenges, insights on centralized logging at Twitter, the importance of creativity in tech, and Netflix's innovations in real-time data infrastructure.

Where did 80 characters in terminal come from

February 20, 2022

This issue explores intriguing tech topics, from the origins of the 80-column terminal width to insights on PostgreSQL data storage. Plus, learn when to transition from design to coding and the complexities of emojis in UTF-8.

The cost of a byte

February 13, 2022

In this issue, explore the impact of app size on user experience, uncover the top web hacking techniques of 2021, discover resources for testing distributed systems, and delve into the complexities of programming languages.

What's in a good error message?

February 06, 2022

This issue dives into the importance of clear error messages, the courage to change code instead of using workarounds, innovative networking in games, insights from vintage programming, and the relevance of Codd's relational model in modern databases.

There’s no such thing as clean code

January 30, 2022

In this issue, we explore the complexities of clean code, the common pitfalls engineers face, strategies for preventing performance regressions, the beauty of technical debt, and a design challenge for an instant messaging app.

GPS

January 23, 2022

In this issue, explore GPS's impact on navigation, the quirks of GIFs, Uber's efficiency improvements, Figma's role in design handoffs, and the intriguing concept of negative leap seconds.

Programming in 1987 versus today

January 16, 2022

This issue features insights on productivity hacks for developers, a nostalgic look at programming from 1987, web performance pitfalls, a deep dive into JPEG compression, and an introduction to Infrastructure as Code.

Finding your home in game graphics programming

January 09, 2022

This week's issue explores the rewards of game graphics programming, delves into UUIDs and ULIDs for data identifiers, unpacks advanced Git concepts, and offers insights on mentoring software engineers. Plus, tips for fixing game stutters on Linux.

Databases in 2021: A year in review

January 02, 2022

In this issue, we explore the dynamic world of databases, tackle CSS challenges, navigate the PR paradox, uncover performance pitfalls in multi-core servers, and reflect on the journey of non-productive programmers.

The evolution of how we host our applications

December 26, 2021

This issue explores the evolution of application hosting, the benefits of starting with monoliths over microservices, and insights from Twitter on processing massive data. Plus, tips on using dig and making Vision AI accessible for developers.

I blew $720 on 100 notebooks from Alibaba and started a paper website business

December 19, 2021

This week's newsletter features a viral business story about pen & paper websites, insights on streamlining your development process, essential software engineering idioms, and a look at HTTP/3's advancements. Don't miss it.

Common infrastructure errors I've made

December 12, 2021

This issue explores common infrastructure pitfalls, the unique Rockstar programming language, Shopify's impressive Cyber Monday stats, the complexities of asynchronous programming, and reflections on being an average developer.

Computer networking basics every developer should know

December 05, 2021

In this issue, explore essential networking concepts for developers, learn to measure software complexity, grasp floating point basics, discover impactful books for your career, and dive into product management essentials for engineers.

Time management for makers

November 28, 2021

This week's issue dives into time management for makers, the value of measurement, the fundamentals of cryptography, the pitfalls of overengineering, and a guide to understanding Terraform. Unlock insights to enhance your projects.

Avoiding premature software abstractions

November 21, 2021

This week's issue delves into the nuances of software development, from the pitfalls of premature abstractions to the enduring relevance of SOLID principles. We also explore the value of developer estimates and roadmap planning for individual contributors.

The invisible JavaScript backdoor

November 14, 2021

In this issue, explore an invisible JavaScript backdoor, delve into frontend philosophy with React + Next.js, learn to build a CPU from scratch, and discover best practices for securing your REST API. Don't miss out.

42 things I learned from building a production database

November 07, 2021

In this issue, explore insights from building a production database, tips for asking effective questions, the mechanics of tries in JavaScript, the most used software components, and the best way to learn a new programming language.

Habits for fast and efficient programming

October 31, 2021

In this issue, explore strategies for efficient programming, Apple's journey to the M1 Pro chip, the purpose of your code, incident review best practices, and career advice on embracing uncertainty in your tech career.

What to learn

October 24, 2021

This issue explores valuable insights for developers, from mastering hidden Chrome Dev Tools features to understanding sociotechnical challenges in software. Plus, discover the importance of doing extra and the fascinating world of time zone maintenance.