Articles

Software engineering lessons from production, raw and honest from the heart — almost 20 years of them. Jump to a year in the sidebar, or browse categories and curated collections.

8 articles from June 2023 · show all

React can update state during render

An unexpected feature of React: updating state during render. It's a UX and performance optimization

Clarification on how ownership makes careers

Aa few readers wrote in with questions and objections to last week's Ownership makes careers email. Here's a few clarifications.

Ownership makes careers

Own shit. At least put your name on things. Yes, before it's successful.

When to throw away your code

Delete code when it stops providing value 💡 All code is a liability; context matters. Keep what solves problems, toss the rest.

JavaScript games and Wonderful tools

Discover the magic of HTML5 game development with Game Dev JS Weekly and level up your productivity by eliminating daily frictions with Wonder Tools

What does "solve problems" even mean

Focus on solving problems, not just doing work or writing code. Think creatively, question existing processes, and prioritize effective outcomes

Why taming architectural complexity is paramount

Unravel the hidden costs of architectural complexity in software engineering and learn practical strategies to tackle it. Boost productivity, reduce defects, and improve staff retention with insights from an MIT PhD thesis.

Effective standups

The secret to effective standups that don't suck