<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[swizec.com RSS Feed]]></title><description><![CDATA[Swizec shares software engineering lessons from production in his books, articles, talks, and workshops]]></description><link>https://swizec.com</link><generator>GatsbyJS</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:23:09 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title><![CDATA[How to go from Senior to Lead]]></title><description><![CDATA[Transitioning from Senior to Lead Engineer isn't just about technical prowess, but strategic thinking, soft skills, and going beyond your role. And remember, strong individual contributions matter!]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/how-to-go-from-senior-to-lead/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/how-to-go-from-senior-to-lead/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[I tried generative AI on lots of data and we're not quite there yet]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lessons learned from running GPT-4 on lots of data using the same task.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/i-tried-generative-ai-on-lots-of-data-and-we-re-not-quite-there-yet/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/i-tried-generative-ai-on-lots-of-data-and-we-re-not-quite-there-yet/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[TypeScript runtime vs types at run-time]]></title><description><![CDATA[Understanding the nuances of TypeScript: it adds static types to JavaScript, reducing bugs by checking code validity pre-run. But imagine if we had types at run-time too - validating inputs, enhancing error messages. A dream, but a nice one. ]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/typescript-runtime-vs-types-at-run-time/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/typescript-runtime-vs-types-at-run-time/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Halfway there]]></title><description><![CDATA[Realizing I'm statistically halfway through life at 36. Time is the one thing you can't get more of]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/halfway-there/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/halfway-there/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bun – first impressions]]></title><description><![CDATA[I've been using Bun in a few side-projects and I like it a lot]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/bun-first-impressions/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/bun-first-impressions/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When's the last time you tried something new?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dive into this engaging exploration of hands-on learning from pottery to programming. Discover how embracing new experiences can enhance personal growth and improve your coding skills.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/when-s-the-last-time-you-tried-something-new/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/when-s-the-last-time-you-tried-something-new/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[AI Engineer Summit report]]></title><description><![CDATA[AI is the easy part of the equation. The real game changers in #AIEngineering are mastering data engineering, handling non-deterministic outputs, and nailing product development.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/ai-engineer-summit-report/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/ai-engineer-summit-report/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A few thoughts on tRPC]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover tRPC's potential in building end-to-end type safe RPC APIs in this insightful blog post. Perfect for developers seeking innovative solutions for server-client separation in webapp development.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/a-few-thoughts-on-trpc/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/a-few-thoughts-on-trpc/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Solve the problem, not a different more difficult problem]]></title><description><![CDATA[Solve the problem at hand, not the one you imagine might come next. A simple fix now often beats a complex one later.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/solve-the-problem-not-a-different-more-difficult-problem/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/solve-the-problem-not-a-different-more-difficult-problem/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ways to ask but why]]></title><description><![CDATA[Better ways to handle situations where the code makes you go O.o]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/ways-to-ask-but-why/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/ways-to-ask-but-why/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2274 miles in 9 days on a cafe racer]]></title><description><![CDATA[These pics are epic and you should see them]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/2274-miles-in-9-days-on-a-cafe-racer/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/2274-miles-in-9-days-on-a-cafe-racer/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trust your wings, not the market]]></title><description><![CDATA[Success in your career doesn't come from relying on the market or job stability. It comes from trusting your own wings - having a clear vision, treating work as a value exchange, leveraging your skills, and owning your path]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/trust-your-wings-not-the-market/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/trust-your-wings-not-the-market/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Move the rock]]></title><description><![CDATA[it's about noticing the rocks that could trip others and taking the initiative to move them]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/move-the-rock/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/move-the-rock/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 07 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Similarity search with pgvector and Supabase]]></title><description><![CDATA[Explore the power of pgvector and Supabase for efficient similarity search in this comprehensive guide. Keep vector data next to your business data for efficient queries and less overhead.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/similarity-search-with-pgvector-and-supabase/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/similarity-search-with-pgvector-and-supabase/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why write]]></title><description><![CDATA[Regular writing is a secret superpower! Sharpens your thoughts, boosts your career, and helps you become an authority in your field. Don't pretend to be an expert, just share your experiences. Your insights are gold]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/why-write/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/why-write/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avoid spooky action at a distance]]></title><description><![CDATA[Shared state in programming isn't the enemy, it's unclear dependencies that tangle your code. Keep it clean with explicit state dependencies and strict access guidelines]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/avoid-spooky-action-at-a-distance/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/avoid-spooky-action-at-a-distance/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 26 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[More on how many years to senior]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lots of readers wrote in with questions and comments about How many years to senior engineer?. Here's some additional thoughts.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/more-on-how-many-years-to-senior/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/more-on-how-many-years-to-senior/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How many years to senior engineer?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Becoming a senior engineer isn't about clocking years, but about depth and breadth of experience. Work in diverse teams, stick with a codebase for 3+ years, and take on projects with real stakes.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/how-many-years-to-senior-engineer/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/how-many-years-to-senior-engineer/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Life is Poker]]></title><description><![CDATA[Certainty is an illusion, only probabilities are real]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/life-is-poker/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/life-is-poker/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 19 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding modules in a Big Ball of Mud with ChatGPT]]></title><description><![CDATA[Detangling a Big Ball of Mud is hard. You have to find domain boundaries where none exist. Looks like AI can help 🤩]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/finding-modules-in-a-big-ball-of-mud-with-chatgpt/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/finding-modules-in-a-big-ball-of-mud-with-chatgpt/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Followup answers to Forget complicated code, focus on the system]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why are utility files bad? How do you recognize architectural complexity? What the hell is a transitive dependency?]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/followup-answers-to-forget-complicated-code-focus-on-the-system/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/followup-answers-to-forget-complicated-code-focus-on-the-system/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forget complicated code, focus on the system]]></title><description><![CDATA[Clean code matters, but it's the architectural complexity that truly impacts your productivity and bug count. Focus on simplifying the system, not just the code.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/forget-complicated-code-focus-on-the-system/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/forget-complicated-code-focus-on-the-system/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Programming in Markdown]]></title><description><![CDATA[What if you could focus on the fun _engineering_ part of your job, not on coding? You can!]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/programming-in-markdown/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/programming-in-markdown/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Wally Reflector]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unleash the power of 'The Wally Reflector' to manage the influx of 'quick requests' and empower your team.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/the-wally-reflector/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/the-wally-reflector/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What I learned from Team Topologies]]></title><description><![CDATA[You can't escape Conway's Law. Might as well use it for good.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/what-i-learned-from-team-topologies/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/what-i-learned-from-team-topologies/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Working with product]]></title><description><![CDATA[A strong partnership with product is key to an enjoyable engineering life]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/working-with-product/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/working-with-product/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Different worlds]]></title><description><![CDATA[Different lenses, different worlds. Your perspective is shaped by your experiences. Even in debates, all sides can be right in their own context.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/different-worlds/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/different-worlds/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[You can't stop the business, or why rewrites fail]]></title><description><![CDATA[Rewriting code isn't a magic fix-all. Consider the opportunity cost, complexity of the old system, and estimation challenges. Instead of stopping all to rewrite or building new while maintaining the old, try incremental improvements and new code adoption.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/you-can-t-stop-the-business-or-why-rewrites-fail/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/you-can-t-stop-the-business-or-why-rewrites-fail/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Update state during render, better explained]]></title><description><![CDATA[A few readers wrote in to say that the React Can Update State During Render email last week made no sense. Here's a better explanation.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/update-state-during-render-better-explained/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/update-state-during-render-better-explained/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[React can update state during render]]></title><description><![CDATA[An unexpected feature of React: updating state during render. It's a UX and performance optimization]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/react-can-update-state-during-render/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/react-can-update-state-during-render/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Clarification on how ownership makes careers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Aa few readers wrote in with questions and objections to last week's Ownership makes careers email. Here's a few clarifications.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/clarification-on-how-ownership-makes-careers/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/clarification-on-how-ownership-makes-careers/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ownership makes careers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Own shit. At least put your name on things. Yes, before it's successful.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/ownership-makes-careers/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/ownership-makes-careers/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to throw away your code]]></title><description><![CDATA[Delete code when it stops providing value 💡 All code is a liability; context matters. Keep what solves problems, toss the rest.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/when-to-throw-away-your-code/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/when-to-throw-away-your-code/</guid><pubDate>Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[JavaScript games and Wonderful tools]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover the magic of HTML5 game development with Game Dev JS Weekly and level up your productivity by eliminating daily frictions with Wonder Tools]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/javascript-games-and-wonderful-tools/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/javascript-games-and-wonderful-tools/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What does "solve problems" even mean]]></title><description><![CDATA[Focus on solving problems, not just doing work or writing code. Think creatively, question existing processes, and prioritize effective outcomes]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/what-does-solve-problems-even-mean/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/what-does-solve-problems-even-mean/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why taming architectural complexity is paramount]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/why-taming-architectural-complexity-is-paramount/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/why-taming-architectural-complexity-is-paramount/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Effective standups]]></title><description><![CDATA[The secret to effective standups that don't suck]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/effective-standups/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/effective-standups/</guid><pubDate>Sun, 04 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How one sentence guides your career]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unlock the secret to guiding your career with a powerful positioning statement. Learn to stand out in the job market and attract opportunities that align with your expertise and values.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/how-one-sentence-guides-your-career/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/how-one-sentence-guides-your-career/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 31 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What you can expect from the Senior Mindset Retreat]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unlock your true potential at the Senior Mindset Retreat! 🚀 Develop crucial soft skills for career growth and become the leader the tech world needs. It's not just about coding, it's about teamwork, ownership, and making an impact. ]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/what-you-can-expect-from-the-senior-mindset-retreat/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/what-you-can-expect-from-the-senior-mindset-retreat/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Two types of complexity and their impact]]></title><description><![CDATA[Complicated code slows down junior devs, while complex systems impact senior devs more. Focus on managing system complexity & dependencies, not just simplifying code.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/two-types-of-complexity-and-their-impact/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/two-types-of-complexity-and-their-impact/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 26 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How positioning makes you stand out from the crowd]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stand out in the job market with a strong positioning statement! Focus on the value you bring to organizations, not just tech skills. Be specific about what you do, for whom, and how.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/how-positioning-makes-you-stand-out-from-the-crowd/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/how-positioning-makes-you-stand-out-from-the-crowd/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why a tech meltdown is the best time to invest in your career]]></title><description><![CDATA[Invest in your career growth. Seize the moment to develop new skills and prepare for a brighter future]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/why-a-tech-meltdown-is-the-best-time-to-invest-in-your-career/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/why-a-tech-meltdown-is-the-best-time-to-invest-in-your-career/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How I turned 15 years of writing into a chatbot]]></title><description><![CDATA[What do you do with 15 years of your writing history when LLMs hit the scene? A chatbot!]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/how-i-turned-15-years-of-writing-into-a-chatbot/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/how-i-turned-15-years-of-writing-into-a-chatbot/</guid><pubDate>Sat, 20 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your manager can be a peer]]></title><description><![CDATA[This collaborative approach enhances both people and technical aspects of a team, leading to a more efficient work environment.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/your-manager-can-be-a-peer/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/your-manager-can-be-a-peer/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[You can't fix the wrong abstraction]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unlock the secrets to combating architectural complexity in software development and learn to identify and fix the wrong abstraction. Boost productivity, reduce bugs, and retain more staff.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/you-can-t-fix-the-wrong-abstraction/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/you-can-t-fix-the-wrong-abstraction/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Eight things to know about LLMs]]></title><description><![CDATA[eightthings.pdf is the best paper I've read on what's going on in AI right now and why everyone is excited. Here's my summary.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/eight-things-to-know-about-llms/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/eight-things-to-know-about-llms/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hug your manager]]></title><description><![CDATA[Behind every thriving team is a dedicated manager who shields them from corporate chaos, sacrificing their own well-being for the team's success.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/hug-your-manager/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/hug-your-manager/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A backend service nobody can grok]]></title><description><![CDATA[a little case study from an upcoming book I'm writing with Manning about software rewrites]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/a-backend-service-nobody-can-grok/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/a-backend-service-nobody-can-grok/</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Own the outcome, not the work]]></title><description><![CDATA[Efficient problem-solving in engineering with a shift in perspective – focusing on user outcomes can lead to innovative solutions and change your approach to system design.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/own-the-outcome-not-the-work/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/own-the-outcome-not-the-work/</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your background won't get you the job]]></title><description><![CDATA[Skills and experience matter more than prestigious schools and employers.]]></description><link>https://swizec.com/blog/your-background-won-t-get-you-the-job/</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://swizec.com/blog/your-background-won-t-get-you-the-job/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>