abstraction
Abstract vs. DRY
DRY is the worst programming advice ever. It may seem easy. But, it makes changing or extending software harder. Abstraction, on the other hand, may seem difficult, but makes changing and extending software simpler. Prefer simple over easy.
podcast
The Code Gardener Podcast
We are very excited to announce that we started podcasting this week! For right now, it's just the two of us chatting about writing software well and whatever else strikes our fancy.
imposter-syndrome
The Other Side of Fear
Imposter syndrome is caused by a fear of rejection. That fear is like a virus. It lies dormant in us until we're exposed to a new person or situation, then flares up rapidly. But, there is a vaccine that can inoculate us against fear's worst symptoms.
public-speaking
Speaking Is Hard... Until It's Not
People fear public speaking. I certainly did. The first time I spoke at a conference caused me so much anxiety. But, with time, we all get better at it. And, it doesn't even take that much time!
ai
Is code even relevant anymore?
There is a decades old misconception that says the most valuable thing we programmers can do is type production code into an editor. But, with AI, is code even relevant anymore?
complexity
Extension without Modification
Did you know that it's possible to extend a system without modifying ANY of the files in the system? Leverage polymorphism and factories makes that possible.
tropical-rb
This one time, in South America
Photoblog of our trip to South America to speak in Montevideo, Uruguay and São Paulo, Brazil.
agile
Aspects of Agility
What does it mean to be agile? Is it about getting certified so you can do Scrum by the book? Not exactly.
complexity
The Coffee Machine Series: As a patron, I want cocoa
Welcome to the fifth in a series of posts in which we will answer the questions:
* How does complexity sneak
leadership
A Gardener's Reward
I had the privilege of sharing my Gardener's Reward lightning talk at RailsConf 2024 in Detroit this week.
tropical-rb
This One Time, at Tropical.rb
Back in December, kind of on a whim, Fito and I submitted a couple of proposals to Tropical.rb, the
public-speaking
What is it like to speak to a large audience at a conference?
I get the jitters before speaking. There's a nervous energy leading up to the event. It's
rubyconf
Thank You, RubyConf 2023!
Well, RubyConf 2023 is over. And, what an amazing experience it was!
I want to thank everyone who attended (whether
rubyconf
The Secret Ingredient
In 20+ years of automating tests, I've written my fair share of flakes. My personal nemesis is Daylight
railsconf
RailsConf 2023 - Atlanta
RailsConf 2023 took place last week in Atlanta. I was fortunate enough to lead a group of about 25 Merakians
rspec
Mmm... Buttery, Flaky... Tests?
We've all encountered unexplainable CI failures. They are a total pain. But, let's be honest, most
ruby
A Kautionary Tale about Mixins
Ruby is my favorite programming language. It is hands down the most expressive object-oriented language I’ve ever used. Matz’
leadership
My why...
I was fortunate enough last year to nominate Fito von Zastrow to participate in a Cisco program called Next Generation