Hi there 👋

My name is Maksim Zhirnov. I’m a Growth Marketing Expert & MarTech Engineer. I help tech companies scale through data-driven marketing strategies, powered by my engineering background. I love building marketing systems that drive growth and sharing insights on the intersection of technology and customer acquisition.
Self-hosted Developer Stack on a Single VPS or Raspberry Pi

Self-hosted Developer Stack on a Single VPS or Raspberry Pi

Introduction Welcome, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of setting up a self-hosted developer stack on a single VPS (Virtual Private Server) or Raspberry Pi. This setup is perfect for those who want to have complete control over their development environment without breaking the bank. Why Go Self-Hosted? Before we get our hands dirty with the technical stuff, let’s talk about why you might want to set up a self-hosted developer stack....

July 31, 2026 · 4 min · 698 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Automated Refactoring by AI: Innovation or Industrial-Scale Code Vandalism?

Automated Refactoring by AI: Innovation or Industrial-Scale Code Vandalism?

Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, the notion of automated refactoring powered by artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it promises to revolutionize the way we maintain and improve codebases, potentially saving countless hours of developer time. On the other hand, it raises concerns about the integrity and reliability of the code, leading some to dub it “industrial-scale code vandalism.” In this article, we’ll delve deep into the world of AI-driven refactoring, exploring its potential benefits and pitfalls....

July 27, 2026 · 7 min · 1364 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Choosing between OLTP, OLAP, and analytical databases for real products

Choosing between OLTP, OLAP, and analytical databases for real products

Introduction In the world of data management, choosing the right type of database system is crucial for the success of any application. The three main types of databases are Online Transaction Processing (OLTP), Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), and analytical databases. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on the specific requirements of your application. OLTP: The Workhorse of Transactional Applications OLTP systems are designed for handling a large number of short online transactions....

July 24, 2026 · 5 min · 908 words · Maxim Zhirnov
The Case for Not Encrypting Absolutely Everything

The Case for Not Encrypting Absolutely Everything

Introduction In the age of digital surveillance and data breaches, encryption has become a cornerstone of cybersecurity. It’s the digital equivalent of a vault, protecting our sensitive information from prying eyes. But as with any powerful tool, it’s important to use it wisely. In this article, we’ll explore the case for not encrypting absolutely everything. We’ll look at the pros and cons of encryption, and discuss when it’s appropriate to use it—and when it’s not....

July 20, 2026 · 3 min · 539 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Domain-driven design for busy engineers: the 20% you actually need

Domain-driven design for busy engineers: the 20% you actually need

Introduction Welcome, fellow engineers! In the whirlwind of modern software development, where buzzwords fly faster than you can say “microservices,” it’s easy to get lost in the hype. Today, we’re going to demystify one of those buzzwords that has stood the test of time: Domain-Driven Design (DDD). But don’t worry, we’re not diving into a philosophical treatise; we’re here to give you the 20% that will make 80% of the difference in your projects....

July 17, 2026 · 4 min · 748 words · Maxim Zhirnov