
Why ‘Explainable AI’ Is Mostly a Comfort Blanket for Management
Introduction In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the concept of “Explainable AI” (XAI) has gained significant traction. The idea is simple yet compelling: create AI systems that can explain their decisions in a way humans can understand. However, despite its appeal, I argue that XAI often serves more as a comfort blanket for management than a practical solution to the challenges of AI adoption. The Allure of Explainable AI The allure of XAI is easy to understand....

Long-term log and event storage: archives, cold storage, and reprocessing
Introduction Welcome, fellow data enthusiasts, to the thrilling world of log and event storage! Today, we’re diving deep into the murky waters of long-term data retention, exploring the treasures of archives, the chill of cold storage, and the art of reprocessing. So grab your diving gear and let’s plunge in! The Importance of Long-term Storage In the age of big data, logs and events are the breadcrumbs that lead us to insights, the clues that solve mysteries, and the evidence that keeps us honest....

License Wars: Do Developers Actually Care About Anything Beyond MIT?
Introduction In the vast universe of software development, the choice of license for your code can often feel like a cosmic battle between legalese and practicality. The MIT license, with its simplicity and permissiveness, has become the go-to choice for many developers. But does this mean that other licenses are relegated to the dusty shelves of legal obscurity? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of software licenses, exploring why the MIT license reigns supreme, and whether there’s room for other licenses in the developer’s toolkit....

The practice of a technical journal: logging your decisions and experiments
The importance of keeping a technical journal In the fast-paced world of software development, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s where a technical journal comes in. Keeping a detailed log of your decisions, experiments, and findings can be a game-changer for your productivity and skill development. Why keep a technical journal? Accountability: When you write down your thoughts and decisions, you’re more likely to follow through on them....

Inline Comments as a Sign of Design Failure—or of Caring About Future You?
Introduction In the realm of software development, the debate over inline comments is as old as the hills. Some developers view them as a crutch, a sign of poor code design, while others see them as a lifeline, a way to ensure that future developers (including their future selves) can understand the code. In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of inline comments, exploring both sides of the argument and providing practical guidance on when and how to use them effectively....