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.
Designing APIs that can survive 10+ years: versioning, compatibility, and contracts

Designing APIs that can survive 10+ years: versioning, compatibility, and contracts

Designing APIs that stand the test of time is no small feat. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of API design, focusing on versioning, compatibility, and contracts. We’ll explore best practices, provide code examples, and offer step-by-step instructions to help you create APIs that can withstand the test of time. Versioning: The Art of Evolution Versioning is a critical aspect of API design. It allows you to make changes to your API without breaking existing clients....

February 20, 2026 · 3 min · 604 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Building an event-driven product analytics pipeline

Building an event-driven product analytics pipeline

Introduction In the fast-paced world of product development, understanding user behavior is key to staying ahead of the competition. An event-driven product analytics pipeline allows you to collect, process, and analyze user interactions in real-time, providing valuable insights that can drive business decisions. In this article, we’ll explore the steps involved in building such a pipeline, complete with code examples and diagrams to help you visualize the process. What is an Event-Driven Product Analytics Pipeline?...

February 20, 2026 · 4 min · 737 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Hardening a Linux Server for Pet Projects and Indie SaaS: A Comprehensive Guide

Hardening a Linux Server for Pet Projects and Indie SaaS: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction Welcome to the world of Linux server hardening! If you’re running pet projects or indie SaaS applications, securing your server is not just an option—it’s a necessity. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the process of hardening a Linux server, providing you with step-by-step instructions and code examples to fortify your system against potential threats. Why Hardening Matters Hardening your Linux server is crucial for several reasons: Security: Protect your applications and data from unauthorized access and malicious attacks....

February 20, 2026 · 3 min · 475 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Why Obsession with Code Elegance Harms Products and How to Find Balance

Why Obsession with Code Elegance Harms Products and How to Find Balance

The Pursuit of Elegance: A Double-Edged Sword In the realm of software development, the quest for elegant code is akin to a holy grail. Developers often find themselves lost in the maze of perfecting their craft, striving for that elusive elegance that whispers of simplicity and efficiency. However, like any powerful force, this pursuit can have its downsides. In this article, we’ll explore why an obsession with code elegance can sometimes harm products and how to strike the right balance....

February 20, 2026 · 3 min · 525 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Configuring SSH Access: Stop Worrying About Internet Scanners

Configuring SSH Access: Stop Worrying About Internet Scanners

Introduction In the realm of cybersecurity, SSH (Secure Shell) stands as a fortress, protecting our systems from the relentless tide of internet scanners and malicious actors. However, like any fortress, it must be properly configured to withstand the test of time. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of SSH configuration, ensuring that your system remains a bastion of security. Understanding SSH SSH is a cryptographic network protocol that allows for secure communication between two systems....

February 20, 2026 · 3 min · 543 words · Maxim Zhirnov