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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.
Inline Comments as a Sign of Design Failure—or of Caring About Future You?

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....

April 27, 2026 · 4 min · 766 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! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make your code more maintainable, scalable, and just plain elegant. That’s where Domain-driven Design (DDD) comes in. DDD is a powerful approach to designing complex software systems, but it can be overwhelming to dive into all at once. In this article, we’ll explore the 20% of DDD that will give you 80% of the benefits....

April 24, 2026 · 4 min · 715 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Cryptic Comments as Cultural Artifacts: Are We Supposed to Understand Them?

Cryptic Comments as Cultural Artifacts: Are We Supposed to Understand Them?

In the vast and intricate world of software development, comments in code often serve as the only bridge between the programmer’s intent and the puzzled future maintainer. But what happens when these comments are more puzzling than elucidating? Welcome to the curious case of cryptic comments—the enigmatic messages that developers leave behind, sometimes more baffling than the code itself. The Mystery of Cryptic Comments Cryptic comments are those snippets of text that accompany code, meant to explain its functionality, but often end up creating more questions than answers....

April 20, 2026 · 3 min · 637 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Minimalist Deployment Strategies for Side Projects: Docker Compose, systemd, cron

Minimalist Deployment Strategies for Side Projects: Docker Compose, systemd, cron

Introduction Deploying side projects can often feel like a Herculean task, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. The good news is that you don’t need a complex setup to get your project up and running. In this article, we’ll explore minimalist deployment strategies using Docker Compose, systemd, and cron. These tools are like the Swiss Army knife of deployment—versatile, reliable, and efficient. Docker Compose: Your Side Project’s Best Friend Docker Compose is a fantastic tool for managing multi-container Docker applications....

April 17, 2026 · 3 min · 547 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Shipping Features Without Tests: Controlled Recklessness or Pure Negligence?

Shipping Features Without Tests: Controlled Recklessness or Pure Negligence?

Introduction In the fast-paced world of software development, the pressure to deliver features quickly can sometimes lead to compromises. One such compromise is shipping code without adequate testing. Is this a form of controlled recklessness, a necessary evil in the name of agility, or simply pure negligence that can lead to disaster? Let’s dive into the nuances of this debate, explore the arguments on both sides, and consider the implications for software quality and project success....

April 13, 2026 · 5 min · 863 words · Maxim Zhirnov