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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.
Coding Standards that Improve Quality: Beyond Just Satisfying Linters

Coding Standards that Improve Quality: Beyond Just Satisfying Linters

Introduction In the realm of software development, coding standards are often viewed as a necessary evil—a set of rules that developers must follow to keep their code tidy and their linters happy. However, the true value of coding standards lies not in their ability to satisfy automated tools but in their capacity to enhance code quality, readability, and maintainability. In this article, we will explore coding standards that go beyond mere compliance with linters....

June 26, 2026 · 5 min · 857 words · Maxim Zhirnov
The Ethics of Copy-Pasting GPL Code into Proprietary Systems

The Ethics of Copy-Pasting GPL Code into Proprietary Systems

The Ethics of Copy-Pasting GPL Code into Proprietary Systems In the world of software development, the debate over the ethics of using GPL (GNU General Public License) code in proprietary systems is a hot topic. On one hand, the GPL license is designed to ensure that software remains free and open source, allowing users to access, modify, and distribute the code. On the other hand, proprietary software is developed with the intention of being closed-source and generating revenue through licensing fees....

June 22, 2026 · 5 min · 921 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Kanban in Software: A Practical Guide Beyond Scrum Theater

Kanban in Software: A Practical Guide Beyond Scrum Theater

Introduction In the world of software development, methodologies come and go, each promising to be the silver bullet for efficient project management. Among these, Kanban has carved out a niche for itself as a methodology that emphasizes flexibility, visualization, and continuous improvement. Unlike its more structured cousin, Scrum, Kanban allows teams to adapt and evolve organically, avoiding what many refer to as “Scrum theater”—the ritualistic adherence to Scrum practices without the underlying spirit of agility....

June 19, 2026 · 5 min · 871 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Kubernetes for Side Projects: Overkill or the Best Learning Investment?

Kubernetes for Side Projects: Overkill or the Best Learning Investment?

Introduction Kubernetes—love it or loathe it, this orchestral maestro of containers has become the talk of the town in the DevOps world. But is it the right choice for your side projects? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Kubernetes ecosystem, explore its benefits and challenges, and decide whether it’s worth the investment for side projects. So buckle up, grab your popcorn, and let’s embark on this Kubernetes journey!...

June 15, 2026 · 3 min · 573 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Recognizing the Right Time to Split Functionality into a Separate Service

Recognizing the Right Time to Split Functionality into a Separate Service

Introduction Deciding when to split functionality into a separate service is a critical decision in software architecture. It can significantly impact the scalability, maintainability, and overall success of your application. In this article, we’ll explore the key indicators that suggest it’s time to consider splitting your functionality into a separate service, and we’ll provide practical guidance on how to do it effectively. Why Split Functionality? Splitting functionality into separate services offers several benefits:...

June 12, 2026 · 5 min · 879 words · Maxim Zhirnov