Why Most Developers Shouldn't Write Their Own Data Structures

Why Most Developers Shouldn't Write Their Own Data Structures

When it comes to software development, there’s a timeless debate that often surfaces in coding circles: should developers roll their own data structures, or should they stick with what the standard libraries offer? As someone who has spent years navigating the complexities of coding, I’m here to make the case for why most developers should avoid writing their own data structures. Efficiency and Performance One of the most compelling reasons to use standard library collections is their efficiency and performance....

February 10, 2025 · 4 min · 832 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Building Recommendation Systems with Python and scikit-learn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building Recommendation Systems with Python and scikit-learn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Recommendation Systems Recommendation systems are the unsung heroes of the digital age, making our lives easier by suggesting products, movies, books, and even music that we might enjoy. These systems are ubiquitous, from the “Recommended for You” section on Netflix to the “You Might Also Like” suggestions on Amazon. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of recommendation systems, specifically focusing on how to build one using Python and the powerful scikit-learn library....

February 9, 2025 · 5 min · 913 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Why Your Code Isn't as Testable as You Think It Is

Why Your Code Isn't as Testable as You Think It Is

The Testability Conundrum In the world of software development, testability is often the unsung hero. It’s the difference between a smooth, efficient development process and a tangled web of debugging nightmares. Yet, despite its importance, many developers underestimate the complexity of making their code truly testable. Here’s why your code might not be as testable as you think, and what you can do to change that. The Factors of Testability Testability is not just about writing tests; it’s about designing your code in a way that makes testing easy, efficient, and effective....

February 9, 2025 · 4 min · 852 words · Maxim Zhirnov
The Art of Debugging: Strategies for Efficient Problem Solving

The Art of Debugging: Strategies for Efficient Problem Solving

Understanding the Bug: The First Step in Debugging Before you dive into the trenches of debugging, it’s crucial to understand the bug you’re dealing with. This involves reproducing the issue, gathering information, and asking the right questions. Here are some key questions to consider: What is the expected behavior? What is the actual behavior? When does the issue occur? Does it happen consistently, or is it sporadic? Understanding the context of the bug is essential for effective debugging....

February 8, 2025 · 6 min · 1093 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Why Coding Bootcamps are Ruining the Software Industry

Why Coding Bootcamps are Ruining the Software Industry

The Rise and Fall of the Coding Bootcamp Phenomenon In the ever-evolving landscape of the software industry, coding bootcamps have emerged as a quick-fix solution for both aspiring developers and companies hungry for talent. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly revolutionary approach lies a complex web of issues that threaten the very foundations of our industry. Lack of Depth in Fundamental Concepts One of the most glaring problems with coding bootcamps is their tendency to prioritize practical skills over theoretical knowledge....

February 8, 2025 · 6 min · 1069 words · Maxim Zhirnov