Refusing to Pay Down Debt: The Strategy No One Wants to Own Publicly

Refusing to Pay Down Debt: The Strategy No One Wants to Own Publicly

Introduction Debt. The four-letter word that can send shivers down the spines of even the most financially savvy individuals. We’ve all been there—staring at a stack of bills, wondering how we’ll ever climb out of the red. But what if I told you that refusing to pay down debt could be a viable strategy? Sounds counterintuitive, right? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the murky waters of debt management, and it’s not going to be pretty....

March 23, 2026 · 3 min · 629 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Choosing Infrastructure for Side Projects and Small SaaS Products

Choosing Infrastructure for Side Projects and Small SaaS Products

Introduction Starting a side project or launching a small SaaS product can be an exciting journey. However, choosing the right infrastructure can sometimes feel like navigating through a dense fog. You want something that’s reliable, cost-effective, and scalable, but with so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this article, we’ll explore various infrastructure choices, their pros and cons, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you make an informed decision....

March 20, 2026 · 4 min · 726 words · Maxim Zhirnov
The Case Against Junior Developers in Critical Backend Systems

The Case Against Junior Developers in Critical Backend Systems

Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of software engineering, the debate over the role of junior developers in critical backend systems rages on. While some argue for the value of fresh perspectives and cost-efficiency, others highlight the risks associated with inexperience. This article delves into the latter perspective, exploring why junior developers might not be the best fit for critical backend systems. The Risks of Inexperience Junior developers bring a wealth of potential and enthusiasm to the table, but their lack of experience can pose significant risks in critical backend systems....

March 16, 2026 · 4 min · 642 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Next-gen code search: combining grep, LSP, and AI models

Next-gen code search: combining grep, LSP, and AI models

Introduction In the ever-evolving world of software development, finding the right piece of code can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Traditional methods such as grep have served us well, but they’re not without their limitations. Enter next-generation code search tools that combine the power of grep, Language Server Protocols (LSP), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. In this article, we’ll explore how these technologies work together to make code search more efficient and effective....

March 13, 2026 · 4 min · 738 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Configuration management across environments without drowning in YAML

Configuration management across environments without drowning in YAML

Configuration management across environments without drowning in YAML Managing configurations across different environments can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with YAML files. In this article, we’ll explore some strategies and tools to help you keep your configurations organized and manageable. The YAML conundrum YAML is a popular format for configuration files due to its readability and simplicity. However, as your project grows, so does the complexity of your YAML files....

March 6, 2026 · 3 min · 490 words · Maxim Zhirnov