Writing Code That Only Works on Your Machine as a Strategy: A Cautionary Tale

Writing Code That Only Works on Your Machine as a Strategy: A Cautionary Tale

The Allure of “It Works on My Machine” In the world of software development, there’s a phenomenon that’s both amusing and frustrating: code that works perfectly on the developer’s machine but fails miserably everywhere else. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a symptom of deeper issues in coding practices, requirements gathering, and the overall development process. The Performance Trap When choosing programming languages and libraries for machine learning or any other complex software, performance is a critical factor....

January 6, 2025 · 4 min · 643 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Building a Hand Gesture Recognition System with TensorFlow and OpenCV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building a Hand Gesture Recognition System with TensorFlow and OpenCV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Hand Gesture Recognition Hand gesture recognition is a fascinating field within Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) that has numerous applications, from virtual environment control and sign language translation to robot control and music creation. In this article, we will delve into the process of building a real-time hand gesture recognition system using TensorFlow, OpenCV, and the MediaPipe framework. Why Hand Gesture Recognition? Imagine a world where you can control your computer or robot with just a wave of your hand....

January 5, 2025 · 5 min · 883 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Why You Should Occasionally Hardcode Values into Your Application

Why You Should Occasionally Hardcode Values into Your Application

The Art of Hard Coding: When and Why It’s a Good Idea In the world of software development, there’s a perpetual debate about the merits of hard coding. While many advocate for the flexibility and maintainability of soft coding, there are scenarios where hard coding is not just acceptable but downright beneficial. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should occasionally hardcode values into your application, and explore the practical implications of this approach....

January 5, 2025 · 5 min · 1047 words · Maxim Zhirnov
From Developer to DevOps Engineer: A Transition Plan and Essential Skills

From Developer to DevOps Engineer: A Transition Plan and Essential Skills

The Journey Begins: Understanding DevOps If you’re a backend developer looking to expand your horizons and dive into the world of DevOps, you’re about to embark on a fascinating journey. DevOps is more than just a job title; it’s a philosophy that bridges the gap between software development and IT operations, making the entire software development process more efficient, collaborative, and automated. What is a DevOps Engineer? A DevOps engineer is an IT professional who ensures the smooth operation of the software development lifecycle....

January 4, 2025 · 5 min · 1056 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Why Over-Documenting Can Be Detrimental to Your Project

Why Over-Documenting Can Be Detrimental to Your Project

The Paradox of Over-Documentation In the world of software development, documentation is often touted as the holy grail of project management. However, there’s a fine line between adequate documentation and over-documentation. While the former can be a lifesaver, the latter can turn into a project’s worst nightmare. Let’s dive into why over-documenting can be detrimental to your project and how to strike the perfect balance. The Cost of Over-Documentation Over-documentation can lead to a plethora of issues that can cripple your project’s efficiency and morale....

January 4, 2025 · 4 min · 839 words · Maxim Zhirnov