Stop Refactoring: When Ugly Legacy Code is Exactly What Your Business Needs

Stop Refactoring: When Ugly Legacy Code is Exactly What Your Business Needs

The Beauty of Ugly Code In the world of software development, there’s an ongoing debate about the necessity of refactoring legacy code. On one side, we have the purists who argue that refactoring is essential for maintaining code quality and ensuring long-term maintainability. On the other side, there are those who believe that sometimes, leaving well enough alone is the best approach. I’ve been in the trenches for many years, and I’ve seen both sides of the argument....

September 28, 2026 · 3 min · 622 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Engineering habits that compound over years

Engineering habits that compound over years

Engineering habits that compound over years In the world of software engineering, the difference between good and great engineers often boils down to habits. Some habits have an immediate impact, while others compound over years, leading to significant improvements in skills, productivity, and career growth. In this article, we’ll explore some engineering habits that can have a lasting impact on your career. 1. Continuous learning The tech industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to keep up with the latest trends and technologies....

September 25, 2026 · 4 min · 733 words · Maxim Zhirnov
The Monolith Strikes Back: Why Big Balls of Mud Keep Winning

The Monolith Strikes Back: Why Big Balls of Mud Keep Winning

The Resurgence of the Monolith In the ever-evolving landscape of software architecture, the monolithic approach has long been considered the heavyweight champion—reliable, straightforward, and effective for many applications. However, with the advent of microservices and the distributed systems paradigm, the monolith was often painted as an antiquated behemoth, slow to adapt and difficult to scale. Yet, despite the rise of its more agile counterparts, the monolith persists, and in some cases, thrives....

September 21, 2026 · 3 min · 604 words · Maxim Zhirnov
Data Contracts Between Engineering and Analytics Teams: A Guide to Smooth Collaboration

Data Contracts Between Engineering and Analytics Teams: A Guide to Smooth Collaboration

Introduction In the world of data-driven decision making, effective collaboration between engineering and analytics teams is crucial. Data contracts play a vital role in ensuring that both teams are on the same page when it comes to data exchange, quality, and usage. In this article, we will explore what data contracts are, why they are important, and how to implement them effectively. What are Data Contracts? Data contracts are formal agreements between teams that define the structure, format, and quality of data exchanged between them....

September 18, 2026 · 3 min · 638 words · Maxim Zhirnov
You Don’t Need a Senior Title, You Need Fewer Stakeholders

You Don’t Need a Senior Title, You Need Fewer Stakeholders

In the world of software development, the quest for the “Senior” title is often seen as the holy grail of career progression. Many developers believe that this title is the key to unlocking higher salaries, more respect, and greater autonomy. However, I argue that the true path to professional fulfillment and effective work lies not in chasing titles, but in minimizing the number of stakeholders involved in the development process....

September 14, 2026 · 4 min · 684 words · Maxim Zhirnov