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
Systematic Learning Without Drowning in Tech FOMO

Systematic Learning Without Drowning in Tech FOMO

Introduction In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of new information and tools. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be paralyzing, leading to a state of perpetual learning without any real progress. In this article, we’ll explore a systematic approach to learning that will help you stay ahead without drowning in the sea of information. Understanding Tech FOMO Tech FOMO is the anxiety that comes with the feeling that you’re missing out on the latest and greatest in the tech world....

September 11, 2026 · 4 min · 751 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—the very word might make some developers shudder, conjuring images of complex cluster management and endless YAML files. But is it really that scary, or are we just letting our fear of the unknown hold us back? In this article, we’ll dive deep into whether Kubernetes is worth the investment for side projects. We’ll explore its benefits, challenges, and provide step-by-step instructions to get you started. Why Consider Kubernetes? Kubernetes, often abbreviated as K8s, is an open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications....

September 7, 2026 · 3 min · 551 words · Maxim Zhirnov