Field Notes From Cyfrania
Chronicles of software developers: sweet successes, bitter failures, and everyday routines shared to inspire, spark thoughts, offer hints, or just for a pleasant read.
Story of Meeting Docker: My Take on Docker's Edge
When I first heard about Docker in 2013, my initial thought was that it was just pointless. After all, there are plenty of similar tools available elsewhere, so why add another one? And I kept ignoring it for a year before realizing how valuable this platform really is. Docker really managed to amaze me. I recalled this story upon noticing a common belief that Docker invented its containers out of thin air. This isn't true. The concept of containers gradually advanced towards Docker over the years.…
No Meaning - No Work!
I remember a story that happened when I was nine years old. I trained in gymnastics and did not do well. The coach invited my dad to talk about my productivity. Dad came in with the intention to raise the question, ‘How can we inspire Martha to do better at gymnastics?’ But all of a sudden, the coach turned the conversation another way. Why doesn’t Martha work as she should? Look at all the other girls. They all work hard. I don’t push them, I don’t fly above them - and they keep practicing their movements. Now look at Martha. She just stands there. She is lazy. She has two hands and…
Good Developers Are Hard to Find
Good software developers are hard to find. Why? Because good people in general are hard to find. A good friend is hard to find. A good stylist is hard to find. That principle applies everywhere. I am a happy person. I have found many good people that help me with my small problems - including a good luthier who restrings my Floyd Rose. But there are many people who struggle with finding one another. A good spouse is hard to find. Men and women have been looking for each other for a long time. Finding a mate has always been a huge problem for human beings. According to divorce…
Top Logistics App Features in 2024
In my last article, I covered the essentials of logistics apps, their varieties, what they offer to businesses, and how to develop one tailored to individual company requirements. Here, I'll expand on the functionalities of this software. What logistics app features are essential to stay relevant in the modern world? How can an app satisfy current and future market demands? And how can it leverage new technological advancements to the fullest? Stay tuned, as we uncover answers to these questions. ## Crucial Market…
Why Is My App Slow? Part 3 - Extensive Data Processing
This is the third article in my series about typical scenarios when a web or mobile app experiences severe slowdowns, causing frustration for both users and the owner. In the first article, I discussed a project where engineers didn't follow proper programming practices and kept endlessly copying pieces of code, thereby depleting the system's processing power. Experienced programmers easily solved the problem by simply removing all these duplications, which seemed like some kind of magic to the customer. The second article discussed the same app but in a completely…
Why Is My App Slow? Part 2 - Increased Load
I go on to describe the typical issues that cause an app to function at an unforgivably slow pace, based on projects I've been directly involved in. In my previous article, I described the first common scenario that developers encounter when they are asked to speed up an app. It was the story of a website created by engineers scattered around the globe. They didn't coordinate their actions and preferred the easiest path, mindlessly copying code without caring for the system's performance. Here comes the second story about speed issues in the same project. This time…
How Much Does It Cost to Build an eCommerce Website?
As a business consultant, I frequently browse Quora.com and Reddit.com, platforms where I can ask questions and connect with people who offer valuable insights and interesting answers. After spending a lot of time on these sites, I've come to the conclusion that when people are discussing website or app development, they have price in mind first and foremost. Price, price, and nothing but price. Cost analysis is usually reduced to multiplying the number of development hours by the average programmer's rate. In my opinion, it is better to consider the cost on a specific example. Let's take an…
Business Guide for Developing Logistics Management Software
Logistics applications automate all operations involved in moving, storing, and distributing goods from where they're made to where they're used, which is necessary for many businesses. Here's a far from complete list of company categories that employ logistics apps. * Manufacturers have to manage the flow of supplies, ensure the transfer of in-process and finished goods between storage spaces, units, own-brand shops, as well as handle their transport fleet. * Warehouses and distribution centers need to organize their inventory, distribute…
Why Is My App Slow? Part 1 - Quality Issues
If you have a web application or a mobile app with a backend that is slow, let me share 3 stories I happened to be connected with. These are stories of actual projects, showing three typical scenarios where apps start to slow down. We'll see how and why these situations arise and think about the best ways to overcome them. I opted to create a separate article for every story, beginning with this one. It's about a returning customer who had a project developed by our company. I was not involved in the first release development and launch of this…
How to Build a Successful Sports App in 2024?
The world is crazy about sports. This is a fact that can be easily confirmed by statistics. In the USA, 70% of the respondents identify themselves as sports fans. No wonder sports applications are gaining more and more popularity. First of all, let us understand what sports apps are and what they have in common. These apps are aimed at sports enthusiasts, fans, and athletes and offer a variety of functionalities to enhance their sports experience. Such apps are designed to provide users with information, updates,…
