Topic: Thoughts
We share some thoughts and reflections about software development, its challenges, requirements, and solutions.
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.…
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…
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…
What Is a Web App?
Several years ago I happened to communicate with potential customers on job posting sites. I noticed that most of the customers used terminology that was a bit different from what I would use. If they said something like, ‘I need an app’, it was about a mobile application. For me, ‘an app’ meant any type of application - a web application, a desktop application, a mobile application - but their use of this word was more particular. Customers would rarely mention a web application. More commonly, they would refer to a…
The Frustration of Constant Software Updates
The text reflects on the frustration of software updates that disregard user preferences and suggests that developers should prioritize popular features and allow for version reversions. The author encourages users to provide feedback and appreciate reliable software amid the constant struggle of navigating updates. Let me tell you, there are only two things in this world that I despise more than anything else: the dentist and software updates. I mean, seriously, who actually enjoys them? They're like the ultimate buzzkill when you're in the middle of a…
Specific Features of IT Market in Saudi Arabia
In my career as a developer, I have attended several IT exhibitions and conferences to gain insights into the latest trends and technologies and make useful business connections. "Seamless Saudi Arabia 2023" is the event that stands out from the rest. First, it was held in a country that opened its doors to foreigners and became liberal in issuing tourist visas only in 2019. Second, it was a very large-scale event with 24,102 attendees, 521 exhibitors and 378 speakers. The focus was on fintech,…
World Where All the Programmers Have Gone Away
Imagine waking up to an ordinary morning. People brew their coffee and turn on the television, only to be greeted by a worried news presenter. An hour ago, mysterious incidents unfolded globally. Countless individuals vanished; security forces of nations are on high alert. The world is in confusion. The only certainty is that everyone with programming skills or a technical mindset has gone away. Most people switched the channel to morning shows. Some were sorrowful about the absence of their relatives or friends, and there were those…
Exploring IT Market in Saudi Arabia
When I learned that I was going on a business trip to Saudi Arabia, I was anxious and delighted at the same time. What did I know about this country? To be honest, not much. But thanks to a quick internet search, I learned that the country has been reshaping its world image. It has reduced its dependence on oil revenues by investing in non-oil sectors such as tourism, entertainment and technology. This has created new jobs for Saudis and reduced the country's vulnerability to oil price fluctuations. Saudi Arabia has recently launched a number of initiatives aimed at making the country one of…
Whiteboard App for Hospital Patients
We've received a request from a nurse working with in-patients in a major US city. They've conceived the idea that leveraging modern technology could make patients' hospital stays much more comfortable. Nurses are keenly aware of a frequently voiced concern among hospital patients. They often struggle to acquire answers to the numerous questions they hold about their condition, treatment, schedule specifics, and everyday aspects of their hospital stay. The plain whiteboards in patient rooms display just the basics. Patients frequently…
