Zenful Estimates: Ditching Task Estimates to Build a Faster Team
The truth is, traditional engineering estimates often miss the mark. Enter the Zenful Estimation method: it's all about embracing inner peace and ditching task estimation. Discover the simplicity and effectiveness of Zenful Estimation.
Release of the Startup CTO's Handbook
As of today, my book, the Startup CTO’s Handbook, is published and available on Amazon and GitHub!
Running your README in CI
Here's the deal: running your builds in CI the same way you'd run them on your local machine, based on your README steps, isn't just a neat trick—it's a blueprint for success for onboarding speed and build reliability. Let's get into why this approach could be your team's next big win.
Access your 3D printer from anywhere with Octoprint and Zerotier
In this article I’ll walk you through how to set up your (Octoprint-compatible) 3D printer such that you can start, stop and monitor your prints from anywhere. A no-frills guide to saving your legs and upping your printing game.
SF Engineering Leadership Annual 2022
I had the good fortune of attending the San Francisco Engineering Leadership Community 2022 Annual Conference, their first since the start of the COVID19 Pandemic. The event took place over 2 days at Fort Mason in San Francisco, had about a dozen vendors with booths, three “keynote” spaces, and a handful of tables for smaller group conversations.
Setting up budgets for cloud usage with Terraform
How a little Terraform magic can turn your cloud budgeting from a 'set and forget' into a dynamic, ROI-boosting powerhouse—perfect for keeping those ambitious cloud projects in financial check.
Production SQL Server Checklist & Best Practices
Much ink has been spilled on which database you should use, or how to think about which database to use, for your project. My aim in this post is not to sell you on any database paradigm, rather to serve as a reference guide and checklist for how to responsibly host a SQL server, be it MySQL, Postgresql or other, in production.
A code-free IaaC link shortener using Kutt and GKE
Deploy your own domain's link shortener with zero coding fuss—just a sprinkle of Kubernetes and Terraform to get Kutt running on GKE. Here’s how to skip the software slog and get straight to shortening.
Kaizen in infrastructure: Writing RCAs to improve system reliability and build customer trust
Learn how writing Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) can be your secret weapon in boosting system reliability and forging stronger trust with your customers, straight from a CTO's real-world playbook.
The Commandments of Good Code according to Zach
Any engineer can produce code that 'works', what distinguishes crap from those that are capable of writing maintainable code efficiently that supports a business long term is an understanding of design patterns, and the experience to know how to solve problems simply and in a clear and maintainable way.
The Product Market Fit Flow Chart (or PMFFC for short)
Let’s dive into the PMF Flow Chart and why 'running with it' is the crucial step many miss—straight talk from a tech veteran on turning product-market fit into your startup's rocket fuel.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 9)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 09:
Just wrapped up a wild ride from Da Lat to Saigon, battling sore seats, dodgy detours, and a concrete cylinder standoff, all to drop off our trusty bikes and dive into the heart of city luxury—what a journey!
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 8)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 8:
From early morning dive adventures in Nha Trang to a breathtaking ride towards Dalat, capped off with party hats and cake, Day 8 of our Vietnam bike tour was an epic mix of underwater wonders and mountain majesties.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 7)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 7:
From Binh Duong we made our way to the vibrant Nha Trang. Skirting picturesque beaches and golden Buddhas, we navigated the bustling streets crowded with a mix of locals and tourists. A highlight was our scuba dive booking and celebrating Zach's birthday at a beachfront bar, embracing the luxurious yet ludicrously priced setting of Vietnam's beloved coastal gem.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 6)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 6:
Embarking early from Hue, Day 6 tested our mettle on Vietnam's chaotic Highway 1 towards Nha Trang. Dodging traffic turned art, we savored breathtaking vistas and Hoi An's ancient charm. The day, filled with mechanical fixes and culinary quests, ended on a Pho note, marking another memorable chapter in our journey.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 5)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 5:
A late start in Hue saw us fixing bikes for $13 and trying hostel-made pizza (solid B). A private tour of the Citadel blended stunning history with bittersweet war reminders. Dinner featured a Vietnamese-European prix fixe menu, ending the day on a delicious note. Early alarms set, we wrapped up another chapter in our journey.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 4)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 4:
A late start led to scenic rides through Phong Nha’s mountain roads and a visit to Paradise Cave. The cool, massive chambers were a refreshing break from the heat. Afternoon storms soaked us, and navigating unlit highways and chaotic train crossings tested our nerves. Arriving in Hue by nightfall, we settled at the "Google Hotel," enjoyed traditional Hue dishes in a hidden alley, and ended the day with soft-serve and cheap massages.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 3)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 3:
Aiming for Phong Nha, we traveled 400km of scenic highways and chaotic truck-laden roads. Highlights included a valley selfie, a motorbike carrying a fridge, and dodging rainstorms. The day ended in a tiny village guesthouse, where AC and a simple dinner awaited. A round of local vodka with friendly villagers capped off another memorable ride.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 2)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 2:
A lazy morning turned into an eventful afternoon as we waited for a new bike wheel. After betting on how it would arrive, Felix won 50,000 Dong when a guy showed up with the wheel balanced on a scooter. With repairs done just before sunset, we foolishly opted for a night ride. Muddy, winding mountain roads tested our dirt bikes—and nerves—over three grueling hours. Finally, at 11:15 PM, we stumbled upon a $10 motel with AC and celebrated surviving the Darwin Award-worthy journey.
Vietnam Bike Tour: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Day 1)
Vietnam Bike Tour Day 1:
Day 1 took us 169km from Hanoi to Mai Chao, navigating chaotic streets, stunning mountain roads, and countless roadside cows. Felix's crash into a mile marker added some drama, but thanks to top-notch safety gear, he was unscathed. A local mechanic's ingenuity patched up the bike, leaving only a bent wheel to fix. The day ended with a massive home-cooked meal and a bamboo hut stay—a thrilling start to our journey south.