TanStack Router Server Functions (13 minute read)
TanStack Router's Server Functions allows developers to execute code only on the server, keeping sensitive logic away from the client. They are defined using `createServerFn` and can be called from anywhere in the application, including loaders, hooks, and other server functions. Server functions accept a single parameter and also provide access to server request context, allowing developers to work with headers, sessions, and cookies.
Using S3 but not the way you expected. S3 as strongly consistent event store (24 minute read)
Amazon S3 can be used as a strongly consistent event store with the help of the new conditional writes feature. Conditional writes enable optimistic concurrency, which is necessary for managing data updates in distributed systems. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to implement this strategy. It also goes over structured naming conventions and conflict resolution.
Notes on Distributed Systems for Young Bloods (20 minute read)
Frequent failures and partial failures are inherent in distributed systems, requiring more robust design and the ability to take on increased costs. In distributed systems, careful coordination requires the help of data locality and partial availability.
Greppability is an underrated code metric (3 minute read)
Code "greppability" is when code is easy to search through thanks to easy-to-understand names. Dynamically constructing identifiers (e.g., table names and function names) makes code searching harder. Use flat, unnested structures for namespaces and components as it makes it easier to locate specific elements through simple searches.
The Art of Finishing (12 minute read)
The "Project Hydra Effect” is when starting new projects feels more rewarding than finishing existing ones, leading to a cycle of endless beginnings and unfulfilled potential. Unfinished projects have an allure to them because there is comfort in their potential while also avoiding finality and criticism. However, not finishing projects leads to missed opportunities, mental clutter, and a lack of confidence.
Comments on Founder Mode (3 minute read)
Ken Kocienda saw Steve Jobs and Brian Chesky work up close and found that they had few key similarities. They both had deep intuition, a tireless work ethic, an unwavering commitment to their vision, and a fantastic ability to effectively guide and empower their teams. At the same time, they had differences such as Steve Jobs advocating for leaving smart people alone, while Chesky believed that founders needed to be more in contact with the “lower levels” of the company.
react-native-mmkv v3.0.0 (GitHub Repo)
react-native-mmkv v3.0.0 is a complete rewrite that uses a pure C++ TurboModule and offers a single codebase for both iOS and Android. This means that the package is now faster and offers more consistency across platforms.
GOV.UK Vue (Website)
GOV.UK Vue provides Vue implementations of every component in the GOV.UK Design System.
SyncLite (GitHub Repo)
SyncLite is an open-source, no-code platform that lets developers build data-intensive applications by consolidating data from various sources, including embedded databases, streaming applications, and traditional databases.
Doing support makes you a better engineer (6 minute read)
PostHog involves product engineers in customer support to create faster feedback loops, enhance product quality through constant small improvements, and encourage full cycle ownership of the development process. Engineers rotate as "support heroes" to balance support duties with their regular work, leading to a more user-focused engineering team.
Using GPT-4o for web scraping (7 minute read)
GPT-4o can be used for web scraping, though it can be pretty expensive. This developer experimented with different approaches, including directly asking GPT-4o to extract data, generating XPaths, and combining both methods. While GPT-4o demonstrated impressive data extraction capabilities, its inconsistent inaccuracies and high cost made it tough to be sustainable.