The author reflects on their attempts to create a build system, likening it to a spreadsheet model. They discuss the simplicity and power of spreadsheets, highlighting their ability to chain formulas and update values dynamically....
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Samir Talwar is an automation engineer and former CTO focused on improving team delivery and cohesion, skilled in functional programming and diverse roles in startups.
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Unnecessary complexity in software architecture, especially through data duplication, can hinder development; normalization and careful data management are essential for efficiency.
The post critiques tech monopolies for restricting user access and advocates for open APIs to restore user autonomy and competition in digital services.
The author reflects on the evolution of programming from 2010 to 2025, contrasting the simplicity and efficiency of earlier practices with the complexities and frustrations of modern development. He reminisces about using Java and...
The author reminisces about their childhood fascination with Windows 95, particularly the Disk Defragmenter, and expresses a desire to recreate that experience in modern computing environments. They introduce a new program, defrag...
The article discusses the disconnect between responsibility and authority in software development. It highlights how programmers often lack the authority to make decisions about the tools and languages they use, despite being held...
The author discusses their experience transitioning from a Raspberry Pi 5 to a mid-2015 MacBook Pro for hosting their personal Mastodon instance and blog. They detail the challenges faced with the Raspberry Pi, including firmware ...
The author shares insights from recent workshops on Test-Driven Development (TDD) conducted in Berlin and remotely. The workshops were structured into three parts: introduction to pairing and ping-pong TDD, refactoring, and applyi...
The author shares life lessons at 37, highlighting the complexities of perception, responsibility, and the importance of effective work and technology management.
Cleaning and organizing are vital for mental processing and creativity, not procrastination, as they help balance work and personal life.
The article discusses the concept of 'ninja pairing' in a remote work environment, where team members collaborate subtly without explicitly labeling it as pairing. The author shares a week-long experience of initiating and partici...
4Pizza
1970-01-01 • productivity workshops food choices pizza
The author discusses the importance of food choices during multi-day workshops, emphasizing that providing meals can enhance participation. He argues against serving pizza, claiming it induces lethargy and negatively impacts produ...
3.7Talking in the second person
1970-01-01 • self-help advice sales communication
The author discusses the nature of advice, emphasizing that when people say 'you', they are often reflecting their own experiences rather than providing universally applicable guidance. The text explores the difference between per...
2.2Goodbye, floof.
1970-01-01 • personal grief and bereavement cat pets loss
The author, Samir Talwar, reflects on the loss of his cat, Kika, who passed away after a long battle with cancer. He shares his emotional connection to Kika, describing her as the best cat in the world and expressing his deep love...