Programming

The Power of 'foo_*': The Art of Balancing Flow and Clarity when Naming Things

The article discusses the challenge of naming things in coding and proposes an incremental naming method as a solution. The method suggests starting with temporary, functional names and gradually refining them as the understanding of the system evolves. This approach allows for maintaining flow and momentum while ensuring code quality. The transition from temporary to meaningful names is guided by considering the core purpose of the component, its fit in the overall system, and its descriptive nature. The temporary names also serve as indicators for refactoring and code review. The article concludes that striking a balance between flow and code quality is essential, and "Good Enough" in the moment can lead to "Great" in the long run.

A 4-Step Structure for Improving Your Pull Request Review Process for Better Code Delivery

The text discusses the importance of providing context in pull requests (PRs) to improve the PR review process and code development speed. It suggests that a strong PR should include sections such as an overview of the problem the change solves, the context for understanding the impact of the change, instructions for evaluating and replicating the change, and additional information like screenshots or documentation. By providing this context, reviewers can better understand the purpose and impact of the change, leading to more effective and efficient reviews.

10x Engineer – The Root Cause

This article examines the concept of 10x engineers, which are believed to be highly skilled individuals who can contribute 10 times more than their peers. It looks into how to find, hire, inspire, and develop these engineers, as well as how to prevent them from leaving. It also discusses Carol Dweck's notion of learners possessing a "fixed mindset" or "growth mindset" and how to foster the growth mindset. It also references Jim Collins' book, Great by Choice, which discusses 10x companies and 10x leaders, as well as an article from Harvard Business Review which explains how Microsoft uses a growth mindset to develop leaders. It provides strategies for identifying growth-minded employees during the interview process and a 7-step process for hiring 10x engineers. It also discusses the risk tolerance of 10x engineers, the importance of recognizing the qualities that set 10x engineers apart when hiring, and how to develop deep learning through short repetitions and feedback loops. Finally, it discusses the "Happy Demise of the 10X Engineer" and how software development is being replaced by enabling technology, as well as the importance of engineering and scientific innovation in "deep-tech" companies.

Navigating Partnerships with Unicorns and Large Enterprises: Protecting AI Startups' Interests

This article explores the challenges faced by AI startups when partnering with unicorns and large enterprises, and provides strategies to protect their interests. It suggests engaging legal expertise to negotiate favorable terms and review contractual agreements, implementing NDAs and non-compete agreements, and considering jurisdiction and governing law. On the technical side, it recommends encryption, access controls, authorization, watermarking, model protection, federated learning, secure collaboration frameworks, and regular auditing and monitoring. By combining legal and technical safeguards, AI startups can mitigate the risks of theft or unauthorized usage of their AI models.

How to balance the technical and business aspects of running an AI startup, as a technical person.

Success in AI startups requires a balance between technical and business aspects. This can be achieved by looking at things from a return on investment perspective, focusing on solving real business problems, being pragmatic in technical decisions, and surrounding yourself with business-minded people. Additionally, it is important to visit customers to gain a better understanding of their needs and develop technology that truly addresses their problems. Ultimately, the key to success is to stay focused on creating value for customers.