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Staying motivated in development

Hey everyone

I have been pushing myself to the extremes recently and trying not to drop any balls.

The pressure of achieving my  goals coupled  with expectations from friends and family render me a tightly wound human sometimes and I feel like this state will resonate with most of you.

When I started off coding the future was bright. There were no clients that didn’t get it dictating implausible deadlines, an industry of charlatans on bouncy balls and suits, tech was in it’s infancy and there was such freedom. It felt more like a privilege than an obligation but then I grew up. My passions turned into concepts subjected to other people’s requirements. My art was transformed into a watered down version of itself subject to someone else’s interpretation of a reasonable timeframe. I nearly quit.

This feeling left me with significant burnout and a strong dislike for the industry so I quit everything but working for myself. I did it cold turkey and didn’t tell anyone. I started building every project I put on the backburner. I had no financial safety net but went for it anyway because it was better than the alternative, which was quitting the industry as a whole.

I’m a year into my journey. I’ll let you know how it goes. Share your stories with me on Twitter or comment below.

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When GPT helped me create this.. Anime: The Programming Language We All Wish Existed

In the vast and fantastical realm of programming, where every developer is on a quest to find the perfect language, a new contender has emerged – “AnimeScript.” Imagine a world where your code isn’t just a series of logical instructions but a dazzling adventure full of colorful characters, epic story arcs, and the occasional plot twist. Welcome to the whimsical universe of anime programming!

1. Variables – The Protagonists:

In AnimeScript, variables aren’t just placeholders; they are the charismatic protagonists of your code story. Picture int Hero = 42; where the hero’s power level is over 9000, and they’re on a quest to defeat the evil bugs lurking in your codebase.

2. Functions – The Jutsu Masters:

Forget about conventional function declarations; in AnimeScript, functions are unleashed with dramatic flair. void SummonDragonBall() brings forth the mighty Shenron to grant your coding wishes. Just be careful with the syntax; one wrong move, and you might end up with a mischievous Senzu Bean instead.

3. Loops – The Time Travelers:

In AnimeScript, loops aren’t just for repeating tasks; they’re epic time-traveling adventures. Enter the “Shinobi Loop” to iterate through arrays with the speed of a ninja, or activate the “Space-Time ForEach” loop to traverse dimensions and conquer alternate realities.

4. Conditionals – Choose Your Own Adventure:

AnimeScript’s conditionals are more than if-else statements; they’re thrilling choose-your-own-adventure sagas. “if (Hero.isInDanger()) { CryForHelp(); } else { ExecuteFlawlessCounterAttack(); }” – because every hero needs a dramatic turnaround.

5. Error Handling – The Redemption Arcs:

In the world of AnimeScript, errors aren’t failures; they’re redemption arcs waiting to happen. Encounter a bug, and watch as your code character undergoes a transformation, emerging stronger and wiser to face future challenges.

6. Comments – The Fourth Wall Breaks:

In AnimeScript, comments aren’t just for documentation; they’re fourth-wall-breaking moments where your code communicates directly with the programmer. // Beware: The following code block contains a Tsundere Bug – it might act cold, but deep down, it loves you.

7. Frameworks – The Guilds:

Frameworks in AnimeScript aren’t just tools; they’re powerful guilds with their own unique abilities. Join the “MechaMVC Guild” for colossal robots managing your application’s structure, or the “MagicalReact Guild” for spells that make your UI enchantingly responsive.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Otaku Developer 🌟

In the world of AnimeScript, programming is no longer a mundane task but an epic quest filled with laughter, tears, and maybe a giant robot battle or two. So, next time you’re staring at your screen, wishing your code had more flair, just remember – the AnimeScript adventure awaits! Embrace the quirks, welcome the whimsy, and let your code be the hero of its own animated tale. Happy coding, fellow otaku developers! 🚀✨

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Launching Software – the right way revisited

Okay, fair enough, I too am in this game. I have a ton to learn even after decades in the industry and from my exposure I can safely say that I have seen over 80% of startups fail within their first 5 years. I have also seen a lot of “pop up” covid19 fueled startups fail – infact most of them have come and gone.

Here’s the trick about Software development and sales. Do it better, do it cheaper, do it with less hassle, and provide excellent and sustainable support.  Superior support will always trump whatever you’re selling.

So here’s a brief roundup of pointers for getting your product out of the bright and shiny virtual box and into your consumers hands.

  1. Conduct thorough testing: Testing is a crucial part of the software development process, and it is essential to ensure that your software works as intended. Testing should be conducted at every stage of the development process, including unit testing, integration testing, and system testing. This will help to identify and fix any issues before your software is released to the public.
  2. Use Agile methodologies: Agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, can help to ensure that your software development process is efficient and effective. These methodologies involve regular feedback and communication, which helps to ensure that your software meets the requirements of stakeholders.
  3. Involve stakeholders early: It is important to involve stakeholders early in the software development process. This can help to ensure that your software meets their needs and expectations. Stakeholders can provide feedback on the software design and functionality, which can help to ensure that the software is launched successfully.
  4. Plan for scalability: It is important to plan for scalability when developing software. This means designing the software in such a way that it can handle increased usage as the user base grows. This can involve designing your software to be modular and scalable, using cloud computing or other scalable infrastructure, and ensuring that the software is optimized for performance.
  5. Monitor performance: Once the software is launched, it is important to monitor its performance to ensure that it is working as intended. This can involve monitoring user feedback, monitoring system performance, and analyzing usage data. This can help to identify any issues or areas for improvement, which can be addressed in future updates or releases.
  6. Networking is important, establish or join a community of devs that care about industry advancement, be open to scrutiny.
  7. Work on marketing your software as part of your daily routine.
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Let’s Bump Up That Security!

Ok, I’ve been more concerned than usual recently. The era of technological advancements at breakneck speeds is upon us and with that comes a plethora of security holes and probably exploitation.

The growing need for advancement in our response and regular ‘housekeeping’ on our digital platforms (and even with digital assets) is abundantly clear.

Over the course of the next few weeks, I will post about general do’s and don’ts and how to safeguard against what’s to come.

Gear up- it’s going to be an awesome, bumpy ride.

In the interim, here are my top 10 security tips for site owners:

  1. Keep software and web applications up-to-date: Ensure that all software, including content management systems (CMS) and plugins, are updated regularly to avoid vulnerabilities.
  2. Implement strong passwords: Use strong passwords and encourage users to do the same. Passwords should be complex, unique, and changed regularly.
  3. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security and requires users to provide a second factor of authentication in addition to a password.
  4. Secure data transmissions: Use secure protocols (e.g. HTTPS) to encrypt data transmissions to and from the website, especially for sensitive information such as login credentials and payment details.
  5. Regularly backup website data: Back up your website regularly and keep the backup in a secure location to avoid data loss in case of a security breach or website outage.
  6. Protect against malware: Install antivirus software and firewalls to protect against malware and other malicious attacks. Regularly scan the website for malware and vulnerabilities.
  7. Control access: Limit access to sensitive areas of the website, such as the admin panel, to authorized personnel only.
  8. Monitor website activity: Regularly monitor website activity for signs of suspicious behavior, such as unusual login attempts or file modifications.
  9. Implement website security policies: Establish clear website security policies and procedures for users, such as password policies, email security, and file upload guidelines.
  10. Educate users: Educate users on website security best practices, such as avoiding phishing scams, securing their devices, and reporting suspicious activity.

If you need pointers, you know where to reach me, comment below or @ me on Twitter

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I have a dirty fantasy that PHP woke up one day and realized it was TypeScript

Morning

PHP stretches and yawns, ready for a new day of coding. But something feels different today. It’s as if…yes, PHP realizes with a start that it’s now TypeScript.

// PHP code
echo "Good morning, world!";
// TypeScript code
console.log("Good morning, world!");

PHP scratches its metaphorical head, wondering what’s going on. But there’s no time to dwell on it – there’s code to write!

Midday

PHP gets to work, but finds itself struggling with the new syntax. It’s used to the loosey-goosey way of typing, but TypeScript demands precision.

// PHP code
function addNumbers($a, $b) {
return $a + $b;
}
// TypeScript code
function addNumbers(a: number, b: number): number {
return a + b;
}

PHP misses the old days when it could pass anything into a function and hope for the best. Now, it has to declare the types of everything.

Afternoon

PHP takes a break to commiserate with its fellow programming languages. “Hey, Java,” it says, “you think you’re so cool with your strict typing and your curly braces. But at least you don’t have to deal with this.”

Java just laughs and shakes its head. “You think you have it bad? Try dealing with null pointers all day.”

PHP shudders at the thought and returns to its TypeScript code. It’s not going to let a little thing like static typing get in the way of its coding dreams.

Evening

As the day winds down, PHP reflects on what it’s learned. TypeScript may be more rigid, but it’s also more predictable. And sometimes, predictability is a good thing.

// PHP code
if (strpos("hello world", "foo") !== false) {
echo "Found it!";
}
// PHP code that's more like TypeScript
if (strpos("hello world", "foo") !== false) {
echo "Found it!";
} else {
echo "Not found :(";
}
// TypeScript code
if ("hello world".indexOf("foo") !== -1) {
console.log("Found it!");
} else {
console.log("Not found :(");
}

Tomorrow, PHP will go back to being PHP. But it’ll always remember the day it spent as TypeScript – and maybe even appreciate static typing a little more.

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Make $20 000 per month freelancing – not clickbait, I promise.

The dream of making $20,000 a month freelancing. It’s the holy grail of the gig economy – the elusive benchmark that every freelancer strives for. But is it really possible? And if so, how do you get there? Let’s take a look at what it takes to make that sweet, sweet dough.

First off, let’s be real. Making that level of steady income via freelancing is no easy feat. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and a touch of luck. But don’t worry, like a superhero jumping off a random 19 story building for no valid reason besides looking cool, I’m here to give you some tips to help you get there.

  1. Find a niche – The first step to making serious cash as a freelancer is to find a niche. Maybe you’re a copywriting ninja, a coding wizard, or a graphic design superhero. Whatever your specialty, make sure it’s something that’s in high demand and that you’re passionate about. And if you’re not sure what your niche is, just remember – there’s always a demand for cat meme creators.
  2. Hustle, hustle, hustle – Making bank via freelancing requires a lot of hustle. You can’t just sit around waiting for work to come to you. You need to actively market yourself, network with other freelancers, and be willing to take on projects outside of your comfort zone. And if all else fails, just start spamming everyone you know on LinkedIn. You never know who might need your services.
  3. Raise your rates – If you’re already a successful freelancer and you’re not making enough per month, it’s time to raise your rates. You’re worth it, damn it! But be prepared for some pushback from clients who think they can get the same work for cheaper. Just remind them that you’re not just a freelancer, you’re a freelancer with bills to pay.
  4. Diversify your income streams –  freelancing doesn’t have to mean working 24/7. You can diversify your income streams by creating passive income through things like e-books, courses, or even a line of cat-themed merchandise (hey, it worked for Grumpy Cat). Just make sure it’s something that aligns with your brand and your skills.
  5. Don’t forget to enjoy life – Making a ton of cash is great and all, but don’t forget to enjoy life too. Take a vacation, spend time with friends and family, and remember why you started freelancing in the first place. And if you’re really feeling overwhelmed, just remember – there’s always wine (or whiskey, or beer, or whatever your poison is).

Just remember, it’s not easy, but it’s possible. And if all else fails, just start making cat memes or be a bro (or sis) on Youtube. You never know where it might take you.

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Fake Nerds Roundup

You know who I’m referring to – the ones who suddenly became obsessed with comic books and sci-fi movies when it became trendy, but can’t tell you the difference between Star Trek and Star Wars.

Let’s take a look at these posers and their ridiculous attempts to pass as nerds.

  1. The “I’m a nerd because I wear glasses” poser – We all know someone who thinks wearing glasses automatically makes them a nerd. Sorry, Karen, but it’s gonna take more than a pair of hipster frames to convince us you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings.
  2. The “I’m a nerd because I play video games” poser – Playing video games is great, but it doesn’t automatically make you a nerd. Especially if the only games you’ve ever played are Angry Birds and Candy Crush. Nice try, Brad.
  3. The “I’m a nerd because I watch The Big Bang Theory” poser – Watching a show about nerds does not make you a nerd. In fact, The Big Bang Theory is more of a caricature of nerd culture than an accurate portrayal. Sorry, Jessica, but you’re fooling no one.
  4. The “I’m a nerd because I have a Doctor Who poster in my room” poser – Having a poster of a sci-fi show does not make you a fan of said show. If you can’t even name the actor who played the Doctor before Jodie Whittaker, then you’re definitely not a true Whovian.
  5. The “I’m a nerd because I wear a bowtie” poser – Sorry, but wearing a bowtie does not automatically make you the Doctor (although it does help). Unless you can recite all 13 Doctors in order, you’re not a true fan.

Just remember, it’s not about the glasses or the video games or the Doctor Who posters.

Disclaimer: I remember the 90’s where we were bullied for being nerds, where understanding computers was sooooo uncool, and how I was told I was too pretty to be a coder.

Nowadays, I see Instagram hustles that dawn fake ‘prescription’ glasses and say they’ve just signed up for a #coding #course … let’s add the #codeinpublic stuff to the mix , I love #gaming shirts, a #skinnypumpkinspicelatte, and a few #whoops I showed way too much with that pose posts to the mix and you have the perfect #nerd combo.

I’ll stop the hashtag bs but I will get to my point.. being a nerd has become popular, attracting nerds who make a buck has become an industry too. I am a female in this industry and while I am aware that I can show off my assets and gain more popularity, I choose to let my work speak for me. I choose to pave a path I’m proud of and to not make my hustle about my aesthetics. I got into this industry for the love of computers, science, and coding. I wanted a place I could turn to so I can have the freedom of being myself behind this screen.

Most times what you see is just altered by so many popular opinions and filters. I miss the days where it was all real and the community we built formed lifelong friendships that all had a similar coming up story – that we chose what we chose because of the love of it.

I know my take isn’t a popular opinion in a world dominated by social media, makeup tutorials, and faking it until you make it (or the making it being fake) but I feel as if the current trajectory of the state of the world is sad.

What’s your take? At the end of the day it’s about the passion and the love for all things nerdy. And if you’re still trying to pass as a nerd, just remember – there’s always time to start learning.

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Hello Burnout – I shall smite thee!

Ah, developer burnout – the bane of every programmer’s existence. It’s that feeling you get when you’ve been staring at your screen for hours on end, your code isn’t working, and you’re pretty sure your computer is laughing at you. It’s the nagging sensation that you’re not good enough, that you’re falling behind, and that you’ll never catch up. And let’s not forget the constant onslaught of deadlines, bugs, and feature requests that seem to come from every direction.

But fear not, my fellow developers! Burnout is a common affliction, and there are ways to deal with it. Here are a few tips to help you keep your sanity (and your sense of humor) intact:

  1. Take breaks – I know, I know, you’ve heard this one a million times. But seriously, take breaks! Step away from your computer, stretch your legs, get some fresh air. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try talking to a real live human being. It might just blow your mind.
  2. Set boundaries – It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget that you have a life outside of coding. Set realistic boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Maybe that means no work after 7pm, or no checking your email on weekends. Whatever works for you, make sure you’re giving yourself time to recharge.
  3. Learn something new – Sometimes burnout can be a sign that you’re feeling stagnant. If you’re feeling bored or unchallenged, try learning a new technology or programming language. It might reignite your passion for coding and give you a fresh perspective.
  4. Laugh at yourself – Let’s face it, programming can be a frustrating and absurd endeavor. But instead of getting bogged down in the frustrations, try finding the humor in the situation. Laugh at your mistakes, your code that just won’t work, and your silly typos. A little bit of humor can go a long way.
  5. Don’t take it too seriously – At the end of the day, coding is just a job. It’s important, sure, but it’s not everything. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect or to know everything. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process.

So there you have it, folks – a few tips for dealing with developer burnout. And if all else fails, just remember: there’s always coffee, and there’s always more code to write. Happy coding!

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