Nicola Ballotta’s Post

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The Pillars of Software Engineering: Why a Strong Foundation Matters? In the ever-evolving world of tech, the allure of the latest buzzwords and trends can be captivating. However, amidst the rush to adopt the newest tools and technologies, we often overlook the timeless essence of software engineering – the bedrock upon which every successful system is built: a robust foundation. 🛠️ **Building Blocks of Stability** Think of software as a skyscraper. While the architecture and design might captivate onlookers, it's the foundation that ensures its stability. Similarly, in the realm of technology, a sturdy foundation lays the groundwork for stability, security, and resilience. 🔐 **Security Begins at the Core** Consider a fortress equipped with the most advanced security systems but built upon shaky ground. Similarly, no matter how sophisticated our security measures are, without a solid software foundation, vulnerabilities persist. Embracing secure coding practices from the outset is fundamental to fortifying our digital fortresses. 🚀 **Resilience in the Face of Change** Technology evolves rapidly. Systems that lack a strong foundation struggle to adapt, crumbling under the weight of innovation. Conversely, a well-built foundation allows for seamless integration of new technologies, fostering adaptability and future-proofing our creations. 👷♂️ **Lessons from the Past** The history of software is rife with examples highlighting the significance of a strong foundation. The Y2K bug, which threatened global systems due to inadequate date coding, serves as a poignant reminder of the repercussions of overlooking fundamental principles. 🌟 **Navigating the Trend Trap** While embracing new technologies is essential, it's equally vital to ensure a balance. Instead of merely chasing trends to adorn resumes, let's prioritize mastering the core concepts of software engineering. This not only enriches our skill set but forms the backbone of our professional journey. 🔍 **Looking Ahead** Imagine a future where every software engineer prioritizes building upon a strong foundation. Our digital landscapes would boast unparalleled stability, enhanced security, and an agile responsiveness to change. It starts with reinforcing the basics. 🏗️ **Conclusion: Strength in Foundation** In the pursuit of innovation, let’s not overlook the essence of software engineering—a robust foundation. It's this bedrock that upholds our systems, fortifies security, and enables resilience. Let's recalibrate our focus, nurturing expertise in core principles alongside embracing technological advancements. It's time to build for the future, rooted in a rock-solid foundation. Remember, the most awe-inspiring skyscrapers owe their magnificence to the strength of their foundations. So too, the most groundbreaking technologies derive their success from the solidity of their engineering. #softwareengineering #FoundationMatters

If you're a software engineer, during your college days you probably heard terms like "Sequence diagram" and "UML diagram". They're meant to show how your system works, how different parts of it connect, how the data is organized etc. But here's the thing, "Do companies encourage us to use them?" Well, I can't speak for big companies, but from my experience in small to mid-sized companies, the answer is "NO". Why? Because these companies want fast results, priorities keep changing. The way systems connect also changes often. Plus, due to time constraints, developers often miss out on the detailed steps, focusing only on the main path things should go. So, the question of quality becomes a big one. However, being someone who believes in good processes, I try to use these diagrams whenever possible. They not only help me write better code but also save time during development. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩? 🚀 Understanding Process Flow: Visualize the steps of a process, like completing a shopping cart purchase. 🚀 API Interactions Analysis: Dive deep into API interactions, tracking primary database hits and third-party API calls. 🚀 Identifying Edge Cases and Risks: Discover potential side cases and risks early in development. 🚀 Cleaner Code Creation: Write clean, efficient code from the start, reducing the need for frequent modifications. 🚀 Collaborative Tool: Facilitate team discussions and communication, aiding in a common understanding of system behavior. 🚀 Documentation and Knowledge Transfer: Serve as valuable documentation for future reference and onboarding new team members. 🚀 Testing and Debugging Assistance: Generate test cases based on expected system behavior and pinpoint potential points of failure. 🚀 Refactoring and Maintenance Support: Identify dependencies for effective refactoring and simplify future maintenance tasks. 🚀 System Optimization Guidance: Optimize system performance by pinpointing areas for improvement in resource utilization. It is often said that 'Understanding the problem is half the solution.' So, dear project managers, while it's tempting to focus solely on meeting client requirements, it's crucial to remember that this approach can lead to unnoticed gaps in the project flow. You might think, 'We'll fix it later,' but trust me, that 'later' rarely arrives. And to my dear leads/developers, before diving headfirst into coding, take a moment to understand the bigger picture. This means grasping the entire project flow, not just individual tasks. Without a clear plan, you risk missing crucial steps, and the frustration of redoing work is something we all want to avoid. In the diagram provided as an example, if you take a closer look, you'll notice several issues. What issues do you observe? Please share your comments below. 😊 .

Software engineering is hard. But some things make it harder and frustrating for most of us. Here's the truth. The latest Stack Overflow survey calls for some nagging attention for change. Here are some highlights and advice on how we can tackle these issues. Tackling Technical Debt: First off, 62.4% of us are fed up with technical debt. It's a massive pain whether you're coding or managing a team. Here's what we can do Be realistic: Managers & devs. There's a cost to prioritizing speed/launch dates/deadlines over quality and efficiency in the long run. Regular Refactoring: Make it a habit. Regularly clean up your codebase to keep technical debt in check. Prioritize Quality: Don’t rush. Quality code saves time in the long run. Implement thorough code reviews and testing. Clear Documentation: Keep your documentation up to date. It helps everyone understand and manage technical debt better. Ongoing Training: Invest in training. Understanding the impact of technical debt can lead to better coding practices. Why care? Ignoring technical debt can lead to burnout, stress, and financial strain due to increased turnaround times. Let's tackle it before it tackles us! Simplifying Tech Stacks for Build and Deployment The survey shows that complexity in our tech stacks for both build (32.9%) and deployment (32.3%) is another big frustration. Here's how to simplify: Balancing Complexity and Efficiency We techies sometimes love "complex systems", I just don't get it! Thinking they're more efficient. But often, simplicity wins. Simplify and Standardize: Use straightforward and consistent tools. Simplicity boosts efficiency. Adopt DevOps Practices: CI/CD pipelines can automate and streamline build and deployment processes. Regular Tool Evaluation: Keep your tools updated and ensure they integrate well with your systems. Training and Documentation: Ensure everyone knows how to use the tools effectively. Good documentation is key. Here's how to balance: Emphasize Usability: Choose tools that are "easy to use" and maintain, even if they're not the "most efficient". Avoid Overengineering: You know someone right? It's you. Please, choose Build systems that meet current needs without unnecessary complexity. Gather Feedback: Continuously get feedback from your team and adjust your tools and processes accordingly (Most companies never do this). Conclusion Let’s focus on managing technical debt and simplifying our tech stacks. Prioritizing quality, usability, and simplicity will create a better work environment and help us avoid burnout and stress. What are your current frustrations and how are you managing them? Open to a conversation in the comments. Cheers 🥂

Insights from the CTO's Desk 10 Hard-to-Swallow Truths About Software Engineering Jobs: Greetings LinkedIn community! 👋 As a CTO with years of experience in the dynamic world of software engineering, I recently had a heart-to-heart with some bright minds fresh out of college, eager to kickstart their careers as software engineers. What I discovered was a stark contrast between their expectations and the harsh realities of the job. 1️⃣ College Prepares, but Reality Hits Hard: The transition from theoretical knowledge to real-world coding is like being thrown into the deep end of a pool after years of learning to swim on dry land. 2️⃣ Greenfield Projects are Rare Gems: Forget the luxury of starting from scratch on every project. In the real world, you'll often be diving into existing projects, tackling legacy code, and collaborating with diverse teams. 3️⃣ Clean Code Won't Win Awards: While clean code is essential, don't expect a standing ovation. Your focus should be on delivering value and features, not perfection. 4️⃣ The Inevitable Encounter with Incompetence: Brace yourself for the occasional encounter with less-than-competent colleagues. Learn to navigate efficiently, document everything, and seek alternative solutions. 5️⃣ Meetings, Meetings, Meetings: Get ready to spend a significant chunk of your time in meetings. Some are productive; others, not so much. It's part of the game. 6️⃣ Estimates: A Necessary Evil: Estimating project timelines is an art. Underpromise, overdeliver. It's a delicate dance between precision and uncertainty. 7️⃣ Befriend Bugs, They're Here to Stay: Bugs are the uninvited guests of coding. Embrace the fact that they'll always be a part of your journey. 8️⃣ Embrace Uncertainty: In software engineering, uncertainty is a constant companion. Learn to thrive in ambiguity and use it as a driving force for improvement. 9️⃣ Disconnecting is a Skill: With the lines blurred between work and personal life, mastering the art of disconnecting is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Soft Skills Trump Technical Skills: While technical prowess is crucial, your soft skills—communication, teamwork, and adaptability—will set you apart. A harmonious team is a productive team. Conclusion: Software development isn't a fairy tale, but it's a realm of endless innovation. Acknowledge the challenges, embrace the positives, and remember, success in this field is a journey, not a sprint. What are your thoughts on these truths? Share your experiences and let's continue this conversation! #SoftwareEngineering #CTOPerspective #CareerInsights #TechTalk

If you're a software engineer looking to grow from anything from soft skills to technical skills. Here are some newsletters I've read that you'll find helpful: System Design Newsletter by Neo Kim - Breaks down real-world engineering examples to teach system design https://lnkd.in/gewfQQVh Byte-Sized Design by Alex Nguyen - Digestible case studies to help you learn from how large companies design their systems https://lnkd.in/gdekpcG3 ByteByteGo by Alex Xu - My go to place for refreshing my system design skills https://lnkd.in/gbCDC7XT Tech Lead Mentor by Raviraj Achar - He shares tons of learnings from growing to Staff with experience from Meta and Microsoft https://lnkd.in/gGiy4778 High Growth Engineer by Jordan Cutler - He writes a concise newsletter packed with actionable takeaways for engineers https://lnkd.in/gZDg5_nj Hybrid Hacker by Nicola Ballotta - Writes about engineering management and general software engineering careers https://lnkd.in/gsWpmjNJ Tech World With Milan by Dr Milan Milanović - He shares about tech industry trends and helpful technical deep dives https://lnkd.in/gHq7ZnWn Refactoring by 🌀 🌀 Luca Rossi - His writing style is easy to digest and covers everything from soft skills to software engineering https://lnkd.in/gmpKzuud Engineering Leadership by Gregor Ojstersek - One of the publications focused on engineering management and leadership topics https://lnkd.in/gWpnKyPe Creator Economy by Peter Yang - He shares a bunch of product and creator tips through his newsletter. I liked his article on cold emails: https://lnkd.in/gijuTzeM The Pragmatic Engineer by Gergely Orosz - His thoughtful deep dives into tech behind-the-scenes has made his newsletter a regular read for me https://lnkd.in/gh5pdMbp Wes Kao's newsletter - Her writing has tons of learnings for all working professionals, learning a lot as an engineer https://lnkd.in/g3zdd-Bc If I missed any other newsletters you'd recommend feel free to drop it in the comments! #newsletters #systemdesign #personaldevelopment #softwareengineering #developerlife #personalgrowth #technology #learnings #softskills #technicalskills #productivity

So... this one might get me in trouble. My question is, do you want to take advice on how to build a great product from someone or some group trying to sell a course/certificate/book OR from established product leaders? If the latter, read what Ben Smith says below...AND build your toolkit...

Software engineering is a series a tasks needing to be completed which depend on prior tasks. The estimated time for a tasks completion can vary greatly. The ability to accurately predict that estimated time can vary greatly. Some tasks are concrete steps of which all unknowns are sorted out and are simply a series of steps to be carried out, like laying bricks or painting a wall. They are highly predictable. Other tasks are grey areas which you might discover need days, to weeks, of deep diving into some complex legacy section of a codebase, or running tests to objectively determine what is correct, or researching something completely novel. A task can exist anywhere on these two spectrums, and they are not mutually exclusive. - A task could take a long time but be predictable. - A task could take a long time and be unpredictable. It's completion continually pushed out because new things are continually discovered. - A task could be short and highly predictable. - A task could also be short, but unpredictable. Something where you initially have no idea, but once you get into it, it is very quick. Software engineering, and technology itself, has tendency to carry greater value in being able to do things which most can't. Build the software too difficult for most others to build. Manage and maintain the large complex legacy codebase too difficult for most others to manage. Implement and maintain the solution too difficult for most others to implement. Innately it has incentive to pursue the grey area. The things which are not as obvious, and predictable, as painting a wall or laying bricks. I find this is always a tension, in every company, with the business side and nature of the problem domain they exist in. Where the valuable things which business interest is incentivized to pursue are innately things in the less clear path, the grey area, things which are innately less predictable and obvious. Further, if any task is too predictable, it could just be automated with scripts, or AI. Increasingly the only tasks worth doing which carry any significant value will be unpredictable tasks, further in the grey area. I think this is a truth of the situation that is rarely highlighted. That profit incentive pushes tasks more towards that 'unpredictable' spectrum. This is the more important thing for a tech company, a software company, to grasp and solve, and navigate through. The unpredictable. The grey area. How to do things without explicitly knowing what exactly it is doing. Yet in nearly every company I've been at there is always a group pushing and trying to sell "Predictability". They want it to be akin to painting a wall and seem to presume if they just act like that is the case, then it will be. If this gets too much weight in a company, it incentivizes the culture towards predictable tasks. Inadvertently creating a culture averse to what it needs to do to survive into the future.

Large scale software engineering is hard. Here are 10 "rules" I have learned to make it easier. Hope it helps. 1) Always start and end with the target customer. Straight forward, but easily lost in spreadsheets, business pressures, and timelines. Never lose sight of the target customer (both the ones you currently have and your future ones) and their advocacy of your product. 2) Have a strategy and aligned goals. Be strategy-led (competitive differentiation) and align induvial and team goals to the pursuit of the stated strategy. And then say “no” to everything else. Declaring what you are not doing and why is just as important as what you are doing. 3) Mind performance metrics. Keep regularly abreast of product, business, and engineering metrics. Share them broadly with teams and take time to explain the dynamics of the business. Doing so will create a shared operational context that will dramatically improve everyday decision top to bottom. More focus, fewer escalations.   4) Stay lean. Always stay lean. ALWAYS!  Staying lean preserves focus, creates more meaningfully impactful jobs and career opportunities, and reduces bureaucracy. It’s always better to have too few people than too many. Avoid “support roles” - excess managers, project managers, and program managers like the plague that they will become when left unchecked. 5) Live in the code. Demo working code often. It feels good. It raises morale. It inspires everyone. Engineering teams should all be using work-in-progress builds on a daily basis. Living the code put quality at the center naturally. Make hack-a-thons a core piece of your innovation (innovate by writing code, prototypes, etc..). Code is truth. 6) Fix bugs, burn down tech debt. Give engineering teams time and space to fix bugs they want to fix and burn down tech debt that lowers productivity. Make it core to your culture. January is a good month to dedicate to this. 7) Don’t over invest in process or process tools. Have just enough engineering process to create focus, manage dependencies, and set goals, but no more than that. Don’t allow the process to become your product. No customer cares, it wastes a lot of time, no one has fun with it. 8) Be vocally self-critical, top to bottom. A culture of self-criticality is, from my experience, Amazon's secret weapon and one that any company can replicate. When everyone, especially leaders, are actively and vocally self-critical, you can create a culture that is naturally curious, transparent, and perpetually self-improving. It’s liberating. 9) Build talent pipeline. Relentlessly focus on building your talent pipeline. Constantly refresh talent with interns and college hires, move your top talent around to gain a diverse body of experience, and actively mentor. Listen to your people. 10) Have fun. You are going to spend more time with people you work with than your friends and family. If it’s not fun, it’s just not worth it.