System Design Part 1: Setup a Simple Load Balancer using Python

System Design Part 1: Setup a Simple Load Balancer using Python

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Load balancing is a fundamental component of system design, crucial for distributing network traffic across multiple servers to ensure optimal resource utilization, reduce latency, and prevent any single server from becoming a point of failure. By providing redundancy and scaling capacity, load balancers enhance both the reliability and performance of applications, making them resilient to high traffic and unexpected spikes in demand. In This Session, We Will: The APIs For this demonstration, we’ll use FastAPI due to its simplicity and…

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Choosing Between Relational and NoSQL Databases: What You Need to Know

Choosing Between Relational and NoSQL Databases: What You Need to Know

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When deciding between a relational database and a NoSQL database, several factors come into play. The nature of your data, the type of queries you expect, scalability requirements, and your specific use cases are all critical considerations. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision: Relational Databases Pros: Cons: NoSQL Databases Pros: Cons: Considering Your Requirements Given that you have a multitenant architecture and foresee the need for aggregations in the future, let’s break down your requirements:…

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Imposter Syndrome? Here’s How to Thrive Anyway

Imposter Syndrome? Here’s How to Thrive Anyway

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Imposter syndrome is all about those feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that can creep in, especially when you’re joining a new company or team. But here’s the thing: those feelings are honest but seldom reflect reality. Let’s walk through some action items that can help you understand and manage these feelings. Here are some examples to help overcome imposter syndrome. You are good enough! Don’t let anyone, including yourself, tell you otherwise. Others may have more domain knowledge, but it’s…

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Who is the smartest person on earth? A conversation Llama3 had with itself

Who is the smartest person on earth? A conversation Llama3 had with itself

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I was experimenting with Llama3 and Ollama and installed them on my laptop. The laptop was definitely not suitable for running a sophisticated LLM like Llama, or perhaps I just don’t know how to configure it optimally. Nevertheless, it was fun, and I managed to ask it one question after its configuration, though it took 3 minutes to respond (my slow laptop). I thought let me try again and asked it Who is the smartest person on earth? This is…

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How to become a software engineering manager

How to become a software engineering manager

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Introduction Taking responsibility for the well-being of another human being is a serious responsibility, and that is what software engineering managers are expected to do. The people whose careers you have to look after have other people they have to look after as well. The decisions you make as a people manager will have a potential ripple effect on others you don’t directly manage. Traditionally, and to an extent professionally, that is not how we think about employees. Personal matters…

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Impostering a successful software engineering career

Impostering a successful software engineering career

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I don’t know you but what I know for a fact is you are good enough! Remember that! I was walking down a hallway at my university back in 2000, between classes when I ran into a classmate going the opposite direction. Mustering courage, I asked him how he was finding the course so far. He immediately replied it had been great, especially the lesson on “multidimensional arrays” that day. He then proceeded to explain the concept in detail. As…

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Unlocking Your Superpower: The Power of Discipline in Software Engineering

Unlocking Your Superpower: The Power of Discipline in Software Engineering

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It is very hard to focus in the present day. Everyone and every other thing tries to compete for our constant attention. Think about your mobile phone. The notifications are convenient, yet endless if you allow it. How many apps do you have on your phone? My mobile is a big distraction but also very productive for work and admin. But I cannot blame the mobile, nor can I because I allow it to be. I grew up in a…

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Email remains an important productivity tool

Email remains an important productivity tool

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When Slack, the Searchable Log of All Conversation and Knowledge, made its debut in 2012, it was nothing short of spectacular. It injected a sense of excitement into the realm of productivity software. With its vibrant interface, comprehensive searchability, and engaging features, Slack was not just a tool; it was a revolution. Users could pin important chats or threads, and the array of emojis available was nothing short of a delight. I’ve seen people use nearly every one of them,…

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A Costly Lesson in Data Security: How Ransomware Cost Me a Friend

A Costly Lesson in Data Security: How Ransomware Cost Me a Friend

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Introduction Let’s be honest – the blame doesn’t always lie solely with the perpetrators of cyber attacks like ransomware. In this personal account, I’ll share a story that exposed my ignorance, leading to a devastating data disaster and straining a precious friendship. Join me as I recount how a seemingly small oversight in data security had far-reaching consequences and the valuable lessons it taught me about safeguarding sensitive information. The Genesis of the Project In 2018, my friend approached me…

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