Posted on Podcast

Build Or Buy – Deciding What Is Right For You

In a simple way of looking at solutions, the decision comes down to build or buy.  We run into this a lot in planning and running a business.  Time after time we are faced with the decision of either doing something ourselves or finding someone else to handle it.  Yes, even the decision to outsource boils down to a build or buy conundrum. Build Or Buy – Common Themes Although very situation requires reflection, there are similarities in these options that can help us with our decision.  Thus, we can look at pros and cons of each approach that are nearly universal.  This may not get us to an easy answer.  However, it can get us to a decision sooner... Read more

Posted on Podcast

Code Generation Or Manual Coding as a Learning Tool

It is hard to imagine how different software development was even a few decades ago.  We used to have to write our applications manually.  Heck, even copy and paste was complicated.  Luckily, code generation is becoming common no matter which language you use.  This may be in the form of direct generation of code or tools that make the process easier.  However, that is not always the best way to get the job done. Frameworks and Generators The biggest bang for your buck comes from generators and frameworks.  These tools can get your application up and running in minutes.  Even when that is not the case, the time saved by using these tools can add up to weeks and even months.  There is... Read more

revisit problems
Posted on Become a Better Developer

Revisit Problems To Provide Better Solutions

One of the most frustrating barriers to improvement is the idea that “we always did it this way.”  The idea that once a problem is solved, there is no better solution has been proven wrong time and again.  If that were true, then we would have stopped with a walkman and never known about an iPod.  Thus, it is worth our time to revisit problems as we advance our skills.  Doing so can provide better solutions or lead to addressing more complex issues. Sudoku Patterns The famous puzzle, Sudoku provides an excellent example of how to keep revisiting a problem.  The goal of the puzzle is to enter the numbers 0-9 in a nine by nine grid.  No number is... Read more

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Stay True To Yourself For A Happy Life

The good and bad news about being truly happy is that it comes down to individual taste.  We are only going to be truly happy when we are doing the things we enjoy.  That means that focusing your success on what others want will not bring happiness.  You must be true to yourself, and a little honesty does not hurt either. Know Yourself The scary thing is that we do not always know what is best for us.  We listen to others and gauge our happiness on what we are told should lead to happiness.  This happiness may be money, success, friends, relationships, or a good haircut.  That leads to frustration and wasted effort.  We end up chasing someone else’s dreams... Read more

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Raises and Compensation For Your Employees

When you start a business, the idea of proper compensation of employees is not often a primary concern.  There may be a budget and a business plan.  However, compensation is just a number at that point.  The challenge changes once you put people into those positions and the discussions of compensation come up. Fair And Balanced Compensation Fair and balanced is not just a phrase for Fox News.  This also should be your goal for compensating employees.  It would be awesome if we could just pour money on our employees, but that is just not reality.  Instead, we have to balance to value brought to the company with a desire to compensate our employees in a way that makes them feel... Read more

on the job training
Posted on Become a Better Developer

On The Job Training And Opportunities For Building Your Skills

Once you get started on an IT career with even the lowest end job, you have opportunities to learn every day.  This form of on the job training is critical to keeping up in this fast moving area.  Better yet, you can squeeze some extra training out of your job that allows for more free time and enjoyment of life.  There are some plans to make and challenges to overcome in making the most of these opportunities. The first challenge I want to pose is to create an education plan of some sort.  This does not have to be a formal document of hundreds of pages.  Instead, it can be a short checklist of critical topics and learning targets.  Tackle this... Read more