Some self reflection on owning up to your mistakes. A few weeks ago my business partner Jakob mentioned that I have issues with owning up to my failures.| Vadim Kravcenko
The last weeks are the worst I’ve seen in my life, and it’s unclear what the world will look like when this all ends. It’s the| Vadim Kravcenko
🎙️ I love listening to podcasts. I listen to one of them when I go for a walk or during the commute. I have some episodes playing in my ears all the time.| Vadim Kravcenko
This helpful guide will give you all the tips and tricks you need to get your startup off the ground.| Vadim Kravcenko
Every hobby needs to be a "side hustle", and every moment of your time needs to be productive. The world has gone crazy.| Vadim Kravcenko
Every week, I'll send you the latest insights from the world of tech management and startups. I make sure all of my content is concise and easy to read.| Vadim Kravcenko
Becoming a engineering manager requires certain skills. Navigating the journey from software engineer to technical manager can be a daunting task. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for engineers who are stepping into leadership roles. It covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the role of a CTO and building remote teams, to dealing with technical debt and becoming a good mentor. The guide also offers insights into running efficient meetings with engineers, growing interns,...| Vadim Kravcenko
I've gotten good at understanding if a candidate is good based on their resume. The roast is a 15-minute personalized video review, packed with my expertise that will improve your CV| Vadim Kravcenko
I've learned that managing technical debt in an agile company is a delicate balancing act. It involves making conscious decisions about when to accrue debt and when to pay it down, always with an eye on the long-term health of the codebase. It's about understanding that technical debt is not inherently bad, but rather a tool that can be used to achieve business objectives faster. However, it's also about recognizing that unchecked technical debt can lead to a complex, hard-to-maintain codebas...| Vadim Kravcenko
During the last 6 weeks, I’ve been building my side project during the evenings and on the weekends and I finally reached $1K MRR a week ago. My first| Vadim Kravcenko
As someone who’s been in the tech industry for more than 15 years, I’ve come to recognize a fundamental truth about being a software dev: the key to| Vadim Kravcenko
... I built another tool. Sorry dear readers, no essay this time. As a CTO you rarely have time to build something with your own hands, though you're| Vadim Kravcenko
Let’s talk about something nobody in the startup Slack channels wants to admit out loud: Sometimes, the CTO is just... there. They’re taking up space,| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Here's the thing, I’m kind of stuck trying to figure out what a CTO actually makes in terms of $$$, most of the people in the field are secretive about how much they're getting. It's not just about the money (okay, it's a bit about the money), but also understanding if the money is worth it for me to switch from my corporate job. Plus,I have no idea where to find CTO jobs. Is it all networking, or are there secret job boards that I'm not aware of where these positions pop up? So, ...| Vadim Kravcenko
Thanks for reaching out. It's great to hear from you, and I'm thrilled that you’re considering a path towards becoming a CTO. Having spent a good part of| Vadim Kravcenko
I've been reflecting on our engineers’ diverse impact on our projects and the true meaning behind labels like "10x engineer". Over the years, many| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hey Vadim, So, I've been coding for money for about 5 years now. I've jumped around a lot — Java, Javascript, Python, NodeJS — you name it. The job market's been great, making it super easy for me to switch between gigs. I've done both full-time and contract work across many different companies. I think I've reached the level of being senior as I take on more and more responsibility. At every place I've been at, they seemed to love me. I always got the comments that I'm the best...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hey, my name's Kalesh, I'm 22 and about to finish my bachelor's in August. Planning to be a software engineer. But, I keep hearing the job market's tough. Been reading online that lots of devs are struggling to find steady gigs. Is your company looking for any devs? What's your take on this? All my buddies are in the same boat, fighting to land jobs but everywhere demands at least 1-2 years of experience. And then there are those who brag about making six figures, saying anyone can ...| Vadim Kravcenko
Dear Tim, I read your message, and it struck a chord deep within me. As you mention my article, I'd like to say that I’ve walked a mile or two in your| Vadim Kravcenko
I want to talk about something we don't discuss enough in our field: the mental health of software engineers, especially those of us who've taken on the| Vadim Kravcenko
Some of you know that I work in the agency business — how that translates to my technical experience is that I used to work on many highly different| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hey Vadim, I’m starting to question a lot of the conventional wisdom handed down to us about climbing the tech ladder. You know, the whole "work hard, play fair, and success will come" spiel. I’m not so sure anymore. It feels slow, I'm looking for shortcuts maybe? e.g. unethical software engineer advice. To summarize: I’m, 25, fresh out of college, a young software developer, eager to make my mark. I’ve seen colleagues zip past me career-wise, some even have senior titles, n...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hello Vadim, I'm reaching out to you for some advice, as something weird happened, and I'm not sure how to react. Here are the key points For the past six months, I've been working in my role as a Python Backend Developer, diligently maintaining and extending the Python backend for one of our services for the main product. I was diligently following the guidelines for the code, for the pull requests and deployment in general. Rarely was the code returned from the QAs back to me, onl...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hi, My name is Alex. I just graduated university, I'm confused, how do I choose a programming language for a job? Does it matter? Will I be assigned a programming language? Thanks for the help. Answer: The post How do you know when to use which programming language? appeared first on Vadim Kravcenko.| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hello Vadim, It's been almost a year since I graduated as a CS major and was high on enthusiasm, ready to dive into the tech industry. Yet, here I am, feeling like shit, like I've hit a wall, my initial excitement replaced with a growing sense of frustration and, if I'm being totally honest, a bit of depression. The job market hasn't been welcoming, and every rejection email feels like a statement that I'm not good enough and won't even get any job. But I'm not the type to sit back ...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hi, I wanted to share my story and why I'm a bit confused. After graduating college, I landed jobs as a Software Engineer at two respected companies. No, they weren't FAANG, but they were places where I thought I could grow, contribute, and make a decent amount of money. It didn't go as planned, or at least not as I expected. (Maybe my rose glasses fell off) At my first job, my manager frequently pointed out my pace was too slow. It stung, especially when I saw my peers, who started...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: Hey Vadim, I'm kinda lost. My background is in sales, but to be honest, I find myself disconnected from it. Not having fun, not enjoying it, don't like people as much. Science/Math was never on my radar until recently, all my friends make so much money working in IT, and I want to try and break into this field I want to learn programming without a degree. Where should I start with learning to code? I feel like overwhelmed with the amount of information on google, there's literally m...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: I'm a non-technical founder with a concept for a productivity app that sets screen time limits and rewards users for staying below these limits. However, I'm struggling to determine if this idea is technically feasible, especially considering the data access restrictions imposed by platforms like iOS. Despite extensive research on Apple's developer forums I'm still not sure. I'm seeking advice on how a non-technical founder like myself should approach verifying the technical feasibi...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: As a non-technical co-founder of a startup, I'm currently in a phase where our CTO and the technical team are busy developing our product. While I trust their expertise in handling the technical aspects, I'm unsure about my role during this phase. What specific responsibilities should I take over during the development phase in order to be successful? How can I ensure that I'm adding value? Answer: The post As a non-technical founder what should I be doing while the product is devel...| Vadim Kravcenko
Question: As an engineer, I've been trained to solve problems and to focus on the technical aspects of a project. However, I'm finding that as I want to do startup stuff, I need to start thinking more like a businessman. How can I shift my focus from the technical details to the broader business implications, become like a mix of CEO and CTO? How can I make decisions more effectively from a business perspective, while still leveraging my engineering background? Answer: The post How to stop th...| Vadim Kravcenko
The potential legal and ethical implications of using a company's resources for personal projects. The article covers potential risks, including intellectual property disputes, violations of employment contracts, and reputational damage. We discuss alternatives such as renting equipment or using cloud-based development environments. This should give you enough information to decide if you want to build your startup with the company's notebook and time.| Vadim Kravcenko
These are mostly my thoughts about what I was expecting as a junior and how I perceived senior developers. To be honest, I was romanticizing them quite a| Vadim Kravcenko
Dear JK, Congratulations on reaching this pivotal moment with your MVP. It's an exciting time, but I understand it's also filled with questions and| Vadim Kravcenko
Dear Reader, First off, let me commend you on the courage and determination you've already shown on your journey. The achievements you've shared, from| Vadim Kravcenko
Back when I was coding in 2007, my stack was straightforward. I had a shared hosting provider that cost me about 2 dollars per month (which I paid for a| Vadim Kravcenko
I worked with a client in the early days of my career building social media sentiment analysis platform when Twitter was still called Twitter. We were a| Vadim Kravcenko
In my opinion, security is one of the most forgotten aspects of software engineering. It rarely gets focused on until it’s too late. Even though at least| Vadim Kravcenko
I’m sure you’ve worked at companies where you felt that they were moving slowly and it was not even worth putting your best in, and I’m also sure you’ve| Vadim Kravcenko
On August 1, 2012, Knight Capital Group suffered a severe trading loss due to a software error. A technician's failure to update one of the eight servers| Vadim Kravcenko
The role of a software developer often gets distilled down to a singular activity: coding. While coding is undeniably the heartbeat of the profession,| Vadim Kravcenko
There I was, standing in the middle of a buzzing tech event that our company organized, feeling like a fish out of water. The room was filled with| Vadim Kravcenko
This is a comprehensive guide, packed with best practices and expert insights about proper deployment, to master the art of seamless database migrations.| Vadim Kravcenko
Engineers at all levels are encouraged to embrace curiosity, showcasing that asking questions, can pave the way for innovation and deeper understanding. Remember, the right question at the right time can be the catalyst for groundbreaking advancements in technology.| Vadim Kravcenko
I've often been asked about coding bootcamps versus traditional university degrees. While coding bootcamps promise a fast track into the tech industry with practical skills acquired in just a few months, universities offer a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of computing. It's essential to recognize that a coding bootcamp might provide a swift entry into web development, but a university degree in computer science offers a foundation that prepares you for a broader spectrum of roles in...| Vadim Kravcenko
Aging your code isn't about resisting progress; it's about ensuring that when progress happens, it's built on a rock-solid foundation.| Vadim Kravcenko
How to effectively build an app with agencies or contractors. If you've got a quote of this amount to build your web app (or mobile app) — it's completely reasonable. We discuss crucial aspects such as the importance of clear communication, contract clarity, diligent background checks, regular updates, and budget management. A reasonable charge rate for designs starts at 20'000 USD, and a reasonable charge rate for a mobile app starts at 50'000 USD. This is an essential read for anyone look...| Vadim Kravcenko
Effectively managing difficult employees in a software engineering context hinges on three core principles: fostering trust by empowering autonomy, promoting growth through challenges and constructive feedback, and ensuring a comfortable work environment with streamlined processes and minimal disruptions.| Vadim Kravcenko
One of the most common concerns when working with outsourcing is whether an offshore development agency can/will steal your code. The reality is that while the risk exists, it can be managed. Intellectual property laws often state that the IP belongs to those who produce, not necessarily those who pay. With the right precautions, you can navigate the world of offshore development confidently and protect your startup's assets.| Vadim Kravcenko
In the tech world, the question of whether software development is the right career path often arises. While there's a narrative that a "real" software engineer must be constantly immersed in code, it's essential to understand that continuous learning doesn't mean coding 24/7. It's about being adaptable and open to growth. I've met many individuals who treat their tech job as just that—a job—and they've carved out successful careers. It's crucial to find your balance, set your boundaries,...| Vadim Kravcenko
So you want to go from stable to full-on rollercoaster mode. Let's talk about the realities of startup life, the importance of risk assessment, and the potential rewards of entrepreneurship. If you're considering a leap into the entrepreneurial world and seeking to balance your startup aspirations with financial stability — this article is for you| Vadim Kravcenko
The potential risks of over-engineering in startups hangs on the balance between creating robust, scalable solutions and delivering immediate value to customers. The dangers of over-engineering include wasted resources, slower time to market, and reduced adaptability. This is a must-read for startup leaders seeking to understand the implications of over-engineering and how to strike the right balance between future-proofing and efficiency.| Vadim Kravcenko
How to communicate a decision to quit to a co-founder. You need to understand your reasons for leaving, prepare for the conversation, choose the right timing and setting to say goodbyes, and approach the discussion with honesty and empathy. This is a must-read for startup leaders contemplating leaving the company, offering a roadmap to navigate this challenging conversation with grace and professionalism.| Vadim Kravcenko
So what does the daily life of a CTO look like? What tasks are we doing? From hands-on technical work in small startups to strategic decision-making in large companies.| Vadim Kravcenko
A good mentor is not just a teacher, but a guide who helps you navigate your career path. They provide valuable feedback, challenge you to grow, and inspire you to achieve your goals. They're a role model who lead by example, demonstrating the importance of continuous learning. The best mentors are those who genuinely care about your success.| Vadim Kravcenko
Explore the power of proper documentation in this comprehensive guide. Understand how documentation serves as a secret weapon for CTOs, eliminating guesswork, speeding up onboarding, and enhancing productivity in startups. We delve into the importance of documentation in knowledge sharing, reducing the need for meetings, and fostering a documentation-first culture. I provide practical tips on creating clear, concise, and accessible documents, and addresses potential pushbacks. Whether you're ...| Vadim Kravcenko
There are types of contracts that you should be wary of signing, particularly in the software engineering and IT industry. There are potential pitfalls of non-compete clauses, confidentiality agreements, exclusive distribution agreements, and vague project-based agreements. It's important to understand the implications of work-for-hire clauses, one-sided termination clauses, and unclear compensation rules. Read contracts thoroughly, negotiate terms, and seek legal advice if necessary. Remembe...| Vadim Kravcenko
Project estimates are a crucial part of project management, helping to predict the time and resources needed for successful completion. Accurate estimates can be achieved through experience, understanding the project's complexity, and using the right estimation techniques. Overestimation can lead to wasted resources, while underestimation can result in missed deadlines and increased costs. Estimates should be regularly reviewed and adjusted as the project progresses, to account for unforeseen...| Vadim Kravcenko
I delve into the distinct roles of Product Owners and Project Managers in a company's structure. As a Product Owner, you're the visionary, crafting the roadmap and prioritizing tasks to bring the product to life. You're the miniature CEO, making the product cool for users and profitable in the end. As a Project Manager, you're the bridge between vision and execution, translating ideas into actionable tasks with feasible deadlines. You manage the project budget, oversee the quality of work, an...| Vadim Kravcenko
It's a term coined to describe work that is meaningless or unnecessary. These jobs have become prevalent in the modern work environment, particularly in the corporate world and the software industry. Such jobs thrive in rigid corporate cultures, 'zombie projects' that continue without adding value, and the pursuit of the 'next big thing' in technology. I also touch upon the negative impact of these jobs on employee motivation and productivity. While I don't propose a solution to eliminate the...| Vadim Kravcenko
As a seasoned software engineer, I've discovered that there's so much more to the field than what's taught in school. From the importance of understanding business needs and the value of soft skills, to the necessity of continuous learning and the reality of dealing with legacy code, my journey has been filled with lessons that textbooks don't cover. I've learned that software engineering isn't just about writing code; it's about solving problems and making a difference. It's about teamwork, ...| Vadim Kravcenko
The “silent majority” was used by President Richard Nixon during his presidency and his campaign. In this usage, it referred to those Americans who did| Vadim Kravcenko
Most of you are familiar with the feeling of joining a new company and have that urge to rewrite everything. Seeing the blasphemy that your new team| Vadim Kravcenko
If you were poor — you function differently than those with abundant resources. If you were rich — your brain goes into a scarcity mindset.| Vadim Kravcenko
It seems innocent enough to follow the silicon valley principle. The only problem is that it can turn into fraud too quickly.| Vadim Kravcenko
Most startup founders are great at creating something, but to exit a business, you need to focus on the right numbers, the right people, and the right time. I have seen the entire drama unfolding from close quarters and what stands out for me each time is the number of things that can go wrong.| Vadim Kravcenko
Real change doesn't come from making a single big decision. It's the result of hundreds or even thousands of small choices that add up over time.| Vadim Kravcenko
Complete guide on how to launch your product on Product Hunt. Product launches give you the first taste of real users.| Vadim Kravcenko
Startup founders have a lot of fears. They fear failure, they fear not being able to live up to the expectations of their investors, and they fear not being able to grow their company fast enough.| Vadim Kravcenko
This article is part of the series called Founders Guide which I’m writing currently to help early-stage founders tackle the problems they face during the| Vadim Kravcenko
Embarking on a side project can be an exciting journey, filled with late nights, copious amounts of coffee, and the thrill of building something from scratch. This is my experience of creating a utility SaaS project that automates the process of generating social cover images for blog posts. The project was born out of the frustration of manually creating social covers for each new article. The journey was not without its challenges, from dealing with outdated HTML processing and obscure libr...| Vadim Kravcenko
Over the past decade, I’ve seen founders fall short not because they don’t have a great business idea, but due to shortcomings in business basics.| Vadim Kravcenko
While researching how to create a career path for employees, I stumbled upon a term that got my attention — promotion-based development.| Vadim Kravcenko
An MVP is not a flagship product, it's no superstar. In fact, it's the bare bones, the least feature-packed version of what a fully developed product could look like. It's not going to go out in the world and make everyone take notice, but it's going to help you get a foot inside the door.| Vadim Kravcenko
When you’re an expert, you’re so far from the realities of the beginners that your advice might not be useful. If two people are facing a problem, one who| Vadim Kravcenko
You need to accept one truth - every shop is messy and every app has its skeletons. Period. Welcome to the backstage of the software world, where the| Vadim Kravcenko