Mattie Behrens on Atomic Spin

Using Protobuf, Part 2: Fields and Compatibility

Let's talk about protobuf's strategy for backward and forward compatibility as well as pitfalls specific to this strategy that you should watch out for.

Developer Tools

Using Protobuf, Part 1: Introducing Protobuf

I recently worked on a system that communicates with protobuf, and I learned a lot about what protobuf is, what it isn’t, and what we can make it do.

Development

Chesterton’s Fence and Writing Code Comments

Old code often has a story to tell. Instead of tearing it down, follow the example in the story of Chesterton's fence and leave code comments as markers.

Development Practices

Code Quality Metrics Are Guides, Not Goals

Measuring your code quality with metrics can be a mistake. Instead, you can use the metrics as a guide — showing you potential opportunities to improve.

Personal Optimization

Automating Switching AirPods Between Devices

AirPods are ubiquitous accessories for workers at home. With a little automation, you can make using them with several devices a snap.

Development Practices

Exceptions Happen; Handle Them Well

Understanding exceptions in your software and how to handle them is key to making it robust and creating a good experience for you and your users.

Evolving the Industry

Names and Identities Change – You Should Design for That

People change their names, their pronouns, and aspects of their identities all the time. We should design and build systems that accommodate that.

DevOps & System Admin.

How TOTP Systems Like Google Authenticator Work

A history of the HOTP one-time password method, how the current TOTP system works, and a few risks inherent to the TOTP approach.

Developer Tools

Why Multiple SSH Keys Don’t Work with Git, and How to Make Them

SSH and Git work together to secure access to your remote repository but don't work particularly well with multiple keys. I have a solution for this.

Personal Optimization

You Need a Computer Backup Strategy; Here’s Mine

The confidence you get from a reliable backup solution is worth the time you put into it — especially if you can set it and (mostly) forget it.

Personal Optimization

Your Coworker Just Came Out. Now What?

Your coworker, who you've known with one name and/or pronouns, wants you to know what their name and pronouns actually are. So what do you do now?

Web Apps

You Need More than REST for API Success

REST is a great framework for building APIs, but it doesn't cover everything you need for success. Consider what can go wrong and you'll do much better.

Mattie Behrens

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