Atomic Spin

Development Practices • Apr 02, 2019

Open-Source vs. Build-Your-Own – A Formula for Deciding

You need to deliver a feature. Should you write the code yourself? Should you use one of the dozen open-source solutions available? How do you decide?

Android Development • Apr 01, 2019

Android Room Database Tips and Tricks

How to do one-to-one relationships and UPSERT in Android Room. It has some limitations, but it's great having the power of a real SQLite database.

Project & Team Management • Mar 31, 2019

Flipping the Script on Feedback Meetings

Most feedback meetings are at best, inneffective. But they can be something folks really value and look forward to. Here are three tips to help.

Growing as Makers • Mar 30, 2019

Tools for Learning About New Tech Communities

While studying CS, I also wanted to learn about the culture, trends, and lingo of the tech community. Here are 3 platforms I've tried to leverage.

Mobile Apps • Mar 29, 2019

Adding Notification Badges to a Kotlin App

It can be hard to figure out how to add notification badges to your Kotlin app. I'll show you two types of badges and how to implement them.

UX/Design Techniques • Mar 28, 2019

Not All Software Design Is Shiny. Here’s How to Cope with That.

Not all of the software you create will be groundbreaking and eye-catching. Here are a few methods for keeping the spark bright during the duller projects.

Web Apps • Mar 27, 2019

A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing Node-Gyp Issues on Windows

The Windows environment makes getting node-gyp to work a less-than-stellar developer experience. Here are some troubleshooting tips I've learned along the way.

Developer Tools • Mar 26, 2019

Comparing PostgreSQL Clients – SQLPro vs. Postico vs. TablePlus

I've tried Table Plus, Postico, and SQLPro for Postgres. They're all solid options, and each one is a good fit for different situations.

TypeScript • Mar 25, 2019

Enforcing Disjoint Unions with TypeScript Conditional Types

TypeScript provides dynamic tools to build thorough types for algebraic set theory. Enforcing disjoint unions is a powerful way to make the system more robust.

Personal Optimization • Mar 24, 2019

Four Lessons I Learned Too Late about Balancing Work and Grad School

Considering enrolling in grad school while working full time? Were I to do it all again, here are four things I wish I'd known earlier.

TypeScript • Mar 23, 2019

Three Guidelines for Using the Functional Module Pattern for TypeScript

If you find yourself getting lost in types or having difficulty trying to share interfaces across the codebase, try the Functional Module Pattern.

UX/Design Techniques • Mar 22, 2019

Engaging Users in Research without Opening Pandora’s Box

How to facilitate focused user testing or research sessions while avoiding the pandora's box of software product feature requests.