~/writing
Essays on architecture, systems, trade-offs, and lessons from production.
No marketing fluff. No hype. Just hard-earned experience and pragmatic opinions.
Byte Size Server explores how the Byte Size Architecture pattern can transform web development by breaking down complex systems into manageable, focused components. Learn how edge computing, WebAssembly, and WASI platforms enable developers to build scalable applications without overwhelming complexity.
Ruby on Rails transformed web development by introducing strong conventions and structure that influenced frameworks across all languages. Learn why even non-Ruby developers benefit from understanding Rails' philosophy and approach to building scalable applications.
This article challenges common Entity Framework usage patterns and argues that many developers are implementing it incorrectly. The author explains why simply mapping databases without leveraging EF's core features creates unnecessary overhead and demonstrates why understanding the difference between demos and production environments is critical.
This post explores the journey from basic Object-Oriented Programming to advanced design patterns and software architecture. The author shares personal experiences of how proper OOP implementation and design patterns transformed 14,000 lines of problematic code into 700 lines of elegant, working solutions.
Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is revolutionizing how applications are built and accessed across multiple devices and platforms. This post explains how SOA separates user interface from business logic and enables true interoperability between different technologies like .NET and Java, making development more efficient.
Discover how to combine Jotai's atomic state management, LocalStorage persistence, and React Query's data fetching into a unified pattern. This approach provides granular state control, flexible caching, and offline-first capabilities for modern React applications.
In this Machine Learning Monday post, the author explores ML.NET, Microsoft's recently open-sourced machine learning library, after a community poll. Discover why ML.NET is worth trying for F# and .NET Core developers, including its current features and exciting future developments like deep learning integration.
This post demonstrates sentiment analysis of the epic Mahabharata using F#, combining natural language processing with functional programming. Discover how to analyze emotions and sentiments in one of humanity's greatest literary works through practical F# implementation.
The author shares their experience moving from Sencha Touch to PhoneJS for cross-platform mobile development. Learn why overly complex frameworks can hinder productivity and what alternatives offer better developer experience.
This post examines Micro ORMs as a solution to the performance problems created by traditional ORMs. The author discusses how tools like Dapper and OrmLite offer the productivity benefits of ORMs while maintaining database access performance comparable to direct SQL queries.
This technical article explores the dangers of improper ORM usage in large enterprise applications, using real-world examples from LINQ to SQL and Entity Framework. The author discusses how monolithic edmx files and naive ORM implementations can cripple performance and maintainability in projects with thousands of tables and multiple modules.
This post explores the evolution of web frameworks from jQuery to React, and introduces SolidJS as a modern alternative with fine-grained reactivity and atomic state management. Learn how Fable.Solid brings F# capabilities to the SolidJS ecosystem, offering developers a fresh approach to building performant web applications.
F# 8 introduces game-changing features that streamline functional programming syntax, particularly the removal of `fun` in lambdas and improved nested record handling. Discover how these updates modernize the language while echoing patterns from F#'s past libraries.
This F# Advent 2021 post demonstrates building interactive COVID-19 data visualizations using Plotly.NET in Jupyter notebooks. Using FSharp.Data and real Indian COVID tracking data, you'll learn to create professional cross-platform dashboards with Plotly Dash.
This F# Advent article examines how F# stands out in WebAssembly and web development compared to JavaScript. It covers major F# transpilation tools like WebSharper, FunScript, and Fable, helping developers choose the best option for error-free front-end development.
This guide covers setting up F# with Jupyter notebooks, challenging the narrative that F# is only for data science. Discover how Jupyter support enables F# to shine as a versatile general-purpose language with practical installation steps and setup instructions.
This thoughtful post examines F# from multiple angles, contrasting functional programming style with imperative approaches. The author shares personal experiences, recommended learning resources, and insights on how to approach F# development based on your programming background.
A retrospective on Functional Programming in 2019, featuring insights into Fable (F# to JavaScript conversion), the Green Print UI library project, and how functional programming reduces coding errors. The author discusses battle-tested tools and community-driven development for modern web applications.
A candid technical post documenting the author's failed attempt to integrate TensorFlow JS with Fable-Elmish. The article explores the challenges encountered with TypeScript definitions, object-oriented design patterns, and JavaScript callbacks, offering insights for developers considering similar approaches.
This post explores deploying SAFE Stack applications with Dokku, comparing it to traditional deployment solutions like Azure Websites, Kudu, and Heroku. Discover a simpler, more cost-effective way to run full-stack F# web applications without complex CI/CD overhead.
This post examines Elmish Xamarin Forms (EXF) from a Fable developer's viewpoint, analyzing its advantages and disadvantages for cross-platform mobile applications. Using the Star Wars API as a practical example, the author explores how Elmish patterns translate to mobile development and compares the experience with Fable-Elmish web applications.
This blog post revisits Fable's architecture and performance, demonstrating how Fable2 delivers significant improvements in code generation and JavaScript optimization. Through practical examples of F# type compilation, discover how the new compiler achieves smaller output with better tree shaking capabilities.
An in-depth exploration of Fable 1.0's architecture and performance capabilities ahead of the 2.0 release. The author shares lessons from converting large JavaScript applications to typed languages, emphasizing why frontend development demands architectural discipline and examining Elmish patterns for building scalable single-page applications.
This FSAdvent 2017 post demonstrates how to create a real-time chat application using ServiceStack and Fable in F#, showcasing a unique take on the SAFE stack. The author explores why these frameworks were chosen and highlights the flexibility of .NET Core across different operating systems and editors.
This F# Advent calendar post explores the fascinating number 1729, famously known as the Hardy-Ramanujan number. The author shares their personal journey with mathematics, inspired by the legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, and explains why this particular number holds special significance in mathematical history.
This post explores building reactive services with Servicestack and F#, tracing the evolution from traditional page refreshes to modern real-time systems powered by WebSockets and Server-Sent Events. Discover how bidirectional server-client communication enables truly responsive applications following the reactive manifesto.
This post explores the command pattern through functional programming, comparing traditional C# implementation with F# functional approach. You'll discover how treating functions as first-class citizens makes command pattern code more concise and elegant, with insights into CQRS and Event Sourcing.
The strategy pattern is one of the most widely used patterns in .NET, especially in LINQ. This post explores how to implement it in both C# and F#, demonstrating why functional programming syntax is better suited for passing strategies as functions rather than class-based approaches.
Explore the Singleton Pattern, one of the most commonly used design patterns for ensuring only one instance of a class exists. This post covers practical implementations in C# and F#, real-world use cases like database connections, and discusses its relevance in functional programming and modern development.
Explore how the Factory Pattern translates from Object-Oriented C# to functional F# programming. This post demonstrates that functional programming provides simpler, more elegant solutions for abstracting object creation while maintaining the same behavioral results.
This post demystifies design patterns by examining them through functional programming principles rather than traditional OOP. The author explores the fundamental differences between Turing's (OOP) and Church's (FP) approaches to problem-solving, arguing that functional programming offers superior code readability and expressiveness when resources allow.
This post explores the typed/untyped data paradox by demonstrating how to access Cloudant (CouchDB fork) from F# using a custom HTTP-based helper module. The author shares a pragmatic solution for integrating statically typed F# with JSON-based NoSQL databases, complete with working code snippets.
This blog post examines the persistent difficulties of using F# for web development, despite its elegant design. The author shares frustrating experiences with NuGet updates, package managers like Paket, and Azure deployment quirks that plagued F# web projects in 2014.
This personal narrative explores one developer's transition from C# to F#, detailing the emotional and technical journey of discovering functional programming. Through personal milestones and community involvement, the author shares why F# captured their heart and passion for coding.
This guide walks through integrating SignalR with ServiceStack in F# and deploying the application to Azure. It covers project setup, OWIN configuration, and practical solutions to common Azure deployment challenges.
Xamarin launches Studio 3 with a complete redesign, eliminating previous crashes and elevating F# to first-class citizen status. The new IDE features a flowless interface, Xamarin.Forms API for business applications, and promises to be a game-changer in mobile development.
Discover how to combine SignalR, Nancy web framework, and F# programming language for building real-time applications on Azure. This technical guide walks through setting up Nancy on OWIN, configuring bootstrapper classes, and integrating SignalR for seamless bi-directional communication.
The author shares their decision to abandon the blog series format after repeated unsuccessful attempts, finding that individual articles resonate better with readers. They explain how certain topics simply don't fit the series structure and announce a shift toward standalone posts on web development, gaming, and F#.
This guide walks you through setting up ServiceStack V4 with F# without relying on templates. Starting from an empty ASP.NET project, you'll install ServiceStack, configure it properly, and build your foundation for a functional web service.
ServiceStack F# templates are now officially available on the Visual Studio Gallery, featuring four hosting options including ASP.NET and self-hosted variants with optional Razor Engine support. The templates use ServiceStack 3.71, the last MIT-licensed version, making them ideal for developers starting out or preferring stable, open-source solutions.
This post explores the journey of creating Servicestack templates with F#, covering the challenges faced when building ASP.NET applications and the solutions discovered along the way. The author shares their experience moving from console applications to web templates, highlighting a critical debugging lesson that took two weeks to resolve.
Discover how to build ASP.NET MVC5 applications using F#, moving from traditional C#/F# split projects to unified pure F# templates. This guide provides a one-to-one syntax mapping between C# and F# before transitioning to optimized functional code patterns.
A comprehensive guide to getting started with functional web development using F# and .NET. Discover pure F# web templates, frameworks like NancyFX and ServiceStack, and explore functional programming across Scala and Clojure.
Functional programming is often overlooked in web development, but it's increasingly vital as projects grow larger and more complex. This article explores why functional programming, with its built-in features like immutability, is the ideal solution for managing state in multi-processor environments and building scalable web applications.
A developer's reflection on the passionate relationship programmers have with their chosen languages and how this affects technology decisions. The author discusses functional programming's advantages for algorithm development while examining why experienced developers often resist switching languages, even when alternatives might be more efficient.
A personal journey into functional programming driven by a passion for data and numbers. Explore why the author switched from C# to F# and why functional languages should be taught before imperative ones.
A passionate exploration of functional programming's benefits for clean, intuitive code. The author explains how functional languages eliminate unnecessary complexity and let developers focus on solving problems rather than instructing computers.
A heartfelt tribute to the teachers who shaped my identity, drawing inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Arjun who identified himself primarily as a student of his guru. This personal reflection explores how our mentors define who we truly are.
This post explains how to use Paket, a more reliable package manager than NuGet, for Azure website deployments. It provides the essential configuration files and commands needed to set up Paket with Azure's build system (Kudu) for seamless continuous deployment from GitHub.
A critical examination of AngularJS and its inherent complexities, this post explores why the framework demands exceptional discipline from developers. Through real-world experience, the author reveals the pitfalls of scope management, JavaScript abuses, and offers insights into choosing between AngularJS and modern Angular.
A deeply personal letter to a departing friend that explores the paradox of pursuing one's dreams while grappling with the inevitable separation from companions who shaped the journey. Through Hindi poetry and honest reflection, the author captures the beauty of roads traveled together and the ache of moving forward alone.
Discover how to deploy SailsJS applications to Azure Web Sites using GitHub integration for continuous delivery. This guide covers the deployment process, troubleshooting common issues, and best practices for hosting Node.js frameworks on Azure.
This post compares Xamarin with Java for Android development, showcasing code examples that demonstrate why language choice matters. The author argues that C# and Xamarin offer a superior development experience compared to traditional Java Android programming.
The author reflects on Scott Hanselman's call to thank open source project organizers and shares a personal journey of how community members and developers like Rob Conery shaped his professional growth. A tribute to the people who made a meaningful impact on his career.
The author shares their struggle with poetry writing despite positive feedback, explaining why they stopped publishing their work publicly. They've now decided to take a Coursera songwriting course and are asking readers whether they should continue writing and sharing poems.
The author makes a comeback to blogging after an extended break, explaining the technical and personal reasons behind their absence. They discuss migrating their blog platform to Docpad, managing a demanding job, and dealing with SEO impacts from their reduced posting frequency.
This article explores enduring software development principles that have remained unchanged since 2007, proving that good coding practices transcend technology trends. The author examines why these timeless guidelines are often overlooked and provides practical insights for applying them in modern .NET development.
A personal account of installing Windows 8 multiple times and encountering various challenges, including SSD management, driver issues, and RAID configuration problems. This guide shares practical lessons learned to help others avoid similar pitfalls during Windows 8 setup.
TypeScript brings static typing and tooling support to JavaScript without forcing unnecessary abstractions. This post explores how TypeScript enables type casting, compares it with CoffeeScript, and explains why developers should consider it for enterprise-level client-side code.
A follow-up to JavaScript basics, this post dives into practical JavaScript language considerations from a Software Engineering viewpoint. The author, experienced in compiled languages like C++ and C#, shares critical lessons learned and references a 50-minute Channel9 video covering essential JavaScript practices.
JavaScript Diary I explores essential JavaScript concepts for developers learning the language from scratch. This post covers the pitfalls of global variables and introduces self-executing anonymous functions as a solution to keep your code private and organized.
This touching poem captures the complex emotions of missing a beloved sister as life pulls you apart. From childhood memories of fights and laughter to the pain of separation through marriage and distance, it's a poignant tribute to the irreplaceable bond between siblings.
A personal journey into CoffeeScript and how it transformed the author's approach to JavaScript development. This post explores why CoffeeScript offers a more elegant solution for developers struggling with JavaScript's flexibility and complexity.
A heartfelt open letter expressing gratitude to Tekpub and Rob Conery for creating opportunities for developers worldwide to learn from industry experts like Scott Hanselman. The author reflects on how Tekpub embodies the spirit of knowledge sharing and represents the dream of learning while working with brilliant minds in tech.
This post examines Massive, a Micro ORM by Rob Conery, focusing on the 'why' behind its design philosophy rather than tutorials. Learn how this innovative tool represents a shift in data access approaches and why developers should consider alternatives to traditional ORMs.
This post explores the evolution from traditional connection and command classes to modern ORM frameworks in .NET development. The author discusses common database connectivity challenges and explains why ORMs like NHibernate are essential for building efficient applications.
NuGet brings the power of open source software to .NET developers, similar to Ruby's gems ecosystem. This article explores why OSS matters, how NuGet simplifies package management, and introduces essential frameworks like Knockout.js and Ninject.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 begins on the Kurukshetra battlefield where Arjuna, overwhelmed by the sight of his relatives in the opposing army, questions the purpose of war and victory. Krishna's response initiates one of Hinduism's most revered spiritual teachings, revealing profound wisdom about duty, righteousness, and the nature of existence.
This post introduces the Bhagwad Gita, a sacred Hindu text containing Krishna's teachings to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Explore how this 5000-year-old scripture addresses life's obstacles and moral dilemmas with practical wisdom that remains relevant today.
A deeply emotional poem that captures the ache of missing someone special. Through vivid imagery and repetition, the poet expresses the overwhelming feelings of longing, emptiness, and the difficulty of moving forward when your heart remains tied to another.
This post emphasizes the importance of understanding your testing strategy before writing test code, drawing from practical development experience. Using mathematical functions and Visual Studio testing facilities as examples, the author explains how self-awareness in testing prevents common coding mistakes and improves code quality.
This engineer's perspective on Foreign Direct Investment in India's retail market examines the chain reaction effects from farmers to small businesses. The analysis compares the impact of international capital against local enterprises, exploring both employment opportunities and economic displacement.
This blog post explores the critical distinction between coders who copy-paste solutions and developers who understand core principles. The author argues that mastering fundamental languages like C and C++, combined with logical thinking over library dependencies, is essential for transitioning from a coder to a true programmer.
This lyrical poem celebrates the universal longing for a smile that brightens the world. Through vivid imagery of nature, music, and emotion, it explores how everything—from sunrise to heartbeat—awaits that magical, transformative moment of joy and connection.
This deeply emotional poem captures the anguish of loving someone who refuses to understand your feelings. Through vivid imagery and repetition, the author expresses how their devotion goes unrecognized, leaving only rejection and the desperate hope for acceptance.
This intimate blog post is a heartfelt dedication to smokers who use cigarettes as a way to remember their lost loved ones. Through evocative Gujarati poetry, the author captures the profound pain of absence, transforming smoking into a metaphor for grief and the struggle to find meaning after loss.
Pointers are fundamental to C and C++ programming, allowing you to work with memory addresses and share data efficiently. This guide explains pointer basics with practical examples, showing how to declare pointers, access values, and understand the difference between a variable and its address.
This personal essay explores Steve Jobs' revolutionary approach to business and life, contrasting his bold, non-compromising mentality with conventional thinking. The author reflects on how Jobs' fearless confidence and refusal to compromise have served as motivation to pursue meaningful change rather than settling for mediocrity.
This blog post reviews 'Data Structure Through C++' by Yashvant Kanetkar, a highly recommended resource for anyone learning data structures. The book makes complex concepts accessible while maintaining international standards, making it essential reading for computer science students and professionals.
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