Progress Essays: A Compilation by Ben Kuhn

Ben Kuhn shares various essays on technology and software, addressing key topics like debugging, tech adoption, and programming misconceptions.

The posts are available here.

  • Choose Boring Technology
    Dan McKinley emphasizes the importance of selecting reliable, well-understood technologies over novel but unproven ones to minimize operational and cognitive overhead.
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  • The Wrong Abstraction
    Sandi Metz discusses the pitfalls of using incorrect abstractions in code, advocating for careful reassessment and potential duplication to improve clarity and maintainability.
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  • Falsehoods Programmers Believe About Names
    Kalzumeus Software highlights common misconceptions about handling names in software systems, showcasing the diversity and complexity of real-world naming conventions.
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  • Computers Can Be Understood
    Nelhage discusses the systematic nature of computer systems and the value of developing comprehensive mental models to facilitate debugging and system comprehension.
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  • The Hiring Post
    Quarrelsome critiques the traditional tech interview process, advocating for more supportive and preparatory approaches to improve candidate experience and hiring outcomes.
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