Blog

Frameworks for measuring developer productivity

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A look at the DX frameworks for measuring AI and developer productivity, placed in the context of other models like DORA and SPACE.

The state of software engineering with LLMs in 2025

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A look at how LLMs are changing software development, inspired by Gergely Orosz's recent article, and my own plans for adopting these new tools.

A simple trick for better dictation with AI

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A practical tip from Matt Webb on using a persona to give instructions to an LLM while dictating, making the process cleaner and more efficient.

The human cost of technical debt

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A reflection on how technical debt impacts not just our codebases, but also team morale and confidence.

From platform engineering to platform democracy

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An exploration of the evolution from platform engineering to a more collaborative 'platform democracy', driven by developer needs and efficiency.

A practical LLM coding workflow and a reflection on teamwork

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A summary of Harper's LLM codegen workflow and how structured rulebooks might solve the 'solo developer' problem he identifies.

How to use AI without damaging your thinking

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Reflections on Ethan Mollick's article about using AI to enhance, not hinder, our thinking, with practical tips for learning and writing.

Europe's new summer energy challenge: the 'Hitzeflaute'

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A look at how summer heatwaves and low wind create new challenges for Europe's power grid, and what we can do about it.

An overview of systems engineering core concepts

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A practical summary of the foundational principles of systems engineering, synthesised from the first half of my Coursera course.

What makes strong engineers strong?

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A summary of Sean Goedecke's article on the key traits of effective engineers, focusing on self-belief, pragmatism, speed, and technical ability.

From notebooks to production systems

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A comprehensive overview of moving data science projects from exploration in notebooks to robust, production-ready systems using open-source tools.

From theory to practice: How organisations are adopting AI

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A look at a Stack Overflow article showing real-world examples of AI implementation at companies like Cloudflare, GitHub, and Abnormal AI.

Reflecting on AI's real impact on engineering leadership

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A look at the 2025 LeadDev report on AI in engineering, and why a clear roadmap is more important than ever for successful adoption.

A practical take on prioritisation

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A summary of Jason Cohen's framework for identifying high-impact tasks and managing the consequences of intense focus.

Assessing new technology with Readiness Levels

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A practical look at using Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Commercial Readiness Levels (CRLs) to assess new technologies and decide where to invest effort.

The value of the expert generalist

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A reflection on a Thoughtworks article about why combining broad skills with deep expertise is crucial for modern technologists.