This week I have been in Berlin doing something it seems I rarely do these days, talking to people in person! I met up with my colleagues in Berlin as half the team live there anyway, and it just made sense for the Brits to do the travelling.
I will always take working remotely over commuting into the office every day, but I forget how much fun it is seeing everyone and being able to have conversations that don't involve looking at a screen.
Naturally I am quite tired from all the travelling so this week will just be a quick link share:
❤️ Picks of the Week #
📝 Article — Don't Fuck with Scroll — I have never really thought much about scroll, but you can see from this page that it is really unpleasant when scroll isn't responding in the same way as you are used to.
📝 Article — Turn off AI features by default (to reduce their climate impact) — Luckily AI models are getting more efficient, but it doesn't mean we can't still do our bit, like switching the lights off at home. This should definitely be a feature. I keep seeing apps summarise content that gets posted or automatically transcribing audio. In most cases these should be on request rather than done automatically which just wastes resources.
📝 Article — If not React, then what? — I use React at work, but I wouldn't pick it for my personal projects. Quite a lengthy read but it has some interesting thoughts on React.
🧩 Code Puzzles — Advent of Code 2024 — I don't have enough free time to do these, but they look like a fun challenge!
📝 Markdown — Markwhen: Markdown for Timelines — I wrote all my notes and blogposts using Markdown in Obsidian. This looks like a cool way to create timelines if you need them and there is an Obsidian plugin too.
📝 Article — Ok fine, I admit 3D printing is actually amazing — I don't really have the space for a 3D printer, especially if they smell a lot. I can see the appeal though. If I ever get into robotics I can see one being especially useful.
📝 Interactive Article — Sitters and Standers — The correlation between whether you get to sit for work and salary is quite interesting. It makes sense, it is predominately office workers who get to sit and are generally paid more. Those that have autonomy on how they work are largely paid more as well.
🎬 Videos — IMG_0001 — I didn't have an iPhone until about 2017, so I missed this feature. It is fascinating watching these videos. It is like a secret glimpse into just everyday activities.
📝 Article — Writing as a software engineer — Writing has definitely helped me as a software developer. I tend to think clearer when I write stuff down. Being able to explain your ideas in a clear and concise manner is a valuable skill for any profession.
🏛️ Architecture — Portland airport grows with expansive mass timber roof canopy — I am not overly interested in architecture, but this looks impressive. I can imagine it would have a wow factor if you saw it in person.
📝 Article — The correct amount of ads is zero — My Pi-Hole filters out 90% of adverts on websites so they don't bother me that much. I agree with Manuel on this one. If you are going to charge for access then you shouldn't put adverts on as well. I get annoyed every time Amazon Prime Video shows adverts when I watch something.
📝 Article — The 70% problem: Hard truths about AI-assisted coding — I have been using AI more to help with software development. It is a great time saver if you know enough to validate the output. I have used it for converting a JSON object into a C# contract, finding out how to get things to line up properly in CSS and writing quick Python scripts to automate tasks. For small tasks and for throw away code it is great, but it can't replace well engineered human made code yet.
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