DEV Community: jacob foster

Which Are the Top 10 DevOps Solutions and Services Companies in the USA?

jacob foster — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:45:48 +0000

Choosing the right technology partner is an important decision for any business planning to improve its software delivery process. The right DevOps solutions and services can help companies automate deployments, manage cloud infrastructure, improve security, and keep applications running smoothly.

Today, businesses are moving towards cloud-based applications, SaaS platforms, and more frequent software releases. Because of this, DevOps is no longer just about automating deployments. It also involves infrastructure management, continuous integration, security, monitoring, and long-term system reliability.

If you are looking for a DevOps partner in the USA, here are 10 companies worth exploring based on their service offerings, technical focus, and industry presence.

1. Accenture

Accenture is a global technology consulting company with a strong presence in the USA. It helps large organizations with cloud transformation, infrastructure modernization, automation, and DevOps adoption.

It can be a suitable option for enterprises managing complex technology environments and large-scale digital transformation projects.

2. IBM Consulting

IBM Consulting provides cloud and technology consulting services for businesses operating across different industries.

Its capabilities include hybrid cloud management, DevSecOps, application modernization, automation, and infrastructure management. Companies with complex IT environments may find its broad technology expertise useful.

3. Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is known for software engineering, digital transformation, and modern development practices.

Its DevOps-related expertise includes continuous delivery, platform engineering, cloud-native development, and engineering process improvements. It is worth considering for organizations that want to improve collaboration between development and operations teams.

4. Deloitte

Deloitte offers technology consulting and cloud transformation services to businesses across different sectors.

Its services cover cloud strategy, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity, automation, and technology operations. Large organizations looking to connect DevOps with broader business transformation may consider Deloitte.

5. EPAM Systems

EPAM Systems focuses on digital engineering, software development, and technology consulting.

Its engineering capabilities include cloud platforms, automation, application modernization, and DevOps practices. It can be relevant for product companies and enterprises looking for development and infrastructure expertise together.

6. Cognizant

Cognizant provides IT consulting, application services, cloud engineering, and digital transformation solutions.

Its DevOps capabilities support application delivery, cloud adoption, automation, and operational improvements. It is worth exploring for businesses modernizing existing software systems.

7. ScienceSoft

ScienceSoft is a software development and IT consulting company with experience across multiple industries.

Its services include DevOps consulting, cloud migration, infrastructure automation, CI/CD implementation, and application development. Businesses looking for a combination of software engineering and DevOps expertise may find it relevant.

8. Caylent

Caylent specializes in AWS cloud services and cloud-native solutions.

Its expertise includes infrastructure automation, Kubernetes, application modernization, DevOps implementation, and cloud optimization. It is particularly relevant for companies building or scaling applications on AWS.

9. nClouds

nClouds focuses on cloud consulting, AWS infrastructure, and managed cloud services.

Its offerings include DevOps automation, cloud migration, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure management, and monitoring. Businesses looking for AWS-focused cloud operations can explore its services.

10. Future Processing

Future Processing provides software development and technology consulting services.

Its capabilities include cloud engineering, DevOps consulting, software modernization, and engineering support. It can be considered by mid-sized businesses and enterprises looking for a technology partner.

An Additional Company Worth Exploring: Acelan Technologies

While researching different technology partners, I also came across Acelan Technologies, a software development company based in India that is worth exploring for businesses looking for development and infrastructure support.

Its DevOps solutions and services cover several important areas, including CI/CD pipeline implementation, cloud infrastructure management, containerization, monitoring, infrastructure as code, disaster recovery, and security.

What makes this worth considering is the connection between software development and DevOps. Businesses often need both capabilities to build, deploy, maintain, and improve their applications over time.

It is another option to evaluate, particularly if you are open to working with an international technology partner.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a DevOps Company?

Before making a decision, I would suggest checking a few important things:

Cloud expertise: Does the company have experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud?
Automation: Can it build reliable CI/CD pipelines and automate repetitive tasks?
Security: Does it follow DevSecOps practices?
Scalability: Can its infrastructure support future business growth?
Monitoring: Does it provide application monitoring and incident management?
Ongoing support: Can it help after implementation and deployment?

Also, ask for relevant case studies and discuss your actual infrastructure requirements before signing a contract.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right DevOps company is not simply about choosing a well-known brand. It is about finding a team that understands your infrastructure, development process, security requirements, and long-term business goals.

The companies mentioned above offer different strengths, so the right choice will depend on your project size, cloud platform, budget, and technical requirements.

I would also be interested to hear from developers and engineering teams:

Which DevOps company have you worked with, and what made your experience good or bad?

What should I look for in an ecommerce web development service?

jacob foster — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:30:15 +0000

Choosing the right ecommerce development partner can make a big difference in how smoothly an online business grows. Good ecommerce web development services should offer more than just an attractive website. They should help create an online store that is easy to use, secure, fast, and capable of handling business growth.

Many businesses make the mistake of choosing a developer based only on price or design. However, an ecommerce website needs several things to work together, including product management, payment processing, mobile experience, security, and performance. Here are some important things to consider before choosing a development service.

1. Experience With Ecommerce Projects

The first thing to check is whether the development team has experience building ecommerce websites. Creating a regular business website is different from developing an online store.

An ecommerce project may include product categories, inventory management, customer accounts, shopping carts, order tracking, discount codes, and payment gateways.

Ask the development team to share examples of previous ecommerce projects. Explore those websites and check whether their navigation, product pages, and checkout process work properly.

Experience with platforms such as Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, or custom ecommerce solutions can also be useful, depending on your business requirements.

2. Mobile-Friendly Website Design

A large number of customers shop using their smartphones. If an online store does not work properly on smaller screens, visitors may leave without purchasing anything.

Make sure the development team understands responsive design. Product images should display correctly, buttons should be easy to tap, and the checkout process should work smoothly on mobile devices.

A good mobile shopping experience can help businesses reduce unnecessary friction and improve customer satisfaction.

3. Website Speed and Performance

Website speed is another important factor. Customers usually do not want to wait several seconds for product pages to load.

A slow ecommerce website can affect user experience, conversions, and search visibility.

Ask developers how they handle image optimization, caching, database performance, code optimization, and hosting. They should also test website performance before launch.

Tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify performance issues that need attention.

4. Secure Payment Integration

Security should never be ignored when building an online store. Customers share personal information and payment details while placing orders, so the website needs proper security measures.

Check whether the development team can integrate trusted payment gateways and implement SSL, secure authentication, and appropriate data protection practices.

The checkout process should also be simple. Too many unnecessary steps can discourage customers from completing their purchases.

5. SEO-Friendly Development

A good-looking online store is not enough if potential customers cannot find it through search engines.

Ask whether the developers follow SEO-friendly practices during development. These may include clean URLs, proper heading structures, optimized page titles, image alt text, structured data, and a logical website architecture.

Product pages and category pages should also have unique, useful content.

Technical SEO should be considered from the beginning rather than treated as an afterthought.

6. Customization and Scalability

Every ecommerce business has different requirements. A small online store may need basic product and order management, while a growing business may require advanced inventory systems, multiple payment options, third-party integrations, or automated workflows.

Choose a development partner who understands your current needs and future plans.

The website should be flexible enough to support additional products, higher traffic, new features, and business expansion without requiring a complete rebuild.

7. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Launching an ecommerce website is not the end of the project. Websites need regular updates, security checks, bug fixes, backups, and performance monitoring.

Before selecting a service provider, ask what kind of support they offer after launch. Also clarify maintenance costs, response times, and how technical issues will be handled.

Having reliable ongoing support can save time and prevent problems from affecting daily business operations.

8. Clear Communication and Transparent Pricing

Finally, pay attention to how the development team communicates. They should understand your business goals, explain technical decisions in simple language, and provide a clear project timeline.

Request a detailed estimate that explains the cost of design, development, integrations, testing, and maintenance. Avoid choosing a provider simply because they offer the lowest price.

A clear agreement helps prevent unexpected costs and misunderstandings later.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an ecommerce development service requires more than comparing prices and portfolios. Look for a team that understands user experience, website performance, security, SEO, and long-term business requirements.

If you are exploring possible development partners, you can also review Acelan Technologies to understand its ecommerce web development solutions.

Take time to compare different providers, discuss your requirements, and check their previous work before making a decision. The right development partner should help you build an online store that serves customers well today and can grow with your business in the future.

[Boost]

jacob foster — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:24:58 +0000

Mahdi JabinPour

Oct 28

7 Habits That Keep Your Business Small—and What to Do Instead

#productivity

6 min read

[Boost]

jacob foster — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 18:09:56 +0000

Real experiences from recent events like JS Poland

Sylwia Laskowska

Oct 21

How to Become a Tech Conference Speaker (And Why You Might Regret It)

#techtalks #career #speaking

229

119

11 min read

How to Build Custom Construction Software (From Someone Who's Been in the Trenches)

jacob foster — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 18:08:31 +0000

Construction projects rarely go exactly as planned. Materials arrive late, workers need updated instructions, budgets change, and project managers often spend hours chasing updates across calls, emails, and spreadsheets. When these problems become part of everyday work, custom construction software development can help bring everything together in one place.

The goal is not to add more technology to a construction business. It is to make daily work easier, reduce confusion, and help teams make better decisions. Here is a practical look at how to build construction software that solves real problems on the job site and in the office.

1. Start With Problems, Not Features

Before building anything, talk to the people who will use the software. This includes project managers, site supervisors, contractors, accountants, and field workers.

Ask simple questions. Where does information get lost? Which tasks take too much time? What causes delays? Are teams still using paper forms to record progress?

For example, a contractor might struggle to track equipment across several job sites. Another company might lose time because supervisors send progress updates through different messaging apps.

These are two different problems, so they need different solutions. Understanding the daily workflow helps you avoid spending money on features nobody really needs.

2. Choose the Most Important Features

It is tempting to build a large system with every possible feature. However, starting small is usually a better approach.

A useful first version might include:

Project management: Track tasks, deadlines, project stages, and responsibilities.
Budget and cost tracking: Compare planned spending with actual expenses.
Scheduling: Manage workers, equipment, subcontractors, and important dates.
Document management: Keep drawings, contracts, permits, and reports organized.
Daily site reports: Record completed work, delays, safety issues, and material usage.
Communication: Give teams one place to share updates and instructions.

Choose features based on your business needs. A small contractor may need simple scheduling and cost tracking, while a large construction company may require several teams, approval workflows, and connections with existing business systems.

3. Make Mobile Access a Priority

Construction work does not happen only in an office. Site supervisors and field workers need information while moving between locations, inspecting work, and talking with contractors.

That makes mobile access especially important.

The software should let users upload site photos, update task status, report problems, and check drawings from a phone or tablet. Buttons should be easy to use, and forms should not require too much typing.

It is also worth considering poor internet connections. If workers operate in areas with weak signals, offline data entry can help them record updates and sync them when connectivity returns.

A system that works well on a desktop but frustrates people on site may struggle to gain adoption.

4. Select the Right Technology and Development Team

The technology should support your actual requirements rather than simply follow the latest trend.

A web application may work well for office teams, while a mobile application can support field operations. A cloud-based system can make project information accessible across locations, provided access controls and security are properly configured.

When choosing a development partner, look for experience with complex workflows, data security, integrations, and ongoing maintenance. A partner such as Acelan Technologies can be explored for software development needs through https://acelan.ai/.

Before starting, agree on the project scope, timeline, budget, ownership of the code, and support arrangements. Clear expectations help prevent misunderstandings later.

5. Build an MVP and Test It on a Real Project

An MVP, or minimum viable product, is a basic working version of the software with only the most important features.

Instead of launching across the entire company, test it on one construction project. Ask the team to use it for scheduling, daily reports, or expense tracking.

Watch what happens. Are workers entering information correctly? Can managers find updates quickly? Are some steps confusing? Does the system save time compared with the old process?

Use this feedback to improve the product before expanding it to more projects.

Testing with real users often reveals problems that would never appear during a planning meeting.

6. Plan for Security and Future Growth

Construction software may contain contracts, financial records, client details, and confidential project documents. Protecting this information should be part of the initial design.

Use role-based permissions so employees can access only the information they need. Add secure authentication, regular backups, and appropriate monitoring. Sensitive records should be protected during storage and transfer.

Think about integrations, too. Your business may eventually need connections with accounting software, procurement systems, project planning tools, or customer management platforms.

A flexible design makes it easier to add these capabilities without rebuilding the entire application.

7. Measure Whether the Software Is Working

Once the system is in use, measure its impact instead of judging success by the number of features delivered.

Track practical results such as time spent preparing reports, frequency of scheduling conflicts, delays caused by missing information, and differences between estimated and actual costs.

Gather feedback from both office staff and site teams. If a feature creates extra work, improve it. Software should support the people doing the job, not force them into unnecessary steps.

Final Thoughts

Building construction software starts with understanding how construction teams actually work. Identify the biggest problems, choose a focused set of features, make mobile use simple, and test the first version on a real project.

The best system is not necessarily the one with the most advanced technology. It is the one that helps teams communicate clearly, manage resources, control costs, and keep projects moving.

A practical, well-planned approach can turn software into a useful long-term tool for a growing construction business.

Top Custom Software Development Companies for 2027

jacob foster — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 17:22:12 +0000

Choosing the right software partner can make a big difference to a business that wants to grow in 2027. Companies looking for custom software development services need a team that understands their goals, budget, customers, and daily business challenges.

Today, software is more than just a tool for completing tasks. It helps businesses manage customers, save time, improve teamwork, and offer better services. However, finding the right development company is not always easy. There are many options, and each company offers different skills, pricing, and ways of working.

Why Businesses Need Custom Software in 2027

Ready-made software works well for many common tasks, but it may not meet every business need. A growing company might need a system that connects sales, customer support, payments, inventory, and reports in one place.

Custom software gives businesses more control over how their tools work. They can choose the features they need, connect existing systems, and add new functions as the company grows.

For startups, custom development can also help turn an idea into a working product. For established companies, it can replace outdated systems and make daily work easier.

Top Custom Software Development Companies to Consider

The best company depends on your project, budget, and long-term plans. The following companies are worth researching when comparing software development partners for 2027.

1. Accenture

Accenture is a global technology and consulting company that works with businesses on large digital projects. Its services include software engineering, cloud solutions, data, and AI.

It may be a good fit for large organizations that need support across several departments or markets. Smaller businesses should review project costs and engagement options before making a decision.

2. IBM Consulting

IBM Consulting helps organizations plan and build technology solutions, including enterprise applications, cloud systems, and AI-powered tools.

Businesses with complex systems or strict security needs may want to explore its capabilities. It is also worth checking whether the proposed team has experience in your industry.

3. Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is known for its work in software delivery, digital transformation, and modern engineering practices. It can be a useful option for companies that value strong technical planning, collaboration, and software quality.

Before choosing a partner, ask how it handles testing, maintenance, and future updates.

4. EPAM Systems

EPAM Systems provides software engineering, product development, and digital platform services. It works with businesses that need technical expertise to build or improve digital products.

Companies planning complex applications should review its experience with similar projects and confirm how the development team will communicate throughout the process.

5. Acelan Technologies

Acelan Technologies is another company businesses can research when comparing software development partners. Its offerings include software development, web and mobile app development, MVP development, AI development, and other technology services.

Businesses that want to explore these options can review Acelan's software development services to understand whether its capabilities match their project needs.

As with any provider, it is important to discuss project scope, timelines, costs, communication, and ongoing support before making a commitment.

How to Choose the Right Development Company

A well-known name does not automatically mean a company is the right choice for your project. Before signing a contract, consider these points.

Check its portfolio: Look for projects similar to yours. A team with relevant experience may understand your challenges more quickly.

Understand the development process: Ask how the company gathers requirements, plans features, tests the product, and handles changes.

Compare pricing carefully: A lower quote may not include testing, maintenance, or future updates. Compare the full scope rather than looking at price alone.

Discuss communication: Regular updates, clear responsibilities, and quick responses can prevent confusion during development.

Ask about security and support: Make sure the team considers data protection, software testing, backups, and long-term maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Finding a reliable custom software development company for 2027 starts with understanding what your business actually needs. Accenture, IBM Consulting, Thoughtworks, EPAM Systems, and Acelan Technologies offer different options to explore, depending on the size and needs of your project.

Take time to compare experience, technical skills, communication, and overall costs. Speak with potential partners, ask practical questions, and make sure they understand your goals before moving forward.

The right choice is not always the biggest or most expensive company. It is the partner that can build a useful solution, work well with your team, and support your business as it grows.

What Actually Belongs in an MVP (and What Founders Wrongly Cut)

jacob foster — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:20:15 +0000

Building an MVP sounds simple until you start deciding what should actually go into it. Founders often hear “build the minimum” and assume that means removing almost every feature. In reality, MVP software development is more about finding the smallest version of a product that can solve a real problem and teach you something useful from actual users.

The goal is not to build a cheap or incomplete product. The goal is to build enough of the right product to test your idea without spending months and a huge budget before knowing whether people want it.

What an MVP Really Needs

An MVP should have one clear purpose. Before listing features, ask a simple question: What problem are we trying to solve first?

Once that is clear, the MVP usually needs four important things.

1. The Core Problem-Solving Feature

This is the feature that makes your product worth using.

For example, if you are building a simple appointment platform, the core feature might be allowing customers to find an available time and book it. You may not need advanced reports, loyalty programs, multiple payment options, or complicated dashboards in version one.

If removing a feature means the main problem can no longer be solved, that feature probably belongs in the MVP.

2. A Simple User Flow

Users should be able to understand what to do without needing instructions every few minutes.

Think about the basic journey:

Sign up → use the main feature → get the result.

The flow does not need to be beautiful or packed with animations. It just needs to work reliably and make sense.

A complicated user journey can make even a good product feel broken.

3. Basic Security and Reliability

Security is one area founders should not treat as optional.

There is a difference between removing unnecessary features and removing basic protection. User authentication, sensible access controls, secure handling of sensitive information, backups, and basic error handling may not look exciting, but they matter from the beginning.

The same applies to reliability. If the main feature constantly crashes, your MVP will not give you useful feedback because users are reacting to technical problems instead of the product idea.

4. A Way to Learn From Users

An MVP should help you learn.

That means you need some way to understand what users are doing and where they struggle. This could be simple analytics, feedback forms, support conversations, interviews, or even direct messages with early customers.

You do not need a huge analytics system. You just need enough information to answer questions such as:

Are people using the main feature?
Where do they stop?
What do they ask for repeatedly?
What part of the product creates confusion?
Would they use it again?

What Founders Often Cut Too Early

The biggest mistake is assuming that everything outside the core feature should be removed.

Some founders cut usability because they think design is unnecessary for an MVP. A product does not need premium design, but users still need readable screens, clear buttons, useful error messages, and a logical layout.

Others cut basic onboarding. If your product requires users to understand a particular process, a short onboarding flow can make a big difference.

Another common mistake is cutting support and feedback channels. Early users will have questions. Giving them an easy way to report problems can provide valuable information while you are still figuring out the product.

Founders also sometimes remove features simply because they are difficult to build, even when those features are essential to the product's main promise. Instead of cutting them automatically, look for a simpler implementation.

A Better Way to Decide What Stays

Try putting every proposed feature into one of three groups:

Must have: Without it, the main product idea cannot be tested.

Useful later: It improves the experience but is not necessary for the first test.

Nice to have: It sounds interesting but does not help prove the main idea.

Build the first group. Be very careful with the second. Ignore the third until you have evidence that it matters.

This approach keeps the scope under control without turning your MVP into a frustrating product that nobody wants to use.

The Real Meaning of “Minimum”

Minimum does not mean fewest possible features.

It means the smallest useful product that can test your most important assumptions.

That distinction can save founders a lot of time and money. A stripped-down product that cannot properly solve the target problem teaches you very little. A focused product with the right core features can generate meaningful feedback and show you what deserves investment next.

The best MVP is therefore not the one with the shortest feature list. It is the one that gives you the clearest answer to the question: Do people actually need this product, and what should we build next?

Where Do You Find Reliable Developers for an MVP These Days?

jacob foster — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:36:13 +0000

Finding reliable developers for an MVP can be harder than it sounds. There are plenty of freelancers, agencies, and development teams available today, but the real challenge is finding people who understand what you are trying to build and can turn the idea into something usable without wasting time or money.

If you are looking for an mvp app development company, I would not start by simply searching for the cheapest option. I would first look at the team's previous work, technical experience, communication style, and whether they have actually built products similar to what you need. An MVP is supposed to test an idea, so having the right development partner can make a big difference.

Start With Your Network

One of the easiest places to find good developers is through people you already know. Ask other founders, startup owners, product managers, or people working in technology if they have worked with a developer they would recommend.

Personal recommendations can save a lot of time because you can ask about the experience. Was the developer reliable? Did they communicate properly? Did they finish the project on time? How did they handle changes?

You will usually get more useful information from these conversations than from a random list of developers online.

Look at Previous MVPs

Before hiring anyone, ask to see examples of their previous work.

You don't necessarily need someone who has built the same product. Instead, look for experience with similar technology, user flows, integrations, or business problems.

For example, if your MVP needs user accounts, payments, an admin dashboard, and third-party integrations, ask whether the developer has worked with these things before.

A portfolio can also tell you how much attention a team gives to design and usability. An MVP does not need to be perfect, but it should be easy enough for real users to understand and test.

Freelancers Can Work, But Ask the Right Questions

Freelancers can be a good option when your MVP is relatively small and you have someone who can manage the technical side.

The problem is that not every developer who looks good on a marketplace will necessarily be a good fit for your project. Before starting, discuss the expected timeline, technology stack, availability, communication process, and what happens if something takes longer than expected.

I would also avoid giving the entire project to someone before understanding how they work. A small paid discovery task or technical discussion can sometimes tell you more than a long interview.

Consider a Development Company

For a more complicated MVP, working with a development company can make sense. You may have access to developers, designers, QA specialists, and project managers instead of depending on one person.

This can be useful when the product requires both technical development and product planning. It also gives you someone to contact when you need changes or improvements after the initial launch.

However, agencies vary a lot. Don't choose one only because its website looks impressive. Talk to the actual people who would work on your product and ask how they approach MVP development.

Don't Build Everything at Once

One mistake I see quite often is trying to put every possible feature into the first version.

An MVP should answer a basic question: Will people actually use this product?

Start with the features necessary to solve the main problem. Once real users start giving feedback, you can decide what needs to be improved or added.

This also makes it easier for developers to estimate the work and gives you a better chance of getting the first version into users' hands without unnecessary delays.

Ask About Communication

Technical skills are important, but communication can make or break an MVP project.

Before signing anything, find out how often you will receive updates, where tasks will be tracked, who you should contact with questions, and how changes will be handled.

I personally prefer teams that explain technical decisions in simple language. You should not need to understand every programming detail to know what is happening with your product.

My Approach to Choosing a Developer

If I were starting an MVP today, I would shortlist three or four developers or teams rather than contacting dozens. I would show them the same basic product requirements and compare their questions, approach, timeline, and understanding of the idea.

The best conversation is not necessarily the one where someone promises to build everything the fastest. I would pay more attention to whether they ask sensible questions about users, features, technical requirements, and the actual problem the product is supposed to solve.

Ultimately, finding a reliable developer is less about finding someone who can simply write code and more about finding someone who understands the product you are trying to validate. A good MVP development partner should help you keep the first version focused, practical, and ready for real user feedback.

Has anyone here worked with a custom software development company before?

jacob foster — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:39:48 +0000

Yes, I’ve looked into custom software development for business projects, and one thing I’ve learned is that choosing the right development partner matters more than just comparing prices.

A good custom software consultant should first understand the business problem, existing workflow, users, and long-term goals. If a company starts talking about features and technologies before understanding these things, I’d consider that a warning sign.

Custom software can make sense when off-the-shelf tools don’t fit your process. For example, a business may need a specific CRM workflow, internal management system, customer portal, automation, or software that connects several existing tools. In those cases, building something around the actual workflow can be much more practical.

I’d also ask a development company a few basic questions before starting:

Have they worked on projects similar to yours?
How do they handle communication and updates?
What does their development process look like?
How do they test the software?
What happens after the initial launch?
Can they scale or modify the software as the business grows?

I recently came across Acelan’s software development services while looking at custom software development options. Their service covers the development side, from building software around specific business requirements to creating solutions that can grow with the business.

Personally, I think the biggest benefit of working with a custom development company is having someone who can understand the problem first and then suggest the right technical approach, rather than simply building whatever features are requested.

So yes, custom soft

AI is making coding faster, but that doesn’t make software engineering less valuable. If anything, it shifts the focus toward the harder parts: understanding the problem, choosing the right architecture, and knowing what should actually be built.

jacob foster — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:46:23 +0000

Real engineering replaces mere coding

Sylwia Laskowska

Sep 10

AI Is Already Better at Coding Than Most Software Developers

#discuss #ai #webdev #programming

249

208

5 min read

Shopify vs Custom E-Commerce Build: When Is Custom Actually Worth It?

jacob foster — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:38:48 +0000

When starting an online store, one of the first decisions is usually whether to use Shopify or build something from scratch. Shopify is attractive because you can get a store running quickly without dealing with a large technical setup. But as the business grows, some companies start asking a different question: are we outgrowing the platform?

This is where eCommerce development services can become relevant. A custom store gives a business more control over how products, customers, orders, payments, and internal systems work together. But that does not automatically make custom development the better choice. For many businesses, Shopify is more than enough.

When Shopify Makes More Sense

Shopify works well when your requirements are fairly straightforward.

For example, if you sell standard products, need a professional storefront, want common payment options, and do not have complicated internal workflows, Shopify can save a lot of time.

You also avoid building basic features from scratch. The ecosystem already includes product management, checkout, inventory, order tracking, and integrations.

This can be especially useful for a new business testing an idea. You can focus more on products, marketing, and customers instead of spending months building technology.

When Custom Development Starts Making Sense

The situation changes when your business model does not fit neatly into standard e-commerce features.

Maybe you have complicated pricing rules based on customer type. Maybe your products need a highly unusual configuration system. Or perhaps your store needs to connect deeply with an ERP, CRM, warehouse system, or internal application.

At that point, constantly finding workarounds can become frustrating.

A custom platform allows the technology to be designed around the actual business process rather than forcing the business process to fit the platform.

Think About the Total Cost, Not Just Development Cost

One common mistake is comparing Shopify's subscription cost directly with the price of custom development.

They are not really the same type of expense.

With Shopify, you may have subscription fees, app costs, transaction-related expenses, premium themes, and additional tools. Over time, those costs can add up.

With a custom build, the initial investment is usually much higher, but you have greater control over the system. You also have to budget for hosting, maintenance, security, updates, and future development.

So the better question is not simply, "Which one is cheaper?"

It is:

Which option makes more financial sense for the way the business is expected to operate over the next few years?

Custom Doesn't Always Mean Better

This is probably the most important point.

A custom e-commerce store can give you flexibility, but flexibility comes with responsibility. You need developers to maintain it, fix issues, improve features, and keep the system secure.

If your business does not actually need that flexibility, custom development may create unnecessary complexity.

On the other hand, if your store depends on unique workflows or needs technology that standard platforms cannot support properly, building custom can become a practical long-term decision.

A Simple Way to Decide

I usually look at four things before making the decision:

1. Business complexity: Are your products, pricing, checkout, or workflows unusual?

2. Integration requirements: Does the store need deep connections with other business systems?

3. Expected growth: Will the current platform still support your operations as the business expands?

4. Competitive advantage: Does your customer experience depend on something that standard platforms cannot easily provide?

If most answers are "no," Shopify may be perfectly suitable.

If several answers are "yes," it is worth seriously evaluating a custom build.

In the end, Shopify and custom e-commerce are not really competing answers for every business. Shopify can be a practical starting point, while custom development can make more sense when technology itself becomes an important part of the business model. The right choice depends on what the store actually needs, not simply on which option sounds more advanced.

Can a Junior Software Developer Build an MVP?

jacob foster — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:17:32 +0000

Yes, a junior software developer can build an MVP, especially when the product has a focused scope and the developer understands the core problem the product is trying to solve. However, building an MVP is not simply about writing code. It also involves deciding what features actually matter, choosing the right technology, testing assumptions, and preparing the product for real users.

If you're exploring mvp software development, it helps to understand that an MVP should be the simplest usable version of a product—not a smaller version of the final product. A practical MVP development approach focuses on validating the main idea before investing heavily in advanced features.

What Makes an MVP Suitable for a Junior Developer?

The complexity of the MVP matters more than the developer's job title. A junior developer may be able to build a straightforward SaaS dashboard, booking application, internal business tool, or basic marketplace if the requirements are clearly defined.

For example, an MVP might only need:

User registration and login
A simple dashboard
One core workflow
Basic database functionality
Payment or third-party API integration
Simple admin controls

A product with five well-defined features can be much easier to build than one with twenty loosely defined requirements.

Where Can Junior Developers Struggle?

The biggest challenge is often not coding individual features. It is understanding the bigger picture.

A junior developer may underestimate issues involving database architecture, authentication, security, API integrations, deployment, scalability, error handling, and performance.

For example, creating a login form may be relatively straightforward. Building authentication that safely handles passwords, sessions, permissions, account recovery, and edge cases requires more experience.

This is why having a senior developer, technical lead, or experienced reviewer involved can make a significant difference.

Should a Junior Developer Build the MVP Alone?

It depends on the product.

For a small and technically simple idea, a junior developer may be able to build much of the MVP independently. For a product involving sensitive data, complex integrations, financial transactions, or complicated business logic, working alone can create unnecessary technical risks.

A good approach is to let the junior developer handle implementation while receiving guidance on architecture, security, code reviews, and deployment.

This also creates a useful learning environment without putting the entire project at risk.

Keep the First Version Small

One of the most common mistakes in MVP development is trying to build everything at once.

Instead of asking, "What features should the final product have?" ask, "What is the smallest product that can test our main assumption?"

Suppose you're building a customer-support platform. You may not need AI automation, advanced analytics, multiple integrations, custom reporting, and complex permissions in version one.

A simple system that lets businesses create tickets, respond to customers, and track their status might be enough to validate the concept.

The Bottom Line

A junior software developer can absolutely contribute to—or even build—a working MVP. The key is controlling the scope and getting the right technical guidance when the project becomes more complex.

The goal of an MVP isn't to demonstrate how much code a developer can write. It's to test whether the product solves a real problem with the smallest practical investment.

When the scope is clear, expectations are realistic, and experienced support is available where needed, junior developers can be an important part of successful MVP software development.