We, humans, are visual creatures. We evolved reasonable abstraction capabilities but we shine when we can visualize the problem at hand. This is why I’m a big fan of Data Visualization as a discipline. Data has the answers. Visualization helps us better understand and interpret them. (For a great introduction to the subject, consider
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I always find it interesting to see which gadgets and technology people use. So I decided to share the current list of gadgets I use. Three caveats Before we start, I’ll offer three caveats: I’m using a loose definition of the word gadget. The more accurate term might be the less catchy, electronic devices,
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This post is about the Kindle vs Kobo ecosystems. If you prefer video, you can watch the video below from my new Tony on Tech channel. This is a brand new channel so feedback is appreciated. I recently ordered a new e-reader. The biggest decision was not so much which specific device to buy,
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In 2012, I wrote the first edition of Technical Blogging. A book meant for programmers and other technical folks. Many gave it glowing reviews and expressed appreciation for it. So I’m quite happy with how it turned out. Seven years is a long time, however, especially on the internet. So last year I set
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Due to sudden and unforeseen circumstances, last year I went from having several personal laptops to none at all. This is the story of how I ended up getting a Google Pixelbook and my take on it. Buying a beast of a laptop As soon as I could, I bought a powerhouse laptop. In
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My friend, Daniel Markham, just published a remarkable book called Info-Ops: Build the Right Thing. It’s the type of book which could easily be overlooked if you were to judge it by its cover. I was so impressed by the book that I decided to ask Daniel a few questions, and he kindly agreed
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I’m going to share with you what I see as “25” common pitfalls when learning to program (or working towards mastering programming). Many of these points affect both beginners and professionals alike — myself very much included. 0. Forgetting that programming is all about people. Yes, the machine will execute your code, but programming
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I regret to inform you that Programming Zen will be on hold for a good while due to tragic personal circumstances. On the evening of Thursday, October 13, 2016, an 18 year old girl having a domestic dispute with her mother allegedly set her own house on fire. The fire spread quickly to the
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Some programming languages become popular. Others don’t. Why is that? Are the popular languages better than the obscure ones?[1] It’s more complicated than that, so let’s grab a long stick and poke at this hornet’s nest. Define popular To start off on the wrong foot, there isn’t really a consensus on the popularity of programming
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Most professions require their practitioners to remain constantly up-to-date. Think about accountants learning about new tax regulations, or doctors studying new medical research. It’s a challenge. So much so, that many fail to remain current even when lives are at stake. In our profession, the challenge is particularly prominent. Specific knowledge, outside of selected
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