This section lists all blog posts, regardless of topic.
Software optimizationMarch 14, 2008
The classic software development model usually puts optimization at the end of a project. The word
optimization almost implies this. You're taking something that already exists and making it better. But this can be a dangerous philosophy, because performance is often the result of designs that have been constructed with performance in mind, and it can be difficult or impossible at the end of a project to change a design at a fundamental level.
So while I agree that finicky optimization stuff fits nicely at the end of a project, this shouldn't be used an excuse to "not worry" about performance issues until the application is functionally complete.
For example, if you consider Google's products, which are search and other various rich web applications, it is evident when you use them that performance played a very significant role in the design of the products. Google most definitely didn't build these applications and then ask "but how can we make them fast"?
ListereneMarch 14, 2008
When I was at the dentist this month I asked whether they thought Listerene was a good thing. The answer surprised me... to paraphrase: "I have some patients that use Listerene twice a day and their gums look dry and white like a smoker's. The burning sensation gives people the impression that it's doing something, but in addition to killing bacteria, it's hurting your gums."
Windows desktop of the rich and famousMarch 3, 2008
Ever notice how the Windows desktop of people really varies? Some people have just a few icons, and they're very organized. Other people have a bunch, and yet others manage to cover their entire desktop with a hundred different icons! I wonder what Bill Gates' desktop looks like, or Bono, etc. It would be cool to have a gallery of the 100 most recognized names and what their Windows desktop looks like.
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