How to Collaborate With AI to Build Better Software
AI is changing how software gets built. But the engineers getting the most out of it aren’t the ones moving fastest — they’re the ones who stay in the loop.
Hello 👋
I'm John, an entrepreneurial, full stack engineer with decades of experience building and operating SaaS products. I write articles and tutorials — based on personal experience — about software development and cloud infrastructure.
Recent articles
How to Change the DNS Server on Ubuntu
Learn how to override the default DNS server on Ubuntu using systemd-resolved, so you can quickly mitigate DNS resolution failures without waiting on your hosting provider.
Cache-busting CSS and Javascript with Python
A practical guide to solving browser cache issues for static assets using a Python-based approach, with code you can drop into your deployment and templates.
How to Configure PgBouncer for PostgreSQL Connection Pooling
PostgreSQL spawns a new process for every client connection, which becomes expensive under load. Learn how to install and configure PgBouncer to pool connections and keep your database performing well at scale.
Migrating PostgreSQL to a New Environment with Logical Replication (Primary/Replica to Primary/Replica)
A practical, phased runbook for migrating PostgreSQL from an old primary/replica pair to a new primary/replica pair using logical replication for the major-version move and streaming replication for steady-state high availability.
Git Branching Strategy for Shared Code Across Multiple Features
When multiple feature branches depend on the same code, your branch strategy can either keep development moving or create merge chaos. This guide covers two practical approaches: daisy-chained branches and sibling branches from a shared base.
Configuring Next.js with Nginx and PM2 for Production Deployment
A comprehensive guide to deploying a Next.js application on a production server using Nginx as a reverse proxy and PM2 for process management and zero-downtime deployments.
An Ode to the Terminal
From early home computers to modern Linux servers, the terminal has been a constant companion through four decades of change.
Using Systemd Timers to Schedule Recurring System Jobs
Learn how to use systemd timers to schedule recurring system jobs. Systemd timers provide better logging, prevent overlapping jobs, and integrate seamlessly with the rest of your infrastructure.
How to Manually Create and Install Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificates
Learn how to manually create and install Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates using DNS or HTTP validation when automated renewal isn’t an option.
How to Set Up an SSH Jump Server for Secure Remote Access
Learn how to configure an SSH jump server to add an extra layer of security to your production infrastructure by routing all SSH connections through a single hardened proxy.
How to Identify and Cancel Long-Running PostgreSQL Queries
When a PostgreSQL query gets stuck or runs too long, it can consume database connections and cause your application to become unresponsive. Learn how to identify and terminate these queries before they bring down your system.