Link Dump #203

In today's world it is hard to predict what happens next. But you can decide what you will read next:

1. Software Architecture
   1. Understanding the Problem and Solution Spaces #PickOfTheWeek
      In this post, I explore how understanding the problem space and the solution space leads to clearer thinking, better boundaries, and smarter software. It’s a simple shift — but one that changes how we design, code, and collaborate.
2. Software Development
   1. CI/CD Pipelines for Large Teams: How to Keep Velocity Without Breaking the Build
      Scaling CI/CD for large teams comes with unique challenges, from frequent merge conflicts to slow builds. Discover essential strategies for a resilient CI/CD infrastructure, including modular pipelines and parallelization.
   2. AI evals for MCP in AIOps #PickOfTheWeek
      AI agents in AIOps are powerful, but they come with significant risks like hallucinations and unpredictability. Discover how to mitigate risks and govern AI agents to make them reliable partners in your operations.
3. Clean Code
   1. Do You Understand the Debt You Have to Pay? #PickOfTheWeek
      Not all technical debt needs to be paid today. In this article, I’ll walk you through different kinds of debt and strategies to deal with them wisely.
4. Testing
   1. 10 reasons why A/B testing might be the wrong move 
      Avoid common pitfalls in your data-driven decision-making. Learn to recognize issues like running competing experiments, changing too many variables, and ignoring seasonal fluctuations that can skew your data.
5. Agile
   1. The Five Pillars of a Successful Agile Transformation #PickOfTheWeek
      Agile transformation is more than just new tools. This article reveals the five essential pillars for lasting change: Mindset, Practices, Roles, Teamwork, and Support. Discover why a true agile mindset is foundational and how neglecting any pillar can lead to confusion and disengagement
   2. The Most Underestimated Factor in Estimation
      This article advises starting with small, low-risk collaborations to gauge a team's communication quality before a major project. Equip yourself to recognize that excellent communication can be the single most effective way to reduce project time.
6. Leadership
   1. Fewer one-on-ones - do this instead
      This article introduces the power of 'one-on-threes' (1:3s) for senior leaders. Discover how bringing together overlapping roles for shared goals can accelerate clarity, focus on future-building, and make leadership truly a team sport
7. Growth
   1. Software Engineer Archetypes: The 5 Branding Styles That Shape Your Tech Career
      Your brand shapes how others see your value. This helps developers grow by identifying brand archetypes that can boost their influence, visibility, and career momentum.
   2. Do AI coding tools help with imposter syndrome or make it worse? #PickOfTheWeek
      AI coding tools are a double-edged sword for developers with imposter syndrome. This article explores how tools like Copilot can lower the barrier to entry and act as a 'silent pair programmer,' while also risking an 'illusion of expertise' and causing unfair comparisons that can worsen self-doubt.