Finished Books
Reflections on engineering, strategy, and mindset read on my Kobo Libra Colour.
Designing Data-Intensive Applications
My View
I am currently in the middle of this book and hooked by the author's sharp ideas on application design. It is intensive, but well worth the effort. I will expand this once I finish the full text, but it is already proving essential for understanding how to handle large-scale data reliably.
Key Takeaways so far
- Reducing complexity directly improves the maintainability of software; always aim to simplify wherever possible.
- Reliability is not just about avoiding faults, but building systems that can handle them gracefully.
Steve Jobs
My View
I was deeply impressed by this book and Jobs' ideas. I often read this after work and would become so engrossed that I lost track of time. His obsession with perfection—even in the parts users may never see—is what impresses me most. It is a powerful reminder that passionate craftsmanship matters in every detail.
Key Annotations
- Care for the product you build and drive for perfection. Passionate craftsmanship means ensuring that even hidden aspects are built beautifully.
- "Good artists copy, great artists steal"—a fascinating look at how influence and intuition drive innovation.
- Jobs insisted that machines should be friendly. Even when occupied with bigger tasks, the little things must be done right; focusing on tiny details matters deeply to the overall experience.
- Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Simple is always better and less distracting.
The Effective Engineer
My View
I came across this book via an X (Twitter) handle and started reading it immediately. Lau's ideas on prioritizing tasks and project estimation are highly effective for anyone in a technical role.
Key Annotations
- To be an effective engineer, find activities that have a high impact with a low time investment. Focus on the value and leverage your time produces.
- Invest in iteration speed. The faster you can learn and pivot, the more effective your work becomes.
- Focus on high-leverage activities—those that provide the highest return for the effort expended.
More Finished Reads
Books completed and logged
- Happier
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Atomic Habits
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Your Brain at Work
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Deep Work
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Flow
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Tiny Experiments
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The Art of Loving
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The 5 Types of Wealth