Posts
All the articles I've posted.
In Python, Rose == 'Red', Violet is not 'Blue'
Published: at 09:57 AMI came across Python code that used `is` to check if a string was "red" or "blue," which felt wrong. After digging into string interning behavior, I discovered why this sometimes works and why it matters for performance and correctness.
Launching Effective One-on-One Meetings
Published: at 07:41 AMWhen I took over one-on-ones for a team of 8 engineers at Amazon, I needed a framework to make these meetings valuable. This template evolved over 20+ sessions to help create effective one-on-ones.
Tech Interview Tips and Strategies
Published: at 12:53 PMI've been helping a friend prepare for technical interviews by running mock interviews and offering feedback. Here are my best tips and strategies for acing your tech interviews, from behavioral questions to coding challenges.
The Quadrant Test
Originally:updated Feb 17, 2026I had a tough career decision to make, so a manager suggested this simple quadrant exercise. It helped me map out the best and worst-case scenarios for both the short and long term, and it gave me clarity.
Senior Engineer Job Search Preparation
Published: at 12:53 PMI recently concluded a job search and landed at Snapchat. My detailed guide on how I prepared for interviews, navigated the process, and selected a new role as a senior engineer.
My Experience with the Amazon Promotion Process
Originally:updated Feb 21, 2026My promo journey at Amazon took two years from when I first thought I was ready. One rejection, a lot of reflection, and a manager's quote that made it all click.
Backfill Considerations and Lessons Learned
Published: at 06:22 PMWhen you need to backfill data, it's easy to cause problems. I've learned this lesson the hard way. This guide walks you through planning and executing backfills safely, from small fixes to massive data migrations.
Reflections on my Amazon Career
Published: at 12:57 AMToday's my last day after four years at Amazon. I joined to learn what made Amazon so successful, and I'm leaving with insights on their engineering culture and Leadership Principles.
Providing Effective Feedback to Engineers
Published: at 08:41 AMGiving feedback to engineers is one of the most important skills for tech leads and managers. My framework for providing constructive feedback that helps people grow without damaging relationships.
Load Testing Guide
Published: at 06:22 PMWe built a new service that handled 20x more traffic than expected. When we load tested it, it died at 20% of expected traffic. My complete guide to load testing, from choosing tools to interpreting results.