Steven Atkinson

Software Architecture

Rethinking Decomposition in Software Design

Much like any intricate art form, software development is teeming with methodologies and patterns. As a seasoned developer, I've often found solace in the structured world of functional decomposition, segmenting colossal software juggernauts into digestible, functional services. This method, akin to a trusty old map, has guided me

Technology

An Introduction to PayloadCMS

In today's digital landscape, having a robust system to manage and share content is pivotal for any organization. That's where a Content Management System (CMS) steps in, simplifying digital content creation, editing, and publishing. Throughout my experiences, I've noticed a common pitfall: it'

Software Architecture

Halt! Observer Pattern in Braking Systems

In my previous exploration, "Drive and Code - The State Pattern Meets Car Transmissions," we journeyed through the intricacies of car transmissions. We marvelled at the fascinating connection between software design patterns and vehicular systems. Our minds were set in gear (pun intended) to view the world of

Meetups Featured

Reflections Of My (Tech) Life

Firstly, an immense shoutout to Fran Hoey for offering me the incredible platform of Chester Devs. Seeing the overwhelming turnout was both heartwarming and slightly nerve-wracking - despite having done many talks, I still get butterflies. What added a more personal touch to the event was having some very special

Meetups

A Journey of Reflection @ Chester Devs

In just a few days, I'll be standing before a passionate group of developers at Chester Devs, sharing the winding path I've taken through the world of software engineering. Over the past 18 years, I've navigated a myriad of challenges, savoured countless victories, and,

Philosophy Featured

Leveraging Instincts in Software Engineering

Before we venture into the thrilling world of instincts, let’s have a proper chinwag about how this crazy brain of mine functions. To be honest, half the time, I’m not sure I fully grasp it myself. I’ve binged my fair share of YouTube videos – the ones that

Artificial Intelligence Featured

The Evolution of Language Models - and how we are all AI Experts...

Language models have undergone remarkable advancements in recent years, transforming from mere dreamlike concepts to powerful tools that aid us in various domains. These advancements have been primarily fuelled by artificial intelligence (AI) research and the availability of large datasets for training. In this blog post, we will explore the

Software Architecture

Drive and Code - The State Pattern Meets Car Transmissions

Ever since I took an interest in the inner workings of vehicles, I've been astonished at the sophisticated engineering and the intricate components beneath what seems like a simple action – driving. Most of us hop into our cars, drive from point A to B, and rarely ponder the

Productivity

Let's Talk About Developer Productivity

In the first post of my LinkedIn newsletter, Steve's Talking Tech Again, I unveiled the vast world of tech through my lens. But today, I'm peeling back another layer. I'm diving into a topic that's constantly on my mind and influences my

Software Architecture

Singleton Design in Engines and Software Initialization

The hum of a car engine starting, the vibration as it springs to life – it’s almost poetic. As a senior software engineer, I've come to appreciate that the mechanisms powering a car mirror, in many ways, the intricate systems of software design. Like a car, each software

Software Architecture

Understanding System Interactions

When you drive a car, you're not just turning a key and pressing pedals—you're commanding a symphony of interconnected systems that work harmoniously to offer a seamless driving experience. A car, in its entirety, is a masterclass in system design, reflecting how multiple components, each

Programming Languages Featured

Languages vs Problems

In the ever-evolving landscape of software engineering education, coding bootcamps have risen as powerful players. Their rise mirrors the soaring demand for tech talent, even amidst the ebb and flow of the job market and the unfortunate downturns that some companies face. Delving into the curriculum of many bootcamps reveals

Software Engineering

My Brain on Code - Part 2

🎉Thank you for joining me for PART 2!  If you joined me in the first instalment, you'll remember our discussion about how I approach understanding the scale of projects, the art of dissecting mammoth tasks, and the nuanced decisions surrounding abstractions. Today, we're venturing further down

Software Engineering Featured

My Brain on Code - Part 1

It's been some time since my last rambling, as I've been head-deep in multiple demanding projects. Ironically, as some of you might relate, I often find clarity amidst chaos. Being continuously engaged, and juggling between tasks, I keep coming to the conclusion that I think better

ESG

Code vs Conscience - A Software Engineer's Guide to ESG

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, it is imperative for companies to not only focus on their economic bottom line but also consider their impact on the environment, society, and governance structure. This triad, known as the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework, has become a critical determinant

Technology

What will ST3 look like?

ST3 is not just another programming language; it is a glimpse into a future where quantum computing and multi-deterministic outcomes shape the very fabric of our code.

MCR DevCon 2023 Featured

Fireside Chat with Google's Kelsey Hightower @ MCR DevCon 2023

The fireside chat was hosted by Vernon Richards, an esteemed Coach & Tester who has devoted his career to helping organizations, teams, and individuals understand the intrinsic relationship between quality and testing. His work is centred around enabling others to build better products and deliver more effective services, truly embodying

Typescript Featured

Awesome Typescript I Never Knew @ Manc.JS

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Manc.JS Meetup where Chris Dell gave a comprehensive overview of TypeScript. This blog post aims to recapitulate some of the most interesting points discussed. Defining Types on Variables TypeScript enhances JavaScript by introducing type annotations. By defining types on variables, you

MCR DevCon 2023

What nostalgic video games can teach us about hiring neurodivergent talent @ MCR DevCon 2023

Parul Singh, a Recruitment Marketing Partner at xDesign, took the stage with an intriguing presentation at the MCR DevCon on the topic of neurodivergence in the tech industry. Opening with some stark statistics, she revealed that approximately 15% of the general population is neurodivergent and, within the tech industry, that

Making the move to engineering management @ MCR DevCon 2023

Claire Reckless, an accomplished Engineering Manager at Moneysupermarket, was another insightful speaker at the MCR DevCon. With her deep-rooted experience in the tech industry, she brought a unique perspective on one of the career-defining transitions many tech professionals face: moving from individual contributor roles to management. In her early career

Prediction Featured

The Evolution of Programming Languages - Another Glimpse into the Next 1,000 Years

I can't help but be captivated by the ever-evolving nature of programming languages. They serve as the building blocks of our digital world, enabling us to bring ideas to life and shape the technologies that shape our lives. Throughout history, programming languages have undergone remarkable transformations, propelling us

MCR DevCon 2023

Managing the Burnout Burndown @ MCR DevCon 2023

It was an inspiring day at the MCR DevCon, an event showcasing the brightest minds in the tech world, providing an enriching platform for attendees to learn, share, and innovate. Among the various influential speakers, one standout presentation was from Anjuan Simmons, an Engineering Manager at Github and a renowned

MCR DevCon 2023

Why Manchester Deserves This @ MCR DevCon 2023

Manchester's first developer conference...MCR DevCon 2023. I was instantly enveloped in a sense of community and excitement that is so unique to this city. It felt like walking into a room full of old friends, a sea of familiar faces, all brimming with anticipation. After checking in,

Software Development Featured

What's wrong with being tightly coupled?

👇There are code examples that explain how to do this further down Are you ready to tackle the beast that is tight coupling? I promise it won't be as "constricting" as it sounds. Today, we'll unravel the "knots" of tight coupling in

Meetups

Roku Takeover in Manchester

Ah! Another Manchester meetup. This time with Roku in the spotlight. Stepping into the bustling venue, I saw the familiar Richard McIntyre, the charismatic host who flawlessly set the tone for the night. I remember seeing Richard a good number of years ago when he was working at Sky and