¶About Ata Sasmaz

Voluntary 1-Year Family Time Off and Personal Goal Pursuit

As a seasoned Software Engineer, I specialize in the nuances of web application development, deployment, and maintenance.

¶My Craft

Over the years, I’ve delved into a diverse range of web technologies, from DevOps to server-side innovations to integrating frontend techniques. My work includes rearchitecting deployment for large websites like Etsy.com, which runs on thousands of servers, and playing key roles in service-centric systems such as Groupon.

DevOps is particularly close to my heart. I thrive on the challenge of managing and operating large-scale applications that require near-perfect uptime. But I believe that the core of DevOps issues should be addressed at the application level. That’s why I’m a strong advocate for high-quality web development, underpinned by automation and efficiency.

¶My Genesis in Tech

My journey into technology started when I stumbled upon a computer game called Ultima Online, one of the first MMORPGs. I wasn’t just fascinated by the gameplay but also by the scripting that made the virtual world work. By the time I was 13, I was deep into Sphere scripting, adding my own twists to the game. This early passion eventually grew into a career, where I started working with web technologies and took on web development roles during my college summers. My love for challenges, along with a natural ability to come up with ideas, has always pushed me to improve the digital world.

¶My Core Values

¶Simplicity Over Complexity

A simple solution is often the most effective. I strongly believe in simplicity, especially now, when AI tools are advancing so quickly. These tools work best when they’re tackling clear, well-defined challenges, rather than complicated, custom problems that even experienced developers find hard to figure out.

Possibly the most common error of a smart engineer is to optimise a thing that should not exist. - Elon Musk

¶Embrace Automation and Testing

I firmly believe in the power of automation. Anything manual can easily lead to mistakes and inconsistency. Similarly, untested components are like ticking time bombs, just waiting to fail. But it’s not about the number of tests; it’s about the quality. Unit tests should focus on isolated logic, while integration and smoke tests are there to check how different components work together. The environment also matters a lot – a reliable, fast, and easy-to-debug setup can make a huge difference, especially when you can attach a debugger to a test running in a remote environment.

If something is not tested, it will be broken and will be forgotten.

¶Address the Root Cause

Patches and quick fixes are just temporary solutions. In the ever-changing world of software engineering, it’s crucial to find and fix the root causes of problems. Although this may take more effort initially, it saves time in the long run by preventing bigger issues and reducing technical debt.

¶Up-to-date components

Keeping components up to date is a must. Outdated components quickly become legacy problems, affecting both performance and security. Regular updates may bring challenges, but that’s where automation and thorough testing prove their worth.

¶Choose Widely Adopted Technologies

A technology’s strength isn’t just about its features but also its community. By choosing mainstream, well-documented technologies, you ensure greater reliability and access to a broader range of resources.

¶Divide, Re-use, Conquer

Separation and modularity are key to efficient software design. Systems and components that interact through well-defined interfaces, whether through APIs or code, lead to more encapsulated, reusable, and testable pieces. Adopting a multi-project, multi-repository approach that integrates during automation and communicates in production encourages simplicity and agility. This allows for faster iterations and stronger final products.

¶My Continuous Pursuit

I’m fascinated by web applications, especially those optimized for mobile and exemplified by Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). I believe the future lies in these apps operating as encapsulated single pages that communicate seamlessly with various independent services. The advancements in web tech, such as enabling group calls or using mobile features like GPS and web push notifications, are truly exciting. I’m dedicated to pushing these boundaries even further.

¶My Hobbies

I’m an avid DIY enthusiast with skills in woodworking, plumbing, and electrical work around the house. I take pride in keeping a pristine lawn and have a passion for gardening. Fitness is a big part of my daily routine, and I’m a regular at the gym. I stay clear of alcohol and other harmful substances to keep my mind sharp, but I do enjoy a good cup of coffee.

¶Let's Connect

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