Writing effective prompts for AI is less about magical keywords and more about clear communication. Whether you’re creating documentation, training a colleague, or automating tasks, the way you frame your request to an AI determines the quality of the result. In this extended guide, we’ll go step-by-step through prompt structures, metaphors that make the concept click, workplace training scenarios, and a library of examples you can use immediately.
Proxmox for the HomeLab
Meet Proxmox VE (Virtual Environment), a free and open‑source virtualization platform that fuses full KVM-based virtualization with LXC containers into one seamless web interface. It’s popular among home lab enthusiasts and IT pros who want enterprise-grade tools without enterprise-level licensing fees.
This post takes a deep dive into what Proxmox is and how to set up a powerful home lab using it; from the basics of installation to more advanced configurations like VLANs, backups, and clustering.
From VIM to Cursor. Why I’m Rethinking My Code Editor After 15+ Years
Cursor AI IDE is an AI-enhanced fork of Visual Studio Code that integrates large language models directly into your coding workflow. As a long-time VIM user who actively avoids bloated tools like VS, I never expected to be saying this; but after using Cursor for the past month, I’m seriously considering switching full-time. The productivity gains are just that significant, especially when working with complex monorepos.
Breaking the Monolith (Rails + ReactJS)
In the evolution of Ruby on Rails monoliths with embedded React views, complexity often grows in hidden layers. Models leak across layers, JavaScript bundles bloat, and teams struggle with test sprawl and unclear boundaries. But there’s a middle ground between monolith chaos and full microservices.
By modularizing Rails backends into Engines and separating React logic into distinct, domain-scoped bundles, teams can gain clarity, testability, and long-term scalability; all while keeping the development speed of a monolith.
Model Context Protocol Servers and AI… What???
Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers are reshaping how AI systems interact with the world. Think of them as standardized “ports” that let AI tools securely and intelligently plug into other systems, whether it’s file storage, databases, productivity tools, or developer environments. As the AI ecosystem matures, these servers are becoming critical infrastructure, quietly powering some of the most advanced capabilities in tools like Claude, Copilot, and Replit’s Ghostwriter.
This post digs into the Model Context Protocol (MCP), how servers implement it, why it’s becoming the USB‑C of AI, and what it means for developers building the next generation of intelligent apps.
The Testing Pyramid: What to Test, Where, and Why It Matters
The Testing Pyramid is a widely adopted strategy that helps teams design scalable, reliable, and maintainable test suites. As systems grow in complexity, so does the need for clear testing boundaries. The pyramid has evolved to include not just unit and end-to-end tests, but also component, functional, integration, and contract tests.
This post breaks down each layer, explains how it fits into a modern development workflow, and uses a car manufacturing analogy to make it all easier to understand.
Kubernetes for Production: What You Need to Know to Get Started
Kubernetes has become the industry-standard platform for deploying and managing containerized applications. Its popularity is well-earned, offering capabilities like self-healing, automated scaling, and zero-downtime deployments. But many developers hit a wall when moving from sandbox environments to real-world production setups. This post aims to simplify that jump by breaking down what Kubernetes is, how to use it, and the essential hardware and configuration needed for a reliable production deployment.
RAID: Why Everyone Should Care?
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a core technology that powers everything from personal NAS drives to enterprise-grade data centers. It enables you to combine multiple physical hard drives into a single system that improves performance, enhances data redundancy, or balances both. This blog post breaks down what RAID is, how the most common RAID levels work, and what their strengths and trade-offs are. Whether you are setting up your first home server or architecting high-availability infrastructure, understanding RAID is essential.
Takeaways on ChatGPT Codex
This article explores how software developers can integrate ChatGPT Codex into their development workflows, from initial code generation to pull request creation. Codex is OpenAI’s code-focused large language model, capable of reading and writing code, generating test cases, and interacting with GitHub repositories. We explain how to get the most out of Codex by combining it with unit tests and test-driven development (TDD), ensuring reliable and verifiable results. Drawing on real-world advice from Simon Willison, we emphasize why automated testing is not just a complement but a critical enabler of safe and effective AI-assisted software engineering.