An introduction to the C4 model

(Image source: The C4 Model for Software Architecture) This week, I was introduced to a new (to me) methodology called the C4 model. Now, in this context, C4 does not refer to the high explosive. In this case, C4 refers to a development methodology. Mostly, it refers to software development, but it has other applications …

Heading graphics: it’s not just about good looks

I've been building Confluence pages as my initial projects for my (still-relatively) new employer. I've been building landing pages, coming up with designs and layouts as I go along. For a couple of these pages, I wanted to come up with graphics -- not just to be aesthetically pleasing, but also to give each page …

Our user group logo gets a makeover @CASSUG_Albany #Logos #Branding

As some of you might be aware, I'm the person who handles communications and branding for the Albany local SQL user group. As such, I'm responsible for sending out group announcements, updating the calendar of events, and maintaining whatever social media resources we might have. Our old user group "logo" Last week, I was preparing …

#SQL101: Raising awareness of SQL injection

(Image credit: XKCD.com) I don't think there's an experienced web developer or DBA who isn't familiar with the classic "Bobby Tables" XKCD cartoon above. Just about any time you mention "Bobby Tables" to most experienced IT people, (s)he will immediately know to whom you are referring. Most experienced web developers and DBAs are aware of …

Fixing the worst online job application

Earlier, I wrote about what may be one of the worst online job applications I've ever experienced (I'd suggest reading that article first; otherwise, this one might not make sense). It got me thinking: what if I had an opportunity to fix this horror show of an experience? Here's what I would do. My first …

The worst online job application #JobHunt

In my job hunt experience, I might have come across what may be the worst online job application I've ever experienced -- so bad that I felt a need to write about it. I will not identify the institution, other than it is a well-known institution in the Albany Capital District. Maybe if a representative …

Bad web forms — how to drive people away from your site

I've come across my share of bad design, and I'm sure you have as well. I've especially come across some egregious examples as a job applicant. I came across one that particularly set me off. While poking around Indeed, I found a technical writer position for GitLab that interested me. Of course, most people who …

Don’t forget to edit your system messages

One of my current work projects is a administrative guide for our application. After a recent status meeting, one of the developers sent me a list of validation error messages that might appear during data imports. I was asked to make sure the validation messages were included with the documentation. While going through the validation …

Dashboard design = UX/UI

This is another article that was borne from my experience at SQL Saturday #814. When I went to my room to get ready for my first presentation of the day, I walked in on the tail end of Kevin Feasel's presentation about dashboard visualization techniques.  I caught about the last ten minutes of his session. …

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

Steve Jones recently asked: what were your best days at work, and what was your worst?  He also issued a challenge to write about our typical days at work.  In terms of writing about a typical workday, I have the first of four (per Steve's challenge instructions) draft articles warming up in the bullpen; hopefully, I'll …