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                                <title><![CDATA[Matt Lantz's blog]]></title>
                    
                                <subtitle>A variety of viewpoints collected from the last decade in software development, while I continue this long journey.</subtitle>
                                                    <updated>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:13:27 +0000</updated>
                        <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Understanding Scalability in Modern Software Development]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-scalability-in-modern-software-development" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-scalability-in-modern-software-development</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[As user bases, data volumes, and business requirements grow, the ability of a system to maintain or improve its performance, efficiency, and reliability becomes paramount. For seasoned developers, scalability is often the first lens through which architectural choices are viewed, not just a checkbox to be ticked after feature development.At its core, scalability refers to a system's capability to handle...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:13:27 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Simple MySQL Optimization Techniques]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/simple-mysql-optimization-techniques" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/simple-mysql-optimization-techniques</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Optimizing MySQL databases is essential for maintaining high performance and reliability, especially as your application and its user base scale. Even with powerful hardware, inefficiencies in how data is stored, retrieved, and manipulated can lead to bottlenecks. Mastering MySQL optimization techniques can reduce response times, minimize resource usage, and ensure a consistent user experience.Indexing StrategiesEfficient indexing is at the heart...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:56:48 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Common Mistakes in Laravel Applications]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/common-mistakes-in-laravel-applications" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/common-mistakes-in-laravel-applications</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Laravel, with its expressive syntax and robust ecosystem, remains a top choice for developers building PHP applications. However, even seasoned developers can fall into common pitfalls that compromise performance, security, and maintainability. Let’s dive into frequent mistakes encountered in Laravel applications and how to avoid them.Not Using Eloquent Relationships ProperlyLaravel’s Eloquent ORM offers powerful methods for defining relationships between models,...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:47:42 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Achieving Work-Life Balance in the Digital Age]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/achieving-work-life-balance-in-the-digital-age" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/achieving-work-life-balance-in-the-digital-age</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The concept of work-life balance has become increasingly important yet paradoxically elusive. As a developer who runs a bespoke web development agency, I understand the challenges that come with the territory - tight deadlines, demanding clients, and the ever-present temptation to check your email just one more time before bed. However, I also recognize the critical importance of maintaining equilibrium...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:01:05 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The openness of Open Source Software cultivates collaboration]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-openness-of-open-source-software-cultivates-collaboration" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-openness-of-open-source-software-cultivates-collaboration</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Understanding Open Source software means recognizing both its philosophy and practical impact. The term refers to software whose source code is accessible to anyone, allowing others to view, modify, and distribute their own versions. This openness cultivates collaboration, innovation, and transparency within developer communities, influencing everything from small personal projects to large-scale enterprise solutions.At its heart, the open source model...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:43:06 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[AI Agents: The New Vanguard of Intelligent Computing]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/ai-agents-the-new-vanguard-of-intelligent-computing" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/ai-agents-the-new-vanguard-of-intelligent-computing</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from the realm of science fiction to a transformative force shaping multiple facets of human life. At the heart of this revolution are AI agents, the autonomous entities endowed with the ability to perceive their environments, make decisions, and act upon them to achieve specific goals.﻿﻿﻿What Are AI Agents?At the most fundamental level, an...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:31:24 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Role of Cloud Security in a Digital Age]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-role-of-cloud-security-in-a-digital-age" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-role-of-cloud-security-in-a-digital-age</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[As organizations increasingly migrate to cloud environments, the importance of cloud security becomes paramount. With the flexibility and scalability that the cloud offers, it also presents a new frontier of vulnerabilities that must be addressed with meticulous care. This article will delve into crucial aspects of cloud security, focusing on the challenges and best practices essential for protecting data and...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:59:42 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Mastering Database Optimization for Peak Performance]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-database-optimization-for-peak-performance" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-database-optimization-for-peak-performance</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Database optimization stands as a pivotal skill set, ensuring that our applications run smoothly and efficiently. Without it, we risk sluggish performance and dissatisfied users. This article explores practical strategies for optimizing your database, tailored for seasoned developers looking to refine their systems.Indexing: The Power of PrecisionIndexes serve as the backbone of database optimization. They allow the database engine to...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:24:03 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Strategic Edge of Custom Software Development]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-strategic-edge-of-custom-software-development" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-strategic-edge-of-custom-software-development</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Companies are always looking for strategies to outpace their competition. Custom software development offers an edge by crafting solutions that are finely tuned to meet specific business needs. Unlike off-the-shelf software, which often forces companies to adapt their processes to fit the tool, custom software molds the tool to the process.The Case for Custom SolutionsTailored Fit: Every...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:22:44 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Mastering Performance Monitoring: A Developer's Guide]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-performance-monitoring-a-developer-s-guide" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-performance-monitoring-a-developer-s-guide</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Performance monitoring is an essential aspect of modern software engineering. It ensures systems run efficiently, effectively, and within specified parameters. This guide delves into the nuances of performance monitoring, offering practical advice for developers seeking to refine their skills in this vital area.Performance monitoring isn't just about keeping systems operational; it's about understanding user behavior, optimizing resources, and proactively addressing...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:40:04 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Understanding Enterprise Software Architecture]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-enterprise-software-architecture" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-enterprise-software-architecture</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Enterprise software architecture is a crucial aspect of any large organization's information systems. It acts as the blueprint that aligns technology with business strategies, ensuring stability, scalability, and performance. As businesses grow, the complexity of their technologies increases, and a well-defined software architecture becomes vital to maintain a harmonious IT ecosystem. Believe me when I say I have gone down...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 04:43:44 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[What Modern App Developers Are Doing Wrong]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/what-modern-developers-are-doing-wrong" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/what-modern-developers-are-doing-wrong</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[My friend recently demonstrated to me an AI agent which could develop a full-stack application using a variety of frameworks to achieve a separation of concerns. It had an elegantly detached API using Laravel with terraform scripts for building the Kubernetes environment as well as plenty of architecture diagrams for internal event driven systems as well as larger ecosystem details...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 03:09:06 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Mastering Requirements Gathering: A Developer's Guide]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-requirements-gathering-a-developers-guide" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-requirements-gathering-a-developers-guide</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[In the software development lifecycle, requirements gathering is a critical phase that can set the stage for the success or failure of a project. As developers, we often focus on coding and problem-solving, but understanding and capturing accurate requirements is essential for building software that truly meets users' needs. Developing your knowledge of best practices for effective requirements gathering can...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:28:09 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Understanding the Distinct Roles of Software Developers and Software Architects]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-the-distinct-roles-of-software-developers-and-software-architects" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-the-distinct-roles-of-software-developers-and-software-architects</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The roles of software developers and software architects often intertwine. Yet, these positions have distinct responsibilities, skill sets, and perspectives that are crucial for the successful delivery of software projects. Understanding the nuanced differences between these roles is essential for teams to function effectively and for individuals to excel in their careers. Just because you're a skilled software developer does...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:19:02 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Industry Standards of Sunsetting an API]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/industry-standards-of-sunsetting-an-api" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/industry-standards-of-sunsetting-an-api</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Sunsetting of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is something young developers rarely think about or talk about, and for that matter in over 10 years of developing software there have only been a handful of times I have had a conversation about this very topic. This creates a challenge because, as software evolves, so do the tools and interfaces that developers...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:17:18 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Mastering the Art of Debugging Code]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-the-art-of-debugging-code" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/mastering-the-art-of-debugging-code</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Debugging is a crucial skill for any developer. Efficient debugging not only helps to identify and fix issues quickly but also contributes to the overall quality and maintainability of code. Let's delve into some key techniques and best practices.Understanding the BasicsAt its core, debugging involves finding and resolving defects or problems within a program. It's essential to approach debugging systematically...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 17 Sep 2024 01:38:16 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Fundamentals of User Interface Design]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-fundamentals-of-user-interface-design" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-fundamentals-of-user-interface-design</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[User interface design, simply referred to as UI design, is a multidimensional aspect of software development that focuses on the creation of effective, enjoyable, and seamless experiences between users and their digital devices. An excellent UI design fosters better user engagement, increases user satisfaction, and leads to a higher conversion rate. It is integral to a wide array of products,...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:22:23 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Essentials of Reliability Engineering for Modern-Day Developers]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-essentials-of-reliability-engineering-for-modern-day-developers" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-essentials-of-reliability-engineering-for-modern-day-developers</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[As software continues to eat the world, reliability has transformed from being an optional attribute to a fundamental expectation for any application. Reliability Engineering is no longer a niche discipline but a cornerstone of developing resilient and dependable systems. Modern day developers especially those at smaller organizations are expected to not only churn out features but also ensure that those...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 14:26:10 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Key Soft Skills Software Developers Should Focus on for Career Growth]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/key-soft-skills-software-developers-should-focus-on-for-career-growth" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/key-soft-skills-software-developers-should-focus-on-for-career-growth</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Technical skills and expertise in coding might be a prerequisite, but they aren't the only aspects that contribute to professional growth in a developer's career. Alongside these hard skills, software developers also need to hone various soft skills to succeed in their careers. These are a few of my observations from the last ten years regarding soft skills that developers...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 02:27:28 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Why Stripe is the Only Payment Provider I Use]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-stripe-is-the-only-payment-provider-i-use" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-stripe-is-the-only-payment-provider-i-use</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Stripe has come out as a significant game changer in tech-based financial transactions. It provides developers with tools to create revenue-generating systems using its robust API. Stripe comes with a myriad of features for businesses to utilize, and in this article, we delve into the reasons why it stands out as an exemplary platform for developers.Simplified IntegrationWhether you are developing...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 02:28:57 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Understanding Non-Functional Requirements]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-non-functional-requirements" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-non-functional-requirements</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Beyond the more easily spotted functional specifications that dictate what a system or application should do, there are the less conspicuous, yet equally important, non-functional requirements (NFRs). Yet, I would bet many developers who are not part of larger organizations with SAFe practices almost never document NFRs.First, let's cover the basics, non-functional requirements dictate not what a system does, but...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:23:28 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[What is Enterprise Software Engineering]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/what-is-enterprise-software-engineering" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/what-is-enterprise-software-engineering</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Enterprise software engineering, or ESE, is a field within computer science that's primarily concerned with creating and managing business solutions at scale. It's multi-disciplinary. It brings together knowledge in software engineering, data management, business processes, and information systems into a cohesive whole to construct software for large-scale enterprise systems.So why the emphasis on large-scale systems? The vast volume of transactions...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 31 Mar 2024 19:39:54 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Understanding Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-continuous-integration-and-continuous-deployment" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/understanding-continuous-integration-and-continuous-deployment</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[When discussing modern software development practices, it's hard not to mention Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD). A decade ago, there were only a few vocal groups of this practice but today it's a common topic of discussion. They have revolutionized the ways in which developers write, test, and deploy their code, making the entire process more efficient, streamlined,...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:56:35 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Embracing Continuous Learning: While Avoiding the Pitfalls]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/embracing-continuous-learning-while-avoiding-the-pitfalls" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/embracing-continuous-learning-while-avoiding-the-pitfalls</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Keeping up with the pace of technological innovation is one of the most significant challenges that every software developer faces. The rapid advancement of tools, libraries, languages, and techniques demands a mindset of continuous learning. This concept, which encourages perpetual acquisition and application of knowledge and skills, is becoming increasingly crucial for developers to stay relevant and competitive in this...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:36:00 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Modern Browsers and the Lack of Selection]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/modern-browsers-and-the-lack-of-selection" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/modern-browsers-and-the-lack-of-selection</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Modern desktop web browsers have dramatically transformed how we explore, shop, learn, and work online. The choice of browser can significantly influence your online experience, thus it’s critical to grasp the key differences between popular modern options. We'll take a look at Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera. What we will first note, is that 3 out...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 21 Oct 2023 16:11:09 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Laravel Zero: The Elegant Worker Bee You're Looking For]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/laravel-zero-the-elegant-worker-bee-you-re-looking-for" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/laravel-zero-the-elegant-worker-bee-you-re-looking-for</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Though micro-services are often designed around separately hosted and separate API endpoint-based integrations, there are many other ways to implement a micro-service. The key, as indicated by the name, is that the code therein is small and performs a single task or workflow. Developers in monolithic structures will often write this code in Actions or Jobs. However, the code still...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sat, 21 Oct 2023 15:35:26 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[How I Got Scammed Buying an App]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/how-i-got-scammed-buying-an-app" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/how-i-got-scammed-buying-an-app</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[I am at heart an entrepreneur and a developer. I love finding ideas to tinker with, I love creating applications. I love finding new business ideas to explore. I found myself late one weekday evening while my family was asleep browsing the internet looking at tinyacquisitions.com. I thought how clever is this, I could find a fun little app that...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 02:44:26 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Case for Micro-Services]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-case-for-micro-services" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-case-for-micro-services</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[As the world of technology evolves at warp speed, so does the approach to building and maintaining digital applications. Microservices architecture, an approach where a single application is developed as a suite of small services, has become increasingly popular among developers. Its popularity growth is due to the inherent benefits microservices bring, including the ability to develop, deploy, and scale...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:38:36 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[An Argument for Phased Coding]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/an-argument-for-phased-coding" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/an-argument-for-phased-coding</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[As code-driven systems progressively become the backbone of modern-day solutions, the relevance and efficacy of software development cannot be overemphasized. However, given the multifaceted nature of software projects, a trend we as developers should be pushing on all companies, big and small, is for a phased approach to coding, separating development into two primary 'seasons' or phases: one for features...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:12:44 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Real Cost of Open Source Software]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-real-cost-of-open-source-software" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-real-cost-of-open-source-software</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Though I would love to say that open-source code is often free and without any issues, that is rarely the case. Open-source does not necessarily mean free, and in all cases requires developer effort to learn and make optimal use of it. Furthermore, open source and "free" does not mean free of maintenance or adjustments over time. All software requires...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:45:41 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Why Boilerplate Projects are Not BAD]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-boilerplate-projects-are-not-bad" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-boilerplate-projects-are-not-bad</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Back in 2016, I had a package which was called LaraCogs. It was initially a boilerplate app. Then grew into a tool that added various files and adjusted a basic Laravel app. But due to consistent changes to Laravel's base app, it became cumbersome to maintain the package. My needs kept changing, so I scraped LaraCogs and put...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 26 May 2023 15:34:23 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Why Developer Complaints Are Harmful]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-developer-complaints-are-harmful" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-developer-complaints-are-harmful</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Developers are a fascinating bunch. Opinions, anecdotal evidence, and how we "feel" about how scientific one choice is versus another drive the bulk of so-called developer debates. Many developers offer various opinions on how to do one thing versus another. Many developers share thoughts that may impact other developer choices. This process is all part of a standard...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Fri, 26 May 2023 15:20:03 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Some Observations on Artificial Intelligence]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/some-observations-on-artificial-intelligence" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/some-observations-on-artificial-intelligence</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[There is a rarely a day when you don't see a headline regarding AI and why you should be afraid of it. I am far more skeptical. That being said I think its worth having some review on the state that AI is in, its trajectory and what elements may be cause for concern.Where are we?Across the world people are...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 09 Apr 2023 20:03:45 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Evolution vs Revolution]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/evolution-vs-revolution" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/evolution-vs-revolution</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[For many years I have spent a considerable amount of energy trying to revolutionize both my life and my profession. Often it comes in bursts, a moment of inspiration which leads to many actions. All too often though it fizzes out and I move on to the next step in the journey. However, back in 2018 I opted to change...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Sun, 19 Feb 2023 04:53:40 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[What It Really Means to Run a Business]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/what-it-really-means-to-run-a-business" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/what-it-really-means-to-run-a-business</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[As a part of the millennial generation I know how excited all of us get at the thought of having the freedom to run our own business. Choosing our own hours, building our clients or customer base and watching that money pour in. It's equally inspiring to think about how we could then go get that new car or upgrade...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 01 Feb 2023 04:05:41 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Why I Built Mission Control]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-i-built-mission-control" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-i-built-mission-control</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[I started working on Mission Control in 2017 because I had a brief interview with DataDog who asked me to make them a monitoring tool with PHP. I wrote it, I liked it, I didn't proceed in the interview but I did proceed with working on my own use of the code. I had played with scraping tools...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Wed, 01 Feb 2023 04:05:50 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Why Form Classes are Awesome]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-form-classes-are-awesome" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-form-classes-are-awesome</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[ContextBack in 2016 I started tinkering with a package that could help me automatically generate HTML forms. I had written it using Laravel Collective's HTML package and it mostly examined a config file for forms and then took each "field" and created a snippet of HTML for it. I used it for numerous projects and it was incredibly handy. It...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Tue, 28 May 2024 02:34:02 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[A Smarter Way to Write Commits]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/a-smarter-way-to-write-commits" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/a-smarter-way-to-write-commits</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Up until a few months ago I wrote my commits the same way most developers do: "Updated README", "Changed the save method", "Fixed issue with links", and all too often "wip". I never really thought much of it, and I'll be damned if I'm going to look through a git log - or so I thought.My friend Brent Lintner noticed...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:49:47 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Rest is Key to Good Quality Code]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/rest-is-key-to-good-quality-code" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/rest-is-key-to-good-quality-code</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[I’ve been mulling on this topic a bit lately as I’ve been prone to jumping on the bandwagon of the late nights strong coffee and even stronger Scotch. If you follow the school of thought that coding is an art form then you may feel like it makes sense to drain yourself to your root, and write code freely in...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:45:55 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Goodbye CodeShip, Hello GitHub Actions]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/Goodbye CodeShip, Hello GitHub Actions" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/Goodbye CodeShip, Hello GitHub Actions</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[I am going to assume a few things, one - you're a developer or know some code, two - you've tinkered with or have experience with CI pipelines. CodeShip, has been one of my favourite and in my opinion cost effective CI pipeline tools. I have promoted it, I have letters from their team thanking me for support (early adopter),...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:42:33 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Freelancing in a Challenging Market]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/freelancing-in-a-challenging-market" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/freelancing-in-a-challenging-market</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[There is no denying it, with the scaling impact of COVID-19 and global economic systems in major flux we're heading into some challenging times. For developers out there whose main income is freelance based this can mean that things will get harder. As such I've put together some thoughts on freelancing in a challenging market. This is not a how...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:35:22 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[A Year In Review (2019)]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/a-year-in-review-2019" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/a-year-in-review-2019</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[2019 was undoubtedly one of the most transformative years of my life. In 2018 I got engaged to the love of my life, I also transitioned to running my own business as a freelancer, as it turns out that year set me up for success in 2019.Broad SummaryIn Feb of 2019 I was lucky enough to marry my fiancé and...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:33:32 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Building a Business is Hard]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/building-a-business-is-hard" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/building-a-business-is-hard</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[There are plenty of audiobooks, podcasts and numerous programs on other media formats to tell you how you too can build your own business and live comfortably and have an easy life. In my experience if something is easy, everyone does it, is doing it, and it’s pretty much a social norm. That being said, there are those who do...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:28:30 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Why Blogging Sucks and Why You Should Do It]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-blogging-sucks-and-why-you-should-do-it" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/why-blogging-sucks-and-why-you-should-do-it</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Blogging can often suck, and even when it’s going well and feels like you’re growing and gaining followers etc it still can suck. Blogging is fundamentally work. No matter how much you sugar coat it. It’s literally writing a publication that some folks may read. You’re not likely making any money from it and if you’ve removed comments then you’re...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:34:03 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[I Do Not Like PostgreSQL]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/i-do-not-like-postgresql" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/i-do-not-like-postgresql</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[With databases size does matter!I recently began working on a project though where PostgreSQL was chosen for the database. The project had collected data for a few months and at that point had some tables in the tens of millions of records. Now the basic structure of the application was to allow its users to view this data in a...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:26:55 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Metaphysics of Software Product Quality]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-metaphysics-of-software-product-quality" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/the-metaphysics-of-software-product-quality</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[One of my personal favourite books is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, it is a book which discusses quality through the use of dissecting Western and Eastern philosophies. Its basic thesis is that the fundamental driver of human life is the pursuit of quality. Quality by definition is having a high set of standards as measured against things...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 04:39:47 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Cryptographic Coins]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/cryptographic-coins" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/cryptographic-coins</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Buyer Beware you’re Buying Electrons.The latest investment craze has been the cryptographic coin and the winner in the race so far is clearly BitCoin. So what are you buying when you buy a cryptographic coin, well, let’s keep it simple. First, lets look at what it means to buy a money from another country. When you buy a dollar from...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:26:28 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[All Code Must Die]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://mattlantz.ca/articles/all-code-must-die" />
            <id>https://mattlantz.ca/articles/all-code-must-die</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Matt]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Contrary to the popular phrases ‘future proof’ etc it is my opinion that all code must die. Now what do I mean when I say all code must die? All code is out of date the minute it is written, because of that all code ideas though good at the moment are unable to predict the future and thusly cannot...]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:26:00 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
    </feed>
