Eleven Links of Note - January 19th, 2026

I’m a former CTO. Here is the 15 sec coding test I used to instantly filter out 50% of unqualified applicants: Not going to spoil what they did. I will say that this also works if you give the test live on site.

xyops: A server monitor and a ticketing system rolled into one: For those wanting to setup a NOC quickly.

Terraform Best Practices: Code Organization and Standards: I found the term "best practices" off-putting these days. That said, this is a good overview of what you must do to have a scalable terraform practice.

Kubernetes Operators Compared: The Key to Scalable, Cost-Efficient Databases: Given there are so many operators, you want something that is sustainable and not get stuck with something that is not the right fit.

Why We've Tried to Replace Developers Every Decade Since 1969: It may be different this time, but it does feel like it rhymes like the last time.

. . . Pay me: Language aside, this is an excellent case for making sure that you have a contract.

Preparing for success with the KCNA exam from CNCF— Study tips: A primer on getting ready for this container/Kubernetes multiple-choice exam.

“You Had One Job”: Why Twenty Years of DevOps Has Failed to Do it: This will make some upset some people.

Docker.how: A reference of docker commands you can look up quickly. Also applicable to podman.

Gabriel Barkay, 81, Dies; His Discoveries Revised Biblical History: Previously, historians believe that the biblical hebrew scriptures (Old Testament), started after the first destruction of Jerusalem. His archeological findings shows that the writting started prior to that event, which has some interesting implications.

Common misunderstandings about large software companies: TLDR; there is a reason why it is easier to get things done in a small company or start up.

Musings and Mutterings through the Machines

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