https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/Essays on technology leadership, AI adoption, architecture and developer experience, published continuously since 2019.en-gbCopyright 2026 RJJ Software Ltd60Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/thinking-on-purpose-critical-thinking-lessons-for-technical-leaders/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/thinking-on-purpose-critical-thinking-lessons-for-technical-leaders/Critical thinking is not raw intelligence; it is a decision-making discipline, and the quality of the calls a technical leader makes is downstream of it. This post reads ten quotes from Thinknetic's 'Critical Thinking In A Nutshell' through the lens of leading software teams: why you examine the assumption before you commit, why being wrong often is the skill and not the failure, why anger and speed are the enemies of a good decision, how to judge an argument on its merits rather than on who is making it, and the difference between empathy and a sympathy that quietly biases your judgement.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/agent-files-nobody-owns/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/agent-files-nobody-owns/An agent found a skill nobody had reviewed in months and did what it said. How to find the unused Claude skills and slash commands your coding agent reads.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/working-alone-together-what-solo-teaches-remote-engineering-teams/Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/working-alone-together-what-solo-teaches-remote-engineering-teams/Rebecca Seal's 'Solo' was written for freelancers, but it reads like a manual for leading a remote engineering team. Nine quotes on remote-work isolation, why an engineer can be in every standup and still be alone, overwork, meaning, and the small things leaders can actually do about it.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/stop-screening-for-ai-tools/Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/stop-screening-for-ai-tools/Engineers are being turned down at interview for using the wrong AI coding tool. The adoption data says that hiring filter expires in months.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/into-the-arena-lessons-for-tech-leaders-from-daring-greatly/Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/into-the-arena-lessons-for-tech-leaders-from-daring-greatly/Brené Brown's 'Daring Greatly' predates her better-known leadership books, and it holds hard, practical lessons for anyone leading software engineers. This post reads nine quotes from the book through a technology-leadership lens: why a pattern of blame is really a problem with shame, why belonging beats fitting in, how trust is built one marble at a time, the gap between the values we practise and the expectations we set, and why your worth was never your output. It is the origin story behind the ideas I explored in my earlier posts on 'Dare to Lead' and 'Rising Strong', and a look at what it actually takes to step into the arena at work.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/hardening-your-agentic-development-setup/Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/hardening-your-agentic-development-setup/How to harden your agentic development setup with rules-with-reasons, permissions discipline, and disciplined choices about skills and Model Context Protocol servers.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/slow-productivity-why-looking-busy-is-costing-you-real-output/Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/slow-productivity-why-looking-busy-is-costing-you-real-output/Cal Newport's Slow Productivity argues that visible busyness is a poor proxy for real output. Ten quotes from the book, and what its three principles mean for software developers and engineering leaders.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/three-workflows-for-agentic-development/Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/three-workflows-for-agentic-development/Three workflows for agentic development: lightweight plan-and-execute, spec-kit, and BMAD-Method, with guidance on matching the right weight to the task.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-podcasting-years/Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-podcasting-years/RJJ Software edited podcasts from 2020 until the arm closed in 2025. What the work was, and what it taught the consultancy.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/make-time-why-focus-is-an-energy-problem-not-a-discipline-problem/Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/make-time-why-focus-is-an-energy-problem-not-a-discipline-problem/Focus is not a discipline problem. Ten lessons from Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky’s Make Time on why attention follows energy and design, for developers and the leaders who manage them.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/agentic-development-foundations/Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/agentic-development-foundations/Agentic development isn't vibe coding. The CLAUDE.md foundation I use across four years of agent-assisted engineering, with a 75% DORA improvement at Ligentia.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/learning-to-think-again-rethinking-lessons-from-adam-grant-for-technical-leaders/Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/learning-to-think-again-rethinking-lessons-from-adam-grant-for-technical-leaders/Adam Grant's Think Again makes the case that rethinking is a skill, not a personality trait. Ten quotes from the book, and what they mean for technical leaders.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/just-throw-ai-at-it-is-not-a-strategy/Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/just-throw-ai-at-it-is-not-a-strategy/An open sourced AI screener scored the same CV anywhere from 66 to 99. Why throwing AI at a problem without thinking it through fails, and the jobs that still need a human in the loop.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-willingness-to-have-your-mind-changed-listening-lessons-for-tech-leaders/Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-willingness-to-have-your-mind-changed-listening-lessons-for-tech-leaders/Oscar Trimboli's How to Listen reframes listening as a deliberate, learnable skill. Ten quotes from the book, and what they mean for technical leaders.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/from-author-to-editor-in-chief-the-shift-thats-already-here/Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/from-author-to-editor-in-chief-the-shift-thats-already-here/Aneesh Raman's Three Buckets framework, from Think Fast Talk Smart episode 280, maps almost exactly onto the author-to-editor-in-chief shift I described in a recent case study. When people outside software start describing the same transition, it is worth paying attention.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-secret-language-of-great-leadership-lessons-from-supercommunicators-for-tech-leaders/Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-secret-language-of-great-leadership-lessons-from-supercommunicators-for-tech-leaders/Charles Duhigg's Supercommunicators reveals that great communicators are not born that way; they practise a learnable set of skills. This post draws on ten key quotes from the book to explore why those skills are the foundation of effective tech leadership.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/building-psychological-safety-in-your-development-team/Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/building-psychological-safety-in-your-development-team/Practical strategies for building and rebuilding psychological safety in development teams. From blameless culture to structured one-to-ones, here is what the work actually looks like.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/start-with-why-the-one-thing-ai-cant-generate/Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/start-with-why-the-one-thing-ai-cant-generate/Simon Sinek's Start With Why applied to software engineering and digital leadership. Why purpose matters more than ever when AI handles the code.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/when-your-ai-chatbot-becomes-someone-elses-free-compute-the-pepper-lesson/Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/when-your-ai-chatbot-becomes-someone-elses-free-compute-the-pepper-lesson/Chipotle's Pepper chatbot was repurposed as a free coding assistant. The patch is in; the pattern is not. A short note on Denial of Wallet and AI governance.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/stop-chasing-the-ai-moonshot-the-case-for-small-deliberate-wins/Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/stop-chasing-the-ai-moonshot-the-case-for-small-deliberate-wins/Why the biggest gains from AI adoption come from small, deliberate wins rather than big-bang strategy. A fractional CTO's case for the Kaizen approach to AI.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/rest-why-stepping-away-from-the-screen-is-part-of-the-work/Fri, 29 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/rest-why-stepping-away-from-the-screen-is-part-of-the-work/Alex Soojung-Kim Pang's Rest makes the case, backed by neuroscience and history, that rest is not the opposite of work but its partner. Lessons for software teams, engineering leaders, and anyone who has ever solved a hard problem in the shower.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-skill-nobody-taught-you-emotional-intelligence-for-tech-team-leaders/Fri, 22 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-skill-nobody-taught-you-emotional-intelligence-for-tech-team-leaders/Emotional intelligence is the toolkit that makes psychological safety possible. A practical guide for tech leaders on self-awareness, regulation, empathy, and communication.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/thinking-in-systems-why-the-job-was-never-the-typing/Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/thinking-in-systems-why-the-job-was-never-the-typing/Donella Meadows' systems thinking applied to software engineering. Why understanding systems matters more than writing code, especially in the age of AI.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/your-teams-silence-is-telling-you-something-psychological-safety-in-development-teams/Fri, 08 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/your-teams-silence-is-telling-you-something-psychological-safety-in-development-teams/Warning signs that your development team lacks psychological safety, and why the silence in your standups and retros is costing you more than you think. Part 1 of a series on building healthier engineering cultures.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/fundamentals-of-software-architecture-lessons-for-modern-tech-teams/Fri, 01 May 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/fundamentals-of-software-architecture-lessons-for-modern-tech-teams/Key lessons from Richards and Ford's Fundamentals of Software Architecture, from trade-off thinking to escaping memetic bubbles. A review for tech leaders navigating decisions under uncertainty.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/mechanical-sympathy-the-case-for-giving-engineers-time-to-optimise/Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/mechanical-sympathy-the-case-for-giving-engineers-time-to-optimise/Most engineering teams care about performance. Most sprint processes don't reward it. This post makes the business case for giving engineers dedicated time to optimise, and explains what that time is actually worth.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-checklist-manifesto-lessons-in-managing-complexity-for-modern-tech-teams/Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-checklist-manifesto-lessons-in-managing-complexity-for-modern-tech-teams/This blog post explores key lessons from Atul Gawande's "The Checklist Manifesto", applying its insights to the challenges of managing complexity in modern software development. It makes the case that checklists are not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for expert professionals; freeing mental capacity for the hard problems while ensuring the critical steps are never missed.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/too-many-waiters-not-enough-cooks-practical-steps-for-change/Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/too-many-waiters-not-enough-cooks-practical-steps-for-change/The final part of our series on management overhead in software teams. We provide a practical roadmap for addressing excessive management overhead, restructuring teams for autonomy, and implementing change that improves delivery capability.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/kill-it-with-fire-lessons-from-legacy-systems-for-modern-leaders/Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/kill-it-with-fire-lessons-from-legacy-systems-for-modern-leaders/This blog post explores key lessons from Marianne Bellotti’s "Kill It With Fire", applying its insights to the challenges of managing legacy systems in modern technology environments. It emphasizes the importance of people and communication alongside technical expertise, advocating for pragmatic modernisation strategies focused on delivering value to users. The post offers guidance for leaders and decision-makers on prioritizing stability, understanding existing systems, and avoiding the trap of chasing the latest technology without clear business justification.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/too-many-waiters-not-enough-cooks-finding-the-right-balance/Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/too-many-waiters-not-enough-cooks-finding-the-right-balance/Part 2 of our series on management overhead in software teams. We explore what healthy team structures look like, when you genuinely need more management presence, and provide a practical framework for assessing your organisation’s current state.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/securing-your-legacy-and-future-in-software-development-more-lessons-from-alice--bob-learn-secure-coding/Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/securing-your-legacy-and-future-in-software-development-more-lessons-from-alice--bob-learn-secure-coding/Explore more essential security principles for software development by drawing wisdom from Tanya Janca’s book, ‘Alice & Bob Learn Secure Coding.’ This post emphasises that software security isn’t an afterthought but a core component of the development lifecycle. Key takeaways include prioritising security from the start, investing in developer security training, proactively addressing legacy application vulnerabilities, maintaining security post-release, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and promoting knowledge sharing within teams. Implementing these strategies significantly reduces vulnerabilities, improves software quality, and protects against costly breaches. Building a secure software development process requires a holistic approach. By integrating security into every stage, from planning to deployment and ongoing maintenance, organisations can create more resilient and trustworthy applications. This post provides actionable insights for leaders and teams seeking to strengthen their security posture.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/too-many-waiters-not-enough-cooks-why-your-software-team-might-be-manager-heavy/Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/too-many-waiters-not-enough-cooks-why-your-software-team-might-be-manager-heavy/The first in a three-part series exploring management-heavy software teams. We examine the pattern, its hidden costs, and why smart organisations struggle with the balance between technical implementers and decision makers.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/building-a-secure-foundation-lessons-from-alice-and-bob-learn-secure-coding-for-modern-tech-teams/Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/building-a-secure-foundation-lessons-from-alice-and-bob-learn-secure-coding-for-modern-tech-teams/This post explores crucial application security principles from Tanya Janca’s ‘Alice & Bob Learn Secure Coding.’’ We cover topics like secure defaults, prioritizing security investments, user-friendly security, technical debt management, backend validation, and the power of focused security learning. Learn how to build a resilient application security strategy and protect your usershttps://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-ai-amplification-paradox-part-2/Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-ai-amplification-paradox-part-2/AI tools aren’t going away, nor should they. But how do we ensure they enhance rather than replace understanding? This post explores practical strategies for CTOs, technical leads, and engineering teams to harness AI responsibly whilst building stronger engineers.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/level-up-your-leadership-key-insights-from-emotional-intelligence-habits-for-the-modern-tech-workplace/Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/level-up-your-leadership-key-insights-from-emotional-intelligence-habits-for-the-modern-tech-workplace/This post highlights key insights from Travis Bradberry's 'Emotional Intelligence Habits' and their relevance to tech leadership. It argues that EQ is crucial for success in the demanding tech world, impacting team performance and organizational health. The post breaks down eight core principles: owning emotions, controlling reactions, cultivating self-acceptance, practising gratitude, embracing 'good enough,'' active listening, celebrating small wins, and responding with kindness. Each principle is explained with practical examples and actionable takeaways for tech leaders. The post emphasizes that developing EQ isn't just about personal growth, but a strategic advantage for building resilient, collaborative, and high-performing teams.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-ai-amplification-paradox-part-1/Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-ai-amplification-paradox-part-1/Generative AI can amplify great engineers, but what happens when it amplifies engineers who lack the foundational understanding to verify what they’re shipping? We explore the rise of AI slop in software development and what it means for code quality.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/finding-strength-in-vulnerability-lessons-for-tech-leaders-from-rising-strong/Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/finding-strength-in-vulnerability-lessons-for-tech-leaders-from-rising-strong/This blog post explores the relevance of Dr. Brené Brown's 'Rising Strong' to the modern workplace, particularly for those leading software engineers and technology teams. Drawing on key quotes from the book, the post highlights the importance of avoiding false dichotomies, the power of experiential learning, managing emotions effectively, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing vulnerability as a strength. These concepts are presented as crucial for fostering resilient, innovative, and fulfilling work environments within the technology sector. The post underscores the role of leadership in modelling these behaviours and creating psychologically safe spaces for teams to thrive.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-engineer-title-when-software-teams-arent-actually-engineering/Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/the-engineer-title-when-software-teams-arent-actually-engineering/- This blog post argues that many organisations misuse the "software engineer" title for developers who don't practice actual software engineering. Drawing from a decade of consultancy experience, the author contends that true software engineers demonstrate systematic approaches, quality focus, and professional practices, while many "engineers" simply code without proper planning, testing, or documentation. - The post distinguishes between developers (who write functional code) and engineers (who apply rigorous methodologies), using quotes from The Modern .NET Show to support the argument. It identifies specific red flags indicating when teams aren't truly engineering, including absent automated testing, poor version control practices, and inadequate planning. - The business case is clear: poor engineering practices cost organisations 40-60% more time on maintenance, create exponential technical debt, and reduce development velocity. Conversely, proper engineering practices deliver predictable timelines, sustainable development, and lower long-term costs.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/leading-with-empathy-lessons-from-leaders-eat-last-for-the-modern-workplace/Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/leading-with-empathy-lessons-from-leaders-eat-last-for-the-modern-workplace/- This blog post explores the core principles of Simon Sinek's "Leaders Eat Last" and how they are particularly relevant to leaders and teams in the technology industry. It argues that a leader's primary responsibility is to prioritize the well-being of their team, fostering a "Circle of Safety" built on empathy, trust, and mutual support. - The post highlights the importance of psychological safety for innovation, collaboration, and high performance. It emphasizes that a supportive environment, where individuals feel valued and safe to take risks, is crucial for retaining talent and achieving organizational success. Ultimately, the article advocates for a leadership style centered on service and empowerment, recognizing that a strong team culture is the foundation for adaptability, resilience, and innovation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/stop-treating-pentests-like-final-exams-why-security-cant-be-your-last-step/Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/stop-treating-pentests-like-final-exams-why-security-cant-be-your-last-step/Scheduling a pentest right before release is like studying the night before finals. Here’s how to build security into your SDLC, so a pentest confirms your work rather than exposing it.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/leading-with-heart-and-mind-lessons-from-dare-to-lead-for-the-modern-workplace/Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/leading-with-heart-and-mind-lessons-from-dare-to-lead-for-the-modern-workplace/This blog post explores the relevance of Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead" for leaders in the technology sector. Drawing on key quotes from the book, it highlights the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and connection in fostering high-performing teams. The post emphasizes how these leadership principles can be applied to the unique challenges of software development, including managing burnout, encouraging innovation, and navigating complex projects. As a technology consultant, I share my experience applying these lessons to help organizations build stronger, more resilient teams. The post concludes with a call to action, inviting readers to explore my strategic technology consultation services.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/from-strength-to-strength-2025-wrapped/Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/from-strength-to-strength-2025-wrapped/As we close out 2025, we’re reflecting on a year that exceeded our expectations. From international trade missions and three prestigious awards to surpassing 1.6 million downloads of OwaspHeaders.Core and The Modern .NET Show reaching 1.25 million downloads, this year has been one of remarkable growth. We’ve worked with clients across seven industries, published 48 blog posts, and continued our commitment to the developer community. Join us as we look back on what made 2025 such a special year for RJJ Software.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/when-agile-isnt-agile-how-dora-metrics-reveal-whats-really-broken/Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/when-agile-isnt-agile-how-dora-metrics-reveal-whats-really-broken/Your Agile process has all the ceremonies but delivery still hurts. The DORA delivery measures show where the time goes, and what to fix first.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/playing-the-infinite-game-a-new-approach-to-technology-leadership/Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/playing-the-infinite-game-a-new-approach-to-technology-leadership/A CPD review of Simon Sinek's The Infinite Game, focused on what changes for technology leaders when the game has no finish line: Circle of Safety, worthy rivals, leadership as enabling rather than directing, and what to invest in when the timescale is longer than the current quarter.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/excluding-auto-generated-code-from-net-10-coverage-reports/Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:30:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/excluding-auto-generated-code-from-net-10-coverage-reports/A practical guide to excluding .NET 10's auto-generated code from Coverlet code coverage reports using Azure DevOps pipelines, with configuration examples in both YAML and XML formatshttps://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/attestations-the-missing-link-between-your-code-and-production-trust/Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/attestations-the-missing-link-between-your-code-and-production-trust/Build provenance attestations prove how your software was built. Why I added them to OwaspHeaders.Core, and how to adopt them in four tested levels.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-rules-of-programming-5-practical-wisdom-for-the-modern-developer/Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-rules-of-programming-5-practical-wisdom-for-the-modern-developer/This blog post explores key lessons from Chris Zimmerman's 'The Rules of Programming,'' focusing on its relevance to today's technology landscape. Drawing on insightful quotes from the book, I discuss the importance of writing readable code, the value of thoughtful comments, and the need for pragmatic problem-solving. The post emphasizes how these principles can improve developer experience, boost team productivity, and ultimately lead to more successful technology projects. As a technology consultant, I regularly apply these lessons to help organizations optimize their development processes and build more sustainable software.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/cve-2025-55315-understanding-funky-chunks-and-why-your-organisation-needs-to-act-now/Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/cve-2025-55315-understanding-funky-chunks-and-why-your-organisation-needs-to-act-now/A critical HTTP request smuggling vulnerability affecting web frameworks globally requires immediate attention from decision makers. With a CVSS score of 9.9, CVE-2025-55315 exploits fundamental features of HTTP/1.1 to bypass security controls, potentially enabling privilege escalation, data theft, and unauthorised access to protected resources.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/from-trust-us-to-look-at-this-building-engineering-dashboards-that-boards-actually-understand/Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/from-trust-us-to-look-at-this-building-engineering-dashboards-that-boards-actually-understand/Your board already has an engineering dashboard; what nobody can say is whether the numbers on it are good. Start by agreeing what delivered means.https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-rules-of-programming-4-finding-simplicity-in-complexity/Fri, 14 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000https://rjj-software.co.uk/blog/continual-professional-development/the-rules-of-programming-4-finding-simplicity-in-complexity/This blog post explores key principles from Chris Zimmerman's "The Rules of Programming," arguing that simplicity and consistency are paramount for successful software development and high-performing teams. It emphasizes the importance of shared understanding, managing complexity rather than eliminating it, and prioritizing interface simplicity. The post highlights the dangers of stateful code and over-engineering, advocating for functional programming and a focus on clear, maintainable solutions. Ultimately, it underscores the need for team alignment and systematic debugging to create resilient, adaptable software and a more productive development environment. The author, a technology consultant, shares practical takeaways and encourages readers to embrace these principles for improved outcomes.