Mark C Allen
For DevOps engineers. Ideas, concepts, tips & tricks based on my day-to-day experience.
Everyday DevOps - How to Write a Great README
Everyday DevOps www.markcallen.com How to Write a Great README In this post, I break down how to write a great README.md for your public GitHub projects. Using my own CLI tool, env-secrets, as an example, I walk through the structure every good README should follow: a clear project description, simple install instructions, usage examples, and setup steps for local development. I also cover how to document the release process, encourage contributions, and polish your README with markdown...
Everyday DevOps - Explaining technical things to non-technical people: the interview question
Everyday DevOps www.markcallen.com Explaining technical things to non-technical people: the interview question When explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical people—especially in interviews—I focus on empathy, simplicity, and storytelling to make ideas accessible without losing their depth. I draw from personal experience to show how aligning with the audience’s perspective improves understanding and highlights the ability to communicate technical expertise in a clear and...
Everyday DevOps - Using Feature Flags to Build a Better AI
Everyday DevOps www.markcallen.com Using Feature Flags to Build a Better AI In my latest post for DevCycle, I dive into how we tackled the tricky job of rolling out new AI models at Helix without risking a big public flop. Instead of launching updates blindly, we used feature flags to test new models with a small group of users first, either using email or device IDs. This let us spot issues early, tweak things quickly, and ensure Helix’s image recognition stayed sharp and accurate. Honestly,...
Everyday Devops - Is it vibe coding if you know what you are doing
Everyday DevOps www.markcallen.com Is it vibe coding if I know what I’m doing? While AI tools like Chatgpt are transforming development workflows, their actual value is realized only when paired with solid expertise. This article highlights how informed developers can leverage AI to enhance productivity, demonstrating that understanding the fundamentals remains essential, even in an era of generative coding. Read Tips & Tricks for the week Static analysis is a key component of CI/CD, and that...
Everyday DevOps - 5 Steps to a Continuous Deployment Culture
Everyday DevOps www.markcallen.com 5 Steps to a Continuous Deployment Culture In this edition of Everyday DevOps, I dive into the essential mindset and practical steps needed to foster a culture of continuous deployment. I break down the journey into five clear steps that can help any team move faster, ship more reliably, and reduce fear around releases. Whether starting with CI/CD or looking to strengthen your current pipeline, these insights will guide you toward a more confident and...
For DevOps engineers. Ideas, concepts, tips & tricks based on my day-to-day experience.