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Cursor Tips
- Use a .cursorrules file to provide the AI with context and guidelines for your codebase, which can save you a lot of time and effort.2. Don’t blindly accept the AI’s code suggestions, but instead review and understand them before incorporating them into your project.
- Regularly refactor your code manually to ensure you understand the core parts of your application and to improve the quality of the AI-generated code.
- Ask the AI questions to ensure it has a full understanding of what you’re trying to achieve before writing any code.
- Be cautious when using the AI to fix bugs, as it may not be as effective at this task compared to simpler coding tasks.
- Provide the AI with relevant context, such as existing code files, to help it generate better solutions.
In Praise of ‘Normal’ Engineers
Detailed Summary:
In the article “In Praise of ‘Normal’ Engineers,” Charity Majors, cofounder and CTO of Honeycomb.io, challenges the myth of the “10x engineer”—the notion that certain engineers are ten times more productive than their peers. She argues that productivity is not an inherent trait but is highly context-dependent; an engineer may excel in one area while being average in others. Majors emphasizes that software development is a collective endeavor where teams, not individuals, own the software. Therefore, the focus should be on enhancing overall team performance rather than relying on standout individuals. She advocates for building inclusive, high-performing teams where all engineers can contribute effectively, asserting that the hallmark of a great engineering organization is its ability to empower “normal” engineers to achieve significant impact. citeturn0search0
One-Sentence Summary:
Charity Majors debunks the “10x engineer” myth, emphasizing that fostering inclusive, high-performing teams enables all engineers to excel and drive meaningful progress.
Write & Improve
Detailed Summary:
Write & Improve, developed by the University of Cambridge, is a free online platform designed to help learners enhance their English writing skills. Key features include:
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Diverse Writing Tasks: Users can select from a wide range of tasks across various proficiency levels or create custom assignments tailored to their learning objectives. citeturn0search0
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Instant Feedback: Upon submission, the platform provides rapid feedback on spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and overall style, aligning assessments with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) standards. citeturn0search0
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Iterative Improvement: Learners have the opportunity to revise their work based on feedback and resubmit to track progress and refine their writing abilities. citeturn0search0
Additionally, Write & Improve offers specialized modules such as +Test Zone for exam preparation and +Class View for educators to monitor student progress. citeturn0search6
One-Sentence Summary:
Write & Improve is a free, user-friendly platform that provides instant feedback on English writing, enabling learners to enhance their skills through practice and revision.
career advice for 2025
Detailed Summary:
The article offers career advice for 2025, focusing on the challenges professionals face in the current job market. The key points include:
- Senior Leaders’ Struggles: Many senior leaders from 2010-2020 are finding their roles less fulfilling due to a shift in market priorities from team-building to technical execution, especially with the rise of foundational models like LLMs. This shift has made their existing skills less valuable.
- Tech Transition: The move toward foundational models requires a redesign of both products and software development practices. Companies that once had a stable market position are now facing significant challenges adapting to new technologies, especially in terms of incorporating AI into their workflows effectively.
- Funding and Valuations: There’s a decline in funding for non-AI companies, making growth and promotions harder to achieve. Conversely, joining an AI company is more competitive and offers a high-risk, high-reward scenario.
- Job Market Conditions: Professionals are struggling with fewer opportunities, particularly those seeking senior roles or a better work-life balance. The article suggests trying to find meaning in one’s current role or risk facing a challenging re-entry into the market in the coming years.
One-Sentence Summary:
Career success in 2025 requires adapting to rapid technological transitions, understanding new market dynamics, and navigating a more competitive and uncertain job environment.