Today I've partnered up with some pretty awesome guys from Scaphold to talk about GraphQL Backend as a Service, which is something this amazing company is doing.

Here is for you that want to know more about the company:
"Several months ago, the Scaphold team set out to build the most powerful GraphQL backend as a service platform. We're excited to have you build tons of apps on it! Recently, we were accepted into Y Combinator's Summer '16 Fellowship program, and we'll be working around the clock to give you the best possible experience. We'd love to hear from you!"
(Source: https://scaphold.io/contact)

And this amazing work is bringing some awesome results, especially for those who as interested in GraphQL Backend.

Scaphold was built to address many issues that we've encountered as application developers. They believe that building applications should be quicker and easier to launch, scale, and maintain.

So, are you interested in GraphQL and knowing more about this amazing company?

Scaphold.io Website: https://scaphold.io/
Scaphold.io Community (With Tutorials): https://scaphold.io/community/

There is a lot of talk nowadays about stereotypes and how harmful they can be for people in general.

I hear a lot of talking about how we should make an effort to get rid of stereotypes and how relying on stereotypes is an offensive (and sometimes racist/sexist) thing to do.

But before we continue, we need to understand what are stereotypes:
"A stereotype is a preconceived notion, especially about a group of people. Many stereotypes are racist, sexist, or homophobic."
(Source: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/stereotype)

So... How do we get rid of stereotypes? More important than that: Do we WANT to get rid of stereotypes?

Thinking Fast & Slow: https://simpleprogrammer.com/thinkingfastandslow

Today I'm going to answer a video question I received from a fan of the channel/website.

We are going to talk about personal branding vs. technical skills.

As you know, I'm a big fan of marketing and a lot of people don't seem to get the importance it has.

Ricky asked me what was the most important thing for a developer: personal branding or technical skills?

Should you focus on improving your personal branding or should you become the best developer you know when it comes to technical skills?

How To Market Yourself Course: http://simpleprogrammer.com/howtomarketyourself

Avoiding distractions... How nice would it be if we had a magic pill that would do all the work for us, huh? Imagine if we could take a pill and get 100% focused all the time?

Well, due to the fact that it won't happen, we have to face the facts: distractions exist and we must learn how to deal with them.

How can we make sure we will avoid distractions and focus on what we need to do? Is there a proper strategy that will make you more productive, ignoring the most distractions you could possibly ignore?

Watch this video and find out!

GET The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide: https://simpleprogrammer.com/career-guide-yt
7 Habits Of Highly Effective People: https://simpleprogrammer.com/7habits
Essentialism Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/essentialismbook
The One Thing Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/theonethingbook
How To Market Yourself As A Software Developer: http://simpleprogrammer.com/howtomarketyourself
How I Plan My Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9k0OhJkjQ0

We all like to appear strong as if we did not have any weaknesses, right?

As I've talked before, it can be a good thing. Showing off as a strong person will make you a good competitor and a good player in the "life's game".

However, you should acknowledge that you have weaknesses, at least, for one person, which is yourself.

In this video I'll tell you how you should start exploiting your weaknesses so no one will be able to take you down because of that...

What True Freedom Really Means?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpA9Ng74s2U&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XRTEK79UXmtkUT-jsP4rUP&index=177
Protecting Your Downsides Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4WCsxny8bXwEoiUISjZNTOP
Day In The Life Ep. 4: SPARTA! & Halloween Half Marathon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POsV_m9wA44&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XU7upbnSB0OdZmOxvABZJh&index=5

A lot of people make excuses for their mistakes.When they first get confronted with a failure they just end up giving excuses for the mistakes they've made and they literally don't evaluate, at least, what happened to things end up that way.

I agree that not everything is under your control. There are a lot of things that can turn out to be wrong and you cannot control.

However, it is important that you set yourself up, evaluate your mistakes and study how you can improve and prevent this from happening next time.

So, this why I say: stop with the excuses and pay the consequences!

Stop Making Excuses & Take Fucking Action!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqz0gkGpARg&index=101&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XRTEK79UXmtkUT-jsP4rUP

So, a lot of people, especially developer, want to know the future. They get lost trying to find out the next big programming language to learn or some technology that will be the hot new trend in the software development world.

However, predicting things is not THAT easy and sometimes it also fails.

You, as a developer, might want to know which path you should take. Predicting the future might be one of the most important things right now.

So... If you could only know what will be the next BIG opportunity in software development... What would you do?

Will Developer Jobs Disappear?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGUpw_9V-nY&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UOmNNyVJntU3lVXalp1weU&index=16
The Inevitable Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/theinevitable

So, as you might know, I have a Patreon campaign that I've created to support SP channel. Supporters are able to get a lot of rewards, get access to private groups and a lot of other stuff.

One of these prizes includes a monthly recording call with me, along with some other cool stuff.

Although this is purely Patreon stuff and only they can access this type of thing, I decided to record and release this call for the public.

This is the recording for January 2017, which we talked about a lot of career stuff, lifestyle and other cool (and important) stuff.

If you'd like, you can support Patreon too.

Wanna know more about Patreon and our monthly calls? 

Support SP Through PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/simpleprogrammer

We all live in a crazy world where it seems that the two most important things are: money & time.

That's why, if you want to get healthy you need to find a way to incorporate healthy meals into your day-to-day routine. It is important that you don't suffer the consequences of preparing your meals and that you find a way to balance both things.

In this video, I'll basically answer two questions:

1- Eating healthy is REALLY important?
2- How can you make healthy and fast meals and start living a healthy lifestyle without harming your schedule?

Fitness & Diet For Software Developers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XMOX3EyxkjHfI56rPKqtXp
Why I Fast Until 5 Every Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAScRmlcHaE&index=2&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XMOX3EyxkjHfI56rPKqtXp

Have you ever felt like you did something very good but... You wouldn't be able to keep up with that?

A lot of software developers suffer from what we call "the fear of not being able to do it again...

A lot of developers go on big projects, they have big wins in their lives but they are afraid to give a second shot at that... Mostly, because they are afraid to fail and feel like impostors.

What do you do in cases like that? How do you overcome this fear? What is the mindset shift you need to make in order to leave this fear behind?

Soft Skills Book: http://simpleprogrammer.com/softskills
The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide: https://simpleprogrammer.com/career-guide-yt
Don't Be Afraid To Look Like An Idiot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0k68HYS1HE

I know it sounds crazy, but some people who call themselves programmers can barely program. Me, working on both sides, I've seen a lot of this and I have to say that this is really bad for people responsible for hiring.

That's why extremely simple programming tests are step one of any sane interview process. These tests should happen online, and the goal is not to prove that the candidate is some kind of coding genius, but that they know what the heck programming is. Yes, it's sad and kind of depressing that this is even necessary.

Said that, I see a lot of developers complaining about how coding interviews should be banned and why is the reason companies do that.

In this video I'll explain why you shouldn't be afraid of online coding tests and, in fact, start accepting reality and start preparing yourself for that.

Why Hard Developer Interviews are Good: https://simpleprogrammer.com/2010/10/06/why-hard-interviews-are-good/

Coding Interviews: What About "Online Whiteboard Tests"?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IOuvjHlpTo&index=44&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4U4xrSdGiN9fh04NjHoNwTq
10 Steps To Learn Anything Quickly Course: http://simpleprogrammer.com/10stepstolearn
Gates Of Fire Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/gatesoffire
Learning Algorithms: Is It Really Necessary?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJcG-6g4wA4&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UOmNNyVJntU3lVXalp1weU&index=7
So You Want to Become a Better Programmer? (TopCoder): https://simpleprogrammer.com/2010/04/02/so-you-want-to-become-a-better-programmer-topcoder/

Despite being experienced, old developers still suffer in the software development world.

There is a lot of ageism and old developers struggle to find their space. Some companies think they are too expensive and like to replace them for young developers. Other companies don't like to hire old developers for any reasons...

That's how they end up in limbo.

In this email, I received a question from an old developer saying he was overwhelmed by the environment we are living and how he could overcome these difficulties and thrive as a developer.

Old Developers Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4WZG2zPu-vAsdcFXQDIipJ_
10 Steps To Learn Anything Quickly: http://simpleprogrammer.com/10stepstolearn
Trusting The Process Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4Vy90hwBvSI06r7plMHNcss

Young software developers usually struggle in this world when it comes to finding guidance at such a young age.

What do you do at such young age to start your career the best way you can possibly do?

In this episode, I'll share my experience and what I would do to start my career if I were 16 today.

Fitness & Diet Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XMOX3EyxkjHfI56rPKqtXp
The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide - GET NOW: https://simpleprogrammer.com/career-guide-yt

There are times in our lives when we need to negotiate with ourselves, right? Kind of...

I remember doing a video where I've talked about taking one step back in order to take two steps forward and this is kind of the same thinking here.

In this video, I'll discuss if you should take a pay cut in order to hang on to a more profitable opportunity. How should you act in cases like that? Should you do it in every opportunity?

Journaling is one of the most talked topics in the personal development field in these last few years. More and more, people are starting to realize how important it is to keep a track of your feelings, thoughts, etc.

Here are just a few benefits of maintaining a daily journal routine:
- Regular Writing has Mental Health Benefits
- Keeping a Journal Helps Harness Your Creativity
- Even If You Don't Do Creative Work, Regular Writing Has Practical Benefits
- Which Medium You Should Choose, and Why

So, why should you keep a journal?

How I Plan My Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9k0OhJkjQ0

Everyone that wants to start a fasting diet suffer from some problems, especially when it comes to finding an optimum time where he/she can have his/her one-meal-a-day.

For those who don't know, fasting is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast (dry fasting) is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a period of 24 hours, or a number of days. Water fasting allows drinking water but nothing else. Other fasts may be partially restrictive, limiting only particular foods or substances. A fast may also be intermittent in nature. Fasting practices may preclude intercourse and other activities as well as food.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting)

So, how do you blend morning exercises with fasting till evening? What about the golden hour?

Why I Fast Until 5 Every Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAScRmlcHaE&index=2&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XMOX3EyxkjHfI56rPKqtXp

Working has been a hot topic over the years, especially in the entrepreneurship/corporate environments.

It has opened door to many professionals, especially coaching, health professionals, managers etc.

And one of the most discussed topics of this is how many hours should you work?

I see a lot of people considering themselves workaholics and saying that they should burst their asses off and other people saying that you should work moderate hours and live a balanced way of life.

So... Is there a correct answer to this question? Is there a right amount of hours you should be working?

Watch this video and find out!

My Take On Joel's Article "Developer's Side Projects" 😑: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLT0ZYo1oN0&index=50&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XPMBDfK_VvrCBbMa5G0Uyx
What True Freedom Really Means?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3jy_Ps-4UI&index=440&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XPMBDfK_VvrCBbMa5G0Uyx
Real Estate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4VWM_cpbXXYIYSaLjiTdtA-

If you watch Simple Programmer you've probably heard me talking about side projects and how important they are to your overall career.

However, as you might know, side projects change according to where you are in your life and career. You can't expect to do the same thing when you're just starting out and after 10 years on the road.

So, how do side projects change according to your experience? What should you focus your attention on and what types of side projects should you invest your time on?

Watch this video and find out!

Want To Accomplish Your Goals? Become A Finisher: https://simpleprogrammer.com/2014/12/29/want-accomplish-goals-become-finisher/
John Sonmez Pluralsight Courses: https://simpleprogrammer.com/pluralsight

Choosing the right property manager can make or break your real estate investment, but property managers abound in every real estate market with new companies hanging out their shingle every day. How can you tell them apart when most make the same claims and provide the same services?

A good property management firm can easily become one of your greatest assets, second only to the properties that they steward on your behalf. That said, your property manager will make critical decisions on your behalf. This is why so many landlords fail at building their real estate empire: they fail to hire someone to take good care of your properties for you.

This is why it is extremely important that you do your homework during the hiring process. Choosing the right property management company must be something essential if you're a landlord.

In this episode, I'll share with you my experience when it comes to hiring the right property management company.

Real Estate Playlist For Programmers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4VWM_cpbXXYIYSaLjiTdtA-
Simple Real Estate Investment For Programmers: https://simpleprogrammer.com/products/simple-real-estate/

Have you ever heard about this book?

This book was recommended to me and I must say that this is not the type of book I usually read. However, I decided to take it a shot. And I must say I really liked it.

Here is the book description, extracted from Amazon
"A New York Times bestseller―the outrageous exploits of one of this century's greatest scientific minds and a legendary American original.

Richard Feynman, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, thrived on outrageous adventures. Here he recounts in his inimitable voice his experience trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and Bohr and ideas on gambling with Nick the Greek; cracking the uncrackable safes guarding the most deeply held nuclear secrets; accompanying a ballet on his bongo drums; painting a naked female toreador. In short, here is Feynman's life in all its eccentric―a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, and raging chutzpah."

Wanna know more about this book?

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!: https://simpleprogrammer.com/mrfeynman

Some people have doubts about which path to follow: Web Development Or Software Development?

There are basically two different paths you can go when it comes to programming:

Web Development
Web development is the coding or programming that enables website functionality, per the owner's requirements. It mainly deals with the non-design aspect of building websites, which includes coding and writing markup. Web development ranges from creating plain text pages to complex Web-based applications, social network applications and electronic business applications.
(Source: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23889/web-development)

Software Development
Software development is the process of computer programming, documenting, testing, and bug fixing involved in creating and maintaining applications and frameworks resulting in a software product. Software development is a process of writing and maintaining the source code, but in a broader sense, it includes all that is involved in the conception of the desired software through to the final manifestation of the software, sometimes in a planned and structured process.

So, how do you choose between the two? What can you do in order to make the right choice?

Should I Learn Design As A Web Developer?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQFX04laYjM&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UF3VPA5zjNk1GpMHgPbmRv&index=8
Web Development Principles: Front End Vs. Back End: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAjGmZfsh50&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UF3VPA5zjNk1GpMHgPbmRv&index=3
Specialization & Niching Down Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4W5SK-MGjp_KSFZF2pEMCt8
I HATE Web Development... Can I Still Be A Successful Programmer?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSLlwt49be0&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UF3VPA5zjNk1GpMHgPbmRv&index=5

Searching for jobs is always an overwhelming task for most programmers and developers.

Most of them don't know how to search for jobs and end up sending a lot of proposals, resumes etc and never end up hearing back from the employers...

What could be wrong?

In this video, I received two very important staff from Hired.com to share their experiences and talk about how developers can improve their job searching process.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL: vid.io/xokz
CHECK OUT HIRED.COM: http://simpleprogrammer.com/hiredsp

So, social media has definitely taken care of the whole web and changed the way we interact with each other in ways we've never seen before.

This can also be applied to the job searching/hiring process.

Nowadays, employers look at the social media profiles of their contestants to see how their life (off work) is. And this has serious implications when it comes to making the final decision.

In today's video, I received a question from a reader asking if it was cool to expose your life on Facebook, as it was a dangerous thing to do and how employers perceive that thing.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL: vid.io/xokz
SUPPORT THIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL: vid.io/xokw
Visit: http://simpleprogrammer.com/

Today we are going to talk about housekeeping. Yeah... You heard me right. Today we are going to talk about housekeeping.

2016 has ended and 2017 started. We usually take this time of the year to make new resolutions and make new plans for our lives.

However, there is one thing, that is as important as making new resolutions for the new year, which is cleaning up the spaces you work/life.

You've probably heard about the importance of getting rid of old stuff and how it makes the energy flow much much better, right?

In this episode, I'll talk about the importance of getting rid of old stuff and how it can improve your productivity and life.

Being A Minimalist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oZx3SsdPUo
Getting Things Done Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/gettingthingsdone
How I Plan My Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9k0OhJkjQ0

It's 2017 and we all know what discrimination is, right?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that are still discriminated by their skin color, sexual orientation, the place they were born, etc.

But... how do you react if YOU are the one being discriminated in your workplace? How would you act and react to this?

In this video, I received a question from a reader asking me that he applied for several jobs but got zero responses. Some people said it was because of his name.

How do you overcome this awful situation? What can you do to show them that you're better than that?

I Literally Don't Give A Shit!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1qMtPrHoVs
Why You Shouldn't Play The Victim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRmNtlV4sOA
7 Habits Of Highly Effective People: https://simpleprogrammer.com/7habits
How To Choose Your Web Presence Name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxNhgvu1mao