#and getting better at sql

[komaedalovemail]

komaedas have you tried straw.page?

(i hope you don't mind if i make a big ollllle webdev post off this!)

i have never tried straw.page but it looks similar to carrd and other WYSIWYG editors (which is unappealing to me, since i know html/css/js and want full control of the code. and can't hide secrets in code comments.....)

my 2 cents as a web designer is if you're looking to learn web design or host long-term web projects, WYSIWYG editors suck doodooass. you don't learn the basics of coding, someone else does it for you! however, if you're just looking to quickly host images, links to your other social medias, write text entries/blogposts, WYSIWYG can be nice.

toyhouse, tumblr, deviantart, a lot of sites implement WYSIWYG for their post editors as well, but then you can run into issues relying on their main site features for things like the search system, user profiles, comments, etc. but it can be nice to just login to your account and host your information in one place, especially on a platform that's geared towards that specific type of information. (toyhouse is a better example of this, since you have a lot of control of how your profile/character pages look, even without a premium account) carrd can be nice if you just want to say "here's where to find me on other sites," for example. but sometimes you want a full website!

---------------------------------------

neocities hosting

currently, i host my website on neocities, but i would say the web2.0sphere has sucked some doodooass right now and i'm fiending for something better than it. it's a static web host, e.g. you can upload text, image, audio, and client-side (mostly javascript and css) files, and html pages. for the past few years, neocities' servers have gotten slower and slower and had total blackouts with no notices about why it's happening... and i'm realizing they host a lot of crypto sites that have crypto miners that eat up a ton of server resources. i don't think they're doing anything to limit bot or crypto mining activity and regular users are taking a hit.

↑ page 1 on neocitie's most viewed sites we find this site. this site has a crypto miner on it, just so i'm not making up claims without proof here. there is also a very populated #crypto tag on neocities (has porn in it tho so be warned...).

---------------------------------------

dynamic/server-side web hosting

$5/mo for neocities premium seems cheap until you realize... The Beautiful World of Server-side Web Hosting!

client-side AKA static web hosting (neocities, geocities) means you can upload images, audio, video, and other files that do not interact with the server where the website is hosted, like html, css, and javascript. the user reading your webpage does not send any information to the server like a username, password, their favourite colour, etc. - any variables handled by scripts like javascript will be forgotten when the page is reloaded, since there's no way to save it to the web server. server-side AKA dynamic web hosting can utilize any script like php, ruby, python, or perl, and has an SQL database to store variables like the aforementioned that would have previously had nowhere to be stored.

there are many places in 2024 you can host a website for free, including: infinityfree (i use this for my test websites :B has tons of subdomains to choose from) [unlimited sites, 5gb/unlimited storage], googiehost [1 site, 1gb/1mb storage], freehostia [5 sites/1 database, 250mb storage], freehosting [1 site, 10gb/unlimited storage]

if you want more features like extra websites, more storage, a dedicated e-mail, PHP configuration, etc, you can look into paying a lil shmoney for web hosting: there's hostinger (this is my promocode so i get. shmoney. if you. um. 🗿🗿🗿) [$2.40-3.99+/mo, 100 sites/300 databases, 100gb storage, 25k visits/mo], a2hosting [$1.75-12.99+/mo, 1 site/5 databases, 10gb/1gb storage], and cloudways [$10-11+/mo, 25gb/1gb]. i'm seeing people say to stay away from godaddy and hostgator. before you purchase a plan, look up coupons, too! (i usually renew my plan ahead of time when hostinger runs good sales/coupons LOL)

here's a big webhost comparison chart from r/HostingHostel circa jan 2024.

---------------------------------------

domain names

most of the free website hosts will give you a subdomain like yoursite.has-a-cool-website-69.org, and usually paid hosts expect you to bring your own domain name. i got my domain on namecheap (enticing registration prices, mid renewal prices), there's also porkbun, cloudflare, namesilo, and amazon route 53. don't use godaddy or squarespace. make sure you double check the promo price vs. the actual renewal price and don't get charged $120/mo when you thought it was $4/mo during a promo, certain TLDs (endings like .com, .org, .cool, etc) cost more and have a base price (.car costs $2,300?!?). look up coupons before you purchase these as well!

namecheap and porkbun offer something called "handshake domains," DO NOT BUY THESE. 🤣🤣🤣 they're usually cheaper and offer more appealing, hyper-specific endings like .iloveu, .8888, .catgirl, .dookie, .gethigh, .♥, .❣, and .✟. I WISH WE COULD HAVE THEM but they're literally unusable. in order to access a page using a handshake domain, you need to download a handshake resolver. every time the user connects to the site, they have to provide proof of work. aside from it being incredibly wasteful, you LITERALLY cannot just type in the URL and go to your own website, you need to download a handshake resolver, meaning everyday internet users cannot access your site.

---------------------------------------

hosting a static site on a dynamic webhost

you can host a static (html/css/js only) website on a dynamic web server without having to learn PHP and SQL! if you're coming from somewhere like neocities, the only thing you need to do is configure your website's properties. your hosting service will probably have tutorials to follow for this, and possibly already did some steps for you. you need to point the nameserver to your domain, install an SSL certificate, and connect to your site using FTP for future uploads. FTP is a faster, alternative way to upload files to your website instead of your webhost's file upload system; programs like WinSCP or FileZilla can upload using FTP for you.

if you wanna learn PHP and SQL and really get into webdev, i wrote a forum post at Mysidia Adoptables here, tho it's sorted geared at the mysidia script library itself (Mysidia Adoptables is a free virtual pet site script, tiny community. go check it out!)

---------------------------------------

file storage & backups

a problem i have run into a lot in my past like, 20 years of internet usage (/OLD) is that a site that is free, has a small community, and maybe sounds too good/cheap to be true, has a higher chance of going under. sometimes this happens to bigger sites like tinypic, photobucket, and imageshack, but for every site like that, there's like a million of baby sites that died with people's files. host your files/websites on a well-known site, or at least back it up and expect it to go under!

i used to host my images on something called "imgjoe" during the tinypic/imageshack era, it lasted about 3 years, and i lost everything hosted on there. more recently, komaedalovemail had its webpages hosted here on tumblr, and tumblr changed its UI so custom pages don't allow javascript, which prevented any new pages from being edited/added. another test site i made a couple years ago on hostinger's site called 000webhost went under/became a part of hostinger's paid-only plans, so i had to look very quickly for a new host or i'd lose my test site.

if you're broke like me, looking into physical file storage can be expensive. anything related to computers has gone through baaaaad inflation due to crypto, which again, I Freaquing Hate, and is killing mother nature. STOP MINING CRYPTO this is gonna be you in 1 year

...um i digress. ANYWAYS, you can archive your websites, which'll save your static assets on The Internet Archive (which could use your lovely donations right now btw), and/or archive.today (also taking donations). having a webhost service with lots of storage and automatic backups can be nice if you're worried about file loss or corruption, or just don't have enough storage on your computer at home!

if you're buying physical storage, be it hard drive, solid state drive, USB stick, whatever... get an actual brand like Western Digital or Seagate and don't fall for those cheap ones on Amazon that claim to have 8,000GB for $40 or you're going to spend 13 days in windows command prompt trying to repair the disk and thenthe power is gong to go out in your shit ass neighvborhood and you have to run it tagain and then Windows 10 tryes to update and itresets the /chkdsk agin while you're awayfrom town nad you're goig to start crytypting and kts just hnot going tot br the same aever agai nikt jus not ggiog to be the saeme

---------------------------------------

further webhosting options

there are other Advanced options when it comes to web hosting. for example, you can physically own and run your own webserver, e.g. with a computer or a raspberry pi. r/selfhosted might be a good place if you're looking into that!

if you know or are learning PHP, SQL, and other server-side languages, you can host a webserver on your computer using something like XAMPP (Apache, MariaDB, PHP, & Perl) with minimal storage space (the latest version takes up a little under 1gb on my computer rn). then, you can test your website without needing an internet connection or worrying about finding a hosting plan that can support your project until you've set everything up!

there's also many PHP frameworks which can be useful for beginners and wizards of the web alike. WordPress is one which you're no doubt familiar with for creating blog posts, and Bluehost is a decent hosting service tailored to WordPress specifically. there's full frameworks like Laravel, CakePHP, and Slim, which will usually handle security, user authentication, web routing, and database interactions that you can build off of. Laravel in particular is noob-friendly imo, and is used by a large populace, and it has many tutorials, example sites built with it, and specific app frameworks.

---------------------------------------

addendum: storing sensitive data

if you decide to host a server-side website, you'll most likely have a login/out functionality (user authentication), and have to store things like usernames, passwords, and e-mails. PLEASE don't launch your website until you're sure your site security is up to snuff!

when trying to check if your data is hackable... It's time to get into the Mind of a Hacker. OWASP has some good cheat sheets that list some of the bigger security concerns and how to mitigate them as a site owner, and you can look up filtered security issues on the Exploit Database.

this is kind of its own topic if you're coding a PHP website from scratch; most frameworks securely store sensitive data for you already. if you're writing your own PHP framework, refer to php.net's security articles and this guide on writing an .htaccess file.

---------------------------------------

but. i be on that phone... :(

ok one thing i see about straw.page that seems nice is that it advertises the ability to make webpages from your phone. WYSIWYG editors in general are more capable of this. i only started looking into this yesterday, but there ARE source code editor apps for mobile devices! if you have a webhosting plan, you can download/upload assets/code from your phone and whatnot and code on the go. i downloaded Runecode for iphone. it might suck ass to keep typing those brackets.... we'll see..... but sometimes you're stuck in the car and you're like damn i wanna code my site GRRRR I WANNA CODE MY SITE!!!

↑ code written in Runecode, then uploaded to Hostinger. Runecode didn't tell me i forgot a semicolon but Hostinger did... i guess you can code from your webhost's file uploader on mobile but i don't trust them since they tend not to autosave or prompt you before closing, and if the wifi dies idk what happens to your code.

---------------------------------------

ANYWAYS! HAPPY WEBSITE BUILDING~! HOPE THIS HELPS~!~!~!

-Mod 12 @eeyes

[anonymusbosch]

on wanting to do a million things

prompted by @bloodshack 's

i wanna learn SQL but i wanna learn haskell but i wanna learn statistics but i wanna start a degree in macroeconomics also sociology also library science but i wanna learn norwegian but i wanna learn mandarin but i wanna paint but i wanna do pottery but i wanna get better at woodworking but i wanna get better at cooking but i wanna bake one of those cakes that's just 11 crepes stacked on top of each other but i wanna watch more movies but i wanna listen to more podcast episodes but i need to rest but i need to exercise but i wanna play with my dog but i wanna go shopping but i need to go grocery shopping but i need to do the dishes but i need to do laundry but i need to buy a new x y and z but i need to save money but i wanna give all my money away to people who need it more but i wanna pivot my career to book editing but to do that i have to read more and i wanna read more nonfiction but i wanna read more novels but i wanna get better at meditating but i wanna volunteer but i wanna plan a party but i wanna go to law school. but what im gonna do is watch a dumbass youtube video and go to bed

I think I've been doing slightly better this year about Actually Doing Things. not great! but I do a lot and I've been "prototyping" ways to get closer to doing as much as is possible. and if I actually talk about it it's a bunch of very obvious statements but I'll try to make them a little more concrete

rule number one: experiment on yourself

there's no one approach that's right for everyone and there's not even one approach for me that works at all times. try things out. see what works. pay attention to what doesn't. try something else.

rule number two: ask what's stopping you and then take it seriously

example: I often want to do Everything in the evening at like 2 PM, but then get home and am tempted sorely by the couch, and then get stuck inertia'd and not doing much but being tired and kind of bored. why?

if I don't have plans, it's easy to leave work later than planned and hard to make myself do something by a specific time

i'm generally tiredish after work. 4 out of 5 times, that'll go away if I actually start Doing Something, but 1 out of 5 it's real and I will go hardcore sleepmode at 8 PM and just be Done

i use up a ton of my program management/executive function/Deciding Things brain at work and usually find it noticeably harder to string together "want to do Thing > make list of Things > decide on a Thing > do Thing" after I'm home. Even if I have a list of Things to Do, how does one decide! how does one start! and god forbid there's a Necessary thing. then it's all downhill

therefore, mitigations: have concrete time-specific plans in advance.

if I have an art class at 6:00 PM I need to leave work by 5:15 and NO LATER and I can't get sucked into "oh 10 more minutes to finish this" *one hour later*

that also means I have to have a fridge or freezer dinner ready and can't spend 45 minutes cooking "fuck it, what the hell did I put in the fridge, why don't we have soy sauce" evil meal that is not good

plans with friends: dinner! art night! music night! repair-your-clothes night! seeing a show! occasionally, Accountability Time where a friend comes over for We Are Doing Tasks with tea and snacks etc.

for some reason I'm way better about Actually Doing Things when the plan exists already. magically I overcome couch inertia even though I am the same amount of tired! and while I never learn the ability to decouch without plans I at least learn to make them

still working on:

a "prototype" for maybe next month is a weeklyish Study Session for a thing I want to learn about. I want to somehow make it employer-proof (I am accountable to some entity to being at place X at time Y) and haven't figured out a good way. Maybe I can leverage that the local library is open til 8 on wednesdays and somehow make it a Thing? maybe I'll try it!

oh god oh fuck the thing about plans is that if you want to have them you need to make them. christ. a lot of the time I can cover this with some combo of weekend planning + recurring events (things like weekly friend dinner/weekly class) + having cool friends who reach out proactively but it still requires active planning and it can fall thru the cracks

rule three: cool friends

they can take you to things

they can remind you that you can do whatever the fuck you please

i have a friend who is somehow Always doing cool classes and learning shit. and this reminds me that I can ... do that. and sometimes I do

you can take them to things!!

rule four: try to kill the anon hate in your head

obv this depends on your circumstance but sometimes it's worth it to me to look at constraints that "feel real" and check whether they're an active choice I made thoughtfully or, like, the specters of people I don't know judging my choices

time and money are obvious ones. recently was gently nudged towards looking at whether i could give myself more time to Do Things by cooking less. imaginary specters of judgmental twitterites: "it's illegal to spend money. if you get takeout you're the first up against the wall when the revoution comes. make all your lunches and dinners and hoard the money for Later. for Something. how dare you get lunch at the store. you bourgeois hoe. taking charity donations from the mouths of the poor cause you don't have your life together enough to cook artisanal bespoke dinners every night. fuck you." and obviously eating takeout 24/7 is not the answer, but realizing I was not making an active choice helped me try making the active choice instead. "how much do I actually want to balance cost, time, tastiness, and wastefulness of my food, given my amount of free time and my salary and the tradeoff against doing something else? can I approach it differently to do more quick cheap food + some takeout?" -> current prototype: substitute in 1 takeout dinner or restaurant-with-friends a week, 1 frozen type dinner, and then batch cook or sandwiches lunches w/ "permission" to get fast lunch at the store. we'll see how it goes!

i am really really bad at this and find it helpful to talk to other people who can help point out when I'm being haunted by ghosts about it.

rule five: what would it take? what's the next step?

this one i give a lot of credit to @adiantum-sporophyte in particular for, especially for prompting me with questions when I muse about the million-ideal-lives on car rides. what would it look like to do xyz? what's something I could do right now to move in that direction? what's the obstacle? like, actually ask the question and think through it. with a person talking to you! damn! maybe the obstacle to x is that I don't know if I'll like it or if I just like the idea of it. and I don't want to commit to x without knowing. Okay, so maybe an approach would be to find someone who does x and talk to them about how their life is, or maybe it's "spend 15 minutes looking up intro-to-x near me", or "actively schedule 1 instance of x", or something like that. Or maybe it's that I don't know what it takes to do x. Okay, how about on Tues after dinner Adiantum fixes a sweater at my apartment while I spend 20 min looking at prereqs for x. like, it's so basic to say "to do a thing, you could try figuring out how to do it" but I think the important thing here is the feedback/prompting to even recognize "hey, step back, if you don't know the next step then figuring out the next step is the next step"

rule six: habits

prototyping: exercise

I do a lot better when I exercise in the mornings. I do a lot better when I do PT exercises regularly. For a while I was doing PT with friend in the morning every morning before work (accountability! a friendly face to make it more pleasant!) but that didn't really solve - it's not the kind of exercise that makes me feel awake/active, it's like dumb little foot botherings. but: having the habit of morning exercise made it easier to swap out 2 of the 5 days for more intense exercise, and then to swap those 2 for a different more intense exercise when I needed a break. it's easier to build a low-effort version of the habit and then work in the higher-effort one than to just Decide to be the kind of person who gets up at ass o clock to do cardio or whatever

rule seven: set up the structure of your life to make it easy

this is also a "duh" thing but like. on so many levels it comes down to structure your life to make the choice more doable. this can be something like "i structure my life to make vegetarian cooking baseline and vegan cooking the majority by stocking the pantry with staples and spices from cuisines that work well that way" or "i chose an apartment that lets me commute by bike" or "i have my camping gear put away in a fashion that makes it easier to gather frequently and lowers the barrier to trips" or "i keep physical books around to prompt myself to read xyz" to "i don't use instagram or twitter or snapchat or facebook" to . idk.

and in terms of charitable giving: similar deal. I have an explicit budget at the beginning of the year (~10% of my before-tax income), I know in advance what charities I give to, and I know what timing I will use (basically, alerts for donation matching around specific fundraising times). Anything outside the Plan comes from my discretionary budget/fun money. That makes it less of a mental load (the choice is already made; I don't grapple with every donation request or every bleeding-heart trap because I have a very solid anchor on "I give to xyz, the money's set aside") and it's armor against impulsive-but-not-useful scrupulosity. I structure the rest of my spending/life to prioritize a set amount and it makes it easier to follow through

rule eight: if you can do it at work a tiny bit that counts for real life

(infrequently used)

"hi mr. manager I think it would be great if I could use enough SQL to make basic queries in the database so we don't have to go through the software team for common/basic questions. I'd like to take 1 hr on Friday to go through some basic tutorials and then 1 hr with Pat on Monday so he can walk me through an intro for our specific use case. I estimate this will help save the team a couple hours a week of waiting for answers from the other team." and then you have enough of a handle with baby's first SQL that you can add little bits and bobs as you exercise it. this is responsible for a medium amount of my knowledge of python and all 3 brain cells worth of SQL.

rule nine: life is an optimization problem

not in, like, "you need to optimize your skincare and career and exercise and social life and have everything all at once" that's not what optimization means. optimization is like, maximize something with respect to a set of constraints. i explicitly Do Not do skincare beyond "wash face" and "sunscreen" bc I want to optimize my life for like looking at weird plants in the mountains. explicitly choosing to put time and money elsewhere! can't have it all all at once. so fuck them pores. who give a shit. yeah i ate a lot of protein shakes instead of home cooked breakfasts this week bc i was prioritizing morning exercise. im looking at this beautiful bug and it doesn't know what fashion is or what my resume looks like. im holding a lizard. im not spending time on picking cool clothes or whatever bc i spent that time looking up lizard hotspots on purpose.

that's really long and probably mostly, like, not surprising? but i keep benefiting from ppl being like "hey have you considered Obvious Thing" framed very gently

[lazeecomet]

The Story of KLogs: What happens when an Mechanical Engineer codes

Since i no longer work at Wearhouse Automation Startup (WAS for short) and havnt for many years i feel as though i should recount the tale of the most bonkers program i ever wrote, but we need to establish some background

WAS has its HQ very far away from the big customer site and i worked as a Field Service Engineer (FSE) on site. so i learned early on that if a problem needed to be solved fast, WE had to do it. we never got many updates on what was coming down the pipeline for us or what issues were being worked on. this made us very independent

As such, we got good at reading the robot logs ourselves. it took too much time to send the logs off to HQ for analysis and get back what the problem was. we can read. now GETTING the logs is another thing.

the early robots we cut our teeth on used 2.4 gHz wifi to communicate with FSE's so dumping the logs was as simple as pushing a button in a little application and it would spit out a txt file

later on our robots were upgraded to use a 2.4 mHz xbee radio to communicate with us. which was FUCKING SLOW. and log dumping became a much more tedious process. you had to connect, go to logging mode, and then the robot would vomit all the logs in the past 2 min OR the entirety of its memory bank (only 2 options) into a terminal window. you would then save the terminal window and open it in a text editor to read them. it could take up to 5 min to dump the entire log file and if you didnt dump fast enough, the ACK messages from the control server would fill up the logs and erase the error as the memory overwrote itself.

this missing logs problem was a Big Deal for software who now weren't getting every log from every error so a NEW method of saving logs was devised: the robot would just vomit the log data in real time over a DIFFERENT radio and we would save it to a KQL server. Thanks Daddy Microsoft.

now whats KQL you may be asking. why, its Microsofts very own SQL clone! its Kusto Query Language. never mind that the system uses a SQL database for daily operations. lets use this proprietary Microsoft thing because they are paying us

so yay, problem solved. we now never miss the logs. so how do we read them if they are split up line by line in a database? why with a query of course!

select * from tbLogs where RobotUID = [64CharLongString] and timestamp > [UnixTimeCode]

if this makes no sense to you, CONGRATULATIONS! you found the problem with this setup. Most FSE's were BAD at SQL which meant they didnt read logs anymore. If you do understand what the query is, CONGRATULATIONS! you see why this is Very Stupid.

You could not search by robot name. each robot had some arbitrarily assigned 64 character long string as an identifier and the timestamps were not set to local time. so you had run a lookup query to find the right name and do some time zone math to figure out what part of the logs to read. oh yeah and you had to download KQL to view them. so now we had both SQL and KQL on our computers

NOBODY in the field like this.

But Daddy Microsoft comes to the rescue

see we didnt JUST get KQL with part of that deal. we got the entire Microsoft cloud suite. and some people (like me) had been automating emails and stuff with Power Automate

This is Microsoft Power Automate. its Microsoft's version of Scratch but it has hooks into everything Microsoft. SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Excel, it can integrate with all of it. i had been using it to send an email once a day with a list of all the robots in maintenance.

this gave me an idea

and i checked

and Power Automate had hooks for KQL

KLogs is actually short for Kusto Logs

I did not know how to program in Power Automate but damn it anything is better then writing KQL queries. so i got to work. and about 2 months later i had a BEHEMOTH of a Power Automate program. it lagged the webpage and many times when i tried to edit something my changes wouldn't take and i would have to click in very specific ways to ensure none of my variables were getting nuked. i dont think this was the intended purpose of Power Automate but this is what it did

the KLogger would watch a list of Teams chats and when someone typed "klogs" or pasted a copy of an ERROR mesage, it would spring into action.

it extracted the robot name from the message and timestamp from teams

it would lookup the name in the database to find the 64 long string UID and the location that robot was assigned too

it would reply to the message in teams saying it found a robot name and was getting logs

it would run a KQL query for the database and get the control system logs then export then into a CSV

it would save the CSV with the a .xls extension into a folder in ShairPoint (it would make a new folder for each day and location if it didnt have one already)

it would send ANOTHER message in teams with a LINK to the file in SharePoint

it would then enter a loop and scour the robot logs looking for the keyword ESTOP to find the error. (it did this because Kusto was SLOWER then the xbee radio and had up to a 10 min delay on syncing)

if it found the error, it would adjust its start and end timestamps to capture it and export the robot logs book-ended from the event by ~ 1 min. if it didnt, it would use the timestamp from when it was triggered +/- 5 min

it saved THOSE logs to SharePoint the same way as before

it would send ANOTHER message in teams with a link to the files

it would then check if the error was 1 of 3 very specific type of error with the camera. if it was it extracted the base64 jpg image saved in KQL as a byte array, do the math to convert it, and save that as a jpg in SharePoint (and link it of course)

and then it would terminate. and if it encountered an error anywhere in all of this, i had logic where it would spit back an error message in Teams as plaintext explaining what step failed and the program would close gracefully

I deployed it without asking anyone at one of the sites that was struggling. i just pointed it at their chat and turned it on. it had a bit of a rocky start (spammed chat) but man did the FSE's LOVE IT.

about 6 months later software deployed their answer to reading the logs: a webpage that acted as a nice GUI to the KQL database. much better then an CSV file

it still needed you to scroll though a big drop-down of robot names and enter a timestamp, but i noticed something. all that did was just change part of the URL and refresh the webpage

SO I MADE KLOGS 2 AND HAD IT GENERATE THE URL FOR YOU AND REPLY TO YOUR MESSAGE WITH IT. (it also still did the control server and jpg stuff). Theres a non-zero chance that klogs was still in use long after i left that job

now i dont recommend anyone use power automate like this. its clunky and weird. i had to make a variable called "Carrage Return" which was a blank text box that i pressed enter one time in because it was incapable of understanding /n or generating a new line in any capacity OTHER then this (thanks support forum).

im also sure this probably is giving the actual programmer people anxiety. imagine working at a company and then some rando you've never seen but only heard about as "the FSE whos really good at root causing stuff", in a department that does not do any coding, managed to, in their spare time, build and release and entire workflow piggybacking on your work without any oversight, code review, or permission.....and everyone liked it

[hillbillyoracle]

A Case Study in DIY Divination: The SQL Oracle

My nesting partner is wanting to get more magically operant and in a conversation she realized she needed to get better at divination. I happen to know she's been trying to read tarot cards for years but it hasn't been clicking for her. I recommended instead of banging her head on that wall that she design her own system.

Given that she works all day everyday with SQL, I recommended she take the component parts of SQL and start to sus out possible meanings to use in a system. I also recommended she establish at least 36 components - it's a number that shows up in magic quite often plus it's around the number in the most common oracle decks.

She wound up deciding on about 40 SQL terms she liked and then we sat down to discuss. The first thing we noticed was that given that SQL is relational, it wasn't talking about anything in particular, it needed Objects to talk about. Originally, she learned toward coming up with a second deck to serve as the objects but I encouraged her to try doubling the cards and having one serve as the relation and one serve as the object - that way each term could pull double duty.

Initially, she was unsure of this so I ran her through some of the following scenarios and picked random terms as results to see if she could make meaning out of them:

i come to you asking about a health issue.

You are reading about an emotional issue you're going through.

Someone you know asks about an issue with their relationship.

At least one of these involves a follow up question and second draw.

These stood in for the most common querants - self, close friend, an acquaintance - and covered some of the most difficult topics to divine for - health, person decisions, and relationships. Finances would be another good one to throw in.

For each, she was getting so much information from the symbols that she struggled to put it into words - a very good sign especially for someone who isn't that experienced in other forms of divination. For most divination systems, the part people often get wrong is the information density of the symbols. Either they're too big and vague to get halfway relevant meaning out of or they're too specific to apply to a wide array of topics that might need read for. That the hard part was not in susing out the meaning but rather in the putting it into words was a sign that that balance was most likely being struck.

I'm really looking forward to her making her cards and practicing with them. I think it's so cool that she really does have an intuitive understanding of those terms that are so unlike what I use in tarot and geomancy and astrology - yet they work.

If you've hit a wall with tarot and similar, it's worth thinking about what symbols you already understand intimately and intuitively and building something around those meanings to work in instead.

Happy DIYing!

[argumate]

Hi Argumate! I just read about your chinese language learning method, and you inspired me to get back to studying chinese too. I want to do things with big datasets like you did, and I am wondering if that means I should learn to code? Or maybe I just need to know databases or something? I want to structure my deck similar to yours, but instead of taking the most common individual characters and phrases, I want to start with the most common components of characters. The kangxi radicals are a good start, but I guess I want a more evidence-based and continuous approach. I've found a dataset that breaks each hanzi into two principle components, but now I want to use it determine the components of those components so that I have a list of all the meaningful parts of each hanzi. So the dataset I found has 嘲 as composed of 口 and 朝, but not as 口𠦝月, or 口十曰月. So I want to make that full list, then combine it with data about hanzi frequency to determine the most commonly used components of the most commonly used hanzi, and order my memorization that way. I just don't know if what I'm describing is super complicated and unrealistic for a beginner, or too simple to even bother with actual coding. I'm also not far enough into mandarin to know if this is actually a dumb way to order my learning. Should I learn a little python? or sql? or maybe just get super into excel? Is this something I ought to be able to do with bash? Or should I bag the idea and just do something normal? I would really appreciate your advice

I think that's probably a terrible way to learn to read Chinese, but it sounds like a fun coding exercise! one of the dictionaries that comes with Pleco includes this information and you could probably scrape it out of a text file somewhere, but it's going to be a dirty grimy task suited to Python text hacking, not something you would willingly undertake unless you specifically enjoy being Sisyphus as I do.

if you want to actually learn Chinese or learn coding there are probably better ways! but I struggle to turn down the romance of a doomed venture myself.

[thebansacredbanned]

Greater Jianghu Fencing Universe TBoY!

From this wip tag game

SO it's somehow a thing that if I get obsessed enough with a fandom I start deciding what fencing sword they would all use, so like this is what is now happening here. This is very much one of those 'write what you know' sorts of things except I'm significantly better at writing than I ever was at actual sports ✌️

There are three different fencing blades which have different styles and kinda suit different people, and thus:

Sabre: Lei Wujie, Sikong Qianluo, Sikong Changfeng

Foil: Xiao Se, Xiao Ruofeng, Ji Xue, Ji Ruofeng,

Epee: Tang Lian, Tang Lianyue, Li Xinyue, Li Hanyi

Wuxin, Baili Dongjun, and Yi Dingzhi also definitely fence(d) but I haven't worked out which blade yet. Lei Mengsha didn't fence but he would have been a sabreur. Ye Ruoyi is a human rights lawyer because someone needs a real job.

modern au feat trans Xiao Se, para-fencer Tang Lian (he got stabbed I love moving canon plot points into modern aus), and teen dad Sikong Changfeng

I don't particularly have a 'plot' yet, I'm thinking possibly it'll take the form of a magazine interview w XS, LWJ, SQL, JX, and TL as the 'new hopes' for Beili and the inheritors of their parents/uncles/guardians legacies.

Oh and also it's the Greater Jianghu Fencing Universe (or possibly the Jianghu Fencing Crossover) because there's a MLC version that kind crosses over and it also takes place in the same universe as this Nirvana in Fire fic in which fencing is an actually popular sport that people care about and our heroes can be professionals at, although I currently don't have full plans to crossover NiF characters with these guys (yet)

[revalition]

HEY i read your rambles on the authority skilltober drawing and i just wanna say that id love to read your thoughts on authority and volition's dynamic!! if you want to share them obviously lmao

hi anon!!! you sent this in 6 weeks ago, I am so sorry :( hopefully you still see this

I am! extremely excited to dump about these two!! just needed to have the time/energy to and then it took forever hgkjh

it's gonna be long so putting a break here :) but there are quote screenshots *and* doodles under the cut

first off, a bunch of this stuff is in this post about them, this Volition skilltober post, and this Authority skilltober post, but now it's all together. so if you've seen some of this commentary or screenshots before... that's why

so ... going to sort this into canon and headcanons.

CANON:

we get: all volition and authority interactions I can find!

them agreeing:

them disagreeing:

this ones not really agreeing or disagreeing ig:

this one, the authority passive only fires if volition's doesn't. they're covering for eachotherrr.

I ran a very complicated SQL query to find all the instances of them having dialogue right after another, but it doesn't account for when the dialogue is separated by a variable check (eg. the sorry cop dialogue needs to check if you have the sorry cop thought). so I did what anyone would do and spent 3 hours making a far more convoluted query to iterate through the variable chains until they reached another line of dialogue. Which for some reason was a lot more easy in theory than in execution. And every time I messed it up it would sit for like 15 minutes and then bomb my computer with 10 million rows of dialogue. And sure, maybe twice I accidentally made it trace through every single dialogue path possible in the game recursively which. required killing it because it blew up. but it eventually WORKED and that's what matters.

So these quotes! Basically. They agree on stuff plenty, backing eachother up against bad ideas presented by Harry, other skills, or other people. but they also bicker a lot, trying to shut down eachother's ideas. Volition is the voice of reason in a lot of these, mostly just his desire not to die out of sheer willpower, as well as shutting down a few of Authority's more impulsive suggestions. But there is one where Volition disagrees with Authority, telling you to keep pushing on the stickbug issue despite the fact that he's only doing it to be stubborn and is actively making the situation worse... I think Authority helps balance against the extreme stubbornness Volition sometimes takes too far.

Here are a couple of them referring to eachother's specialties...

Authority is also extremely anti narcotics and encourages you to do the right thing (like declining Evrart's bribe) which I'm sure Volition would be happy with, until Authority takes it too far and encourages you to drink and smoke more because it's better than narcotics, and starts encouraging you to basically fabricate situations where you can pretend to be honourable for karma coupons. Which. Sigh.

That's them! They're on the same page and everything is going great right up until it's not.

Also Authority triggers the only instance of healing *all* morale damage in the whole game... :)

Of note is also when Volition *doesn't* chime in. Volition is well aware of the gun idea during the Hardies fail, even before you are, and makes no move to stop it. (Also, the back and forth during that fail when Volition tells you to give the gun back is. hgkh. I can't think of any other instance of Volition trying to override some bad decision and the skill in question talking/fighting back. If it does happen, it must be pretty rare.) He also doesn't stop you during the Authority fail dancing in the church, just urges you to go apologize after the damage is done (despite stopping you from making a racist comment during an encyclopedia fail a different time).

They also do take over for eachother from time to time! Especially with Kim asserting his authority, both of them do it several times. Authority obviously has the eyebrow standoff, but the check to not wipe coal off your face is an Authority check. The check to refuse to drink water after you faint is Volition, as well as Volition will allow you to tell Kim you don't need to be supervised.

HEADCANONS:

YES behold. my headcanons about them.

skill parents... the two of them are the ones all the other skills go to if they need help, or to break up a fight, or to hide from if they're being irresponsible

one sided rivalry!! volition just wants to keep everything together and authority took that personally. he's far more invested in asserting himself over volition than the other way around -- volition just wants authority to listen to him. we've got volition at 10 skill points and authority at 8, and authority is cooperative right up until Harry takes too much morale damage and volition's points dip below authority's, and then all bets are off.

ouh I love these two. when they get along, they work together wonderfully and do a great job running the ship together. and when they don't it turns into a mess! :) they absolutely fight over who has to (or gets to, depending) resolve an issue when something comes up while they're fighting. or will defer to the other one if they're separate (go talk to authority > go ask volition loop)

Authority is like this absolute force of nature that can't stand being told no, or anything or anyone getting in his way, and will use intimidation or force or whatever he has to to get his way. And Volition is this wall of willpower that will completely dig his heels in at the first sign of anyone trying to force him to do something he doesn't want to do, and continue to be unrelentingly stubborn about it until the bitter end. Unstoppable force vs immovable object. Authority's desire to control everything is only matched by Volition's desire for control over himself. Like I am not convinced Volition would be able to put self preservation above his stubbornness. And it's this eternal standoff until something (either of their skill points dropping/raising) changes the playing field. They're awful for each other sometimes but they're the only ones who can balance each other out a bit. I'm so normal about them.

I will say with regards to my morale critical volition, which I have many thoughts about constantly... that authority is so much more attuned to volition's strength relative to his own that he often realizes way before the others that morale is getting low. :) may make some mini comics about them because writing is much more fickle... and I like drawing them.

okay... that's far more than anyone could have possibly wanted about these two idiots, I think. hope u enjoyed anon, ty for asking about them!!!

[electropneumatic]

I'm very good at "professionalism" I was trained from a young age. If I get an interview, I'm getting the job. I sit upright in my chair and wear a collared shirt and my employer thinks, "wow! She has a lot of passion for this role!" Buddy, you don't know the start of it. You don't even know my gender.

I'm OSHA certified. I got my 24-hour GD&T training. They can see this. What they don't see is me waxing poetical about surface finish or some shit on this website. When I was in 6th grade, I was exposed to Autodesk Inventor and it changed me fundamentally as a person. Whenever I look at any consumer good (of which there are a lot) I have to consider how it was made. And where the materials came from and how it got here and really the whole ass process. It's fascinating to me in a way that can be described as "intense". I love looking at large machines and thinking about them and taking pictures of them. There are so many steps and machines and people involved to create anything around you. I think if any person truly understood everything that happened in a single factory they would go insane with the knowledge. But by god am I trying. My uncle works specifically on the printers that print dates onto food. There are hundreds or even thousands of hyperspecific jobs like that everywhere. My employer looks away and I'm creating an unholy abomination of R and HTML, and I'm downloading more libraries so I can change the default CSS colors. I don't know anything about programming but with the power of stack overflow and sheer determination I'm making it happen. Is it very useful? No. But I'm learning a lot and more importantly I don't give a fuck. I'm learning about PLCs. I'm learing about CNC machines. I'm fucking with my laptop. I'm deleting SQL databases. I'm finding electromechanical pinball machines on facebook marketplace. I'm writing G-code by hand. I'm a freight train with no brakes. I'm moving and I'm moving fast. And buddy, you better hope I'm moving in the right direction. I must be, because all of my former employers give me stellar reviews when used as a reference. I'm winning at "career" and also in life.

[lightuponearth]

update 𐙚˙

hello everyone! my summer break has started recently and i thought there was never a better time to finally post again on here. sorry for the drought lol but i ended up getting quite busy and barely opened this acc!! lots of things and changes have occurred so i'll list them down

☆ i started and finished my first year of my bachelors degree! the modules were all interesting and i enjoyed them, my classmates were all pleasant and so far i'm really excited to be starting my second!

☆ i turned 18 on june, which still hasn't set in lol... i know it isn't as serious of an age but oh well

☆ i got the highest grades in all of my assignments and classes! quite proud of myself for this one

☆ managed to get a hang of python, sql, html, css, and the basics of javascript and php!

☆ i created my very first website :) it was part of our assignment and we had to create one for an online supermarket. maybe i'll make a separate post for it

☆ i reached this year's reading goal! 40 books, i set it quite low because i haven't been reading as much but since there's still some time left before the year ends, i'll probably try to hit 50

☆ not as major of an update but something i've found myself drawn to lately is the way of tea and it's connection to mindfulness, also just trying to cultivate mindfulness in my daily routine. might make some posts about it later

this is all i can remember for now! i hope you all are doing well, and that life is treating you kindly. will be seeing you next time... preferably sooner than after a few months but lets see

[offshoreoilrig]

I need to learn SQL. I just need to learn SQL. I need to get better at SQL

[umarblog1]

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Data Analytics Course in Delhi: Which One to Choose?

In today’s digital world, data is everywhere. From small businesses to large organizations, everyone uses data to make better decisions. Data analytics helps in understanding and using this data effectively. If you are interested in learning data analytics, you might wonder whether to choose a short-term or a long-term course. Both options have their benefits, and your choice depends on your goals, time, and career plans.

At Uncodemy, we offer both short-term and long-term data analytics courses in Delhi. This article will help you understand the key differences between these courses and guide you to make the right choice.

What is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is the process of examining large sets of data to find patterns, insights, and trends. It involves collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting data. Companies use data analytics to improve their services, understand customer behavior, and increase efficiency.

There are four main types of data analytics:

Descriptive Analytics: Understanding what has happened in the past.

Diagnostic Analytics: Identifying why something happened.

Predictive Analytics: Forecasting future outcomes.

Prescriptive Analytics: Suggesting actions to achieve desired outcomes.

Short-Term Data Analytics Course

A short-term data analytics course is a fast-paced program designed to teach you essential skills quickly. These courses usually last from a few weeks to a few months.

Benefits of a Short-Term Data Analytics Course

Quick Learning: You can learn the basics of data analytics in a short time.

Cost-Effective: Short-term courses are usually more affordable.

Skill Upgrade: Ideal for professionals looking to add new skills without a long commitment.

Job-Ready: Get practical knowledge and start working in less time.

Who Should Choose a Short-Term Course?

Working Professionals: If you want to upskill without leaving your job.

Students: If you want to add data analytics to your resume quickly.

Career Switchers: If you want to explore data analytics before committing to a long-term course.

What You Will Learn in a Short-Term Course

Introduction to Data Analytics

Basic Tools (Excel, SQL, Python)

Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI)

Basic Statistics and Data Interpretation

Hands-on Projects

Long-Term Data Analytics Course

A long-term data analytics course is a comprehensive program that provides in-depth knowledge. These courses usually last from six months to two years.

Benefits of a Long-Term Data Analytics Course

Deep Knowledge: Covers advanced topics and techniques in detail.

Better Job Opportunities: Preferred by employers for specialized roles.

Practical Experience: Includes internships and real-world projects.

Certifications: You may earn industry-recognized certifications.

Who Should Choose a Long-Term Course?

Beginners: If you want to start a career in data analytics from scratch.

Career Changers: If you want to switch to a data analytics career.

Serious Learners: If you want advanced knowledge and long-term career growth.

What You Will Learn in a Long-Term Course

Advanced Data Analytics Techniques

Machine Learning and AI

Big Data Tools (Hadoop, Spark)

Data Ethics and Governance

Capstone Projects and Internships

Key Differences Between Short-Term and Long-Term Courses

FeatureShort-Term CourseLong-Term CourseDurationWeeks to a few monthsSix months to two yearsDepth of KnowledgeBasic and Intermediate ConceptsAdvanced and Specialized ConceptsCostMore AffordableHigher InvestmentLearning StyleFast-PacedDetailed and ComprehensiveCareer ImpactQuick Entry-Level JobsBetter Career Growth and High-Level JobsCertificationBasic CertificateIndustry-Recognized CertificationsPractical ProjectsLimitedExtensive and Real-World Projects

How to Choose the Right Course for You

When deciding between a short-term and long-term data analytics course at Uncodemy, consider these factors:

Your Career Goals

If you want a quick job or basic knowledge, choose a short-term course.

If you want a long-term career in data analytics, choose a long-term course.

Time Commitment

Choose a short-term course if you have limited time.

Choose a long-term course if you can dedicate several months to learning.

Budget

Short-term courses are usually more affordable.

Long-term courses require a bigger investment but offer better returns.

Current Knowledge

If you already know some basics, a short-term course will enhance your skills.

If you are a beginner, a long-term course will provide a solid foundation.

Job Market

Short-term courses can help you get entry-level jobs quickly.

Long-term courses open doors to advanced and specialized roles.

Why Choose Uncodemy for Data Analytics Courses in Delhi?

At Uncodemy, we provide top-quality training in data analytics. Our courses are designed by industry experts to meet the latest market demands. Here’s why you should choose us:

Experienced Trainers: Learn from professionals with real-world experience.

Practical Learning: Hands-on projects and case studies.

Flexible Schedule: Choose classes that fit your timing.

Placement Assistance: We help you find the right job after course completion.

Certification: Receive a recognized certificate to boost your career.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a short-term and long-term data analytics course depends on your goals, time, and budget. If you want quick skills and job readiness, a short-term course is ideal. If you seek in-depth knowledge and long-term career growth, a long-term course is the better choice.

At Uncodemy, we offer both options to meet your needs. Start your journey in data analytics today and open the door to exciting career opportunities. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about our Data Analytics course in delhi.

Your future in data analytics starts here with Uncodemy!

[avaquava250]

Hi, I just got into tech (actually 1 year in but I still feel like I don't know anything).

I learnt python, R, SQL, Tableau and concepts in Data Structures, Algorithms.

[Just the Basic level of the listed.]

But I can't write my own programs on python or create anything.

I was hella impressed by your microprocessor project, and when I took up tech (ai and data science) I assumed I would do something like that or at least code.

Now, I am just venting but where do I start, how do I make projects what are some interesting projects, what should I learn? A lot of my seniors tell me to have a wide range of knowledge like focus on one thing by depth but add other things. For example: you can study data analytics in depth but have some knowledge in ethical hacking and web development etc. Like an all rounder.

Wow ok a lot to unpack here, I'll get started

Lots of places recommend that you start with Arduino, as there are a lot of good tutorials out there. I somewhat disagree

I think that raspberry pi is better because it's usually a lot cheaper to buy the stuff you want to play around with

But an even cooler way to do it, go to wokwi.com and start a project on a Raspberry Pi Pico (make sure it's the micropython version) and then you can get started there

Google something like "Blink led with Pi Pico micropython" and there will be a tutorial or two

Then, once you've played around for a while you can buy a Pi Pico for very little money and see your stuff work irl!

If you need any more help or have any questions, feel free to DM me and I'll see what I can do

[carolunduke-04]

My Experience with Database Homework Help from DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com

As a student majoring in computer science, managing the workload can be daunting. One of the most challenging aspects of my coursework has been database management. Understanding the intricacies of SQL, ER diagrams, normalization, and other database concepts often left me overwhelmed. That was until I discovered Database Homework Help from DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com. This service has been a lifesaver, providing me with the support and guidance I needed to excel in my studies.

The Initial Struggle

When I first started my database course, I underestimated the complexity of the subject. I thought it would be as straightforward as other programming courses I had taken. However, as the semester progressed, I found myself struggling with assignments and projects. My grades were slipping, and my confidence was waning. I knew I needed help, but I wasn't sure where to turn.

I tried getting assistance from my professors during office hours, but with so many students needing help, the time available was limited. Study groups with classmates were somewhat helpful, but they often turned into social gatherings rather than focused study sessions. I needed a more reliable and structured form of support.

Discovering DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com

One evening, while frantically searching for online resources to understand an especially tricky ER diagram assignment, I stumbled upon DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com. The website promised expert help on a wide range of database topics, from basic queries to advanced database design and implementation. Skeptical but hopeful, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my academic career.

First Impressions

The first thing that struck me about DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com was the user-friendly interface. The website was easy to navigate, and I quickly found the section where I could submit my assignment. The process was straightforward: I filled out a form detailing my assignment requirements, attached the relevant files, and specified the deadline.

Within a few hours, I received a response from one of their database experts. The communication was professional and reassuring. They asked a few clarifying questions to ensure they fully understood my needs, which gave me confidence that I was in good hands.

The Quality of Help

What impressed me the most was the quality of the assistance I received. The expert assigned to my task not only completed the assignment perfectly but also provided a detailed explanation of the solutions. This was incredibly helpful because it allowed me to understand the concepts rather than just submitting the work.

For example, in one of my assignments, I had to design a complex database schema. The expert not only provided a well-structured schema but also explained the reasoning behind each table and relationship. This level of detail helped me grasp the fundamental principles of database design, something I had been struggling with for weeks.

Learning and Improvement

With each assignment I submitted, I noticed a significant improvement in my understanding of database concepts. The experts at DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com were not just solving problems for me; they were teaching me how to solve them myself. They broke down complex topics into manageable parts and provided clear, concise explanations.

I particularly appreciated their help with SQL queries. Writing efficient and effective SQL queries was one of the areas I found most challenging. The expert guidance I received helped me understand how to approach query writing logically. They showed me how to optimize queries for better performance and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Timely Delivery

Another aspect that stood out was their commitment to deadlines. As a student, timely submission of assignments is crucial. DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com always delivered my assignments well before the deadline, giving me ample time to review the work and ask any follow-up questions. This reliability was a significant relief, especially during times when I had multiple assignments due simultaneously.

Customer Support

The customer support team at DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com deserves a special mention. They were available 24/7, and I never had to wait long for a response. Whether I had a question about the pricing, needed to clarify the assignment details, or required an update on the progress, the support team was always there to assist me promptly and courteously.

Affordable and Worth Every Penny

As a student, budget is always a concern. I was worried that professional homework help would be prohibitively expensive. However, I found the pricing at DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com to be reasonable and affordable. They offer different pricing plans based on the complexity and urgency of the assignment, making it accessible for students with varying budgets.

Moreover, considering the quality of help I received and the improvement in my grades, I can confidently say that their service is worth every penny. The value I got from their expert assistance far outweighed the cost.

A Lasting Impact

Thanks to DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com, my grades in the database course improved significantly. But beyond the grades, the most valuable takeaway has been the knowledge and confidence I gained. I now approach database assignments with a clearer understanding and a more structured method. This confidence has also positively impacted other areas of my studies, as I am less stressed and more organized.

Final Thoughts

If you're a student struggling with database management assignments, I highly recommend Database Homework Help from DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com. Their expert guidance, timely delivery, and excellent customer support can make a significant difference in your academic journey. They don’t just provide answers; they help you understand the material, which is crucial for long-term success.

In conclusion, my experience with DatabaseHomeworkHelp.com has been overwhelmingly positive. The support I received has not only helped me improve my grades but also enhanced my overall understanding of database concepts. I am grateful for their assistance and will undoubtedly continue to use their services as I progress through my computer science degree.

[bright-and-burning]

hii i saw you posting about your job and you work with code/data, right?? do you mind explaining a little bit of what you do? i’m a data scientist and i get excited to find fellow computer/data ppl in the wild. (also i’m having a bit of a career crisis and have been wondering what else i could do with my skills lol)

omg hello fellow data person <3 i feel like there’s surprisingly few of us around here (in comparison to the lawyer population of f1blr lol). thinking carefully abt how to explain my job w/o self doxxing akdhskhd. the short answer is i do something different on a monthly (if not weekly) basis basically 😭

(the doing something different all the time is actually kind of wonderful for me personally; when im sick of a project i know ill have like maximum another month of working on it all the time and then im free.)

the long answer is…

i work in the public sector on a research team. we do a LOT of things for only being like. a dozen people. *i* do a lot of things. i work a ton with demographic data, and mobility data, and GIS data (usually all together), to name a few bits and bobs, which is fun. i do a lot of what we call foundational research, which is like. maintaining and improving datasets/databases and tools for quick requests and easy periodic updates for dashboards/reports/etc. i don’t have the subject area expertise/background most of my coworkers have (lots of phds in a field i LOATHED in undergrad lmfao), but i do eat sleep breathe python, so. i ask a lot of silly questions abt acronyms and concepts, and in return they get the analysis they wanted about 10 hours earlier than they expected.

technically speaking i mostly work with python, sql, arcgis, and i guess excel if you wanna count that (although when i have to use excel i get grumpy). i get to write memos w my cute little data visualizations and maps sometimes, and contribute to reports and presentations, but mostly i put out fires, keep the data im responsible for up to date and thriving (i think im at like. four Very Different datasets im in charge of now?? maybe five actually), and fulfill various pull requests

idk what you do rn anon but having had experience in data science in finance… i like this uhhh so much better. i can’t even talk abt the most fun bits of my job bc they’re the most specific LOL but idk in finance i was never gonna be switching between exploring the spatial logic of shifts in employment numbers over time and proving [redacted federal agency’s Very Very Well Known Household Name numbers] wrong to their faces, much less in a two week span.

and at the end of the day i can walk around town and point to physical shit like “oh yeah i helped make this project happen, and i proved the usefulness of This project, and—” (as one mutual who shall not be named knows bc i literally worked on a project that took away their street parking LOL) while also knowing that i’m like. contributing to tangibly helping people (the street parking disappeared for BIKE LANES. OK.)

also the benefits are great. i will shill so hard for government vacation benefits lol. but i also have a lot of friends in data science that do very different things from me, so if you ever wanna slide in the dms i can talk more specifically abt that and more specifically abt what i do. please feel free!!

[iephos]

It’s getting towards the pointy end of the year. It’s so hot and muggy but rainy. Which is good reading / journaling weather!

I’ve been teaching myself SQL to get better at the onerous data tasks at work. My boss seems to recognise my interest in software and wants me to be the point of contact for the contracted analyst who will be arranging a new platform for us.

[aionlinemoney]

The Role of Machine Learning Engineer: Combining Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence has transformed our daily lives in a greater way than we can’t imagine over the past year, Impacting how we work, communicate, and solve problems. Today, Artificial intelligence furiously drives the world in all sectors from daily life to the healthcare industry. In this blog we will learn how machine learning engineer build systems that learn from data and get better over time, playing a huge part in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence is an important field, making it more innovative in every industry. In the blog, we will look career in Machine learning in the field of engineering.

What is Machine Learning Engineering?

Machine Learning engineer is a specialist who designs and builds AI models to make complex challenges easy. The role in this field merges data science and software engineering making both fields important in this field. The main role of a Machine learning engineer is to build and design software that can automate AI models. The demand for this field has grown in recent years. As Artificial intelligence is a driving force in our daily needs, it become important to run the AI in a clear and automated way.

A machine learning engineer creates systems that help computers to learn and make decisions, similar to human tasks like recognizing voices, identifying images, or predicting results. Not similar to regular programming, which follows strict rules, machine learning focuses on teaching computers to find patterns in data and improve their predictions over time.

Responsibility of a Machine Learning Engineer:

Collecting and Preparing Data

Machine learning needs a lot of data to work well. These engineers spend a lot of time finding and organizing data. That means looking for useful data sources and fixing any missing information. Good data preparation is essential because it sets the foundation for building successful models.

Building and Training Models

The main task of Machine learning engineer is creating models that learn from data. Using tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and many more, they build proper algorithms for specific tasks. Training a model is challenging and requires careful adjustments and monitoring to ensure it’s accurate and useful.

Checking Model Performance

When a model is trained, then it is important to check how well it works. Machine learning engineers use scores like accuracy to see model performance. They usually test the model with separate data to see how it performs in real-world situations and make improvements as needed.

Arranging and Maintaining the Model

After testing, ML engineers put the model into action so it can work with real-time data. They monitor the model to make sure it stays accurate over time, as data can change and affect results. Regular updates help keep the model effective.

Working with Other Teams

ML engineers often work closely with data scientists, software engineers, and experts in the field. This teamwork ensures that the machine learning solution fits the business goals and integrates smoothly with other systems.

Important skill that should have to become Machine Learning Engineer:

Programming Languages

Python and R are popular options in machine learning, also other languages like Java or C++ can also help, especially for projects needing high performance.

Data Handling and Processing

Working with large datasets is necessary in Machine Learning. ML engineers should know how to use SQL and other database tools and be skilled in preparing and cleaning data before using it in models.

Machine Learning Structure

ML engineers need to know structure like TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, and sci-kit-learn. Each of these tools has unique strengths for building and training models, so choosing the right one depends on the project.

Mathematics and Statistics

A strong background in math, including calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics, helps ML engineers understand how algorithms work and make accurate predictions.

Why to become a Machine Learning engineer?

A career as a machine learning engineer is both challenging and creative, allowing you to work with the latest technology. This field is always changing, with new tools and ideas coming up every year. If you like to enjoy solving complex problems and want to make a real impact, ML engineering offers an exciting path.

Conclusion 

Machine learning engineer plays an important role in AI and data science, turning data into useful insights and creating systems that learn on their own. This career is great for people who love technology, enjoy learning, and want to make a difference in their lives. With many opportunities and uses, Artificial intelligence is a growing field that promises exciting innovations that will shape our future. Artificial Intelligence is changing the world and we should also keep updated our knowledge in this field, Read AI related latest blogs here.