Meet the Writer: HackerNoon's Contributor Aayush Naik, Software Engineer @ Apple

So, let’s start! Tell us a bit about yourself. For example, name, profession, and personal interests.

Hey there! I am Aayush, a Software Engineer at Apple. I am a generalized specialist with expertise in backend software design, machine learning, and robotics. Additionally, I have a solid working knowledge in DevOps, frontend development, and UX design, making me versatile and well-equipped to contribute across a broad range of technological domains.

Like many folks from my generation, I got into computer science (CS) because of video games. But I got into it earlier than most: at age two. I started playing video games (Prince of Persia 1, Dangerous Dave) because they were a convenient distraction when my mom had to feed her cranky toddler. Soon enough, as soon as I could conceptualize what a job or career was, I wanted to be a video game designer. Although the video game designer dream fizzled out, my interest in CS did not. Fast forward 20+ years, and now I’m a software engineer (to no one’s surprise).

Outside office hours, I meditate, take violin lessons, do calisthenics, read, work on side projects, and write on my newsletter blog.

Interesting! What was your latest HackerNoon Top story about?

My latest HackerNoon Top story was about the State software design pattern. In it, we used the State design pattern to create a simple program capable of writing an infinitely long essay. It also became a HackerNoon trending story a week after publishing, which was wonderful.

Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about?

The HackerNoon Top story was only my second story on HackerNoon. So, it is difficult to say what I “usually” write about. With that said, some common themes around my tech writing have been Python and Software Design.

I started my online writing journey ten months ago with Anticynical, a personal blog with the tagline “Building a psychological and philosophical operating system for a rapidly changing world.” Since I explore many optimist, techno-optimist, and futurist themes in Anticynical, I believe some of my non-software engineering writing could also be a good fit for HackerNoon.

Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)

I usually spend the first 60-90 minutes of my day on some deep creative work, like writing or other side projects. I also usually spend a few more hours during the weekend to write.

I believe that along with meditation and exercise, writing regularly is a true “S-tier” habit for a better quality of life.

Being a writer in tech can be a challenge. It’s not often our main role, but an addition to another one. What is the biggest challenge you have when it comes to writing?

Promoting writing as a practice in companies and teams where writing is not such a strong part of the culture. It can be an uphill battle trying to evangelize writing good documentation, design documents, and other resources. It is challenging but worth the effort.

What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?

Write more prolifically with higher quality. Build skills towards starting my company.

Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?

Although I’ve tried to deny it for a long time, my undeniable guilty pleasure is shopping. Not window shopping or buying stuff just for the sake of buying. But I love buying cool stuff that makes my life more convenient, like smart lights and non-iron clothes.

Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?

I have quite a few. I write non-tech stuff for fun. I play the violin (I started taking violin lessons two years ago). I do calisthenics, read, and listen to podcasts.

What can the HackerNoon community expect to read from you next?

On the tech side, I’d love to write articles at the intersection of software design and AI. Also, write more about Python.

On the non-tech side, I want to explore writing about “anti-cynical” stuff — how we can be more optimistic and less cynical about the future.

What’s your opinion on HackerNoon as a platform for writers?

I’m relatively new, but I’m liking it a lot so far. The second human rule is a great heuristic.

Thanks for taking time to join our “Meet the writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?

Thanks for having me.