So let’s start! Tell us a bit about yourself. For example, name, profession, and personal interests.
My name is Maksim Zemskov, and I am a lead frontend/fullstack software engineer with over 14 years of experience. My expertise primarily lies in frontend development and leading engineering teams.
However, I believe that as a software developer, it is crucial to have a diverse skill set to be an effective team leader and a 10x developer. Therefore, I also have a good understanding of backend development, mobile tech stack, QA practices, DevOps, and trendy AI tools.
My journey into the world of programming began when my parents bought me my first computer at the age of 12. Initially, I used it as a game console, but soon discovered my passion for software development and couldn't get enough of it.
I started working on personal projects such as websites, game modes, and ed2k clients. Eventually, I even landed my first job before attending university.
I have a strong passion for efficiently and creatively solving both user and business needs. This drives me to continuously learn about new technologies, design patterns, and best practices.
Currently, I am expanding my knowledge by learning the Rust programming language in order to build frontend tooling based on Rust.
Recently, I have also taken on the roles of a tech writer and conference speaker. This has been a significant challenge for me, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. It is this activity that has brought me here, to Hackernoon!
Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top story about?
It's the 3rd part of my series on achieving ultimate type safety in projects using TypeScript. It has now garnered over 9k reads, which means a lot to me.
The main focus of this article is the inclusion of the any type in TypeScript, which can often undermine the benefits of using TypeScript. The article delves into various approaches to regain control over the any type in TypeScript projects, thus unlocking the full potential of TypeScript.
Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about?
My blog here on HackerNoon focuses on frontend development challenges that I have learned how to efficiently solve over the years. This includes topics such as building large-scale projects, system design, patterns and best practices, tips and tricks, deep dives into tooling and technologies, and more.
Although frontend development is my main area of expertise, I do not limit myself to it. Perhaps someday, I will write about topics related to other areas of development or about my experience leading a team.
Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)
I have a large backlog of story ideas that I keep track of on a page in Notion. Whenever a new article idea comes to mind, I add it to this backlog. I often get new ideas while taking walks with my dog or when I'm faced with a challenging task at work.
When I have some free time, my first priority is to organize my backlog of ideas. The goal is to select a set of topics that I believe will be most beneficial for the community and that I personally would enjoy writing about. Usually, 3-5 ideas stand out from the rest, and I begin working on them.
During the ideation process, I start by formulating the key message that I want the reader to take away from each article. I ask myself questions like:
- Why do I want to write about this particular topic? This helps me understand my motivation and refine the key message.
- What will the reader learn or be able to do after reading my article?
- Who would be interested in the chosen topic?
- What specific information should be included in the article to convey the key message?
- What irrelevant details should I avoid discussing in the context of the chosen topic?
By answering these questions, I note down key points for each article idea. Afterward, I choose one to write about at a time.
My article preparation mainly involves four steps:
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Come up with a title that reflects the key message of the article and grabs the reader's attention among other articles.
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Create the structure of the article by writing headings and key points for each section.
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Write the final text based on the prepared points.
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Find an image for the article that helps the reader make an association and remember the material they have read.
These steps often spread out over time, sometimes even months, depending on my workload for work-related tasks and personal activities.
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?
One of the biggest challenges for me is choosing which idea from my backlog to write about next. I have accumulated numerous ideas, and I am eager to share my experience and knowledge by writing about all of them.
However, as writing is just a personal hobby of mine, I often find myself lacking the time for this activity. Therefore, I must decide what to write about now and what I may never have the opportunity to write about. This can be quite a difficult decision to make.
What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?
I am going to continue expanding my knowledge and skills in the field of software engineering.
Moreover, I would like to engage in significant international projects, collaborating alongside skilled developers and professionals from around the globe. I hope this will allow me to make a significant contribution to the information technology industry, as well as create products that will help millions of people make their lives easier and more enjoyable.
Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?
I often find myself spending entire evenings watching YouTube videos and TV series with my family.
Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?
Well, learning new things is my favorite hobby. In addition to my professional activities, I have picked up a few skills over the past few years. These include playing tennis, playing table tennis, delving into the world of finance and investing, learning about several different cultures, and more.
In addition, I enjoy watching movies, particularly those in the dystopian and science fiction genres. I occasionally engage in activities such as swimming, snowboarding, biking, and scootering. I have a passion for playing board games and staying updated on car innovations and new gadgets. When I have spare time, I also play computer games.
What can the HackerNoon community expect to read from you next?
I plan to write more about building large-scale frontend projects, solving architectural problems, creating and effectively applying development tools, tuning web performance, and system design. Stay tuned!
What’s your opinion on HackerNoon as a platform for writers?
I've tried multiple platforms for my personal blog, and I can confidently say that HackerNoon has the most convenient editor and a unique vibe that is truly magnificent. Additionally, the editorial support is exceptional, and I greatly appreciate it.
Thanks for taking time to join our “Meet the writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?
I'm thrilled to be a part of the HackerNoon community. I believe that maintaining curiosity and adaptability in the tech world is crucial, as it is constantly evolving. I am excited to keep exploring technologies and sharing my insights with the readers of HackerNoon. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!