Teaching Software Engineering

As a software engineering instructor, I’ve taught a diverse group of master’s students with varying technical backgrounds. Not everyone comes in with the same level of expertise. Some have industry experience, some come from completely different fields, and some are writing real code for the first time. I’ve found that catering to the needs of all students requires a different […]

Visiting Vienna in January

Vienna is a city steeped in history and culture, and no trip to the city would be complete without visiting some of its most famous palaces and churches. I decided to go to Vienna at the last minute. I have been there for 3 days. I spent the first day with my cousin, Yusuf Aytas. We have the same name. […]

Pamukkale, Ephesus, Bodrum

On my last visit to Turkey, I had a chance to visit the western part of Turkey, specifically Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Bodrum. I spent a day in each of the cities. I think a day would most likely be enough if you are a fast walker. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its hot springs […]

System Design Interviewing Tips

System design interviews are inherently subjective. Outcomes depend on many factors, including the backgrounds of both the interviewer and the candidate. Even if both have experience in backend systems, their expertise often lies in different domains. It makes direct alignment almost impossible. Over the years, I have conducted countless interviews. I’ve also run plenty of mock design sessions for mentees. […]

Lough Ouler in May

The hike for lough ouler is one of those that can get tricky. The terrain is boggy. It can get slippery. I saw many people lose their balance and go directly into the mud. If you fall into the mud, you may try to balance yourself. Guess what. It gets even worse. You go even deeper. Thus, you should probably […]