Well, it's both. The benefit of cloud is that you pay by usage so when usage is lower you pay less. It's not the cheapest way to get up and running but if you need to scale up and down quickly, AWS/Azure can do that. Azure is (generally speaking) cheaper than AWS for Microsoft licensed products like Windows and SQL Server but AWS is cheaper FOR other stuff like Linux and MySQL.

I'd also add that taking a look at W3Schools Online Web Tutorials[^] can be a fun little exercise. It tends to be really basic level stuff, but you can take a look at a lot of varied technologies to see if any catch your eye. Then you can do research from there.

When I die, I'd prefer to go like my grandfather did: peacefully in my sleep. Not screaming in terror like his passengers. -Bob

Yes, agreed. Each framework solves one maybe two valuable problems. You know it's going to suck when the people making the call ignore all that and just pick the popular new shiny thing, so people will like them more. Sure guys, let's do a single page app in a jazzy .ts framework.. only to chew it up and spit it out as thousands of different pages served as static files with no binding whatsoever. Great job guys, you sure captured the design philosophy of that framework! Odd thing that all our frontend devs are now running away, though. Very odd that.

One of my favorites! Will Rogers never met me.

1. How do they know your age? 2. How do they know you're not a "big" firm? I used to "job hop" - never spent longer than 30 months in any one job. Then I found an employer I really got on well with - myself! Been working for myself for 27 years now - and during that time have had contracts lasting 5 - 7 years (usually part-time, running concurrently with others). When going for work, there's no reason for a client to find out how old I am. I put that I have a degree in such-and-such from so-and-so, but no need to put a date. It's not relevant. I list contracts that are relevant to what I'm going for (either technically, or industry, or role) and explain how I gave great value to a client. That "value add" is equally relevant whether it happened last year or 20 years ago. I pick and choose which assignments I list, and don't even necessarily give them in the "right" sequence. Totally truthful, totally tailored to illustrate why the potential client needs me. I'm the "Principal Consultant" for my company, they have no need to know there are zero "junior consultants", accountants, marketing people or cleaners. That's not who they're hiring - they're hiring me and the skills that they need. Have multiple email addresses: sales@..., support@... as well as Eddie@... All route to same inbox but it helps you prioritise your email. They'll just be impressed that they're talking with the head honcho. Again, I'm not hiding anything, but it's simply irrelevant. Go get ISO9001 certified - it's really not that hard once you get the concepts. Have that on your letterhead / business card / website and they'll not believe that you're a one-man band. If / when they actually get to meet you, they'll be even more impressed, because you'll have rocked their expectations :) Telegraph marker posts ... nothing to do with IT Phasmid email discussion group ... also nothing to do with IT Beekeeping and honey site ... still nothing to do with IT

I refuse to answer. This seems like a catch question. :suss: "If we don't change direction, we'll end up where we're going"

I look at it differently (typical of a Navy Nuc with ADHD - we ain’t quite right in the head 😆). I find a rhythm that works, that gets me at my most productive in a way that helps me get the most satisfaction out of my work. That becomes the routine I strive for each day. It is a macro approach to what I do. In the specific implementations of what I do, I find patterns that not only help me do my work better now, but over the long term. That is my micro approach to what I do, which are my habits. For me, the two are rarely related directly. But they do provide me with better productivity, better quality, a better way to improve my SDLC, and get more enjoyment from my work. When the unplanned for things of daily life occur, I adapt my routine (and occasionally my habits) and overcome whatever obstacles they provide.

Yikes, I've not been in job hunting mode for a looooong time. Hopefully, I'll never need to navigate that swamp. "the debugger doesn't tell me anything because this code compiles just fine" - random QA comment "Facebook is where you tell lies to your friends. Twitter is where you tell the truth to strangers." - chriselst "I don't drink any more... then again, I don't drink any less." - Mike Mullikins uncle

Unfortunately, my monitor is so old I doubt it is still available. I have switched to "dark mode" which I never used before, and it is sort of OK. Also, I think your signature is wonderful. See mine below. Every morning that I wake up, is a Great Day!