Tech Trends & Industry

Side Project Tech Choices I Regret (And What I'd Do Now)

January 25, 2025 2 min read By Amey Lokare

🎯 The Mistakes

We all make bad tech choices. Here are mine and what I learned.

❌ What I Regret

1. Over-Engineering

I built a simple app with microservices, Kubernetes, and complex infrastructure. It was a weekend project that didn't need any of that.

What I'd do now: Start with a monolith. Split only when you have a real need.

2. New Framework Every Time

I tried a new framework for every project. Spent more time learning than building.

What I'd do now: Stick with what I know. Learn new things when I have time, not during projects.

3. No Database Planning

I started with SQLite, then migrated to PostgreSQL, then added Redis. Should have planned from the start.

What I'd do now: Pick the right database from day one. PostgreSQL for most things.

4. Skipping Tests

I skipped tests to ship faster. Then spent days debugging production issues.

What I'd do now: Write tests from the start. They save time in the long run.

5. Premature Optimization

I optimized for scale before I had users. Wasted time on problems I didn't have.

What I'd do now: Optimize when you have real problems, not theoretical ones.

💡 Lessons

  • Start simple
  • Use what you know
  • Plan the basics (database, hosting)
  • Write tests
  • Optimize later

💭 My Take

Bad tech choices are part of learning. The key is recognizing them and not repeating them.

Start boring. Add excitement only when you need it.

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