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