Bilyal Mestanov

Antoniya Ivanova

Data Enrichment Services for B2B-cover photo

Milush-photo

AI tools-cover photo

Bansko 2023

Radoslav

devops-cover photo

freelance vs agency

Emil Kirilov

Deyan Denchev

QA-3-cover photo

 Livewire-cover photo

Olek

Mira

web scrapping-cover photo

it-diploma-cover photo

CTO & Co-Founder

Milush Karadimov

Software Developer

Radoslav Kosev

QA Engineer

CEO & Co-Founder

Web Developer

Mira Ereeva

Growth Manager

Oleksandr Suprun

Junior Full-stack Developer

PHP Developer

In the digital age, where information is at our fingertips, the efficiency of retrieving data from the web has become paramount. To address the challenges posed by data retrieval, web scraping, and crawling have emerged as essential techniques. Let's delve into web scraping and crawling, exploring their benefits, intricacies, and potential pitfalls.

## Navigating the Data Labyrinth

Web scraping involves extracting specific information from websites by parsing the HTML and other relevant data. It allows applications to access up-to-date information from the web without relying on manual input. 

### Benefits of Web Scraping

__Real-time Data__

Web scraping ensures that applications always have access to the latest data without the delay associated with manual updates.

__Automation__

By automating data collection, web scraping saves valuable time and resources that can be allocated to more critical tasks.

__Customization__

Scraping allows you to extract only the necessary data, eliminating the need to sift through irrelevant information.

__Competitive Insights__

Businesses can gain a competitive edge by monitoring competitors' websites for pricing, product details, and other market insights.

__Comprehensive Indexing__

Crawlers explore the entire web, indexing a wide range of content for users to search.

__Timely Updates__

Crawlers revisit websites periodically, ensuring the current indexed content.

__Structured Data__

Crawlers organize information in a structured manner, making it easier for search engines to retrieve relevant results.

### Challenges and Considerations

__Server Load and Rate Limiting__

Frequent crawling can strain website servers, potentially affecting their performance and leading to access restrictions. Websites protect themselves from being overwhelmed by requests by imposing rate limits or blocking IP addresses exhibiting suspicious behavior.

__Legal and Ethical Concerns__

Some websites prohibit scraping through their terms of use. It's crucial to respect the website's policies and not overload its servers with excessive requests.

__Duplicate Content__

Crawlers might inadvertently index the same content, leading to inaccurate search results.

__Data Integrity__

One challenge lies in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the harvested data. Websites may update their structure or content, leading to data extraction errors. Additionally, ensuring that the scraped data is legally and ethically sourced is of utmost importance.

__Website Structure__

Websites often change their structure, which can break scraping scripts. Regular maintenance is necessary to adapt to such changes. Websites often use dynamic content-loading mechanisms like JavaScript, which can complicate the scraping process. Extracting data from such sources requires more advanced techniques to correctly interpret and capture the information.

### Conclusion

Scraping and crawling web pages are essential methods for optimizing web searches. They allow us to access up-to-date information from the Internet without manual input. However, it is crucial to be aware of the problems and considerations associated with these methods, such as website structure, legal and ethical issues, and data quality. By following best practices, web scraping and crawling can be used to efficiently and effectively extract data from the Internet.


Lexis Solutions explores the significance of web scraping and crawling in the digital age.

Optimizing Web Data Retrieval: Web Scraping and Crawling

## The mountains were calling us

Lexis Solutions has just celebrated its sixth anniversary! We added one more year of hard work, constant laughter, and indulging in office-baked goods a bit more than we should've. So we treated ourselves to an unforgettable getaway in the city of Bansko, among Bulgaria's majestic mountains.

![lexis team 1](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/20Chpf9lKapSlEe177ZYHI/008090b42a1363505694c1e72693a472/368345149_685406642969575_5658398649408658154_n.jpeg)

## Journeying through nature's beauty

The breathtaking landscapes of the Bulgarian mountains set the stage for an unforgettable experience. We started our hike from Vihren Chalet and visited the magnificent lakes around. 

![planina](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/15i8mVhdkGwZBZlafFydKn/b7d0889add2f15689e6f21ecf4c57125/IMG_2202.jpg)

![pirin](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/13a4Tv4TjZ2Spg1te2t6Ag/a2c85e017c51e4af58d8fa444fc57dcb/IMG_2210.jpg)

## The spirit of sportsmanship

Sport has always been a crucial part of Lexis Solutions, so a friendly football match brought out the team's competitive spirit as we kicked up the dust and scored goals.

![football](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/7tdCSN5TdKjbhBi2qs4XII/9756b7d4080fc745cc12befe97fee984/IMG_20230819_100945__1_.jpg)

## The Airsoft challenge

An unexpected highlight was the airsoft battles, where another friendly competition took on a new dimension.

![air force](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/5Rj3dBvEqlFbtZLf6dKFZp/e6c06c804168046d127baacdf8e93c30/IMG_1983.jpg)

![air force 2](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/5vjXsktQpwTLAiw20OU72e/deb9b959b2e4a380596a8fbd780b6112/IMG_1981.jpg)

Between the planned activities, we had fun with various games and enjoyed the spa at the hotel where we were staying. And, of course, the Lexis team did not miss the opportunity to delight in the flavors of our typical cuisine. 

![lexis team 2](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/1OMtzXXB9RNH1V8vdTJlgs/6e8856832011b5b0c7874ec14a2d4706/IMG_2213.jpg)

In the heart of the Bulgarian mountains, Lexis Solutions found more than just an escape; we found a journey of growth, unity, and unforgettable moments. This getaway showcased that a team that plays together grows and succeeds together.


Celebrating 6 incredible years at Lexis Solutions with a mountain retreat in Bulgaria's breathtaking Bansko! 

In the Heart of the Mountains: A Lexis Solutions getaway


In this article, I will discuss the benefits of using DevOps-as-a-Service (DaaS) over traditional DevOps practices, as seen from our experience at Lexis Solutions. We have had positive and negative experiences when choosing the right cloud infrastructure for our clients, and I will elaborate on that aspect. 

![DevOps Model Diagram White](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/3KYDjKJany5HOEGpsTeLNi/086189db672a520641233250d0e2656c/Screenshot_2023-08-09_at_13.27.53.png)
(source: [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/devops/what-is-devops/#:~:text=DevOps%20is%20the%20combination%20of,development%20and%20infrastructure%20management%20processes.))

To quote AWS's Model definition directly, it is the combination of practices and tools that increase an organization's ability to deliver applications and services at high velocity: evolving and improving products faster than companies using traditional software development and infrastructure management. This speed enables organizations to serve customers better and compete more effectively in the market.

## DevOps vs. DaaS

In that regard, the traditional DevOps Model applies to mostly in-house infrastructure management. This means hiring and managing a dedicated team, purchasing and setting up servers, and configuring everything from the ground up to meet one's business needs.

On the other side, DaaS is mainly cloud-based, with many possible layers of functionality, abstraction, and "ease of use" focus.

It integrates selected elements of DevOps tools into one comprehensive system to enhance collaboration, monitoring, management, and reporting. This service model contrasts with the in-house toolchain approach, where the DevOps team employs a disjointed set of individual tools.

DaaS is an attractive solution for businesses lacking in-house DevOps knowledge or the financial resources to train employees in these skills. It streamlines the intricate process of managing data and information flows throughout the chain. With this method, various members and teams participating in the process can use user-friendly interfaces to access necessary tools without the need for a complete understanding of the whole toolchain. For instance, using the same DevOps as a Service system, a developer can utilize source code management tools, a tester can access application performance management tools, and the IT operations team can implement changes using more top-level configuration management settings. This setup enables team-wide monitoring and reporting on activities.

Unlike traditional DevOps, DaaS focuses more on the end result and the complete process, from code compilation to production deployment.

## Popular DevOps service providers

### Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has carved out a substantial space in this domain, building a robust global network for virtually hosting some of the world's most complex IT environments. Key to their suite are AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodePipeline, and AWS CodeDeploy - a trinity of services designed to manage continuous cloud delivery. These services offer accessible solutions that enable a secure, scalable, continuous delivery model in the cloud, making migration to the cloud a worthwhile consideration for many organizations.

Even more, many platforms competing for a slice of this market choose to integrate some AWS tools to offer their own packaged DevOps solutions.

### Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) also boasts a global network and an ever-growing list of capabilities. The StackDriver suite of development tools, GCP Deployment Manager, and GCP Cloud Console constitute a robust set of offerings to manage the cloud-based continuous delivery cycle. These tools and the platform's ability to support complete cloud development solutions for various platforms make GCP a strong contender in the DevOps sphere.

### Microsoft Azure

Microsoft's Azure enters the scene with various interoperable tools to manage the cloud environment. As a cloud management platform, Azure offers a complete set of tools such as Azure App Service, Azure DevTest Labs, and Azure Stack. With a long-standing presence in the IT industry, Azure may offer the most seamless transition to hybrid or full cloud environments for organizations already using Microsoft products and services.

### Digital Ocean

Digital Ocean is another platform that we at Lexis Solutions use quite often. They offer a more "lean" approach with configurable and optimized out-of-the-box tools for quick time-to-market needs. Their App Platform is convenient for deploying web services from a GitHub repository while offering scalability and load-balancing solutions. Their ecosystem has grown continuously in the last few years while offering competitive pricing, a combination ideal for start-up caliber projects.

Since July this year, we have also officially partnered with Digital Ocean, which grants our clients [$200 credit for usage](https://m.do.co/c/3bf6bdecf36f).

## Different varieties of DaaS

One thing to note is that DaaS may refer to a broader range of possible services. On the one hand, there are platforms like the ones described in the previous section. On the other - IT teams that offer DevOps services and know-how, including in-house integrations. Teams may even partner with a platform for more complete and flexible solutions. 

As mentioned earlier, we have an established partnership with Digital Ocean at Lexis Solutions and have successfully set up environments for multiple clients there. Although we are not letting ourselves be limited to a single provider. 

For example, there have been client specifications that required us to integrate with specific third-party APIs. The App Platform that Digital Ocean offers makes it relatively easy to deploy production-ready software on  quick notice. The main drawback there, however, is a lack of a static IP address of the environment due to how the continuous delivery is implemented on their side. This limitation meant that the third party's API couldn't whitelist our setup for authorization, so we had to consider other options.

Examples such as these illustrate limitations that some packaged solutions may have, but also how turning to a team might save extra effort and costs by tailoring for the specific case.

## DaaS considerations

The general speed from software implementation to production deployment is the main benefit and potential cost-saving from not relying on an internal DevOps team. This is, of course, of significant importance to emerging businesses and startups. However, one may also encounter challenges later down the road.

First, there might be security risks if the DaaS provider fails to adhere to security protocols. Next to consider is the limited control over one's setup - platforms may encapsulate their services, allowing for partial control only. 

In conclusion, a mixed approach between an automated cloud setup and hiring an IT team for consulting is the best of both worlds. Either part-time or for an extended period, an external team could guide you and help with unforeseen challenges later down the road of your business growth. 


DevOps as a Service is an emerging philosophy that aims to assist application development by further expanding upon automation practices.

The Emergence of DevOps-as-a-Service

Over the past year, here at Lexis Solutions, we have been growing our offerings in the custom data solutions space. Having worked on numerous initiatives, we've expanded into data integrations, data acquisition, data aggregation, and sentiment analysis to achieve our clients' diverse needs. In this article, we’ll look at one of the core data services we provide - data enrichment.

## What is Data Enrichment?

Data enrichment refers to enhancing existing data by adding valuable and relevant information. The goal is to enrich the data, making it more comprehensive, accurate, and actionable.

Data enrichment involves various techniques and methodologies, such as appending missing information, standardizing data formats, validating data accuracy, and integrating multiple data sources. This process results in a more complete and valuable dataset that can deliver significant insights.

Data enrichment involves augmenting existing data with additional information from external sources. This includes demographic details, geographic information, firmographics, social media data, purchasing behavior patterns, etc. By adding these extra dimensions to the data, businesses gain a more comprehensive understanding of their customers, allowing them to tailor their strategies, improve customer experiences, and drive growth.

For example, a retail company may enrich customer data by integrating social media. By analyzing customers' social media activity, the company can gain insights into their interests, preferences, and influencers they follow. This information can then be used to create personalized marketing campaigns, recommend products that align with customers' interests, and build stronger relationships.

Data enrichment is not limited to customer data. A manufacturing company may enrich its product data by appending detailed specifications, images, and customer reviews. This enriched product data can be used to improve inventory management, optimize pricing strategies, and enhance the customer experience.

## The Importance of Data Enrichment in Today's Business Landscape

In the digital age, businesses are generating vast amounts of data. However, more than raw data is needed to extract meaningful insights. With proper enrichment, companies can make decisions based on complete or updated information, hindering their growth potential.

Data enrichment plays a crucial role in ensuring data quality. By cleansing and enriching data, businesses can minimize inaccuracies and inconsistencies arising from human errors, data entry mistakes, or outdated information. Clean and reliable data is the foundation for practical analysis and decision-making.

Furthermore, data enrichment enables businesses to unlock the true power of business intelligence. Companies can gain deeper insights into market trends, customer preferences, and emerging opportunities by integrating external data sources and enriching internal datasets. This valuable intelligence can drive marketing strategies, optimize operations, and foster innovation.

Moreover, data enrichment facilitates better decision-making. Enriched data provides a holistic view of customers, allowing businesses to personalize their offerings, anticipate customer needs, and provide tailored experiences. This level of understanding empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions that boost customer satisfaction, enhance their competitive edge, and drive revenue growth.

Data enrichment is an ongoing process. As new data becomes available and business needs evolve, organizations must enrich their datasets to stay ahead of the competition continuously. By investing in data enrichment, businesses can unlock the full potential of their data and gain a competitive advantage in today's data-driven business landscape.

## Data Enrichment Services Use Cases

### Enhancing Data Quality

Data enrichment services are instrumental in enhancing data quality. Data cleaning processes rectify duplicate entries, inaccurate information, and inconsistencies. By standardizing data formats and validating data accuracy, businesses can ensure their data is reliable and consistent, enabling more accurate analysis and decision-making.

Retail companies collect customer data through various channels, including online purchases, in-store transactions, and loyalty programs. With data enrichment services, this company may end up with multiple entries for the customer, making it easier to analyze behavior. The company can identify duplicate entries by utilizing data enrichment services and creating a comprehensive profile for each customer. This improves data quality and provides a holistic view of customer interactions and preferences.

In addition to eliminating duplicate entries, data enrichment services can rectify inaccurate information. For instance, if a customer's address is misspelled or incomplete, data enrichment services can validate and correct the address based on reliable sources, such as postal databases. This ensures the company has accurate and up-to-date customer information, crucial for effective communication and personalized marketing efforts.

### Boosting Business Intelligence

Data enrichment services play a crucial role in boosting business intelligence capabilities. Businesses can enrich their internal data by integrating external data sources, such as market research reports, social media insights, and public databases, creating a comprehensive view of their industry, target market, and customers.

Imagine a technology company that wants to launch a new product in a specific market segment. The company can better analyze market research reports, industry trends, and competitor data by leveraging data enrichment services to understand the target market's needs and preferences. This enriched intelligence allows the company to tailor its product features, pricing, and marketing strategies to align with the market's demands, increasing the chances of success.

In addition to external data sources, data enrichment services can leverage social media insights to provide valuable information about customer sentiment, preferences, and behavior. By analyzing social media conversations and trends, businesses can identify emerging opportunities, monitor brand reputation, and engage with customers in a more targeted and personalized manner.

### Facilitating Better Decision Making

Data enrichment services facilitate better decision-making by giving businesses a deeper understanding of their customers and target market. With enriched data, companies can segment customers more effectively, identify their unique needs, and develop personalized marketing strategies.

Let's consider an e-commerce company that sells a wide range of products. The company can analyze customer purchase history, browsing behavior, and demographic information by utilizing data enrichment services to create customer segments based on preferences and interests. This segmentation allows the company to tailor its product recommendations, promotional offers, and marketing campaigns to each customer segment, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and conversion rates.

Furthermore, data enrichment services enable businesses to track and analyze customer interactions across multiple touchpoints, such as website visits, email communications, and social media engagements. This comprehensive view of customer interactions helps businesses identify patterns, preferences, and pain points, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that align with customer expectations and drive business growth.

## Key Components of Data Enrichment Services

### Data Cleaning

Data cleaning is a fundamental feature of data enrichment services. It involves identifying and rectifying errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies within datasets. Businesses can improve data quality and reliability by removing duplicate entries, standardizing data formats, and validating data accuracy.

### Data Integration

Data integration is another essential aspect of data enrichment services. It involves consolidating data from multiple internal and external sources to create a comprehensive, unified dataset. By integrating data silos, businesses can gain a holistic view of their operations, customers, and market, facilitating more accurate analysis and decision-making.

### Data Validation

Data validation is an integral part of data enrichment services. It involves verifying the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data. By running validation checks, businesses can ensure that their data is reliable and error-free, enabling confident decision-making based on accurate information.

## Choosing the Right Data Enrichment Service Provider

When selecting a data enrichment service provider, several factors should be considered. 

Firstly, consider the provider's experience and expertise in data enrichment. Look for a provider that offers a wide range of enrichment techniques and has a proven track record of delivering high-quality results. Some good places to check for reputation are [Clutch](https://clutch.co/profile/lexis-solutions) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexis-solutions).

Secondly, consider the provider's data sources and data coverage. Ensure that the service provider has access to diverse and reliable data sources covering various aspects relevant to your business. It’s best if the provider has partnerships with data acquisition platforms to give you guidance and discounts on your usage, such as our partnership with [Apify](https://www.apify.com/?fpr=zia2s).

Thirdly, consider the scalability and flexibility of the provider's solutions. As your business grows, your data needs may evolve. Choose a provider that can accommodate changing data requirements and scale their services accordingly. Usually, small companies can offer greater flexibility and better pricing.

In conclusion, data enrichment services hold immense potential for businesses looking to unlock the power of their data. By understanding the concept of data enrichment, exploring its importance in today's business landscape, and recognizing its key features and benefits, businesses can make informed decisions to leverage data enrichment services effectively. By choosing the right data enrichment service provider and learning from success stories through case studies, companies can harness the power of data enrichment to drive growth, enhance customer experiences, and stay ahead in today's competitive business environment.


Diving into data enrichment as a service, why it’s important, and how it drives business growth by unlocking the full potential of their data.

Data Enrichment Services for B2B: Maximizing the Value of Your Data

Imagine having a brilliant business idea bubbling with potential, just waiting to become a reality. But there's a catch: you need a developer to make it happen. The problem is the world is brimming with freelancers and development companies, all claiming to be the key to your dreams.  

When it comes to outsourcing, the path ahead can be murky. Hiring a freelancer is a different ballgame than enlisting a software development agency. An agency boasts a powerhouse team of specialized experts with unique skill sets. On the other hand, a freelancer may offer cost savings and flexibility. So, what path should you take when faced with the dilemma of freelancer vs. [software development agency](https://www.lexis.solutions/services/react-native-development)? Your decision today holds the power to shape the future success of your project.

Sorting through these choices can feel overwhelming. But fear not! Let's embark on another of Lexis Solutions' journeys to demystify the selection process.

The agency vs. freelancer quandary may appear deceptively simple, yet its implications must be balanced. Making the correct choice between an agency and a freelancer can transform your final product, for better or worse. So, let's dive headfirst and explore the ideal fit for your project.

## Embrace the freedom

When it comes to freelance developers, they operate in a world of boundless possibilities, offering not just one but three unique modes of engagement. Picture this: they can sign temporary contracts, take freelance gigs, or work remotely full-time. However, like any endeavor, there are risks to be mindful of when collaborating with freelancers, particularly as they juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

### Cost efficiency

The allure of freelance development lies in its ability to provide exceptional value for your investment. Freelancers, armed with nothing more than a trusty computer and an endless supply of caffeine, keep their expenses low and, as a result, offer rates significantly lower than those of software agencies. But remember, cost efficiency doesn't necessarily mean your entire project will come at a reduced price when you hire a freelancer.

### Revel in unparalleled flexibility

Many freelancers embrace working beyond traditional hours and remain responsive to communication. Liberated from the constraints of others' schedules, they can often work with unmatched adaptability, leading to quicker project delivery.

### Harness specialization

Freelancers are masters of their craft, honing their expertise in specific domains. Before bringing a freelancer on board, it's essential to carefully examine their portfolio to understand their specialized skill set. While some freelancers may tout themselves as Jacks-of-all-trades, we all know that true mastery lies in specialization. You can unlock remarkable results by aligning your unique talents with your project's requirements.

### The bad points

While the realm of freelance developers offers enticing advantages, it's crucial to be aware of the potential drawbacks that lurk beneath the surface. Let's shed light on the cons associated with working with freelancers:

### Questionable work quality 

Not all freelancers prioritize the quality of their deliverables. Generic platforms like Upwork need more rigorous vetting processes for their listed freelancers. This means you may encounter individuals solely driven by quick cash, rushing through projects without paying attention to the level of craftsmanship. For such freelancers, reputational risks hold little importance, as they can easily create new accounts or work anonymously.
Heightened risks

Freelancers present inherent risks due to their solitary nature. Even if your chosen freelance developer is highly reliable, unforeseen circumstances can disrupt your project. Without a contingency plan, your project may come to a screeching halt. It's essential to consider the potential consequences and have measures to mitigate those risks.

### Organizational challenges

Working with freelancers can introduce complexities as they juggle multiple clients simultaneously. This increased workload can lead to errors and delays in your product's development. It's crucial to clearly understand your freelancer's capabilities and establish realistic deadlines to minimize the chances of misunderstandings or poor outcomes.

### Vanishing acts

All terms and conditions have been meticulously defined, payments have been made, and the project is ready to take off. Suddenly, your chosen developer disappears into thin air. It may sound like a nightmare, but it's a scenario that can occur if you engage with unreliable freelance platforms or individual contractors lacking the proper means to ensure timely and consistent delivery.

## The triumphs of an agency

A successful outsourcing business typically has a diverse team of experts, including web/mobile app developers, testers, product managers, content creators, designers, analysts, and more. When you hire a development agency, you gain access to a professional support system that can handle all your work efficiently. Their reliability and accountability ensure adherence to work processes and procedures while prioritizing security.
Seamless teamwork

An agency is a pre-established team that has spent years refining its development strategies. While freelancers may not guarantee cooperation, agency employees work together seamlessly daily, fostering unparalleled teamwork and collaboration. Their familiarity with each other's strengths, weaknesses, and work habits enables them to navigate significant challenges effortlessly. No matter how many freelancers you hire, they won't match the level of cooperation an agency guarantees.

### Extensive expertise

The primary reason agencies cover more ground is their larger workforce. Even the most talented individual can only possess limited knowledge, making an agency more valuable when your project requires diverse areas of expertise. Each employee can specialize in a specific development phase, eliminating the need to search for additional resources. Furthermore, agencies can provide long-term benefits like maintenance, marketing, feature enhancements, and other valuable services by overseeing your product from start to finish.

### Superior quality

Freelancers generally produce high-quality work, but agencies often adhere to even more rigorous quality standards. While freelancers may complete a project without consideration, agencies employ strict review and QA processes. Additionally, freelancers usually need more resources available to agencies for thorough testing. How many independent freelancers have multiple phones for testing purposes?

### Ongoing maintenance & support

Reputable agencies prioritize building long-term customer relationships and upselling additional services. As a result, they are always ready to offer maintenance services, bug fixes, functionality modifications, and other refinements to the products they create or maintain.

### Accurate development estimation

Since most vendors charge hourly, knowing the time required to implement specific functionality by hiring a top software development company can eliminate concerns about unpredictable expenses is crucial. They usually have a well-defined project estimation process, accurately determining the development time required for each feature. And hiring a software development company is an excellent choice for startups and large corporations seeking unique skills, specific timelines, and a reliable contractor committed to project completion.

## Unveiling potential pitfalls

### Beware of hidden costs

When outsourcing software development, be mindful of potential hidden costs. Read the contract the software development company offers. Pay attention to any fine print that may reveal unexpected expenses.

Furthermore, remember that cheaper sometimes doesn’t mean better, especially for complex projects like software development. Opting for offshore developers with lower hourly rates may seem enticing initially, but it could result in higher costs in the long run. Conversely, although some developers may appear expensive initially, they may complete the project more efficiently, ultimately reducing the total cost.

### Increased security and business risks

While reputable software development companies pose minimal risks, hiring the wrong talent can complicate matters. Since software often collects users' data, mishandling or data breaches can have severe consequences. Consider the case of Meta, which was fined $276 million for a data leak impacting millions of Facebook users. Such incidents can be catastrophic for startups and small to medium businesses operating on limited budgets. Additionally, developers are at risk of mishandling sensitive information or intellectual property related to your project.

### Quality control challenges

Failure to properly vet software development companies can lead to partnering with organizations driven primarily by profits rather than a commitment to quality. Conduct thorough due diligence to mitigate this risk by reviewing companies' portfolios and customer feedback.

### Potential for non-delivery

There is always a possibility that the software development company you hire may fail to deliver as promised. They may disappear after collecting upfront costs, struggle to meet your requirements or expectations, provide a flawed product, or become unresponsive. Signing a contract and carefully reviewing its terms beforehand is crucial to protect yourself. Choosing a software development company in a country with a reliable justice system can provide legal recourse if you encounter exploitation.

### Language barriers and cultural differences

Hiring software developers fluent in English and capable of seamless verbal and written communication is advisable. This minimizes the risk of miscommunication and misunderstandings that could negatively impact your working relationship and project outcomes. Additionally, your developers' location in a different time zone may affect decision-making speed and issue resolution. Consider nearshore or onshore developers if this is a concern. Furthermore, be mindful of cultural and political disparities that could hinder effective communication and software development progress, such as cultural differences in values, opinions, and holidays.

## The end of the debate

When hiring a freelancer or a software development agency for your project, opting for a software development agency is a compelling choice. The numerous advantages agencies offer, such as seamless teamwork, extensive expertise, superior quality, long-term maintenance and support, and accurate development estimation, make them a preferred option for many businesses.

But remember, ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your project's requirements, budget, timeline, and risk tolerance. Careful evaluation of the pros and cons, thorough vetting of potential candidates, and clear communication of expectations are essential for making an informed decision that aligns with your project's goals.


Will you tread the freelancer's path of freedom or join forces with the agency's expertise to bring your vision to life?

Decoding the Dilemma: Freelancer or Software Development Agency?

Lexis Solutions has already opened the treasure of [resources](https://www.lexis.solutions/blog/free-resources-for-resourceful-UI-designers), [tools](https://www.lexis.solutions/blog/powerful-and-free-tools-for-content-creation), and [extensions](https://www.lexis.solutions/blog/7-google-chrome-extensions-for-higher-productivity) designed to streamline your workflow and make it easier to get the job done in a flash. However, today we're going to dive deeper and take a closer look at all of the mentioned, specifically focusing on those created through artificial intelligence technology.

In the first chapter of this article, we will explore instruments for crafting videos, writing, and images.

## Video creation

### Make-a-Video

[Make-a-Video](https://makeavideo.studio/) by Meta is an AI system that enables you to create videos by simply typing in text. The videos are automatically generated based on your input, ready to be shared online or downloaded. This exciting AI video generator is not yet available to the public, but it's poised to be a game-changer for content creators shortly.

### Face Swap

Bring your photos to life with [Face Swap](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reface-face-swap-videos/id1488782587), a mobile app that lets you swap faces with friends and celebrities or insert your face into pre-made videos. Using face swap technology, you can use your camera to change looks in real-time. The app also offers a range of filters, GIFs, and funny videos.

### Nova A.I.

Say hello to effortless video organization with [Nova A.I.](https://wearenova.ai/) This powerful tool uses AI to recognize and tag different elements in your videos, including faces, expressions, objects, activities, and celebrities. 

### Runway

Gone are the days of tedious and time-consuming video editing. With [Runway](https://runwayml.com/), editing and enhancing your videos is a breeze; no technical skills or expensive software is required. Remove backgrounds, paint out objects, add subtitles, and more with ease. 

### Synthesia

[Synthesia](https://www.synthesia.io/) is paving the way in AI video generation, offering a user-friendly platform where you can create videos featuring human presenters by simply typing in your text. With a selection of 65+ AI avatars, each based on real actors, you can have your words spoken in 60+ languages. 

### Unscreen

Say goodbye to manual pixel picking and color selection with [Unscreen](https://www.unscreen.com/), the AI-powered solution for removing backgrounds from your videos. Its advanced AI technology detects even the most minor details, resulting in super accurate results. 

## Images 

### DALL-E

[DALL-E 2](https://openai.com/dall-e-2/), the AI-powered image generator by OpenAI, definitely casts a spell on the art world. An astronaut launching his first startup? A frog writing an article for its blog? Write down your wildest dream and watch it come to life before your eyes! DALL-E 2 makes it all possible with just a touch of magic and a text dash.

### Artbreeder

[Artbreeder](https://www.artbreeder.com/) offers a double dose of creativity with "Collager" and "Splicer." Draw simple shapes and describe your vision with "Collager," or blend and edit images with "Splicer." Upload up to 3 images for free, though keep in mind that original processing images may take up to an hour.

### Stable Diffusion

[Stable Diffusion](https://huggingface.co/spaces/stabilityai/stable-diffusion) also follows in DALL-E 2's footsteps, turning text descriptions into stunning images and modifying existing ones quickly. Just bring your imagination and let the words flow! Give it a try for free; no credit card is required.

### This beach does not exist

Take a swim in the ocean today! Dive into the unknown with A[I-generated beaches](https://thisbeachdoesnotexist.com/) that tantalize the imagination! This cutting-edge model was trained with over 20,000 images of natural beaches, crafting brand-new, fantastical scenes with each creation. So why not pack your virtual bags and explore some of the most breathtaking beaches that never were? 

### Fotor

[Fotor](https://www.fotor.com/features/ai-image-generator/), a globally renowned online photo editor boasting millions of users, has made a splash with its latest AI-powered image generator. The possibilities are endless, from photorealistic faces to dynamic anime characters, dreamy paintings, and digital art of any style.

And the best part? It's completely free! 

### The Next Rembrandt

[The Next Rembrandt](https://www.nextrembrandt.com/) brings the Dutch master's brush strokes back to life. By merging cutting-edge 3D printing and artificial intelligence, this project creates a new painting so similar to Rembrandt's original style that it has been plucked right out of history. This endeavor aims to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be a tool for artistic expression and how technology could recreate history. 

## Writing

### [ChatGPT](https://www.lexis.solutions/blog/chatgpt-the-new-content-creator-or-ultimate-cheating-tool)

Who has yet to hear about [ChatGPT](https://chat.openai.com/chat), the talkative AI companion created by OpenAI? This cutting-edge chatbot burst onto the scene in November 2022 and has been making waves ever since. There are even entire companies that specialize in prompt engineering like [Promptly Engineering](https://promptly.engineering). Its user-friendly interface functions just like any other chatbot, ready to answer all your questions with a simple prompt. And it is entirely free to use!

### Shortly

Are you stuck in a writing rut? Don't let the blank page get the best of you. Introducing [Shortly](https://www.shortlyai.com/) - the writing companion powered by GPT-3. Its cutting-edge technology not only completes your writing but can also help you refine, condense or expand your sentences with ease. Say goodbye to writer's block and hello to endless creative flow.

### Copy.ai

Marketers, rejoice! Whether you're crafting emails, product descriptions, Instagram captions, button copy, or ads, [Copy.ai](https://www.copy.ai/tools) has covered you. Select your desired copy type, input some data, and select the tone that best fits your brand. In a matter of seconds, the AI will produce several copy variations for you to choose from.

### Rytr

[Rytr](https://rytr.me/?via=renaissancerachel)'s AI algorithms are sharp and well-versed, honed by historical data to craft unique and engaging articles with a perfect sense of tone and grammar. No matter the topic or niche, Rytr has you covered. Whether you're writing about sports, business, technology, or even crafting a blog post or review, Rytr has the expertise to make it happen.

### Surfer

With [Surfer](https://surferseo.com/?fpr=rachel25), you can elevate your SEO game by creating content that engages your audience and ranks high in Google. This tool offers everything you need to create SEO-friendly content, from finding content ideas to formatting your content. The document editor in Surfer allows for seamless integration into your website's CMS without messy reformatting. Its content editor has all the necessary HTML tags, so you only need to format your content once.

### AI Writer

[AI Writer](https://ai-writer.com/?via=renaissancerachel) is a cutting-edge AI copywriting platform that provides content creators with a powerful writing assistant. This tool is designed to generate high-quality content at scale, including articles, blog posts, and more. With the latest AI writing models, AI Writer can craft articles from scratch that are accurate and relevant to your target audience's needs. Whether you need content for your blog or multiple pieces for your company, AI Writer has you covered a wide range of topics and niche markets.


Lexis Solutions explores some of the most exciting AI-powered tools for video creation, image generation, and writing assistance.

AI's Toolbox: The Instruments Driving Innovation - Part One

As a QA, I've had multiple chances to understand that efficient testing is essential for ensuring the quality of a [product](https://www.lexis.solutions/services/react-native-development). The developer console is one tool that can help us maximize our working rate success, but it is somewhat neglected. In this article, I want to explore and present my opinion on how QA testers can leverage the developer console to boost the efficiency of their testing processes and deliver higher-quality products.

## What is the developer console?

The developer console is a built-in tool in web browsers that allows developers to test and debug their code. It also provides a lot of additional information about the respective website, including JavaScript errors, network requests, and general performance details. And while developers tend to use the console primarily for debugging and optimization, QA testers can also take advantage of it to improve their testing processes.

## How can QA testers use the developer console?

There are various utilizations of the developer console, so let's focus on the most beneficial ones to a tester. For starters, open the dev console by pressing F12 or fn + F12 for Mac.

## Identifying and reporting errors from the Console tab

Once the developer console is opened, to review the occurring errors (if there are any) - simply select the Console tab by pressing Console from the navigation bar at the top. 

The console tab is where errors and warnings are logged in real-time, and it is convenient to keep it open and scan it occasionally for issues with the JavaScript running on the page. Doing so allows the QAs to identify problematic code and analyze the source of the problem or, at the very least - report it properly. It costs nothing to have a console opened; however, it helps testers greatly in identifying hidden issues that may be causing problems with the functionality of a web page or application.

The console tab acts as a JavaScript playground as well. It can accept JavaScript expressions, much like a terminal would, and will execute them against the context of the current page. Even though it's a slightly more advanced usage, you will surely learn to appreciate it as you go down the 'automation' road.

![QA-1](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/6UjN3lcVW5nodDOEsi0NjB/e9207ae5f827a01693e18496d8c55627/1.png)

## Inspecting the HTML DOM from the Elements tab

The HTML DOM is a text file that represents a webpage. Browsers read, parse, and follow the instructions inside it to 'paint' the webpage so we can view it. Whenever you see a bug in a website, you are most likely catching a bug inside the DOM document. That's why QAs must learn basic HTML and how to navigate it. Luckily for us all, the developer console has a built-in inspector that can be accessed from the Elements tab.

The primary use case for opening the Elements tab is inspecting an element. One can do that via a right-click on the element in question and selection of the Inspect option or by utilizing the shortcut ctrl/command + shift + C and then clicking on the element.

![QA-2](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/4ZJBEJSd87Nc0dGAn19GHv/fc22fefc846a1e46e78912e6d1fdaca0/2.png)

Selecting an element will update the context menu that, by default, displays the styles associated with the active element. Here you can modify the CSS and add, remove, or update its values and properties. This way, you could try out a few approaches and figure out how to fix an issue yourself. It's good to note, however, that once you refresh the page - all HTML and CSS changes you made will be lost. Thus, you still need to report the issue and have it fixed by a developer.

![QA-3](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/NEI4NxMZH8YZheqN4UKW7/7cf0ea05a885644f2c2d629b35f68dbe/3.png)

__The QA work you can perform by utilizing the Elements tab and its Styles subtab includes:__

### Verifying CSS property values

By inspecting elements in the console, you can quickly verify that the correct CSS properties are being applied to different elements on the page. This can be useful for ensuring consistency (font size, font family, color, etc.) across the site and troubleshooting issues with specific styles.

### Troubleshooting layout issues

Inspecting elements in the console can help identify the source of layout issues, such as misaligned or overlapping elements. By identifying the problematic element and inspecting its CSS properties, you can often find a quick solution to the issue.

## Monitoring network requests in the Network tab

[The network tab](https://www.devgem.io/posts/how-to-make-google-chrome-javascript-console-persistent) logs the request that the browser executes to load a webpage. This includes the fetch of the HTM and any styles, scripts, images, fonts, etc. The logs are also used for determining performance bottlenecks and network errors.

![QA-4](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/1Kr6zfx2TYDbqFMP7Rdi3H/260105079b94b3af98498f40d8c91a11/4.png)

*__Some concrete examples include:__*

### Optimizing page load times

By monitoring network requests, we can determine which resources are taking the longest to load and take respective measures. This can include reducing file sizes, caching resources, and prioritizing critical resources.

### Testing APIs 

APIs are an essential part of many modern web applications, and monitoring network requests can help ensure that the API is working as expected. By examining the request, we can verify that the API is returning the correct data in the desired format and identify any issues with the API endpoint or response.

### Observing failed requests

The Network tab allows for reviewing failed requests as well. When a network request fails, it will get a red color error in the Status column, which indicates that the request was unsuccessful. Failed requests can be then clicked and inspected for more information about the error, including the error message and any associated error codes or details.

## Inspecting standards of performance through the Performance tab

Performance is a critical factor for improving the user experience. By analyzing key metrics in the Performance tab, we can identify areas of the application that are slow or resource-intensive. Here are two use cases of how we put the dev console into practice here:

### Testing performance under different network conditions

4G and 5G networks are amazing. They can and often do provide faster speeds than the cable internet we have at home. This allows developers to build bulkier and ever more demanding websites that look and feel great. Best-case scenario aside, the same sites fail miserably under slow connection speeds, which are still predominant in the world. The developer console allows you to match your internet speed with the slower 3G speed standards or cap it with a custom value of your own. Now, you can experience the product you are testing as it would be felt by the broader user base and, perhaps, report load-time issues.

__*The dev console will show you the total load time and the amount of data transferred:*__

![5](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/1Uf7JIDNzCljgSif6cB5p5/fb523dfafa4402e3f56519c540b90bd3/5.png)

__*You can use these stats in your reports and set a reasonable threshold for the developers to aim at.*__

![QA-6](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/6H03r4qdcvL7Iv8prtQYXD/2377dbcb475a5b75d3730bcef08ce44c/6.png)

### Compare performance to industry standards

We can use the performance metrics in the dev console to set the standards of our application's performance against industry standards. For example, we can compare our application's load time against Google's or Microsoft's recommended standards for web performance or use competitors to set the bar around the industry level. This approach can help us identify areas where our application falls short and take steps to improve its performance.

## Device simulation

The Console offers a range of pre-made mobile and tablet devices, enabling developers and us testers to examine a website's responsiveness across different devices and screen sizes.

*__And here are two everyday use cases we can observe:__*

### Testing responsive design

With the device simulation feature, we can test how our web application looks and behaves on different screen sizes and resolutions, as well as on other mobile devices. This can help us ensure that our application's layout and user interface are responsive and optimized for various devices and screen sizes. 

1. By clicking on the "Toggle device toolbar" (top left of the dev console, right of the Select and inspect element button), we go into Responsive mode, where we can simulate different resolutions of various devices. Because we can drag the borders of the responsive screen, we can also test the resolution breakpoints at which the design shift to phone/tablet/desktop mode.

![QA-7](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/1GOO5OByTCLWiiSuwmnkBX/d8879a4238faf776ea757aa6afc456dc/7.png)

2. We're to mention the reasonable dimensions for basic devices. In that case, they're as follows: for a phone, it can be 360 x 640 pixels, 768 x 1024 pixels for a tablet, and for a monitor, it can be 1920 x 1080 pixels, all of which are common measurements for the respective devices.

3. ![QA-8](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/5sncNrtGThxlxHhZ0PzB4M/d1a42ffd810ce47f385fc00926bcd01d/8.png)

4. We can take as an example a 4K monitor edge case: It's usual for websites to appear too narrow and zoomed out on greater resolutions. This might be a good test that increases user satisfaction, depending on the product you are testing. 

### Simulation

Device simulation can also help us identify issues. There are several devices to choose from to simulate, including adding other devices that can be selected from a list. Touchpad and mouse cursor are both options to choose from as well.

![QA-9](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/7xuTMCPbmBDeepN7yojQFC/294f993b3e6d4dd79bf40ea6f9ba01fb/9.png)

Pixel ratio in the developer console is a way to understand how many pixels are used to display a single pixel on a screen. It helps developers create websites that look sharp and clear on devices with different pixel densities by adjusting the design accordingly. In the dev console's device simulation mode, you can simulate other devices and adjust their pixel ratios. To adapt your desired pixel ratio, click on the "Toggle device toolbar" icon in the top-left corner of the dev console, then choose a device to simulate from the dropdown menu. Once you've selected a device, you can adjust its pixel ratio by entering a new value in the value fields to auto-zoom the window. You can also use the Responsive mode to resize your window through mouse dragging.

By simulating different devices, we can test how our application looks and behaves across different platforms and identify any layout or functionality issues that may be specific to certain browsers or devices. This can help us ensure that our application is compatible with a wide range of devices and browsers and provide a consistent user experience for all users.

## Application tab

The dev console's Application tab provides us with various tools to manage a website's application data, such as cookies, local storage, and cache. QA testers can use it to verify that the website functions as expected and that sensitive user data is protected. Here are two examples of how it is integrated into our testing process:

### Debugging and managing cookies

The Application tab allows you to manage and debug cookies, which websites use to store data like authentication details, preferences, and shopping cart contents. You can view, edit, delete, and block cookies from specific websites, as well as simulate cookie behavior for testing purposes. This can be useful for ensuring that cookies are being set and read correctly and for troubleshooting issues related to user data and preferences.

### Analyzing and managing cache

The Application tab also provides tools for managing and analyzing the cache of a website, including the ability to clear cache storage for specific websites or all websites. This can be useful for testing website performance under different cache scenarios, as well as troubleshooting issues related to outdated or cached content. Additionally, the Application tab allows you to manage and analyze other forms of storage used by websites, such as local storage.

The Local storage is a key-value storage that persists data even after we close the browser or shut down our device. Even though the data there will not be deleted automatically, it is limited in size (5MB). It's not considered best practice to use it; however, it has some practical usage, like setting the site's theme to dark, for example.

The Session storage is another key-value storage that keeps data only for the individual session, or in other words, for as long as we don't close or navigate away from the respective page. For example, after entering a webpage and choosing a specific language different from the default one, once we reload or navigate away from the page and go back again, the default language will be restored.

![QA-10](//images.ctfassets.net/5gydaotbo8jm/1pqlmg0jp8JOiwgbPes1yj/7b0a5c551778fb6ff2d1ad8dd16229c3/10.png)

## Conclusion

As a QA tester, I can confirm the overall usefulness of the developer console, especially in my transition from a manual QA into an automated QA, as the need for its utilization becomes more and more crucial for my work. It is a powerful tool that improves the testing processes and delivers more reliable and concrete results to the developers, which leads to higher-quality products as a result.

By using the console to debug errors, inspect elements, monitor network requests, analyze performance metrics, and manipulate data in general, you can count on a reliable partner for optimizing the application in terms of performance and usability. And, of course, with practice and experience, you can become proficient in using the developer console, improving your efficiency and effectiveness as a QA tester.

How QA testers can utilize the developer console to its full potential and integrate it into the testing process.

Maximizing QA Testing Efficiency with The Developer Console

## Intro

There is a point to be made for and against investing four years of your youth in a bachelor's degree. On the one hand, the first team lead I had not completed my bachelor's and was as solid as a developer could be. On the other hand, most of the developers I know and respect have graduated from university. There are success stories both ways, and none is universal. That said, let's explore the pros and cons of each.

## The well-trodden path

### Pros

### Networking

The most significant assets university has given me are friends and contacts. Four years of sharing, trusting, forming teams, and tackling projects together plant the seeds for lifetime friendships and dozens of acquaintances. It is a logical by product of an environment of peers with a common goal - graduation. 

### Entry exams & Environment

We all know the phrase, "Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future." It is a universal truth, and we inevitably become who we hang out with. And that is why entry exams matter. They serve as a filter for the vigorous of minds - those people you want as friends and healthy rivals.

The entry exams for the IT disciplines hold newcomers to high standards due to the great interest and limited capacity. This allows universities to select among the brightest individuals, and you are not guaranteed the same in paid offline courses.

### Expectations management

University students may need to recognize this; however, we are gradually submerged in the industry and only experience minor shocks on our first job. We have time and opportunities to ask the questions on our minds as friends and teachers have the answers. On top of that, companies actively seek university interns and visit us annually on campus for career days. We get to talk with the industry early on and know what they value in junior candidates.

### The CV

The odds are in your favor if you have gone through formal education. The diploma looks promising and proves that you have kept a consistent direction for the last few years and are now ready to contribute to the industry. It's clear and expected that you would need assistance; however, there is some reassurance that you've laid the groundwork and got the basics.

### Cons

### Time vs. Knowledge

A bachelor's in IT consists of eight semesters and a final exam. If everything goes smoothly, you can pass all that in four years - a significant time & energy investment that may only sometimes be worth it. My assessment is that:

- A third of my bachelor's was a wasted potential as the lessons served my future career poorly. Most such classes were a cure for insomnia, and a minority introduced their students to uni-dimensional professors that wanted to hear you recite back whatever they had told during class. 
Teacher selection is one of the university's downfalls. Universities employ based on academic prowess and overlook the ability to teach and convey ideas, which should be the primary factor, as far as I am concerned.
- A third was fine - you could get a comparable amount of knowledge and skills by self-learning or attending courses. Such disciplines are somewhat senseless as they can serve as a tempo mechanism for cooling your head down and allowing you to occupy yourself with other interests.
- A third was spot-on - there's nothing like hearing straight from the horse's mouth. Occasionally, there are powerhouses of expertise in universities that want to give back and have cultivated the ability to pass on knowledge. Enquire about who those people are and what they teach. Make your time in university count by enrolling in their classes and reaping the benefits.

To summarize, about a third of the time I have spent in university was competitive. It's not only the time wasted but also the opportunity cost, and it is up to you to determine whether you can put your time to use better. Exclude the summers, and this gets you a year's worth of knowledge stretched over four years.

I was, and remain still, highly skeptical about the utility of university education regarding field mastery and comprehension. It's my experience that you can do more outside the classroom.

### Cost-benefit analysis

Higher education in Bulgaria is not expensive; however, relocating and living in the capital city is. That's where the most prominent universities and IT companies reside, and it's a natural gathering point for aspiring computer scientists. 

It's easy to justify the go-to-Sofia decision, but it's costly, and you better make it worth it. There's the risk of dropping out due to a lack of discipline or encountering a professor renowned for failing most students. I would say you have a 30+% chance of not graduating, which you must consider when weighing the cons of formal education.

With a bachelor's, you get a diploma if you run the whole marathon. This lies in contrast to standalone courses you can complete cheaply and neatly attach to your resume. There are no participation trophies, so you will only get a CV boost if you cross the finish line.

### Slow pace

No certification authority is tailored just for you. They all target a broad audience and aim to make their product easy sale. Universities are no exception, so you can expect the pacing of most subjects to be beginner-friendly, even leisurely, at times. This should be a red flag for you.

A slow pace is a bad company if you want to achieve excellence. The IT world is dynamic; you must learn adaptivity from the get-go. There is no excuse for falling into the comfort zone and performing at the bare minimum. You will become mediocre at best, far from a desirable start to your 20s.

Take a good look around whenever you find yourself in such a situation. Some of your colleagues will be occupying themselves with activities that propel them forward. Try joining in or picking up a genuinely exciting side project of yours.

### Sense of security

It's becoming more and more the case that the industry hires people without formal education. It may be that offline academies and online courses prepare competent-enough candidates or that the industry is expanding faster than the graduation rate. Either way, think only a little of yourself and a little of them, as it all comes down to practical knowledge and not university attendance.

Companies search for employees that will require minimal (acceptable) training. Your university degree serves as an assurance through the CV sieving process but, at the same time, can raise the interviewer's expectations. Avoid the comforting thoughts that everything will be OK since you are a university student. The ball is in your court to prove that you are worthy.

## The self-made programmer

### Pros

### Any time, any place

The university is generally viable for a brief period. It's tough to attend university later in life, and it's impossible to do it ahead of time. This means those seeking knowledge can only sometimes gain it the traditional way. You shouldn't worry if you are such a person, as the Internet provides the tools and resources needed to start your IT journey. You can study at your own pace, at home, and after work. You are free to organize the learning process in a way that suits you and your circumstances. It's going to take a lot of work; however, you try out different approaches and discover what's best for you.

### Steeper but cheaper

Learning nowadays does not require you to be wealthy. Of course, paid resources created by thoughtful people can catalyze the process, yet most of them can be bought at discounts and are affordable either way. If you need more than that, Youtube and StackOverflow will bring you up for free.

### Master it faster

University students are expected to mature in four years as they are gradually immersed in more advanced and diverse subjects. They won't make use of all this information on their first job… You could plunge into the depths, endure the pressure for a year, and emerge as an entry-level candidate that can rival those graduates. Even if you take two years for your studies, you are still a couple of years ahead of formal education. Imagine the number of courses you can carefully select, tackle, conquer, and then list on your CV during that time. They say time is priceless, so use the extra time you get and land a job that will let you plant your roots in the IT world before the competition graduates.

### Transition to ambition 

Nobody said you have to start as a developer. The IT industry is expanding at a rate that produces alternative occupations at an astonishing rate. Become a tech support expert so you can start work in a matter of months, not years. Or choose the QA path if you are into breaking things. There's data science and cyber security for those good at maths and design and marketing for the more creative of us.
Leverage your skillset and continue pursuing your goal while establishing yourself in the industry. Your eventual transition will be smoother and might not require an employer change.

## Cons

### Reality-check

Learning a skill is hard, and learning a high-paying skill is even more challenging. Only a minority of people graduate the IT academies to find the desired job afterward. The economy has its ups and downs, and vacant IT positions fluctuate with it. You better establish a robust mindset and be prepared to wait for a while before landing the job you want. It's always a good idea to schedule a financial buffer so you can bootstrap yourself into the IT world. 

### Lack of direction

Ending up mentorless and clueless can be disheartening. Work diligently and earn the goodwill of at least one of your teachers. This way, you can be informed about the market in advance and even get recommended for an open position. References work wonders in IT, so you better keep in touch with fellow course attendants, too. The company, one of you, ends at may be actively recruiting new employees.

### Procrastination

I've seen it again and again. People won't do enough when the time is right and then start spreading stories about how challenging the venture is. Learning IT is the same. You remain your biggest enemy and should be wary of indulging yourself in unproductive activities. Too much fun invites procrastination which eventually leads to laziness and motivation loss. You'd better mitigate the risk and create a schedule. The rule with a plan is to make it balanced. Require yourself to work diligently and then make room for hobbies and interests outside of IT. Otherwise, you will either tyrannize yourself into quitting or never get any work done.

### Doing everything from scratch

One of the pitfalls to avoid is reinventing the wheel at every step. Be it building your CV or preparing for the interview; there are valuable lessons and good practices that you better adopt than learn the hard way. 
Go through a few articles and videos on every new thing on your path. You will become more knowledgeable, and the tips & tricks do compound, giving you the edge over other candidates.

### Conclusion

IT is constantly evolving, and you need to keep up with the news and try out novel technologies to stay in one place. You remain a student as long as you want to partake in the industry. Formal education might get you in slower and safer, while the self-made path is considered quicker and riskier. You can always go right with the choice as long as you give your best effort. Take into account your personality and circumstances, weigh in the pros and cons of each approach, and initiate your journey into IT today.


An opinionated article about the pros and cons of formal education and its counterpart.

Degrees and Bytes: Weighing the Value of Traditional IT Education

Laravel Livewire is a full-stack framework for building dynamic web applications without writing JavaScript. Livewire is built on top of Laravel, a popular PHP framework. It allows developers to create reactive user interfaces. It is also developer-friendly, which saves time and effort.

## Prerequisites

To use Livewire effectively, it is crucial to have a good understanding of certain prerequisites, including PHP and Laravel basics such as routing, controllers, views, and models. In addition, basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is also helpful. Once these fundamentals are in place, users can begin to explore the more advanced features of Livewire, such as real-time validation, form handling, and state management.

## How does Livewire work?

Livewire can perform server-side actions in response to user events (such as clicks or inputs) without the need for a full page refresh. It is achieved by using Livewire components, a combination of backend PHP and frontend JavaScript code that work together to create dynamic user interfaces. When a user interacts with a Livewire component, Livewire sends an AJAX request to the server, which updates the component's state and re-renders the relevant HTML parts of the UI. It allows for a more seamless and responsive user experience and simplifies [the development ](https://www.lexis.solutions/services/react-native-development) process by eliminating the need to write separate frontend and backend code for handling user interactions.

Livewire provides several methods for handling user interactions, including event listeners, form submissions, and custom methods. These methods can be defined within the Livewire component class and are triggered by user events within the component's template. With Livewire, developers can easily create interactive and dynamic web applications without sacrificing performance or scalability.

## Benefits

### Rapid Development

Livewire allows developers to build interactive and dynamic interfaces without writing any JavaScript code. It accelerates the development process and saves a lot of time. And it will enable junior programmers to tackle more complex tasks without necessarily having a deep knowledge needed to resolve problems the traditional way.

### Event-Based Model

Livewire is built on an event-based model. It allows developers to respond to events in real-time and trigger actions without reloading the page. An example of how Livewire uses the event-based model is in form validation. 

Let's say you have a form that requires validation before submission. Livewire provides real-time validation, meaning it occurs as the user types, providing instantaneous feedback on errors.

If the validation fails, the user will get an error message without the page reloading. This process is fast and efficient, as it only updates the specific part of the page that requires validation.

### Easy to Learn

Livewire's syntax is simple and intuitive. Developers familiar with Laravel's Blade syntax can quickly learn and start using Livewire in less time. Even copying and pasting the old code into a Livewire component doesn't break anything, but it wraps the code in Livewire, which is extremely handy for beginners.

### Increased Security

With Livewire, developers don't need to expose their endpoints as API endpoints. Livewire also uses a checksum to prevent users from tampering with the data sent from the client to the server. It generates a checksum for every request and validates it to ensure the data is not compromised. Livewire implements a second security measure known as "persistent middleware." 

This feature allows Livewire to record any authentication/authorization middleware utilized during the "Initial Request." Subsequently, Livewire applies the recorded middleware to all future requests.

### Use cases

Livewire is a robust framework that enables developers to build rich, interactive web applications quickly and efficiently. Some of the most common use cases for Livewire include:

### Real-time updates

Livewire is often used to build real-time applications that require updates to be made quickly and without page reloads. Livewire communicates with the server via AJAX, which makes the updates faster and more efficient.

__Example:__ Suppose we have a real-time chat application that requires instant messaging updates. Using Livewire, you can automate updating chat messages without frequent page refreshes.

### Dynamic forms

Livewire can be used to build dynamic forms with fields that change based on user input. It also provides live validation and error message functionality.

__Example:__ An online shopping website's checkout form can have a checkbox, "Shipping address same as billing address," which, when selected, dynamically populates the billing address fields. 

### Interactive dashboards

Livewire is ideal for creating interactive dashboards. They are web pages that display real-time data in charts, graphs, and tables. Interactive dashboards allow users to quickly see changes and make decisions based on the latest information. Livewire helps build interactive dashboards without the need for additional JavaScript coding. Developers can use Livewire's Polling directive to be added to an element, and it will refresh every 2 seconds or according to the set time.

__Example:__ A dashboard that displays live user sign-up count and purchase data stats for an eCommerce site.

### Chat applications

Livewire makes building chat applications more manageable by providing real-time data binding and the ability to interact with data without page refreshes. Developers can create chat rooms and direct messaging.

__Example:__ A chat application similar to Slack where users can create teams, chat rooms, and direct messages and receive live notifications for each event.

### eCommerce 

Livewire allows developers to create eCommerce websites quickly and efficiently. With Livewire, developers can build product catalog pages, provide real-time search functionalities, notifications, and shopping cart functionality, and offer seamless checkout processes.

__Example:__ In an e-store, Livewire can send real-time notifications about how many people view the product or how much stock is left.

### Multi-step forms

Livewire can be used to create multi-step forms that guide users through a complex process, with each step being determined by the user's input from the previous one. Multi-step forms are forms with multiple pages that collect user data in chunks. Livewire provides a simple way to build these forms by dividing them into standalone functions inside a single component. It makes the sharing and passing of data between the steps extremely easy. Livewire provides an easy way to build these forms by breaking them up into standalone functions within a single component. 

__Example:__ A real estate loan application form that collects personal, employment, and financial information in three pages.

### Social Network

Building social networking platforms can be challenging, but Livewire simplifies the process with real-time data and component-based development. Developers can easily create features like user profiles, news feeds, friendships, and messaging systems.

__Example:__ A social media platform similar to Facebook where users can see posts, updates, and photos on their wall and interact with each other through comments and likes in real time.

### Online Auctions

Online auction platforms enable buyers and sellers to exchange goods and services using an auction-based system. With Livewire, developers can create responsive auction platforms with real-time updates and notifications for bids.

## Pros of Livewire

- __No need for JavaScript:__ Even if you don't know JavaScript, you can still create dynamic interfaces with Livewire. You can manage everything within Laravel.
- __SEO-Friendly:__ Dynamic content generated using Livewire is indexed by search engines because everything is rendered on the server side.
- __Code Reusability:__ Developers can seamlessly reuse code across different views, making the development process faster and more efficient.
- __Simplifies AJAX:__ Livewire simplifies AJAX calls to the server side. It makes it easier to manage and maintain client-server interactions.
- __Debugging:__ Livewire comes with integrated debugging features such as displaying the component's properties and event stack traces.
- __Testing:__ Livewire is test-friendly as it provides valuable testing utilities and tools that make writing test cases for your components easy.
- __Resources:__ There are plenty of resources available on the internet for Livewire, including official documentation, tutorials, blog posts, and forums.
- __Alpine.js:__ Livewire integrates well with Alpine.js. Livewire uses Alpine.js under the hood to handle its reactive components. With Livewire, you can build interactive user interfaces with minimal JavaScript and CSS, and Alpine.js enables you to enhance your components further.

## Cons of Livewire

- __Syntax:__ Livewire's syntax is not intuitive for developers unfamiliar with Laravel's Blade syntax.
- __JavaScript collisions:__ Livewire doesn't work out-of-the-box with some JavaScript libraries.
- __Knowledge bottleneck:__ Advanced functions need more in-depth knowledge of JavaScript.
- __Performance risks:__ If not set up correctly, Livewire can initiate multiple AJAX requests in cases where one is sufficient.

## Conclusion

Developers prefer Livewire as it provides fast development times, more manageable code maintenance, improved performance, and better user experience. And in Livewire's case, you don't have to sacrifice your SEO rating as the HTML is server-rendered.

Livewire is powerful as it helps developers build complex and dynamic interfaces faster while producing better user experiences. Additionally, it's open-source, making it easy to find help online and integrate with other Laravel libraries and platforms.

Livewire is a developer-friendly framework built on top of Laravel that empowers you to create interactive web apps, handle real-time validation, and manage states without writing a single line of JavaScript.

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