Learning

Journey to Datahub.local

Hey there! If my previous post, Embracing the Challenge, you know I’m on a mission in 2024. The quest? Crafting my own Data Platform from scratch called Datahub.local. It’s not just about data – it’s about diving headfirst into the unknown, learning, experimenting, and enjoying the ride. In this article, we're going to map out the game plan for this adventure.

Journey to Datahub.local

Goals

Embarking on this project requires clear objectives. Let's delve into the goals that will shape my journey.

  1. Hands-On Experience: Dive into practical applications to solidify learning.
  2. Self-Directed Learning: Take charge of my educational path and explore diverse aspects of data management.
  3. Experimentation & Innovation: Encourage creative problem-solving and novel approaches.
  4. Portfolio Development: Build a showcase of skills and projects for professional growth.
  5. Real Experience: Implement the acquired knowledge in real-world scenarios.

What’s the game plan?

With the goals established, it's time to devise a concrete plan that will guide my efforts and actions.

  1. Create my own Homelab: Opt for a cost-effective approach by building a Homelab using small ARM devices, steering clear of excessive cloud expenses.
  2. Deploy Base Components: Establish the foundation for the Data Platform with a Kubernetes cluster. Bootstrap it with DevOps components like ArgoCD, Prometheus, Grafana, etc., ensuring security and performance.
  3. Build the Data Platform: Design and deploy a tailored Modern Data infrastructure, aligning with personal requirements and preferences.
  4. Develop an E2E use case: Develop a meaningful data project to gain practical experience and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the new tools. Move beyond the traditional "hello world" approach.

Principles

Finally, every project needs a compass. So, here are some principles to keep things on track and fun.

  • Learn and Enjoy: Prioritize the enjoyment of the learning process.
  • Set Budget and Time Constraints: Be proactive by defining a budget and timeframe, allowing for efficient progress.
  • Flexibility: Postpone tasks that don't contribute to enjoyment or learning.
  • Innovation: Embrace new components, software, or techniques, even if they aren't the best – the goal is to innovate.

And there you have it, folks! This sets the stage for my project. Next up, I'll spill the tea on the hardware I've snagged as I gear up for the exciting phase of implementation. Stay tuned for the next update!

Embracing the Challenge

Embracing the Challenge

With over 15 years as a software engineer, my journey has been a rollercoaster of jobs across various companies and teams — some great, some not so much. One revelation that I had is how fast the technology evolves. In just a few short years, your tech portfolio can become outdated, a relic of a bygone era. Although I've never considered myself a genius, what I do possess is an unwavering determination and consistency. Identifying my weaknesses has been key, whether in personal growth or, in this context, keeping up to date.

As explained before, change is the only constant in the IT work and you must adapt to it, especially from a technological standpoint. Over the past decade, I dedicated significant time to staying current — a pursuit that has proven both gratifying and demanding. The knowledge acquired has empowered me to accomplish tasks that seemed unimaginable just a year earlier. The magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone.

Here's a brief compilation of activities to help you step outside your comfort zone:

  • Seek Feedback: Actively gather feedback from peers to identify areas for improvement.
  • Explore New Opportunities: If growth stagnates, don't hesitate to explore new job opportunities or challenges.
  • Never Stop Learning: Learning is the lifeline of our industry. Constantly evolve by staying informed and acquiring new skills.

And speaking of learning, here are some effective ways to do it:

  • Stay Updated: Engage with relevant sources such as Reddit groups, tech personalities, or media (YouTube channels, podcasts).
  • E-Learning and Reading: Enroll in courses on e-learning platforms or dive into insightful books. These are particularly beneficial for beginners.
  • Certifications Matter: Pursue certifications that are in high demand. It's a challenging journey but adds valuable personal experience.
  • Dive into New Projects: Participate in open-source initiatives or start your projects for a more hands-on learning experience.

As we enter the year 2024, I feel the need to take on something distinct, personal, and significant — an activity that propels me far beyond my comfort zone. Hence, I would like to start a new project called Datahub.local. Over the upcoming months, my goal is to conceive, create, and sustain a personalized Data Platform that can be operated within the confines of my home. This will afford me the opportunity to engage in exploration, experimentation, and, most importantly, learn from failures. Additional details will be shared in forthcoming articles.

Datahub.local

So, buckle up, because my new journey of reinvention has just begun.