Baines Blogging

  Imperial measurement system converter app  I decided to spend an evening making a unit converter app without using an api to do the heavy lifting for me *and* with a python based gui because I haven't really made anything with one of them before and this is the result: 👍👍👍      I installed Tinkter to get the GUI ( graphical user interface ) This is the GUI it produces when it's running.     The next job is to tidy up the code, it needs it.  Then I want to add some more functionality to it.  I can add volume conversion or weight .  I've always wanted to do some research into old money so I can add that to the app. After I've added a bit more functionality to it I'll find a way to host it on the public internet.     This is my advice to any other programmers out there:  Once you've got something working make the most of it because it's easier to add things onto something that's already working than startin...

1. Why a Proper Setup Matters Before diving into code, a structured setup helps you avoid “spaghetti” projects that become hard to maintain. Using a virtual environment ensures your dependencies are isolated (so you don’t clash with system Python or other projects). Having a clear skeleton (separating imports, variables, functions, and “main program logic”) gives you and future readers a map of where each piece lives. Many software engineering experts emphasize that good architecture up front can save you enormous friction later — clean structure is one of the foundations of maintainability. ( Ciklum ) 2. Creating a Virtual Environment  💾💻💹 Here’s a typical workflow: Open your terminal / command prompt in your project folder (or create a new folder). Run (for Python 3): python3 -m venv venv This creates a directory venv/ (or whatever you name it) containing the isolated Python environment. Activate it: On macOS / Linux: source venv/bin/activate On Windows ...

 In the world of tech, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Maybe it's the developer on your team who seems to solve problems twice as fast, or that person on Twitter who contributes to five open-source projects and still has time for a blog and a podcast. But the truth is, trying to be the “best” in class is a moving target—and a distracting one. A more sustainable and rewarding mindset is to focus on raising your own level, day by day. Progress, not perfection, is what actually moves you forward. One of the most powerful habits in tech is deliberate practice . It's not just about writing more code; it's about writing it thoughtfully, reflecting on what went wrong, and iterating. Whether you're learning a new language, framework, or debugging a tricky issue, take time to understand why things work the way they do. Set mini-goals for yourself like “understand closures in JavaScript” or “write a CLI tool in Python.” Small, focused wins a...

 Introduction When we think of great programmers, we often picture long nights of coding, complex algorithms, and coffee-fueled problem-solving. But what truly separates the most productive programmers from the rest isn’t just skill — it’s discipline. One of the most effective habits they cultivate is the practice of deliberate time blocking — a focused approach to managing work sessions and avoiding the chaos of constant context switching.  ☝ The Power of Time Blocking Time blocking involves setting aside specific chunks of time dedicated to deep, uninterrupted coding. During these blocks, programmers silence notifications, close unrelated tabs, and focus solely on the task at hand. This technique helps them enter a state of “flow” — that powerful zone where creativity, logic, and problem-solving converge effortlessly. Instead of scattering attention across multiple tasks, productive programmers give their full cognitive energy to one priority.  ☝ Protecting Focus i...