Backend
Deep dives into server-side concepts every backend developer encounters. From unique identifier formats like UUID and ULID to data serialization standards - practical explanations with real code examples in PHP, Python, and JavaScript.
CSV vs JSON for Data Exchange: When Each Format Wins
A practical comparison of CSV and JSON for APIs, data pipelines, and file exports. Covers structure, parsing, streaming, schema enforcement, size, tooling, and clear guidelines for choosing the right format.
NanoID vs UUID vs ULID: Choosing the Right ID for Your Project
A practical comparison of NanoID, UUID, and ULID. Covers size, collision probability, alphabet customisation, URL safety, database performance, and when each format makes sense for your stack.
UUID vs GUID: Same Thing, Different Ecosystem
GUID is UUID v4 in a Microsoft costume. This article explains the structural differences, uppercase vs lowercase, brace notation, SQL Server's newsequentialid(), .NET's Guid.NewGuid(), and when the distinction actually matters.
MongoDB ObjectID Explained: Structure, Timestamp, and When to Use It
A technical deep-dive into MongoDB ObjectID. Covers the 12-byte structure, embedded timestamp extraction, comparison with UUID, sorting behaviour, security considerations, and code examples in PHP, Python, and JavaScript.
JSON vs YAML: Which Format to Choose for Configs, APIs, and Data
A practical comparison of JSON and YAML for developers. Covers syntax differences, readability, strictness, performance, use cases, YAML pitfalls like the Norway problem, and when to use each format.
UUID Versions Explained: v1, v3, v4, v5, v6, and v7
A complete technical breakdown of all UUID versions. Covers time-based, name-based, and random UUIDs, with code examples in PHP, Python, and JavaScript, and a practical guide to choosing the right version.
Unix Timestamps: The Developer's Complete Guide
Everything developers need to know about Unix timestamps: what they are, why 1970, timezone pitfalls, milliseconds vs seconds, the Year 2038 problem, and code examples in PHP, Python, and JavaScript.
UUID vs ULID: Which Unique ID Should You Use?
A deep-dive comparison of UUID v4, ULID, and UUID v7. Covers internal structure, database index performance, security trade-offs, code examples in PHP and JavaScript, and a practical guide for choosing the right format.