NOTE: AI completely wrote this post. I built a self-hosted project that should help me with all my content. To check out the project, visit https://github.com/Soypete/PedroCLI. Future write-up to come
As we wrap up another year of tech evolution, I’m struck by how much has changed—and how much has stayed the same. The tools we use, the problems we solve, and the communities we build are all in flux, but at the core of it all, we’re still engineers, creators, and learners trying to make sense of a fast-moving world.
This year, I’ve been diving deep into AI’s impact on engineering, rethinking data modeling practices, and spending more time in the community than ever before. If you’re reading this, you’re probably part of that community—whether it’s through my posts, my Twitch streams, or our Discord chats. Thank you for being here.
The Year in Review: What I Built, What I Learned
🧠 AI Doesn’t Replace Engineering—It Enables It
One of the biggest takeaways from this year is how AI is reshaping the way we think about engineering. I wrote about this in my piece: AI Doesn’t Replace Engineering—It Enables It.
The best engineers I know are craftsmen. They’re not just writing code—they’re solving problems with intention, precision, and empathy. AI is a tool, not a replacement. It helps us think faster, automate repetitive tasks, and scale our ideas—but it doesn’t replace the human judgment, creativity, and deep understanding that drive great engineering.
🛠️ Reimagining Data Modeling: Medallion Modeling Isn’t Modeling
We also had a deep dive into data modeling this year. In my post Medallion Modeling Isn’t Modeling — It’s a Crutch, I challenged the idea that “medallion modeling” is a legitimate data modeling approach. It’s not. It’s a crutch that many teams lean on when they don’t want to do the hard work of truly understanding their data.
If you’re working with data pipelines or data lakes, you owe it to yourself to think critically about what you’re modeling. Don’t just follow a pattern—build a system that makes sense for your business.
💬 Communities Are the Future of Developer Growth
Another big idea this year was about how we learn and grow as developers. In Communities Are the Future of Developer Growth, I explored how the traditional conference model is shifting. We’re seeing more value in smaller, more intimate communities—where you can ask questions, get feedback, and grow together.
If you’re not already part of a developer community, I highly recommend finding one that aligns with your interests and goals. Whether it’s Discord, GitHub discussions, or local meetups, these spaces are where real learning happens.
Content Highlights from 2025
Here are some of the most popular posts from this year:
Five Years of Go West – A retrospective on Utah’s Go community and what it means to build a sustainable tech ecosystem.
I Turned My Phone Into a Coding Environment (With Help from a Pi) – A deep dive into remote development and how we can work anywhere with the right setup.
Medallion Modeling Isn’t Modeling — It’s a Crutch – A critical look at a common (but flawed) data modeling practice.
AI Doesn’t Replace Engineering—It Enables It – A thoughtful take on how AI fits into modern engineering workflows.
Communities Are the Future of Developer Growth – Why developer communities matter more than ever.
My Tech Stack and Tools This Year
I’ve been using a lot of interesting tools this year, especially in the realm of remote development and productivity. One of my favorite setups was turning my phone into a full-fledged development environment using a Raspberry Pi. It was a fun experiment and taught me a lot about how to build systems that work across platforms.
I’m also spending more time in Discord and Twitch, which has been a great way to connect with the community. I’ve been hosting weekly live streams where I walk through code, answer questions, and discuss the latest in tech.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Soypete in 2026
As we head into 2026, I’m excited about what’s coming. I’m planning to dive even deeper into AI and how it can be used to empower engineers. I’m also working on some new content around distributed systems and data engineering best practices.
If you’re interested in following along, here’s how to stay in touch:
Newsletter – Weekly thoughts on tech, engineering, and community.
YouTube – Tutorials, live streams, and deep dives.
Twitch – Live coding and discussions.
Discord – Join the community and chat with other developers.
Final Thoughts
This year reminded me that tech is not just about the tools we use—it’s about the people we work with, the communities we build, and the problems we solve. As we move forward, I hope to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while staying grounded in the fundamentals of good engineering and community building.
Thanks for being part of this journey. Here’s to 2026—let’s build something amazing together.
— Soypete
