Appendix A: Exploring Further

We will now explore a number of nuances and edges around many of the topics covered in the main text of this book. This appendix is optional, supporting material.

Some people find diving too deeply into the nuanced corner cases and varying opinions creates nothing but noise and distraction—supposedly, developers are better served by sticking to the commonly-tread paths. My approach has been criticized as being impractical and counterproductive. I understand and appreciate that perspective, even if I don’t necessarily share it.

I believe it’s better to be empowered by knowledge of how things work than to just gloss over details with assumptions and lack of curiosity. Ultimately, you will encounter situations where something bubbles up from a piece you hadn’t explored. In other words, you won’t get to spend all your time riding on the smooth happy path. Wouldn’t you rather be prepared for the inevitable bumps of off-roading?

These discussions will also be more heavily influenced by my opinions than the main text was, so keep that in mind as you consume and consider what is presented. This appendix is a bit like a collection of mini-blog posts that elaborate on various book topics. It’s long and deep in the weeds, so take your time and don’t rush through everything here.