Tech Highlights #7

Hi, labfollower! Periodically, our devs share what they are reading. In this edition, we’re diving into the impact of DevEx on productivity, keeping local environments consistent, exploring PostgreSQL as a caching alternative to Redis, and more!

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Best wishes and good reading!

Data Visualization Interfaces With Dash

Python Dash is a robust framework for creating interactive web-based dashboards using just Python—no JavaScript required. This guide walks you through building a dashboard from scratch, covering layout, callbacks, interactivity, and deployment.

Instant, Easy, and Predictable Development Environments

Keeping local environments consistent can be tricky, but Devbox simplifies it. With reproducible per-project setups (no VMs or containers required), it supports hooks, scripts, and VSCode via devcontainer.json. A single command—devbox shell—replicates environments, streamlining onboarding.

Boosting Productivity with DevEx

A great Developer Experience (DevEx) fuels productivity, creativity, and innovation, leading to better code, stronger teams, and higher profits. This article explores achieving this by supporting flow state, reducing cognitive load, and optimizing feedback loops.

Can PostgreSQL replace Redis as a cache?

Choosing the right tool matters. This article explores PostgreSQL as a caching alternative to Redis, weighing the trade-offs, benefits, and performance considerations to help you make informed decisions.

Testing LLM Applications in Django—Without Mocks

Discover a real-world testing approach from Lincoln Loop for Django projects that integrate large language models (LLMs). Using a test-specific LLM backend (like LangChain), this method ensures tests remain independent of specific implementations.