Billing Extraction: A Tale of GraphQL Internal API Optimization

Extracting functional components from a monolithic app into a service can be a daunting task but choosing the right tools and techniques for the job can expedite the process. In this article, Toptal Backend Engineer Maciek Rzasa recounts how his team extracted billing functionality from the Toptal platform and how they overcame a series of performance...

2d

Software Engineer Performance Reviews Explained

Software development is a complex process and evaluating the performance of software engineers can be too. It is important that you find the right balance between that complexity and practicality in software engineer performance reviews. In this article, Toptal Engineering Blog Editor Nermin Hajdarbegovic outlines the difference between commonly...

2w

Think Business – How to Increase Your Designer Value

The principles that govern design are foreign to many business leaders but it takes more than shiny deliverables to span the knowledge gap. Designers must translate design value into business value.

2w

A Month in the Life - Interim CFO Roles and Best Practices

An interim CFO has, on average, six to eight months to complete the job set forth by the company, meaning the first 30 days will be critical to accomplishing the goals for the position and setting a good long-term strategy for the company.

4w

WebAssembly/Rust Tutorial: Pitch-perfect Audio Processing

WebAssembly gives near-native performance to web apps and allows languages other than JavaScript—plus their libraries—to be used on the web. This tutorial leverages Rust and the Web Audio API to make a basic guitar tuner app that runs at 60 FPS, even on mobile.

5w

Paving the Path to Purchase – eCommerce UX Best Practices

Mobile eCommerce may be the future, but desktop sites are digital gold mines. To engage shoppers, boost product value, and unlock more revenue, designers must master these eCommerce UX best practices.

Dec 2020

In the Spotlight: the Principles of Dark UI Design

Dark themes can be dramatic and elegant, but crafting them comes with many hurdles and potential pitfalls. Following the principles of dark UI design will help designers achieve successful results.

Dec 2020

Apple M1 Processor Overview and Compatibility

The Apple M1 processor represents a significant step forward for Apple, but what does it mean for developers, designers, and other professionals using Apple hardware? In this article, Toptal Engineering Blog Editor Nermin Hajdarbegovic outlines what makes the M1 different and what professionals need to keep in mind should they choose to upgrade their...

Dec 2020

Landing Page Best Practices (with Infographic)

It takes more than clever copy and visuals to compel conversion. Landing page best practices help designers craft content that is relevant, convincing, and optimized to make value instantly apparent.

Dec 2020

Enhanced Git Flow Explained

Git provides basic branching operations, but advanced patterns are left up to the user. The popular "Git flow" branching model helps, but can also complicate some common procedures. Thankfully, a new variation retains the benefits, while streamlining everyday work.

Nov 2020