Programming
* Architect's notes on the varnish HTTP accelerator by Poul-Henning Kamp: an interesting discussion about ways to make extremely optimal use of modern kernel filesystem caching in a data-intensive application
Validation
Trying to make sure the data you produce meets standards isn't just a foolish exercise in conformity. It's an acknowledgment of the social contract between yourself and the many people who might be using the data you produce. Validating your program's output helps you make sure that other people and programs who interact and interface with your program will understand what you're trying to communicate.
There are many good public validation services for a variety of formats. some commonly useful ones are:
