Did you know that Google developed the first versions of Twitter and other popular apps on Android with no strings attached?

According to Sara Beykpour, a former Twitter employee and the company's second Android engineer, "

The Twitter for Android client was a demo app that Google had created and gave to us.

" Twitter then took this foundation and continued to develop it into the robust platform it is today.

Of course, these designs are now about as current as your grandma's flip phone, but back then, they were top-notch.

When designing your app, always keep the user in mind. Prioritize seamless navigation, intuitive interfaces, and quick access to key features. Regular UX testing ensures your app is user-friendly and meets your audience's evolving needs.

Analyze support tickets to identify the most frequent requests and find common patterns instead of addressing each issue individually. Spending 20% of the time replacing a whole section of the app can eliminate 80% of your users' problems.

Integrating your app with widely used platforms and services can enhance its functionality. APIs from social media, payment gateways, and cloud services can enrich user experiences and expand your app’s capabilities.

Sharing your progress and insights gained in the process on social media platforms will drive engagement and traffic. Posts detailing the journey and steps taken to achieve milestones often go viral, making social media a top source for sign-ups. A single viral post on Reddit can increase traffic tenfold overnight.

Incorporate AI-driven features to personalize user experiences, provide intelligent recommendations, and automate customer service. Tools like TensorFlow, Azure AI, and AWS Machine Learning can help you add these advanced features.

Ensure your app runs smoothly on all devices. Focus on speed, reduce load times, and test across various hardware and network conditions. Performance optimization is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience.

As Google did with their early app development efforts, be prepared to go above and beyond to make your app successful. This might mean providing extra features, offering exceptional support, and continuously iterating based on user feedback.

If your business needs a cutting-edge app and Google is no longer giving them away for free, don't worry—we've got you covered at a reasonable price. 

How Google Crafted the First Twitter Android App

It's been a while since I wrote the previous article, "

" and many of you probably wondered what the next steps would be after the initial interview. As the hiring process has evolved, our focus remains on finding exceptional software and smarty developers to drive success in complex projects. This article will guide you through our updated hiring process, optimized for efficiency and quality when looking for top-notch developers.

Over the past few years, our company has grown significantly, and the hiring process has changed accordingly. However, the core approach and principles remain the same.

We still aim to find 10x engineers who can work at a magnitude faster than average engineers without compromising the quality of deliverables. In the competitive hiring landscape, it's essential to streamline the process while ensuring the right candidate is chosen.

In this article, we will discuss our current hiring process for software and smarty developers, emphasizing efficiency and quality, and share some interesting experiences we've had in our hiring journey.

Our current hiring process consists of the following steps:

 performed by our recruiters to ensure the candidate possesses verbal and written English skills, fits our corporate values, and can answer pre-initial technical questions — “brick problem”, algorithmic complexity knowledge, etc. These calls last 10-20 minutes and help us narrow down candidates for the next stages.

 is mostly for Junior positions and can be skipped for Mid/Senior positions. More details can be found in our previous 

 сonducted by one or two middle-level software engineers, this interview focuses on technical questions related to the specific technology and assessing the candidate's logical and algorithmic thinking.

 - usually takes 4-8 hours to complete and tests the candidate's skills in a real-world scenario.

In some cases, the client may want to conduct their own interview. However, our process remains relevant and mandatory to ensure only strong candidates are presented to the client.

As shown in the hiring funnel below, only 1 out of 26 candidates selected during the resume vetting stage passes through the entire process. This approach allows us to deliver complex and challenging projects to our clients while maintaining top-notch quality and the ability to scale swiftly.

There are numerous articles that aim to help software developers prepare for interviews. We would like to shed light on a few key points that often undeservedly remain in the shadows:

Prepare for behavioral questions, you'll likely be asked about your experience working in teams, handling conflicts, and mentoring junior developers. Reflect on these experiences and prepare concise, specific examples to share with the interviewer.

Showcase your problem-solving skills, good developers are often tasked with solving complex problems. Practice solving coding challenges and discussing your thought process out loud to demonstrate your ability to think critically and systematically.

Ask insightful questions: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, and role. This shows your enthusiasm and interest in the position and helps you assess if the opportunity is a good fit for you.

Hiring process became much more challenging, and competition grew dramatically. We can’t afford any longer to keep candidates in the loop for weeks. At the same time we don’t want to hire the wrong person, and don’t want to waste pointlessly precious time of our software engineers. Another issue that has emerged since 2020 is the significant increase in the number of developers wanting to work remotely. Our process addresses these issues by:

Continuously updating our requirements and expectations to match the evolving skill sets needed in the industry.

Adapting our interview process to accommodate remote work, utilizing video calls and online assessments to effectively evaluate candidates from a distance.

Staying informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure our candidates are well-versed in the latest tools and practices.

Our updated hiring process is designed to efficiently and effectively identify and hire software developers who can drive success in complex projects.

If you need reliable and high-performance developers, don't hesitate to contact us. We not only provide the best candidates but also manage them, ensuring the success of your projects. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles, where we'll dive even deeper into the hiring process and share more insights and experiences.

How to hire smarty software developers

Our objective is to find a so-called 10x engineer. And, of course, without compromises on the quality of deliverables.

Many articles discuss hybrid technologies and how they can help you easily create cross-platform applications. Our goal is to share some practical implementation aspects. We want to help you develop a product that aligns with your expectations and achieves your business goals. In this article, we'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid technologies, compare popular platforms, and explore some myths surrounding them.

Our team has seen many projects where applications were built using React Native, Flutter, and Native technologies. And now, we're also exploring Kotlin Multiplatform. Every project was distinct, utilizing various technologies and encompassing domains such as blockchain, fintech, IoT, and other areas. Some of these projects have been successful, and others have not, and one of the biggest problems was not technology but the realistic expectation of its use, especially when it comes to budgeting.

Technology rarely leads to failure; rather, a lack of funds often causes a project to fail. Choosing the right technology and making the right strategic decision can help you save money. Let's consider budgeting to understand how much money we can save by choosing hybrid technology.

Hybrid technologies vs. Native development

Choosing the most popular platform among your target market, be it iOS or Android, can seem counterintuitive, but you can still use a time-tested native approach and reduce your budget by up to 50 percent.

Unfortunately, no hybrid technology can achieve such a significant cost reduction. In this section, we'll discuss the pros and cons of using hybrid technologies compared to native development for cross-platform apps.

Look at the budget diagram of one of the startups and note that the development phase accounts for only 45 percent. Even if we could reduce this by 50 percent, we would only achieve a 22 percent reduction in the total budget.

The expected budget reduction will be around 10-15 percent. This is because QA must spend the same amount of time testing two different builds, and designers must prepare two versions of the UI/UX aligned with different platform guidelines, even developers have to create different interfaces for iOS and Android and use or even write native libraries to work with low-level functions, among other tasks.

Choosing the right technology from the beginning is crucial because nothing is more constant than temporary decisions. We have encountered many instances where clients have asked us to fix their platform with the promise of replacing the technology in the future, but that future never materializes. In this section, we'll discuss factors that influence the choice of hybrid technology.

Despite Flutter recently becoming more popular than React Native, it's still harder to find seasoned Flutter developers compared to React Native or Kotlin developers.

Sometimes startups choose to transition their frontend developers into mobile developers. The most common example of this is having developers who know React learn React Native. However, in some cases, building an MVP with a new technology like Flutter may take less time than transitioning from React to React Native for the same project.

Flutter and Kotlin Multiplatform generally perform better than React Native due to their compiled languages. React Native relies on a JavaScript runtime, which may sometimes result in performance issues.

React Native allows for native UI development but may require additional work to create platform-specific components. On the other hand, Flutter offers a rich set of customizable widgets that can be used to create a consistent look and feel across platforms. Kotlin Multiplatform provides customizable UI options but does not include a UI framework like Flutter.

As a result, using Flutter you can deliver an app more quickly, but the UI might not appear as native for both iOS and Android platforms.

Don't Blindly follow successful companies' approaches

Like many other questions in the startup world, the biggest temptation is to copy an approach that another successful company has chosen. However, this could be a tremendous mistake because we don't know their circumstances or their results. In this section, we'll discuss why blindly following a successful company's approach might not be the best idea for your cross-platform app development.

For example, five years ago, various articles cited famous examples like Instagram, Airbnb, and other companies that chose React Native. Still, the truth is, it might not be a successful long-term journey. For instance, only a small part of the Instagram app uses React Native. A few years ago, Airbnb engineers posted that they had decided to return to native programming and drop React Native two years after adopting it for their mobile apps.

Airbnb also had a seasoned team of native developers all that time, and the journey with React Native was a huge experiment you might not be able to afford. Some companies use hybrid technologies only for certain modules or subsystems of their products. It is essential to make a decision based on your unique project requirements instead of following a popular trend.

Despite we are working on the React Native project and this technology still being popular in the US, with over 14.84% of the top 500 apps built using this framework, we believe its time is passing. If you think about starting a new project based on hybrid technology, we recommend considering Flutter or Kotlin Multiplatform, especially for building an MVP or proof of concept.

If you don’t have much time to search for developers or experiment with technologies, you can save time and money by contacting us. We'll look into your project, budget, and timeline, and help you solve your business tasks. You don’t need to have a headache struggling with technology decisions; just contact us and stay focused on the strategic perspective of your startup.

How to Develop a Cross-Platform App and Not Regret It

We'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid technologies, compare popular platforms, and explore some myths surrounding them.

Recently, we had a close call that highlighted the importance of being vigilant when handling client-provided code, especially for developers using freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.

It started when a new client shared a GitHub repository and project requirements. After cloning the repository, I noticed something felt off. My manager recommended using an AI-powered IDE called Cursor to assist with code analysis before proceeding further. To be cautious, I decided to run a security check.

Upon deeper inspection, Cursor flagged a suspicious server request combined with runtime code execution. The backend code was set to run immediately upon launching the project — this was a big red flag. The code sent a request to an HTTP server disguised as a location detector, and the response was fed into an 

 can run any external code it receives, which makes it a significant security risk

. At this point, everything about the code became clear. We declined the client and reported them on the platform. However, I got curious and decided to continue my investigation in the evening.

I logged the server’s response. It contained obfuscated code, which made it difficult to understand its intent at first glance. I turned to ChatGPT to help decode the response. Though ChatGPT’s content policies blocked my initial attempts, I tweaked my approach. Eventually, using online de-obfuscation tools, I started to understand how the malicious code operated 

depending on the operating system, it searched for various paths where passwords might be stored, including those for Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, MetaMask, Exodus, Atomic wallets, and iCloud Keychain and sent it to a remote server.

The attack didn’t stop with the initial script

However, the second file raised more concern. This file was obfuscated and used a method from an imported library to decode a Base64 string. The code was encoded multiple times, and only after several decoding layers did its real purpose become clear:

the script was designed for macOS, Windows, and Linux systems to search for files more thoroughly by using keywords in standard terminal commands instead of just hardcoded paths.

The most alarming part of this attack was its potential impact on developers, particularly those working on commercial projects. 

The script actively searched for .env files, which store sensitive information like API keys, database credentials, and other secret keys used in applications

. If stolen, scammers could use these keys to access cloud services, delete critical data, or abuse your email system for further scams.

This incident was a powerful reminder of the lengths scammers will go to target developers and software companies. Here are the key takeaways from this experience:

Constantly scrutinize client-provided code before running it, even if it appears legitimate.

Leverage AI tools like Cursor and de-obfuscation services to quickly analyze suspicious code, mainly when dealing with unfamiliar clients.

Continuously update your software and security knowledge to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Use isolated machines or environments for work to minimize exposure to personal data. This reduces the risk of exposing sensitive information if an attack occurs.

Hidden security risks can lurk beneath the surface, even in seemingly legitimate projects. This close encounter underscored the importance of vigilance and using every tool available to protect personal and organizational data. Developers must constantly evolve their security practices to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals and ensure the safety of their work and clients.

If you ever decide to reverse-engineer or analyze potentially malicious code, 

always use a separate virtual machine (VM)

. This ensures that your primary operating system and important files remain isolated and protected from any harmful effects of executing or analyzing malicious code. VMs are an essential layer of security when dealing with risky or untrusted software.

How we uncovered a scam targeting developers on Upwork, Fiverr, and freelance platforms.

It started when a new client shared a GitHub repository and project requirements. I noticed something felt off. My manager recommended using an AI-powered IDE called Cursor to assist with code analysis before proceeding further. To be cautious, I decided to run a security check.


In the heart of 1970, whispers of an unusual lecture buzzed through the corridors of the University of Southern California School of Medicine. Two groups of students were curious and looking forward to hearing a new class on "Mathematical Game Theory as Applied to Physician Education." Little did they know, the day's lesson held a twist.

Among the presenters, one was a genuine scholar, while the other was actor Michael Fox, cleverly posing as "Dr. Myron L. Fox."

As the lecture unfolded, the students who joined the Mr. Fox lecture were drawn into the charismatic web spun by the excellent performer. Though his speech was peppered with nonsensical jargon, contradictions, and gibberish, they rated him on par with the real scientist.

His secret weapon? An attractive mix of humor, charisma, and warmth.

This experiment, known as the Dr. Fox effect, parallels ChatGPT's abilities. Just as Dr. Fox, ChatGPT can craft convincing yet potentially misleading responses, taking advantage of people's cognitive biases.

Even Stack Overflow fell victim to the ChatGPT spreading and now has experienced a decline in traffic, despite researchers finding that 52% of ChatGPT's responses to questions may need to be corrected.

The following sections will analyze how ChatGPT affects community engagement and communication.

One of the most appreciated aspects of Stack Overflow is the availability of multiple answers to a single question, along with varied perspectives from developers, aiding in selecting the best solution.

ChatGPT can provide multiple options if explicitly instructed in the prompt. However, its answers lack human-based reasoning. This can be problematic for junior developers. While they can ask questions without fear of negative feedback, they might struggle to identify flawed architectural approaches behind seemingly correct answers.

Therefore our focus should be on promoting best practices and fostering a collaborative environment. This way, developers will feel comfortable communicating within the company and seeking trusted answers offline and online rather than solely depending on "smart" assistants.

Moreover, we can take advantage of the Mr. Fox effect. Now, everyone has the potential to become an excellent presenter, sharing brilliant ideas with others. ChatGPT offers a unique opportunity, especially for non-English speaking developers, to practice communication with stakeholders and colleagues. It has become the best soft skill simulator ever created.

Since ChatGPT shares all the data with its analytics and others, users can't put it under an NDA. However, by crafting our prompts to be artificial and using fictional scenarios without real names, numbers, and proprietary ideas, we can quickly learn from ChatGPT's clear and polite way of responding.

For instance, here are five examples showcasing ChatGPT's ability to transform a potentially misleading or toxic communication into a more professional tone:

“I need to convey feedback to my colleague. Can you help me rephrase the following statement to make it more professional and constructive? Some incorrect sentences.”

Original: "Your idea doesn't work. Try something else."

Reworked: "Thank you for the suggestion. I believe there might be alternative approaches to consider. Do you have other suggestions we could explore?"

Original: "I don't understand why you did this."

Reworked: "Can you help me understand the reasoning behind this approach?"

Original: "You should've told me earlier."

Reworked: "Could we set up a regular check-in or communication method in the future? This will ensure we're both informed and address issues promptly."

Original: "Add more content to the report."

Reworked with ChatGPT's help: "Expand the report by including detailed analyses of our Q2 sales figures, a comparison with Q1, and insights on market trends. Also, incorporate relevant charts and infographics for better visualization."

Reworked with ChatGPT's help: "We've observed intermittent app crashes, particularly when accessing the 'Profile' section on Android devices running version 10.0. Can you investigate and rectify the root cause?"

Such interactions refine communication, fostering collaboration, client satisfaction, faster deliveries, and outstanding outcomes.

The wave ChatGPT has created in the online Q&A sphere is undeniable. Technologies are reshaping the digital dialogue. As we stand at this intersection of AI and human intellect, we must recognize and leverage the potential of such platforms to our advantage.

The Dr. Fox Effect & ChatGPT: Charisma, Cognitive Biases, and Digital Communication

The following article analyzes how ChatGPT affects community engagement and communication.

How Google Crafted the First Twitter Android App

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