Vibe coding looks new, but it’s WordPress all over again. Learn why DIY tech always fails serious businesses and how to avoid costly mistakes.

From "why am I paying for 1001 useless features?" to "this is the best investment ever" - here's the no-fluff truth about Custom CRM development and why it beats paying endless subscriptions for ready-made software.

I had yet another discussion with another client. We were talking about various topics. And, unfortunately, the topic landed on coding and his perspective of how people like myself (software developers) are no longer really necessary.

Discover the Singapore way of life through Singlish, witty slang, and efficient communication - explained by a local software developer.

Learn how to add a free WhatsApp booking system to any non-WordPress website. A step-by-step guide for business owners, developers, and no-code enthusiasts—simple, fast, and perfect for small businesses in Singapore and beyond.

This was how he ended the call with me, a few days ago. I don’t need you, I can do vibe-code the system myself. Goodbye! This is not something new for me. I have lived through various types of clients and prospects. Many are decent, some are rude, some are unreasonably so. But c’mon, there is no necessity for you to share with me your thought processes, and neither am I interested in your retort. There are no winners and losers here. I’m a service provider and you are a client. That’s all.

Why Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About “JSON” Okay, I’ll be honest. Back when I first heard about JSON (pronounced “Jay-sawn” like some tech guy who drinks oat milk and wears Crocs), I thought it was a fancy new café in Tiong Bahru. Turns out it wasn’t on the menu, but it was everywhere else — powering websites, apps, APIs, CRMs, chatbots, and yes, even your food delivery app that somehow forgets your chilli sauce. Now, as a software and mobile app developer based in Singapore for more than two decades (yes, since before Grab was even a thing), I’ve seen tech buzzwords come and go — but JSON stuck. And if you’re a startup founder, a no-code builder, or just someone who keeps hearing “JSON” and nods politely while secretly Googling it in another tab — this one’s for you.

Let’s get one thing out of the way. If you think you can launch a full-featured CRM system — the kind that tracks leads, manages users, generates reports, and even sends cute little reminders to your customers — by “just vibing” with code over the weekend… I have a bridge in Sentosa to sell you.

Wondering whether to choose Salesforce or build a custom CRM? We compare costs, features, pros and cons, and long-term ROI to help you pick the best CRM solution for your business.

Just Like a Blender in the Hands of a Michelin Chef. Knowing how to prompt ChatGPT doesn’t make you a genius any more than owning a spatula makes you Gordon Ramsay. Welcome to the AI Circus Let me guess. You just used ChatGPT to write an email, whip up a logo, or create a “business plan” that says, and I quote, “Sell things. Make money.” And now you’re out here declaring yourself a tech wizard? Let me stop you right there, Ironman.

The stories I hear are terrible. Just ONE AI text prompt is equal to running a light bulb for 15 minutes! And look at all the shenanigans we have been doing since the days we discovered AI.

I knew it. I knew it was coming. But didn’t expect it so soon. Robots will soon mimic humans, not just in work, but in attitude too. And it has happened. Well, at least once. But of course, great things typically start off as once, right?

As a freelance web and mobile app developer, I’ve built many custom systems over the years, but one of my recent projects — a deposit collection system — really got me thinking about how businesses handle payments. More importantly, it made me realize how much businesses struggle with securing deposits efficiently.

I had yet another argument with a prospective client. He said that people like me are not needed anymore actually. AI is here, he said. “I can just type a prompt and get an app done, you know?”, he said.

In a recent web development project, I had the opportunity to learn so much about the Whatsapp Business API. Knowing that Whatsapp has permeated deeply into the veins of everyone in everyday life, isn’t it just the next natural step to bring it in as the support bridge between customers and service providers?

A client called me 2 days ago. Instead of giving me a project, he “quite shamelessly” asked me to teach him how to make a responsive website. My old self would have rejected him outright, and called him crazy. But some wisdom, that typically comes with age, stopped me.

Why Hiring Local Developers Saves More Than You Think. Think Local: Why “Cheaper” Foreign Talent Isn’t Always Better. This must be the 243rd time I’m having this debate with yet another prospective client.

I’m a web developer. Let me help you unlock the power of web design even if you’ve never written a single line of code. I just had a phone call with a client. I had to mention the word CSS to explain something else. And he asked: What is CSS? Big mistake! That question took us down a 30-minutes digression path. So, I decided to write a demystifying article about CSS, for him and the likes of him.

Debunking Myths, Embracing Simplicity, and a Dash of 90s Nostalgia . I always chuckle when my wife starts typing any website by starting with www. She doesn’t know that time and tech has moved on and that this is an unnecessary step now. Can’t blame her. She’s the non-tech wife of a techie guy after all. But for the rest of the world, let me set the record straight, by this article.

Just yesterday, I had a verbal fight over the phone with a client who insisted that Wordpress was the way to go for his business. And insisting that I take up the project using Wordpress. I tried to convince him otherwise. Debate lasted ONE hour. I was tired. He seemed tired too. Like 2 gladiators in the stadium, glaring after a showdown. Never again, I thought. So, I’m writing this article.

As a software developer in Singapore with decades of experience, I’ve heard it all. From “It’s just a small app” to “We’re a startup trying to make it big!” — clients have come to me with tales so dramatic, they could rival a Netflix series. While I understand everyone has a budget, there’s something we need to address: using sob stories to negotiate lower costs isn’t the way to build a successful relationship with your developer.

Or am I just being efficient? When you hear the term “code copying,” does it sound like a secret crime? Like a developer caught in the act, peeking at someone else’s homework? Well, let me spill the beans: I do it. And spoiler alert — I don’t think it’s cheating. Stick around, and I’ll explain why it’s more like being resourceful than rule-breaking.

The Surprising Truth That Will Save Your Business Money! To Hire or Not to Hire, That Is the Question! Someone just called me this morning. A simple question almost led to an argument. He was sooo insistent that heshould be hiring a full-time web developer.

What is HTML? And Why It’s the Internet’s Best Kept Secret for Talking to Machines. Notice: this is not a technical tutorial, but a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek perspective of how I viewed HTML, as a software developer.

As a software developer, I strongly disagree. The year is 2024. We live in an era where artificial intelligence can seemingly build an entire website in minutes, no-code platforms abound. And anyone with an internet connection and creativity can spin up a tech solution without writing a single line of code.

A new client of mine was confused with how he can describe his Software idea to me comprehensively. He was confused with all those jargons, like CRM, ERP, Apps, System, web site, portal and such. So, I explained it to him, which I re-write below as a proper article.

I need the details before I can get the cost. This is a bad way to describe a project. Why? A chatbot can do a lot of things. Let me describe a recent example which I’ve seen. It’s a simple one. You might have encountered it before as well.

The freelance web development scene brims with opportunities, especially in a tech-driven city like Singapore. Here, talent meets innovation, and the demand for custom software solutions is surging. I stand amid this digital landscape as a freelance developer ready to offer flexible, bespoke services.

They label my laziness as discipline. A few years ago, I was being interviewed by someone who ran a certain publication. The article was about how a freelancer (that is myself) had ran a freelance web development and programming service for over 2 decades.

Have you wondered how the IT life was, in the 1990s? What were web designers, developers, programmers and such people doing at that time? Was it true that if you need the Internet, you cannot use the phone at the same time, and vice versa? This article describes my life as a programmer back at those times, in Singapore.

Hey there, tech enthusiasts and business minds! I'm here to talk about something that has been my daily bread and butter as a software developer – custom software development. Now, I know what you're thinking – it sounds fancy, complicated, and perhaps expensive. But bear with me; I'm going to break it down in simple, everyday terms and explain why, more often than not, custom software is the way to go.

In today's fast-paced business environment, efficient ERP system is the crucial backbone of an organsiation. However, ready-made, off-the-shelves ERP Softwares are not exactly fitting the bill when it comes to satisfying the ERP needs companies and businesses. This article sets to explore how a custom ERP system might be the best solution for a company.

In today's fast-paced business environment, efficient warehouse management is crucial for the success of any organization. As the demand for streamlined operations and optimized inventory control rises, companies are turning to advanced technologies like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to enhance their logistics processes. This article delves into the realm of warehouse management systems, focusing on the significance of custom solutions, how WMS works, and the evolving market trends. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of bespoke software compared to off-the-shelf solutions.

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, mobile app development has become an integral part of businesses' strategies for reaching their target audience and providing seamless user experiences. Singapore, a thriving hub of technological advancement, has witnessed a surge in demand for web and mobile application development services. This article delves into the realm of mobile app development in Singapore, exploring the key players, project management approaches, and the significance of design in creating exceptional digital products.

This is the typical line my clients nowadays are starting their conversations with. More and more business owners and looking for ways to streamline their still-highly-manual business operations. They are looking for an in-house software to automate their manual processes in my business

This is a common dilemma one will face when one decides to go to the next stage, from employment. But never fear. I have been there. Many have been there. Let me shed some lights for you to answer this question yourself better.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern business, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just innovative ideas and great products. It demands a strategic approach to streamline operations, minimize human error, and maximize productivity. This is where business process automation software steps in.

Looking to hire a software developer? These ten tips guide you through the process: define clear job requirements, assess technical skills, check work experience and portfolios, evaluate cultural fit.