Rebooting the Blog: A Fresh Start for Open Source and Indie Hacking

Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts and indie hackers! After an unexpectedly long hiatus, I’m back in the blogging saddle. It’s been a while since I’ve put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), and I can feel the rust falling away as I type. But you know what? That’s exactly why I’m here today. As an open source hacker and indie entrepreneur, I’ve realized that consistent writing isn’t just about sharing thoughts—it’s about sharpening them. It’s about connecting with like-minded individuals who are passionate about building, collaborating, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tech. ...

January 9, 2012 · 2 min · 314 words · Dipankar Sarkar

The Paradox of Choice: Balancing Wants, Needs, and Control

In our journey as open-source enthusiasts, indie entrepreneurs, and technology aficionados, we often face a myriad of choices. But how do we navigate this complex landscape of decision-making? Let’s dive into the paradox of choice and its implications for our personal and professional lives. The Want vs. Need Dilemma We’re naturally inclined to focus on what we want rather than what we truly need. This tendency can cloud our judgment, especially when building projects or making career decisions. How often do we choose a trendy technology stack over one that best suits our project’s requirements? ...

May 26, 2011 · 2 min · 359 words · Dipankar Sarkar

The Power of Small Beginnings: Embracing the Journey of Innovation

“The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” - Lao Tzu This timeless quote from the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu resonates deeply with the world of technology, open-source development, and entrepreneurship. As an indie entrepreneur and open-source hacker, I’ve found this wisdom to be incredibly relevant in our fast-paced digital age. Here’s why this philosophy is crucial for innovators and creators: Overcoming Inertia: Starting is often the hardest part. By focusing on that first step, we overcome the paralysis of overthinking and perfectionism. ...

May 26, 2011 · 1 min · 202 words · Dipankar Sarkar

The Power of Measurement: Driving Success in Open Source and Entrepreneurship

As an open source hacker and indie entrepreneur, I’ve found that one of the most powerful tools in my arsenal isn’t a piece of software or a programming language—it’s the simple act of measurement. Today, I want to share a quote that has profoundly influenced my approach to both coding and business: “What gets measured gets done. What gets measured and fed back gets done well. What gets rewarded gets repeated.” ...

March 10, 2009 · 2 min · 301 words · Dipankar Sarkar

IIT vs. Everyone: Balancing Academic Rigor and Life Experiences

“Life’s fair if you don’t compare” - Unknown As an IITian sitting among friends from other universities, I’ve come to a startling realization: what they consider the golden years of fun were some of the most challenging times for me and my batchmates. Let’s dive into this contrast, starting from the end of 12th grade through college life. The Diverging Paths Post-12th Grade Most university students begin their college journey eager to explore life and have fun, with consequences taking a backseat. In contrast, IIT students face high stakes from day one. Take attendance, for instance - IITs are notoriously strict compared to Delhi University or other institutions. Many of us have faced the dreaded DISCO (disciplinary committee) for what others might consider trivial mistakes. At IIT, fun isn’t for the faint-hearted. ...

November 18, 2008 · 3 min · 457 words · Dipankar Sarkar