Left of the Dev

My go-to prompt for legacy code exploration

Old software systems can be scary. Learn their quirks and conventions with some agentic assistance. (November 09, 2025)

Everyday Rails is now Left of the Dev

I'm taking this site in a new direction! Here's why, and what to expect going forward. (October 27, 2025)

Testing with RSpec book updates for September 2025

New content on top-down testing and covering your app's supporting features. (September 16, 2025)

Everyday Rails is 15 years old!

A brief look back on the past five years, and a peek at what's ahead for Everyday Rails. (May 18, 2025)

Old Ruby and Rails on new hardware with dev containers

How do you get an ancient Rails application running on newer hardware? Dev containers to the rescue! (April 15, 2025)

Testing with RSpec book updates for April 2025

Fresh takes on all things mocking! (April 05, 2025)

Newly open-sourced development setup tools

Recover from laptop disasters a little faster through automation! (March 09, 2025)

Notes on pair programming with Aider when Python isn't readily available

Here's how I'm using Aider as an AI pair programming buddy in dev containers, without dealing with Python (January 07, 2025)

Testing with RSpec book updates for December 2024

All-new coverage of system specs (December 29, 2024)

Testing with RSpec book updates for November 2024

More coverage of request specs, factory_bot, and debugging tests (November 26, 2024)

Test with confidence!

If you liked my series on practical advice for adding reliable tests to your Rails apps, check out the expanded ebook version. Lots of additional, exclusive content and a complete sample Rails application.

Newsletter

Software development news and tips, and other ideas and surprises from Aaron at Left of the Dev. Delivered to your inbox on no particular set schedule.