Fast by Default - (In Practice) by Dan Odell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

You can prevent most software performance problems if you recognize their predictable patterns. This book introduces author Den Odell's Fast by Default model that replaces the slow fix-it-later path with a unique framework to build in performance from the start.

Den Odell's System Paths framework provides a universal diagnostic language for performance that works across any platform or stack to keep your systems fast even as your codebase, team, and user base grow. You'll work through hands-on examples like slow internal dashboards and cascading problems from a degraded API. Effective profiling tools, shared dashboards, CI budgets, and design reviews all ensure your performance goals are user-centered and your team is aligned and accountable.

What's inside

- An innovative "Fast by Default" prevention-first methodology
- Observability, stakeholder alignment, and performance culture
- AI-assisted coding and non-human traffic

About the reader

For intermediate to senior engineers, tech leads, and engineering managers.

About the author

Den Odell is a Staff Engineer at Canva and creator of the "Fast by Default" methodology. He has 25 years of experience building performance-first systems at companies including Volvo Cars and AKQA. Den is the author of two books on JavaScript.

About the Author