Zammou Blog

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Looking for a Free Heroku Alternative?

With Heroku discontinuing its free tier, many developers have been searching for alternative platforms to host their web applications built with Node.js, PHP, Go, Python, Ruby, .NET or Java. One excellent alternative I've found is Google App Engine , which offers a free tier that rivals Heroku’s previous offering. Why Google App Engine? By using the F1 (Standard Environment) instance, you can host your web application for free indefinitely. You also get 1GB of free outbound data transfer per day , which adds up to around 30GB of free data transfer per month ( plenty for small to medium-scale applications). Things to Watch Out For: While the F1 instance is free, it's important to note that only 1 F1 instance is free. If your app experiences heavy traffic, Google App Engine will automatically scale and spin up additional instances, which could result in charges. To avoid this, you can set a limit on the number of instances. Here’s how you can configure your app.yaml file to p...

Is It Better to Book Hotels Directly or Through Booking Sites?

When planning a trip, many people turn to popular booking platforms like Hotels.com or Booking.com to reserve their rooms. But should you use these websites to actually book your stay, or are they better suited as search engines to compare prices before booking directly with the hotel? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons. Benefits of Booking Directly with the Hotel: Savings: You can often save between $5 and $10 per night by booking directly. Loyalty Programs: Some hotels offer loyalty points that can be used for free stays. Exclusive Perks: Many hotels provide added benefits, such as welcome drinks, room upgrades, or free breakfast when you reach certain loyalty levels (e.g., bronze, silver, gold). Drawbacks: Limited Online Booking Options: Not all hotels offer the ability to book and pay through their own website. Overall, it’s usually better to book directly with the hotel. Hotels often prefer this, as they don’t have to pay the high commissions (around 25%) charged by ...

The Limits of Science

Today, I spoke with a scientist and asked if she believes in God. She replied, "No, I believe in science." I responded, "Science doesn’t have all the answers. It’s a constantly evolving field of exploration and experimentation, with much still unknown. So, while science may not currently be able to prove the existence of God, that doesn't necessarily mean God doesn’t exist. Perhaps, in the distant future, science will evolve to the point where it can answer such profound questions. As a scientist, being open-minded is important—especially about things that science cannot fully explain at this moment.

Is It Possible to Build a Drone That Flies Autonomously Without GPS?

Can you build a drone that flies autonomously from point A to point B without using GPS? It might seem like a challenge at first, but I believe it's entirely possible. Drones typically rely on GPS for navigation. However, in some environments, such as indoors or areas with weak satellite signals, GPS may not be reliable. This raises the question: how can we enable autonomous navigation without GPS? One solution lies in the use of cameras and advanced image recognition. Imagine equipping a drone with a downward-facing camera, continuously capturing images of the ground below. Here's how it would work: First, we load satellite images or high-resolution maps into the drone's onboard memory. These maps serve as a reference for the drone. As the drone flies, it constantly compares the live images from the camera with the preloaded satellite map. By using software that matches the drone’s current view with the map, the drone can identify its location and adjust its course in rea...

Your Guide to Losing Weight Naturally

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a healthier you? Regardless of your age or background, achieving weight loss naturally is within reach. Let's explore practical strategies that anyone can implement, without resorting to drastic measures or fad diets. First things first, let's talk about why some of us struggle with weight: Consuming more calories than necessary. Lack of balance in macronutrient intake. Consuming high-fat or high-carbohydrate foods excessively. Here's a comprehensive plan to help you lose weight naturally: 1. Gear Up with Tech: Invest in a health smartwatch, such as Fitbit, to track your progress effectively. Configure the accompanying app to reflect your weight loss goals. By setting a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day, you establish a sustainable path towards weight loss. 2. Start Your Day with Movement: Prioritize daily physical activity by incorporating a morning walk or bike ride into your routine. Engaging in exercise before work ens...

6 Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Domain Name

Choosing the ideal domain name isn't just about securing a web address; it's about laying the foundation for your online success. Whether you're starting a new venture or rebranding an existing one, the domain name you select can significantly impact your brand's visibility, memorability, and overall success. To help you navigate this crucial decision, here are six expert tips to guide you towards choosing the perfect domain name: 1. Craft Uniqueness for Unforgettable Identity In a digital landscape teeming with millions of websites, standing out is essential. Avoid the temptation to mimic or imitate established domains. Instead, strive for uniqueness. Your domain should be a beacon of individuality, instantly recognizable and distinct from competitors. Remember, uniqueness breeds memorability. 2. Prioritize Typability for Seamless Accessibility Your domain name should be effortless to type. Complex spellings, lengthy phrases, or obscure words can impede accessibility ...