NML

Blog post by Marcel Prinsloo on docker. http://blog.newmedialabs.co.za/demystifying-docker/ Which if you don't care about web applications won't impress you. If you do docker is awesome (made even more awesome by asp.net core running in containers).
"Docker containers on the other hand, only include the libraries and binaries specific to the operating system you want to run. The containers then share resources the host machine resources. Resource limits can be placed on each container, though, to prevent them from overwhelming a system. They do not include their own operating system kernel, but instead use the host's kernel, eliminating the overhead caused by the hypervisor. Starting up a container only starts the user processes required, as the host kernel has already been booted. The separation of these container processes are provided by utilizing kernel features like namespaces.
Sharing the host kernel allows containers to start up within seconds, as opposed to minutes required by virtual machines. Containers also do not need to be assigned resources up front and the host can run as many as it can handle, simultaneously.
Due to the reduced isolation between Docker containers compared to VMs, they might not be the best choice in all situations."

Demystifying Docker Docker containers have received a lot of attention for a while now, because they let you very quickly and conveniently create and destroy environments. From development to deployments, containers let you create consistent, isolated environments in just a few steps....

NML's Njinu Kimani breaks down the basics of blockchain in his new blog post - http://blog.newmedialabs.co.za/basics-of-blockchain/

Basics of blockchain Bitcoin Bitcoin is a consensus network that enables a new payment system and a completely digital currency. Bitcoin is the first decentralized peer-to-peer payment network that is powered by its users with no central authority or middlemen. From a user...

Saffia Manjoo gets to grips with Gauge Automation Testing
http://blog.newmedialabs.co.za/gauge-automation-testing/

Gauge Automation Testing A brief write up on my experience with Thoughtwork's Gauge testing tool.

Here's one for the devs - "Inversion of Control: Dependency Injection vs Service Locator" by our Custom Dev Lead, Charl Marais.

Inversion of Control : Dependency Injection vs Service Locator SOLID If you're a developer that takes his/her profession seriously, you most probably have come across the SOLID[1] principles. As a quick review: Single responsibility Modules, classes, methods should do one specific thing. Open/Close principle Classes must...

NML enjoyed an adrenaline-filled night of go-karting yesterday for team-building. Check out Charl's hilarious post-action report on what transpired:

NML Team building - post action report Petrolheads We are not. (Petrolheads, that is). Except John, who does go-kart racing competitively, and Remy, who is from Despatch and therefore one by heritage. However, we are quite competitive. More so than I thought. A lot more, and from...

Renewable energy for the win:

Paper-thin printed solar cells could provide power for 1.3 billion people Thanks to inexpensive printed solar cells, 1.3 billion people currently without electricity may be able to plug in for the first time.