💻 Why I Still Code After 15+ Years in Tech

You might think that after 15+ years in tech, I’d hang up the keyboard and focus solely on leadership, strategy, or scaling companies. But the truth is—I still code. Regularly. Passionately. And not because I have to, but because I want to.

My journey started in Kharkiv, Ukraine. I was 16 when I wrote my first PHP script—just a simple login form. It didn’t even work at first. But the rush I felt when I finally saw it redirect to a new page? That moment changed everything. It made me feel like I could build something real from nothing but logic and text.

Since then, I’ve:

• Helped early-stage startups build MVPs from scratch on shoestring budgets.
• Optimized payment systems handling thousands of transactions per minute.
• Led teams across time zones to refactor legacy systems into scalable microservices.
• Built AI-driven smart home integrations using Python, TensorFlow Lite, and voice control.
• Currently building my own platforms — SKYC and IO SMART HUB — which aim to combine crypto, e-commerce, training tools, and automation.

Yet, even with all that experience, I still open my editor in the evenings—not for deadlines, but for joy.

Here's why I still code:

🧠 It Keeps My Mind Sharp

Tech moves fast. But instead of getting overwhelmed by the pace, I see it as an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s learning about AI agents, experimenting with serverless architecture, or exploring edge deployments, I stay hands-on to understand what’s actually possible—not just what’s trending.

🔍 It Feeds My Curiosity

Why does this query take 4 seconds? What would happen if I rewrote this service in Go? Could I reduce latency using WebSockets instead of REST? These are the kinds of questions that keep me up at night—in the best way possible. Coding lets me explore the “what ifs” that never show up in slide decks.

🎨 It's My Creative Outlet

People often think of coding as purely technical. But to me, it’s as creative as painting or writing. Every feature, every system design, every refactor is a form of expression. I choose patterns, structure flows, and make decisions that affect how people interact with the world.

🔧 It's Practical Empowerment

When I need something, I build it. I’ve written custom scripts to automate business reports, built dashboards for personal crypto analytics, and developed internal tools to streamline workflows and decision-making. Coding gives me leverage—to solve problems my way.

🧱 It Builds Empathy

As a founder and engineer, writing code keeps me grounded in the challenges my team faces. It helps me communicate better with designers, developers, and users. I don't just delegate—I understand. That empathy makes me a better teammate, leader, and builder.

It’s Not About the Tech—It’s About the Craft

After 15 years, I’ve learned that shipping great software isn’t about knowing every language or chasing hype. It’s about:

• Thinking in systems, not just code.
• Communicating clearly across disciplines.
• Prioritizing user needs above technical ego.
• Balancing velocity with long-term sustainability.

That’s the craft. And that’s what I’m still mastering—one commit at a time.

So yes, I still code. Through the wars, the pivots, the late nights, the new beginnings—I kept going. Because every time I sit down to write code, I feel connected. To my younger self. To the people I build for. And to the possibilities ahead.

And if I ever stop coding—it won’t be because I’ve outgrown it.

It’ll be because I’ve built something so big, so meaningful, I no longer need to. Until then, I’m here—typing, testing, building, learning.

Still coding.
Still curious.
Still in love with the craft.

Posted on May 24, 2025

– Artem Solianyk
Founder of SKYC & IO SMART HUB | Full-Stack Engineer, Builder, Dreamer