Nov 07 2025
Off

Organizing Code by Feature: How Colocation Makes Your Codebase Easier to Work With 

By katerina

Most developers have worked on a project where the files are split into folders like /components, /styles, /api, and /utils. At first, it looks organized. But over time, you find yourself jumping back and forth across the codebase just to change one thing. It gets harder to follow, and harder to onboard new people.  There’s a better way: colocation.  Colocation means keeping related files close together — not based on their type but based on what they belong to. If a component, its styles, its API logic, and its tests all relate to the same feature, then they should live in the same folder.  This idea can be applied to both frontend and backend development, and it’s a small shift that makes a big difference.  What does colocation mean in practice?  In most frontend projects you would see this folder structure:  /components /styles /api But with colocation you would do this:  /checkout CheckoutForm.tsx checkout.api.ts checkout.styles.css CheckoutForm.test.tsx   The benefit is simple: When you’re working on the checkout form, everything you need is right there. You don’t have to remember where the matching API call is or which style file affects the component. It’s all in one place.  So, how does colocation work across the different aspects of development we touch every day? Let’s break it down.  1. Component + Styles Together  Instead of separating .tsx (or .js) and .css files into different folders, keep them side by side. For example:  /product ProductCard.tsx ProductCard.module.css  Now, when you change the designs, the styles are right next to it. No more digging around in a /styles folder.  If you’re using Tailwind or styled-components, the principle still applies — just keep style logic in the same file or folder.  2. Component + API Logic Together   Say your component needs to fetch product data. Instead of importing a function from some distant api.ts, just colocate the API logic:  /product ProductCard.tsx useProductData.ts   Now anyone looking at the component can also see how data is fetched. You reduce the back-and-forth guessing of “where does this data come from?”  3. Component + Tests Together  Tests are most useful when they’re easy to find and update. Instead of a top-level __tests__ folder, do this: /product ProductCard.tsx ProductCard.test.tsx When the test lives next to the component, you can’t pretend it doesn’t exist—so it actually gets updated.  4. Component + State Logic Together   If your component has a local store or uses Zustand, Jotai, or Context, keep it nearby:  /cart Cart.tsx cart.store.ts   This helps everyone see how the component is wired, without having to jump into a central “store” folder that holds state for the whole app.  Using Redux? You can still colocate! With Redux Toolkit, create a feature slice in the same folder:  /cart   Cart.tsx   cartSlice.ts   selectors.ts  Then wire the slice into your root store (or dynamically inject it if your setup supports code-splitting). The key: if someone edits Cart.tsx, the related reducer logic is right there.  Colocation Works on the Backend Too  This isn’t just for frontend. The same idea helps on the backend — especially in large codebases or service-oriented setups.  Here’s a typical backend project structure:   /controllers /services /models   It seems logical, but if you want to make a change to the billing feature, you’ll need to touch a file in each of these folders. That’s a lot of unnecessary switching.  Instead, organize it like this:  /features /billing billing.controller.ts billing.service.ts billing.model.ts Now billing is self-contained. Developers can focus on billing without needing to understand the entire app.  This kind of structure also makes it easier to break features into microservices later, if needed.  Final Thoughts  Colocation is a simple concept: group code by feature, not by type. It reduces the amount of time spent hunting for files and makes projects more approachable.  If your team is struggling with a growing codebase, try organizing by feature. It’s a change that can have a big impact on productivity and developer happiness. Discover how we apply this strategy at Ambitious Solutions to help teams deliver cleaner, faster, and more scalable software.

Sep 01 2025
Off

Transparency in Outsourcing: How We Keep Clients in the Loop at All Times

By katerina

Transparency in outsourcing is crucial. When companies decide to outsource, one of the first concerns they have is simple but important: “Will I know what’s going on with my project?” We treat transparency as a process, making sure clients are always informed at every stage. And that’s a fair question. Too often in our industry, clients are left waiting in silence, unsure about progress, only to be surprised later by missed deadlines or unsatisfactory results. That challenge is exactly what we set out to eliminate when we started Ambitious Solutions. Transparency as a Process For us, transparency isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a process we follow in every project. From day one, we establish clear communication channels. Clients talk directly with our developers and have full visibility into what we see. Each week, we run demos where we present working features, not just plans or slides. Our backlogs are open, priorities are visible, and feedback loops are continuous. The goal is simple: no guessing, no blind spots, and no unpleasant surprises. Real-World Example of Transparency in Action One project we took over is a great example. It had been running for a while but was struggling with unclear communication and poor visibility. Our first step was simple: we opened the backlog to the client, aligned on priorities, and set up weekly demo sessions. Within just a couple of sprints, everything changed. Instead of guessing the project’s status, the client was now actively guiding the direction, giving feedback early, and making quicker business decisions. Transparency completely turned the project around, and deadlines were finally met without added stress. The Benefits Beyond Software What we’ve learned is that transparency in outsourcing does more than deliver better software — it builds stronger relationships. When clients always know where things stand, they gain the confidence to make decisions and adjust priorities as needed. That level of collaboration keeps projects on track and ensures the final product truly reflects the vision At Ambitious Solutions, we believe outsourcing should give you more control, not less. That’s why we keep you informed every step of the way. Because trust grows from clarity, and clarity comes from transparency at every stage of the process.

Track progress without micromanaging
Mar 14 2025
Off

Track Progress Without Micromanaging

By katerina

Track progress without micromanaging – As a business owner, you’ve probably asked yourself: How can I keep my outsourced team on track without feeling like I have to constantly push or micromanage them? It’s a real concern. You want things to run smoothly without unnecessary stress, but you also don’t want to be the one always chasing deadlines or breathing down everyone’s neck. The good news? When you find the right balance, everyone wins. Your team feels trusted and empowered, collaboration flows naturally, and productivity thrives—without the need for constant pressure. It’s all about creating an environment where people do their best work because they want to, not because they have to. At Ambitious, we believe in teamwork. We trust each other, we communicate openly, and we focus on results rather than just ticking boxes. Here’s how we’ve learned to keep things moving without micromanaging. 1. Set the Foundation With Clear Expectations The first step to a great working relationship is clarity. When bringing in an outsourced team, don’t just hand them a to-do list—share your vision with them. Let them know the bigger picture, the goals behind their tasks, and what success looks like. Think of it like giving directions to a friend. Instead of saying, “Go to this address,” you explain, “This is where we’re headed, and here’s why it’s important.” That way, they’re more invested in the journey, not just the destination. 2. Focus on Outcomes, Not Hours We care about results, not just how much time someone spends at their desk. Instead of worrying about whether your team worked eight or ten hours today, ask yourself: Did they deliver what was needed? A simple mindset shift makes a huge difference. Instead of asking, “How many hours did you spend on this?”, try “What progress did we make this week?” This gives your team the space to work in a way that suits them while still staying accountable. 3. Use Tools That Make Work Visible (Without Constant Check-Ins) Micromanaging often happens when there’s a lack of visibility. The good news? You don’t need to call or email your team every few hours to see what they’re working on. Instead, use tools like Jira and Trello to keep things transparent and track progress without micromanaging. At Ambitious, we love using simple dashboards (Jira, Linear) where tasks are updated in real time. That way, everyone can see progress without having to chase updates. It’s a win-win: project managers stay informed, and team members don’t feel pressured by constant interruptions. 4. Keep Communication Open, But Not Overwhelming Regular updates matter, but no one likes endless meetings. The trick is to find a routine that works for everyone. A quick weekly check-in, a shared progress doc, or even a simple Teams message can keep things on track without eating up too much time. We also encourage an open-door policy. If someone on our team needs help, they know they can reach out without hesitation. When people feel comfortable asking questions, work moves faster, and problems get solved before they turn into bigger issues. 5. Encourage Ownership and Problem-Solving One of the biggest mistakes in management is assuming that every small issue needs your input. In reality, your team is full of talented professionals who can (and should) make decisions on their own. Instead of jumping in to fix things right away, try asking, “What do you think we should do?” Giving your team the freedom to solve problems not only boosts confidence but also helps them grow into leaders. 6. Give Encouraging, Constructive Feedback Feedback is important, but how you give it matters a lot. Instead of pointing out small mistakes, try to guide and help the person improve. A simple, “This part looks great! Here’s one way we could make it even better,” keeps the conversation positive and productive. At Ambitious, we celebrate progress, not just perfection. A supportive environment brings out the best in people, and that’s exactly what you want from your outsourced team. 7. Trust Your Team—They’ve Got This At the heart of it all is trust. When you hire an outsourced team, you’re bringing in experts to help you succeed. Trust them to do their job. It’s good to stay updated and give guidance, but focusing too much on every small detail can slow things down. When your team feels trusted, they work with confidence, take action, and achieve better results. At Ambitious, we know that successful collaboration isn’t about control—it’s about partnership. By setting clear expectations, focusing on outcomes, using the right tools, and fostering trust, you can track progress without micromanaging and keep your outsourced team on track. And when you create an environment where people feel valued and supported, great things happen. So take a deep breath—you’ve got this, and so does your team.

Mar 07 2025
Off

Balance Costs and Quality in Software Development

By katerina

Balance Costs and Quality in Software Development- Outsourcing software development can save money and provide skilled developers, but without clear goals and a well-defined plan, costs can rise and budgets can get out of control. Choosing the right partner always leads to high-quality software and saves money in the long run. Balancing quality and cost is key, as every business owner and startup wants the best quality for the lowest price when outsourcing. As an outsourcing company, we understand the concerns of CEOs and startup founders. Maintaining quality while balancing costs is a key goal of outsourcing, ensuring efficiency without compromising on expertise.. Without this balance, outsourcing won’t make sense. With years of experience in software outsourcing, Ambitious Solutions has faced these challenges and can provide valuable guidelines to deliver high-quality projects without exceeding the budget. 1. Define Your Project Requirements Clearly Before anything begins, it’s crucial to know exactly what you need and what you expect to achieve. This includes the goals, the big picture of the project, its features, deadlines, and budget. Clear and concise requirements help avoid misunderstandings, delays, and extra costs, all while maintaining quality. 2. Choose the Right Outsourcing Model There are different outsourcing models: Choose the model that fits your budget and project needs best. 3. Select a Reliable Software Development Partner Do thorough research before choosing an outsourcing company. Pay attention to: A reliable partner ensures high-quality results and smooth collaboration. 4. Avoid the Cheapest Option Cheap outsourcing providers often cut corners. Poorly written code can lead to security risks and bugs, which will cost more to fix later. Instead of choosing the cheapest option, find a company that offers good value for money. 5. Use Agile Development Practices The truth is, no company is 100 percent agile. But with regular meetings, tracking progress, good communication, and quick feedback, any challenges can be solved on time, keeping the quality high and costs low 6. Monitor the Project Regularly Stay involved in the project. Schedule regular meetings and ask for reports. Use project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana to track progress. This helps you identify problems early and keep costs under control. 7. Set a Realistic Budget Plan your budget carefully. Make sure to include costs for development, testing, maintenance, revisions, and any hidden costs. A good budget helps avoid unexpected expenses 8. Focus on Long-Term Value Focusing on long-term value is important because good software saves money in the long run. High-quality software needs fewer fixes, is more secure, and works better for users. Investing in quality now helps you avoid expensive problems later. Conclusion Balancing cost and quality is crucial for outsourcing success. It takes time and effort, but it’s definitely possible. With a good plan from the start and staying focused on the work, you can get high-quality software without going over budget.

Mar 04 2025
Off

Why the First 30 Days of an Outsourcing Project Are Crucial

By katerina

The first 30 days of an outsourcing project are crucial because outsourcing helps companies grow quickly and operate more smoothly. However, the success of an outsourcing partnership often depends on the first 30 days. Why? Because this initial period lays the groundwork for communication, expectations, and long-term collaboration. Why Are the First 30 Days So Crucial? Are you a CEO, entrepreneur, or business owner considering outsourcing but worried about how to make it work? You’re not alone. The first month of an outsourcing project is when everything falls into place—or falls apart. This is the critical phase where teams align, potential risks are identified, and key processes are established. Get it right, and you set the stage for seamless collaboration, efficiency, and long-term success. Get it wrong, and you risk delays, miscommunication, and costly setbacks. At Ambitious Solutions, we’ve learned that every great project starts with a great kickoff. After years in software development outsourcing, we’ve seen how a well-structured start leads to smoother processes, faster delivery, clearer communication, and a final product that exceeds expectations. The importance of the first 30 days  The first 30 days of an outsourcing project set the stage for success. This crucial phase is all about setting clear goals, defining the long-term vision, and ensuring a smooth onboarding process for everyone involved. A strong kickoff helps streamline workflows, improve communication, and build trust between teams and stakeholders, making collaboration easier. By addressing risks early, speeding up decision-making, and keeping everything on track, this phase lays the groundwork for efficient progress, faster development, and a high-quality, scalable solution. 1. How Do You Ensure a Strong Start? A structured onboarding process is key. The first 30 days should include: 2. What Happens If You Don’t Get the First 30 Days Right? When outsourcing relationships start without a clear strategy, businesses often encounter: 3. How Can Startups and Founders Benefit from a Strong First Month? For startups and new business owners, outsourcing is a powerful way to access top-tier talent without the overhead of in-house teams. But to fully leverage outsourcing, the first 30 days must be focused on: 4. What Steps Should You Take to Get It Right? At Ambitious Solutions, we recommend these best practices for a successful outsourcing kickoff: Conclusion: The First 30 Days Define Your Outsourcing Success The first 30 days of an outsourcing project are crucial in setting the foundation for long-term success. This initial phase can determine how smoothly the collaboration will run, impacting efficiency, quality, and overall results. For startup founders, CEOs, and business leaders, having a clear strategy from day one ensures a strong partnership and minimizes potential risks. At Ambitious Solutions, we understand the importance of a well-structured approach—if you’re exploring ways to optimize this process, we’re happy to share insights and guidance.