AI Implementation & Software Insights

ptop: Our CTO Rewrote vtop in Rust and Cut Memory 93%

Our CTO Pate Bryant rewrote the terminal monitor vtop in Rust. ptop keeps the look and uses about 93% less memory and 15% less CPU in his M2 Max test.

Jevfish: Our CTO Built a Chess Engine That Never Calculates

Our CTO Pate Bryant built Jevfish, a chess engine that beats humans without tree search. It uses a decision model to classify moves. Here is how it works and why the pattern matters for software.

Your Next Hire Might Be an AI Agent: What Mid Market Businesses Need to Know

As AI agents start showing up on startup team rosters, mid market business owners are asking the same question: which processes are ready for a human and an AI agent to run together, and which are not.

AI Built a Startup Live on Camera in 72 Hours. Here's What That Means for Your Business.

Elon Musk's SpaceXAI team started this week with no company name, no product, and no idea. They are livestreaming Grok Bot agents making every business decision in real time. The demo ends tomorrow. The question it raises is permanent.

ECS vs EKS: An Honest AWS Container Comparison (2026)

An honest AWS comparison of ECS and EKS for container workloads: operational burden, control-plane and Fargate pricing, IAM (task roles vs IRSA/Pod Identity), networking, ecosystem and portability, team-size fit, and when Fargate settles the argument.

Kubernetes Migration Risk Checklist: 7 Pre-Cutover Checks

A practical pre-migration checklist for teams moving real workloads onto Kubernetes: stateful workloads, networking and DNS, secrets management, observability, rollback strategy, and organizational readiness, with a consolidated go/no-go gate.

Lift-and-Shift vs Re-architect for Containers (2026 Guide)

A decision framework for engineering leaders choosing how to move an existing application into containers: rehost (lift-and-shift) vs refactor (re-architect), the six-Rs mapping, a side-by-side comparison table, and the strangler-fig middle path.

Giving Your AI Agent a Phone Number: Twilio vs Vapi vs Retell vs Self-Hosted (2026)

An honest comparison of four ways to give an AI agent inbound phone capability in 2026 — raw Twilio Media Streams, managed platforms (Vapi, Retell, Bland), and the self-hosted route with OpenClaw and clawcall. Includes a cost/latency/control trade-off table and when-to-use-each guidance.

How to Add SMS to Your Self-Hosted AI Agent (Twilio + OpenClaw)

A practical guide to giving a self-hosted OpenClaw AI agent two-way SMS capability via Twilio Messaging webhooks — covering webhook setup, opt-in/STOP compliance, session management, and how SMS pairs with the voice setup from the inbound calls guide.

How to Give Your Self-Hosted AI Agent Inbound Phone Calls (OpenClaw + Twilio)

A step-by-step technical guide for self-hosters who want their OpenClaw AI agent to receive inbound phone calls via Twilio, Telnyx, or Plivo — covering the native voice-call plugin, the DIY Twilio Media Streams path, and two architectures for tool access during calls: the native realtime consult tool (fixed in PR #71272) and full gateway-turn routing via clawcall.

GovCon Software Development: The 2026 Buyer Guide

GovCon software development requires cleared engineers, ATO compliance, and federal procurement expertise. This 2026 buyer guide covers contracts, CMMC, FedRAMP, pricing, and how to win your first prime.

CODE/+/TRUST Recognized Among Top South Carolina Business Development Companies by Daily Finance

Read the archived announcement of Code and Trust’s recognition among South Carolina business development companies by Daily Finance.

Why Interactive Prototypes Are a Game-Changer for Your Software

Explore how interactive prototypes help teams test software ideas, gather feedback, and clarify a product before development begins.

What Makes Us Different with Co-founder and CCO Andrew Strickland

Watch Andrew Strickland in this archived Code and Trust video and explore practical questions for comparing software development partners.

What Is Container Adoption? A 2026 Guide for Operations Leaders

Container adoption is the org-wide move to containerized workloads. This 2026 guide covers benefits, failure patterns, a 6-phase roadmap, and a decision framework for operations leaders.

Explained: Magic Links

Learn what magic links are, how passwordless sign-in works, and what to consider when using email links to authenticate application users.

The Truth About No-Code and Low-Code Platforms

Explore no-code and low-code platforms, including their benefits, limitations, and considerations when choosing tools for a software product.

Transforming Communication: Choosing Words Wisely in Business

Explore how word choice affects business communication and how clearer, more thoughtful language can improve everyday interactions.

The Story of JSON the Pirate

Meet JSON the Pirate, the digital artwork at 665 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard that connects Charleston’s pirate history with its technology community.

The Role of Analytics in Product Development

Learn how analytics can inform product development, reveal patterns in user behavior, and help teams evaluate what to improve next.

Success and Metrics with COO Chris Neary

Explore success and metrics with Chris Neary in this archived video, plus a guide to baselines, useful measures, user feedback, and post-release review.

Software Development Life Cycle

Explore the software development life cycle, from planning and design to development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.

SC Women in Leadership Success Story

Explore how Code and Trust helped SC Women in Leadership streamline applications for municipal and county boards and commissions.

Explained: Relational Databases

Learn how relational databases organize information into tables and use relationships to connect data across an application.

PWA vs. Native App vs. Web App: How to Choose

Prospective Clients: Meet Andrew Strickland

Meet Andrew Strickland, Code and Trust CEO and co-founder. Watch his prospective-client video and learn how to prepare for a software project conversation.

Business Owners: Build a Winning Website for Any Device With a PWA

Explore progressive web apps and how a browser-based application can provide app-like features for a business and its customers.

Phase 1 with COO Chris Neary

Watch the archived Phase 1 video with Chris Neary, with a guide to defining user problems, testing assumptions, and agreeing on initial project outputs.

On the Road: Optimizing Your Space For Virtual Video Calls While Mobile

Practical ideas for setting up virtual video calls while traveling, including your surroundings, lighting, sound, and mobile workspace.

665 JD Is Hiring!

An archived look at hiring opportunities among the companies at 665 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard. Listings reflect the original publication, not current openings.

MVP Development - What It Is, Why It Works, & How To Use It

Learn what a minimum viable product is, why teams build one, and how to approach an MVP that tests a product idea with users.

Microservices Development: When It Pays Off, When It Doesn't

Introduction to COO Chris Neary - CODE/+/TRUST

Meet Chris Neary in an archived Code and Trust video, with a companion guide to project contacts, communication, decisions, and delivery responsibilities.

How Custom Software Allows Businesses to Outsmart Competition

Explore how custom software can support business workflows, address specific operational needs, and help companies compete.

Customer Experience vs. User Experience: Where They Meet

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 9 - Lessons In Lifelong Learning

Watch Greg Surratt in Entrepreneur Studio on lessons in lifelong learning, with background on his leadership and work at Seacoast Church.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 8 - Hard Lessons Learned

Wesley Donehue joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Hard Lessons Learned.” Watch the interview and explore his background with Push Digital.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 7 - Beached Boats and Hamster Wheels

John Osborne joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Beached Boats and Hamster Wheels.” Watch the interview and read about his entrepreneurial background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 6 - Dog Bites and Beer Lights

Christina Lock joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Dog Bites and Beer Lights.” Watch the interview and explore her background with Catch Talent.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 5 - Jesse and The Importance of Visual Storytelling

Watch Earl Bridges in Entrepreneur Studio on Jesse and the importance of visual storytelling, with background on his work and The Good Road.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 4 - Gaining Traction When Starting From Zero

Watch Greg Surratt in Entrepreneur Studio on gaining traction when starting from zero, with background on his work at Seacoast Church.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 32 - Butter the Biscuit Truck's Incredible Journey

Carrie Morey joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Butter the Biscuit Truck’s Incredible Journey.” Watch the interview and read her entrepreneurial background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 30 - From Mentors to Montford

Sunju Patel joins Entrepreneur Studio for “From Mentors to Montford.” Watch the interview and read about his real estate and business background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 3 - Overcoming Growing Pains While Scaling with Abby Leibowitz

Watch Abby Leibowitz in Entrepreneur Studio on overcoming growing pains while scaling, with background on her work at Call Experts.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 29 - Stolen Clients and Retribution

Shawn Moffatt joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Stolen Clients and Retribution.” Watch the interview and read about his background with Go To Team.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 28 - Imposter Syndrome

Christina Lock joins Entrepreneur Studio to discuss imposter syndrome. Watch the interview and read about her background with Catch Talent.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 27 - Tough Love & Forging Your Own Path

Lee Deas joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Tough Love & Forging Your Own Path.” Watch the interview and explore her background with Obviouslee.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 26 - Relinquishing Responsibilities

Greg Surratt joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Relinquishing Responsibilities.” Watch the interview and read about his background with Seacoast Church.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 25 - Truckloads of Flour & Standing Your Ground

Carrie Morey joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Truckloads of Flour & Standing Your Ground.” Watch the interview and explore her entrepreneurial background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 24 - Battling a Bookkeeping Blunder

Wesley Donehue joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Battling a Bookkeeping Blunder.” Watch the interview and learn about his background with Push Digital.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 23 - Defending Dorchester & Crazy Big Hard Work

Sunju Patel joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Defending Dorchester & Crazy Big Hard Work.” Watch the interview and read about his background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 22 - Access to Opportunity

Shawn Moffatt joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Access to Opportunity.” Watch the interview and learn about his background with Go To Team.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 21 - Gender Barriers & Elevator Buffoons

Lee Deas joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Gender Barriers & Elevator Buffoons.” Watch the interview and read about her background with Obviouslee.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 21 - All Money's Not the Same Money

Earl Bridges joins Entrepreneur Studio for “All Money’s Not the Same Money.” Watch the interview and learn about his business background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 2 - Landing the Big Fish with Wesley Donehue

Watch Wesley Donehue in Entrepreneur Studio on landing big clients, with background on his entrepreneurial work and Push Digital.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 19 - Incredible Parents & Finding Your Passion

Carrie Morey joins Entrepreneur Studio on incredible parents and finding your passion. Watch the interview and read her background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 18 - If You Can Fix This, You Can Fix Anything

Jonathan Zucker joins Entrepreneur Studio for “If You Can Fix This, You Can Fix Anything.” Watch the interview and explore his business background.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 17 - Desperation in a Pretty Package

Greg Surratt joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Desperation in a Pretty Package.” Watch the interview and read about his background with Seacoast Church.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 16 - The Entrepreneurial Mom

Christina Lock joins Entrepreneur Studio for “The Entrepreneurial Mom.” Watch the interview and read about her background with Catch Talent.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 15 - Just Say Thanks

Shawn Moffatt joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Just Say Thanks.” Watch the interview and learn about his background with Go To Team.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 14 - Hard Liquor & Harder Lessons

Scott Newitt joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Hard Liquor & Harder Lessons.” Watch the interview and learn about his background with Firefly Spirits.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 13 - Sweating Payroll

Earl Bridges joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Sweating Payroll.” Watch the interview and read about his background in business and workplace generosity.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 12 - Growth in Entrepreneurship

Abby Leibowitz joins Entrepreneur Studio to discuss growth in entrepreneurship. Watch the interview and read about her background with Call Experts.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 11 - A Father's Influence

Jonathan Zucker discusses his father’s influence in Entrepreneur Studio. Watch the interview and read about his business and community work.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 10 - Super Dillys and Impressing Shaq

Scott Newitt joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Super Dillys & Impressing Shaq.” Watch the interview and explore his background with Firefly Spirits.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 1 - Teaching the Entrepreneurial & Giveback Spirit with Jonathan Zucker

Watch Jonathan Zucker in Entrepreneur Studio on teaching an entrepreneurial and give-back spirit, with background on his work at The InterTech Group.

Entrepreneur Studio Series - Episode 20 - Just Say Yes

John Osborne joins Entrepreneur Studio for “Just Say Yes.” Watch the interview and learn about his background in entrepreneurship and investing.

Empathy-Driven Development: The Secret to Building Better Products

Explore empathy-driven development and how understanding users’ needs can guide product decisions and help teams build more useful software.

Development Process with COO Chris Neary

Watch the archived development process video with Chris Neary and use a client checklist for project decisions, handoffs, testing, and release.

CODE/+/TRUST's Ideal Client with Co-founder and CCO Andrew Strickland

Andrew Strickland introduces the ideal client topic in this archived video. Prepare your goals, decision-makers, and constraints for a software project.

CODE/+/TRUST Partners with Develop Carolina to Create Real World Opportunities for Aspiring Junior Developers

Read about Code and Trust’s partnership with Develop Carolina to create practical opportunities for aspiring junior software developers.

CODE/+/TRUST Hosts Charleston Women In Tech's First Happy Hour Event of 2022

A recap of Code and Trust hosting Charleston Women in Tech’s first happy hour of 2022, bringing members of the local technology community together.

CODE/+/TRUST Corporate Video

Watch the Code and Trust company video, explore software project examples, and prepare questions for a conversation about your product.

CODE/+/TRUST Continues 5-Star Reviews Streak on Clutch’s Platform

Code and Trust extends its 5-star review streak on Clutch, with client feedback on the Ping by Tallo app and a place on Top Design Firms' app development list.

Clutch 2021 Leader Awards: CODE/+/TRUST Named as a Top Software Developer & B2B Provider in South Carolina

Clutch named Code and Trust a 2021 Leader Award winner among top software developers and B2B providers in South Carolina. Read what it means for the team.

Blinktbi Success Story

Explore the blinktbi case study and Code and Trust’s work on software supporting its concussion assessment technology.

Biggest Hurdles with Co-founder and CCO Andrew Strickland

Andrew Strickland appears in this archived Code and Trust video. Prepare for software project hurdles with a practical scope and risk checklist.

Benefits of a Full Stack Developer

Explore the benefits of a full-stack developer and how experience across front-end and back-end systems can support a software project.

Assignment Desk Success Story

Assignment Desk success story: Code and Trust built ADesk, an internal app that improved productivity for booking shoots and accessing vendor information.

Agile vs. Waterfall: The Difference and How to Choose

665 JD Holiday Party 2021

Highlights from the Code and Trust 665 JD Holiday Party 2021, with the promo video and a thank-you to everyone who made the party possible.