Thanks are not enough to the Apress team for the opportunity to deliver this book—specifically, to Jonathan Gennick. I hope my 0.01% contribution remains worth your investment. This book is all the richer for your patient guidance, help, and assistance. Mike Gangler, you have enriched this work more than you know while teaching me American grammar and spelling. As George Bernard Shaw said: “Two people separated by a common language.” Jill Balzano, thank you for your project management. Who knew writing a book would be so easy? And those unknown to me—editors, reviewers, and production staff, please take a bow. You are the unsung heroes who make things happen.

To my friends at Snowflake who patiently showed me the “art of the possible,” who first encouraged, advised, and guided, then became friends, mentors, and partners. Jonathan Nicholson, Andy McCann, Will Riley, Cillian Bane, and James Hunt—quite a journey we have been on, and in no small part, this book is possible only because of your steadfast support. I owe you all a beer or three!

To my colleagues at London Stock Exchange Group who had the vision and foresight to investigate Snowflake, Mike Newton, this is for you. Also, step forward my inspiring colleagues—Nitin Rane, Srinivas Venkata, Matt Willis, Dhiraj Saxena, Gowthami Bandla, Arabella Peake, and Sahir Ahmed. You all played a bigger part in this book than you know, and I will be forever grateful to you all.

To my daughters, Esther and Verity, who knew Dad would write something like this! And finally, to Diane, you were there every day throughout the six months this book took to write. You have the patience of a saint and are more lovely than I can say.