The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Don't make things worse! (Interview)

4 snips

Jun 28, 2023

Taylor Troesh, a software developer and creator of the ScrapScript language, dives into a range of fascinating topics. He shares insights on quirky concepts like 'yak shaving' and 'negative 10x engineers’ while emphasizing time management and productivity. Their conversation touches on the innovative Ikea-oriented approach to development, the complexities of choosing reliable dependencies, and the significance of foundational tech in navigating modern software ecosystems. Plus, get a taste of ScrapScript and its potential to streamline coding with a fresh perspective!

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ANECDOTE

Grandpa's Weekends

Taylor's grandpa would calculate how many weekends he had left.
This instilled in Taylor an awareness of time's limited nature.

ADVICE

Yak Shaving Defined

Yak shaving is accidentally tackling complex sub-problems instead of your primary goal.
It often stems from procrastination or encountering unforeseen issues.

ANECDOTE

Slack's Origin

Slack's creation was a byproduct of a video game project.
The internal chat tool became more successful than the intended game.

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The grapes of wrath

John Steinbeck

Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck. It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members. The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity. It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless. Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society[2][4][5].

Stephen King

Published in 1986, 'It' is a horror novel by Stephen King that follows the experiences of seven children in Derry, Maine, as they are terrorized by an evil entity known as 'It'. The story alternates between two periods: 1958, when the children first encounter 'It', and 1985, when they reunite as adults to confront the monster once more. 'It' takes on various forms to exploit the fears of its victims, most commonly appearing as the clown Pennywise. The novel explores themes of childhood trauma, the power of memory, and the enduring impact of evil on the lives of its victims. It is known for its detailed world-building and the vivid depiction of the fictional town of Derry, where the story unfolds[1][3][5].

Crafting Interpreters

Robert Nystrom

Robert Nystrom's "Crafting Interpreters" is a comprehensive guide to the design and implementation of programming languages. The book delves into the intricacies of lexical analysis, parsing, and interpretation, providing practical examples and clear explanations. It covers various techniques for building interpreters, including recursive descent parsing and bytecode interpretation. The book is highly regarded for its clarity and depth, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and experienced programmers. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how programming languages work under the hood.