The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Pushing webpack forward (Interview)
Mar 13, 2020
Tobias Koppers, the full-time maintainer of Webpack, shares insights on his journey in open source development. He discusses the delicate balance of freedom and responsibility in maintaining a widely used tool. Koppers delves into navigating criticism, pride in industry contributions, and the evolution of funding for open-source projects. He also opens up about managing open issues, the mental toll of burnout, and strategies he employs for work-life balance. A fascinating peek into the life of a pivotal figure in JavaScript development!
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Webpack's Origin
- Tobias Koppers studied computer science and worked as a C# developer in hardware.
- He started Webpack as a side project during his master's thesis.
Handling Feedback
- Webpack's massive user base (4.1M dependent repos) generates substantial feedback, both positive and negative.
- Tobias Koppers focuses on feedback as improvement ideas, rather than personal criticism.
Going Full-Time
- Tobias Koppers transitioned to full-time Webpack work after a risky decision when his previous contract ended.
- Open Collective funding and the project's growth enabled this transition despite having a family and a baby.