Clojure in Product. Would you do it again? Episode 3. So once you try Clojure, there is no way back, with Marten Sytema, CaterMonkey
Dec 16, 2024
Marten Sytema, founder of CaterMonkey, shares his journey as a solo engineer turned product creator. He discusses his shift from Java to Clojure, emphasizing its transformative impact on his development process and team dynamics. Marten reveals how CaterMonkey, a smart CRM for catering businesses, evolved from a side project to an international initiative. He touches on the importance of balancing speed with engineering standards and the unique advantages Clojure brings, including community support and innovative features.
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Catermonkey's Tech Stack Shift
- Marten Sytema transitioned Catermonkey from a Java-based app to a Clojure and ClojureScript tech stack for version 2.0 launched in 2019.
- This change was driven by frustration with Java and passion for Clojure's ergonomic and fast development experience.
Clojure as a Hiring Filter
- Clojure acts as a quality filter in hiring, attracting skilled developers who understand functional programming principles.
- Although the pool is smaller, the quality and commitment of Clojure developers impress Marten Sytema.
Clojure Enables Small Teams
- Clojure allowed Catermonkey to develop their product rapidly with a small team, providing a competitive advantage over larger competitors.
- Using Clojure reduces the need for many engineers, enabling startups to move swiftly and efficiently.