The Bike Shed 491: Influences that shaped our thinking
Jan 27, 2026
Two developers compare the books, talks and videos that shaped how they write code. They discuss object-oriented design, handling uncertainty by pushing validation to system edges, and patterns for refactoring multi-step forms. They also touch on note-taking systems for building ideas and using checklists to improve processes.
AI Snips
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Episode notes
Learning Games Feels Like Learning Languages
- Joël compared learning a new tabletop RPG system to learning a new programming language with familiar but different primitives.
- He described discovering subtle implications of design choices as he adapted to the new game's mechanics.
Prep Players With Tiny World Summaries
- Aji described introducing people to the Shadowrun system by giving short stories or brief setting summaries as light homework.
- He found conveying the 'vibe' of the world reduced friction when players learned the mechanics during play.
Use Industry Stories To Judge Fit
- Read Blood, Sweat, and Pixels to learn how different constraints change team practices and the risks of glorified crunch in game studios.
- Use those stories to decide whether an industry's workstyle fits your life priorities.
