Decoding Modern Tech: Cloud, APIs, Wasm, Security, & More • Daniel Bryant & Matt Turner
Mar 15, 2024
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Two cloud native experts discuss the shifting role of APIs, platform engineering, and the potential of Wasm in modern tech. They touch on API gateways, platform evolution, Docker's impact on developer experience, WebAssembly advancements, API architecture, and continuous education methods.
API gateways are crucial for managing traffic in cloud-native environments, evolving beyond REST APIs to handle various protocols and paths.
Developers can benefit from having mechanical sympathy by understanding underlying layers of abstraction for better system efficiency.
Improvements in developer experience, driven by tools like Docker, enhance usability but internal tooling may still lack user-centric design.
Deep dives
Understanding API Gateway
An API gateway serves as a key component in managing traffic, especially North-South traffic and ingress traffic in cloud-native environments. Initially focused on API management and traffic control for REST APIs, it has evolved to handle various protocols and paths. While terminology may vary, the core function remains directing user traffic to backend systems. It acts as a layer for adding security features like WAF, bot blocking, and rate limiting.
Mechanical Sympathy in Development
Having mechanical sympathy, i.e., understanding the underlying layers of abstraction, can enhance one's ability to build efficient systems. Learning one level below your usual scope can lead to better performance and problem-solving. This approach, exemplified in talks about low-level system mechanisms, helps developers optimize and troubleshoot effectively across different technology stacks.
Evolution of Developer Experience
The evolution of developer experience, especially with the advent of tools like Docker, has significantly improved usability. While many popular products emphasize developer experience, there remains a gap in internal tooling where user-centric design and ease of use may be lacking. The continued focus on enhancing development tools and platforms contributes to a more seamless and efficient workflow for developers.
Benefits of WebAssembly (Wasm) for Software Packaging and Interoperability
WebAssembly (Wasm) emerges as a promising tool for software packaging and interoperability due to its ability to serve as a universal format for shipping software. By utilizing LLVM byte code, Wasm aims to simplify deployment by enabling the compilation of code on the target machine. This approach ensures flexibility in distributing software, allowing for optimized execution based on the specific target device. Additionally, Wasm facilitates multi-language support, enabling developers to compile diverse languages like Go, TypeScript, and more into Wasm for seamless integration.
Community Influence on Technology Adoption and Development Practices
The importance of community support and engagement in driving technology adoption and development practices is emphasized. Engaging with communities like the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and standardization efforts in the tech industry. Community-driven initiatives can significantly impact the success of emerging technologies like WebAssembly (Wasm) by promoting best practices, creating learning opportunities, and facilitating collective problem-solving. Building a strong community around a technology can enhance its visibility, acceptance, and long-term sustainability.
DESCRIPTION Join two cloud native experts and passionate adopters of modern tech as they explore the shifting role and impact of APIs. They go beyond the usual tech stack to touch on key aspects of the modern infrastructure and software development space like: platform engineering, mechanical sympathy and the role that Wasm could play in this. Daniel Bryant and Matt Turner will share some of the important but not so well known best practices and questions that one might ask to make sure they are building the right thing with the right tools.
