Escaping Software Disenchantment with Nikita Prokopov
Nov 18, 2023
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Nikita Prokopov, open-source Clojure developer and creator of the Fira Code typeface, discusses software disenchantment, Rust programming language, balancing developer ergonomics and performance, optimizing a parser, challenges of upgrading software libraries, impact of complexity on development, and personal preferences in software culture.
Taking a more deliberate approach and creating our own bubble can help cope with software disenchantment.
Despite hardware advancements, software development seems to lag behind, raising questions about the disconnect between the two.
Electron's performance and bloat highlight the need for a better approach to UI development that balances ergonomics and performance.
Deep dives
Software disenchantment and strategies to address it
The podcast episode explores the concept of software disenchantment, which refers to the frustration and dissatisfaction experienced with the current state of software development. The guest, Nikita Prokopov, discusses an article he wrote five years ago on the topic and shares the strategies he has developed to cope with this disenchantment. He emphasizes the importance of taking a more deliberate approach, paying attention to create one's own bubble where things are not as bad as they seem. Nikita also touches on the rise of alternative technologies like Rust in response to performance concerns. Overall, the episode delves into the challenges of software development and suggests ways to overcome the prevailing disenchantment.
The impact of hardware advances on software development
The conversation explores the discrepancy between hardware advancements and software improvements. Nikita shares examples, such as the increasing size of phones and laptops, which do not necessarily align with user preferences. He discusses the frustration of dealing with limited storage capacities and the constant need for upgrades. This highlights the disconnect between hardware advancements and software optimization. The discussion raises questions about why software is not advancing at the same pace despite the availability of more powerful hardware.
The limitations of Electron and the search for alternatives
The podcast delves into the shortcomings of using Electron, a popular framework for building cross-platform desktop applications. The guest expresses dissatisfaction with the performance and bloat associated with Electron, citing it as an example of how software can become slower and less efficient over time. Nikita shares his experiences in developing an alternative UI framework that is JVM-based and aims to prioritize speed and performance. The conversation touches on the trade-offs between ergonomics and performance and the need for a better approach to strike a balance in UI development.
The importance of considering different skill levels in software development advice
The podcast discusses the need for software development advice to consider different skill levels and experience levels. The guest emphasizes the importance of tailoring advice to beginners versus experienced developers. They highlight that what may be good advice for a novice programmer may no longer be relevant or valuable for an experienced developer. The conversation underscores the need for more nuanced and context-specific guidance in the field of software development.
The significance of skepticism and critical thinking in software development
The episode emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in software development. The guest discusses how easily advice spreads in the programming world without thorough analysis or questioning of its validity. They highlight the need for developers to think critically, question assumptions, and evaluate advice based on concrete evidence and practical benefits. The conversation raises awareness of the lack of skepticism in the industry and encourages a more thoughtful and analytical approach to software development.
Richard talks with Nikita Prokopov, an open-source Clojure developer and creator of the Fira Code typeface, about some of the reasons he'd felt a sense of disenchantment with the direction of software in the past, and strategies he's developed for improving things in the future.
