#139 - Maximizing Your Developer Experience (DX) with Adam Johnson: Git Mastery, Django and Open Source
Nov 9, 2023
auto_awesome
Adam Johnson, Python developer and Django steering counsel member, talks about his new Boost your Git DX book and his focus on developer experience. They also discuss the state of Python tooling, the future of Django and front-end dev, and tips for contributing to open source projects. They offer advice for diversifying skill sets and contributing as a Python developer, and discuss the importance of technical blogging. Book and resource recommendations are shared.
Developers can improve their Git workflows by using efficient solutions and advanced commands for a better developer experience.
Django remains a dependable framework that evolves to accommodate the changing web landscape, with compatibility and principles that align well with HTMLX.
Deep dives
Improving Developer Efficiency with Tools and Mindset
In this episode of the PyWites Podcast, Bob Beldubos interviews Adam Johnson, a Python developer with a focus on Django. Adam highlights the importance of continuous improvement and working smarter to prevent bugs. He emphasizes the need to develop a mindset of finding efficient solutions for common tasks, such as using aliases for repetitive commands or finding ways to filter branches more easily.
Boost Your Git DX: Tips for Better Git Usage
Adam discusses his recently published book, 'Boost Your Git DX,' which distills his more than 12 years of Git experience into a concise set of tips. He explains that the book aims to help developers improve their Git workflows and addresses both beginner-friendly topics and more advanced commands. Adam also stresses the importance of understanding the evolution of Git as a tool and the benefits of using proper configuration and advanced commands to enhance developer experience.
The Future of Django and Its Role in Modern Web Development
Adam shares his insights on the future of Django and its role in modern web development. He discusses the steady development of Django, its longevity as a dependable framework, and its continuous evolution to keep up with the changing web landscape. Adam also highlights the growing capabilities of HTML and CSS, which reduce the need for heavy reliance on JavaScript frameworks. He mentions the rising popularity of HTMLX and its compatibility with Django, emphasizing how Django fits well with the core principles of HTMLX.
This week we talk with Adam Johnson, Python developer / consultant, Django steering counsel member and prolific book author.
We start off with some wins, then we dive into his new Boost your Git DX book.
We also discuss: • Adam's focus on DX or "developer experience" in his books. • State of Python tooling. • Future of Django + Htmx / front-end dev. • Open source projects motivation and tips for (aspiring) contributors. • Tips to diversify one's skill set and contribute as a Python developer. • Technical blogging. • Book / resource recommendations.
Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro snippet and music 00:47 Episode and guest intro 02:05 Wins of the week (django-watchfiles plugin) 05:04 New Boost your Git DX book 07:26 New tips, even for experienced developers 07:55 Git keep or ignore files 08:57 Your focus on DX (developer experience) in your books 12:32 Code quality and current state of Python tooling 14:40 Future of Django ecosystem and Htmx 16:46 Front-end development 18:00 Motivation for Open source projects 19:37 time-machine, an alternative for Freezegun 20:18 Advice for budding maintainers 21:20 Experience of contributing to git 22:40 Ran into git stash bug because of producing content 23:38 Tips for developers to diversify skill set and contribute 24:42 Using Pelican for your tech blog + note taking 25:55 Believe in yourself / imposter syndrome 27:30 Book pricing 28:20 Book / resource recommendations 29:40 Wrap up and outro music
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode