The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Gradually gradually typing Elixir (Friends)

Jan 27, 2024

José Valim, the creator of the Elixir programming language, joins the hosts for an insightful discussion about gradual typing in Elixir. They explore the journey and implications of this transition, emphasizing collaboration and community feedback. Valim shares the challenges faced when integrating a type system, including misconceptions about types in Elixir and improvements in upcoming versions. The conversation also touches on Elixir's future relevance amidst AI advancements and the importance of community engagement in open-source development.

01:41:40

Creator website

Episode guests

José Valim

AI Summary

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The development of the type system in Elixir aims to catch bugs early and provide contracts between different parts of the codebase.

The type system in Elixir is being implemented gradually, starting with patterns and guards, and aims to improve software correctness.

The gradual typing approach in Elixir allows for flexibility while maintaining the language's needs.

Building a strong community and effective marketing are crucial factors for the relevance and longevity of a programming language.

Deep dives

The Origins of the Type System

The development of the type system in Elixir started when Jose failed to implement a type system himself and received a research paper from a student in Uruguay. He reached out to Giuseppe Castaya and began collaborating to develop a type system for Elixir. Several companies sponsored the work, and a PhD student named Guillaume joined the team. The goal was to create a gradually typed language that wouldn't require major changes to the existing Elixir syntax and semantics.

Intro

3min

Elixir's Transition to Gradual Typing

11min

Vercel's Front-End Cloud

4min

Navigating Type Systems in Elixir

22min

From Open Networks to Digital Ownership

2min

Exploring Challenges in Implementing a Type System for Elixir

2min

Navigating Type Systems for Elixir: A Collaborative Journey

4min

Collaborative Problem-Solving in Elixir

11min

Elixir's Future in a Changing Tech Landscape

30min

10.

Navigating Open Source in a Shifting Tech Landscape

9min

11.

Reflections on Open Source and Technology's Impact

4min

Our old friend José Valim & his team have been hard at work adding gradual typing to Elixir. They’re only 1-3% of the way there, but a lot of progress has been made. So, we invited him back on the show for a deep-dive on why, how & when Elixir will be gradually typed.

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Featuring:

José Valim – Website, GitHub, X
Jerod Santo – GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X
Adam Stacoviak – Website, GitHub, LinkedIn, Mastodon, X

Show Notes:

Something missing or broken? PRs welcome!

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The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Gradually gradually typing Elixir (Friends)

Episode guests