Angie Jones, VP of DevRel at Block, Java Champion, and an international speaker, dives into the exciting realm of Model Context Protocol (MCP) and its application through the innovative tool, Goose. She shares insights on her open-source projects and discusses the importance of community contributions in tech. Angie reflects on the significance of digital identity in business and the representation of women of color in the industry. Their conversation also touches on the evolving role of AI and the balance between tech advancements and human experience.
The podcast discusses the transition to a monthly release schedule to prioritize content quality over strict timelines for episodes.
Angie Jones explains the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling AI agents like Goose to interact with nearly 4,000 service servers efficiently.
The conversation emphasizes the necessity for education in AI to ensure new workforce entrants develop foundational skills alongside technology.
Deep dives
Change in Episode Release Schedule
The episode announces a shift from a weekly to a monthly release schedule for the podcast. This decision reflects the team's focus on maintaining quality as they continue to produce content rather than adhering to a strict timeline. Future episodes will be released randomly throughout the month, allowing flexibility in the editing and production process. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to stay updated on new releases.
Introduction of AI Agent Goose
The podcast features a discussion on a newly developed AI agent named Goose, which has been created to assist developers at Block by streamlining engineering tasks. Goose is described as a general-purpose AI agent that automates various functions, improving developer experience and efficiency. Its capabilities extend beyond just coding tasks, allowing it to integrate with different organizational tools, enhancing productivity for a wider range of users. The decision to open source Goose reflects the positive internal feedback and emphasizes commitment to the developer community.
MCP Protocol and Its Importance
The episode explains the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which allows AI agents like Goose to communicate with a vast array of APIs and data sources. By adhering to the MCP, Goose is able to interact with nearly 4,000 different service servers, broadening its functionality significantly. The guests highlight that by utilizing MCP, developers can efficiently execute complex tasks in natural language without needing extensive programming knowledge. This facilitates a user-friendly experience where the AI can automate various workflows, showcasing the power of integrating AI with standardized protocols.
Open Source Contributions and Community Engagement
The podcast highlights Angie Jones as an accomplished open-source contributor with significant involvement in projects like Goose and others related to the MCP. Her emphasis on contributing to community-driven projects demonstrates a commitment to bettering the developer ecosystem. The discussion also touches on the importance of documentation assistance as a gateway for new contributors, allowing them to engage with open-source projects effectively. This approach encourages individuals to partake in the community, thus fostering learning and collaboration.
Navigating AI and Its Impact on the Workforce
The conversation addresses the challenges and considerations surrounding the integration of AI in workplaces and the broader implications for the future workforce. The need for education and ongoing training in AI is emphasized, particularly as companies push for increased efficiency through technology. The discussion also notes that many individuals entering the job market may lack foundational skills and understanding, leading to vulnerabilities when relying on AI alone. Ultimately, the guests stress the importance of balancing AI usage with critical thinking and traditional skill development to adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
Angie gives us a crash course on Model Context Protocol (MCP) and how you can get started using it with goose. We also talk about other projects Angie's worked on at Block and what drives her to keep learning new things in tech.
Links
Angie's website: https://angiejones.tech
Goose https://github.com/block/goose
Angie's Modern Day Mashups talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZbXq5qu55U
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