Build software that lasts! (Changelog Interviews #627)
Feb 5, 2025
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Bert Hubert, founder of PowerDNS with over 30 years of experience, shares his insights on building sustainable software. He discusses the development of a parliamentary monitoring system and its impact on accessibility. Bert emphasizes the importance of simplicity in long-term projects, contrasting it with the pitfalls of over-engineering. The conversation also touches on managing software dependencies and the influence of AI in development, advocating for human oversight and adaptability in tech choices.
Bert Hubert emphasizes the importance of simplicity in software design to avoid long-term maintenance challenges and complexities.
He highlights the need for careful management of software dependencies, urging developers to research maintenance and longevity of third-party libraries.
Bert warns against blindly adopting new technologies without evaluating their true value, advocating for a balance between innovation and established expertise.
Deep dives
Barrett Hubert's Journey in Software Development
Barrett Hubert shares his extensive experience in the software industry, spanning over 30 years. Starting with a job that involved hacking a cable internet provider, he gained hands-on experience in scaling systems that went from 50 users to 50,000. Throughout his career, he has founded companies, contributed to open-source projects, and built significant infrastructure like PowerDNS. This rich history has equipped him with unique insights into the challenges and intricacies involved in long-term software development.
The Importance of Simplicity in Software Design
A recurring theme in Barrett's insights revolves around the necessity of simplicity in software design. Many developers tend to introduce unnecessary complexity in their code, often through clever solutions that inadvertently create future maintenance challenges. He emphasizes the value of keeping systems straightforward and ensuring that design choices remain comprehensible over time. This principle is echoed by others in the industry, who stress the risks of building overly complex systems that are difficult to debug and maintain.
Lessons from Building for Longevity
Barrett discusses practical lessons learned from building software intended for long-term use, particularly in the context of government systems. He highlights the fragility of complex dependencies, suggesting that modern software projects often include a multitude of packages that can create instability. Emphasizing the need for developers to focus on the core functionalities and to avoid premature optimizations, he encourages a more streamlined and manageable approach. This mindset helps ensure software can adapt and remain functional in the long run despite shifting technological landscapes.
Navigating Dependencies Wisely
The conversation dives deep into the management of software dependencies, which can pose significant risks if not handled cautiously. Barrett points out that using frameworks with extensive dependencies can lead to complications, such as unforeseen changes that disrupt functionality. He advises on conducting thorough research on dependencies, considering who maintains them and their projected longevity. By doing so, developers can mitigate risks associated with abandonment or problematic updates from third-party libraries.
Engaging with New Technologies
Barrett expresses the critical balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining expertise in established ones. He cautions against blindly following trends that may not suit the long-term goals of a project. Instead, he encourages developers to evaluate new tools and frameworks carefully, asking whether they genuinely provide value or if they merely add complexity. This considered approach helps prevent teams from getting distracted by the latest technologies at the expense of their existing systems.
The Role of AI and Automation in Software Development
Towards the conclusion, Barrett reflects on the potential impact of AI and automation in the realm of software development. While AI offers the possibility of optimizing workflows and identifying issues before they arise, he warns against the over-reliance on these technologies without proper oversight. The integration of AI could help with dependency analysis, but it should be employed thoughtfully and in conjunction with human expertise. Ultimately, he advocates for maintaining a balance where technology enhances human capabilities without fully replacing them.
After 30+ years in the software industry, Bert Hubert has experienced a lot. He founded PowerDNS, published articles for places like IETF / IEEE, and built his own parliament monitoring system. That just scratches the surface.
Recently, Bert wrote about what it takes to build software for the long term. Let’s dig in.
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