Observing the power of APIs (Changelog Interviews #564)
Nov 2, 2023
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Jean Yang, a researcher on programming languages and founder of Akita Software, discusses the importance of APIs in software systems and the lack of developer tools to handle and comprehend them. She also talks about joining Postman and building the product based on user needs, as well as the concept of API observability and its relationship with programming languages. The podcast also touches on the impact of APIs on organizations and the collaboration with Breakmaster Cylinder in producing albums.
APIs are the layer that determines the quality of software systems.
Developers lack adequate tools for dealing with and understanding APIs.
API observability provides valuable insights into API endpoints, error detection, and trends.
Deep dives
Importance of APIs in Software Systems
The podcast episode highlights the crucial role that APIs play in the success of software systems. It emphasizes how APIs can make or break the quality of software systems.
Underserved Developers and Tools for APIs
The podcast discusses how developers often lack proper tools for dealing with, securing, and understanding APIs. It highlights the need for better tools to support developers in working with APIs.
The Power of API Observability
The episode explores the concept of API observability and its potential to enhance software understanding and debugging. It explains how API observability can provide valuable insights into API endpoints, error detection, latency, and trends.
The Shift towards Black Box Analysis
The podcast suggests that the future of software understanding lies in black box analysis. It argues for a shift in mindset from traditional white box debugging to zooming out and gaining insights from black box observations of API traffic.
Building the Best API Observability Platform
The podcast discusses the process of building the best API observability platform for Postman users. The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting from first principles and understanding the needs of the users. They highlight the benefits of being part of the Postman team, such as having a bigger platform, access to more resources, and a wider user base. The speaker expresses excitement about the opportunity to continue improving the product and defining the category of API observability.
The Impact and Future of API Observability
The episode explores the impact of API observability on developers and the future of the field. The speaker mentions that developers are happy to have access to API insights and observability, as it provides them with a central source of truth and helps them quickly find and fix issues. They discuss the importance of API observability in maintaining reliable and high-quality systems. Additionally, the speaker speculates that the future of low code and no code development will heavily rely on APIs, enabling developers to automate complex tasks and build more efficient systems.
Jean Yang’s research on programming languages at Carnegie Mellon led her to realize that APIs are the layer that makes or breaks quality software systems. Unfortunately, developers are underserved by tools for dealing with, securing & understanding APIs.
That realization led her to found Akita Software, which led her to join Postman by way of acquisition. That move, at least in part, also led her to join us on this very podcast. We think you’re going to enjoy this interview, we sure did.
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