

Ep. #13, Why Microsoft Chose Go: A Deep Dive with Thorsten Ball
18 snips May 8, 2025
Thorsten Ball, who works at Sourcegraph and has penned notable books on Go, shares insights into tech's language choices. He discusses Microsoft's decision to adopt Go for their TypeScript compiler, emphasizing the significance of evolving developer tooling. The conversation highlights the transformative role of AI agents in enhancing productivity while addressing the balance between embracing new automation and traditional coding practices. Thorsten also stresses the importance of continuous learning and diversifying programming skills in a rapidly changing technology landscape.
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Why Microsoft Selected Go
- Microsoft chose Go for the TypeScript compiler rewrite due to its pragmatism and productivity benefits.
- Go enables easier team collaboration and faster ramp-up compared to other languages like Rust or C#.
Continuous Learning Importance
- Always keep learning new technologies to avoid becoming obsolete in development.
- Embrace change, especially with AI evolving the industry rapidly.
Learn More Programming Languages
- Learn multiple programming languages to gain different perspectives and improve your coding taste.
- Exposure to diverse languages enhances decision-making and quality in your primary language.