Dive into the fascinating world of development tools with Jerod Santo. Discover his journey through text editors like Vim and Zed, and learn about innovative tools that simplify bug reporting. The discussion also navigates through essential software for freelancers and small businesses, emphasizing platforms like Notion and FreshBooks. Uncover the pros of indie podcast apps that elevate user experience, and explore the evolving landscape of AI tools in coding, revealing both their potential and limitations. Don't miss Jerod's big confession!
Jerod Santo emphasizes the importance of utilizing efficient text editors, highlighting a preference for Zed for speed and productivity.
The evolution of podcasting tools like Riverside and Adobe Audition has significantly streamlined the recording and editing processes.
AI tools have the potential to transform software development practices, boosting productivity while still requiring human oversight for critical judgments.
Deep dives
Transforming Bug Reporting with Jam
Jam streamlines the bug reporting process by allowing users to capture detailed screenshots and necessary diagnostic information with a single click. This tool fills the gap between product managers and engineers by ensuring that all relevant data, such as console logs and network requests, is attached to the bug report. As a result, engineers no longer face the frustrating back-and-forth communication typically required to understand the problem. Users have reported significant time savings, with engineers claiming that Jam saves them at least an hour per issue due to the elimination of follow-up questions.
Jared Santo's Coding Toolbox
Jared Santo shares insights into his unique coding toolbox, which highlights his journey from learning Vim under academic pressure to now favoring modern text editors like Zed. He appreciates Zed for its speed and efficiency while still utilizing Sublime Text for specific tasks due to its familiarity and lightweight performance. Despite using various text editors, Jared emphasizes a preference for tools that enhance productivity without unnecessary complexity. He describes his coding style as heavily reliant on the command-line interface for most tasks and his fondness for utilizing lightweight frameworks for JavaScript.
Innovation in Podcasting Tools
Podcasting has evolved, with tools like Riverside and Adobe Audition simplifying the recording and editing process. Riverside manages high-quality remote recordings while Audition provides robust editing capabilities that allow for precise control over audio content. Additionally, Jared discusses the benefits of custom-built tools that streamline their workflow, such as syncing transcripts with GitHub and managing MP3 files. He highlights the value of being able to create tailored solutions to meet their specific needs while also acknowledging the challenges that come with maintaining custom software.
Navigating the Transition to AI Tools
The discussion transitions to AI tools and their potential to revolutionize software development, noting how they can significantly boost productivity. Jared shares his experiences experimenting with different models, including Llama 3 and the advantages of using desktop applications like Enchanted for coding. These AI tools can assist in understanding legacy code and provide code transformations quickly, increasing efficiency. However, both speakers acknowledge the importance of maintaining critical oversight when employing these tools, as they still require human judgment to validate the results.
The Evolution of Software Development Tools
The conversation concludes with reflections on the changing landscape of software development tools and the impact of AI on everyday tasks. Tools that were once cumbersome or involved lengthy manual processes are now becoming simpler and more efficient, leading to enhanced productivity across the industry. Jared and his co-host note that while many businesses have embraced off-the-shelf solutions, the customization of tools remains vital for specific needs. There's a recognition that as these innovations advance, they will open up new avenues for businesses to improve their operations effectively.
KBall interviews Jerod about the tools he uses in development, podcasting & business. We start with text editors & terminal tools, move to podcast recording & editing tools, discuss the open source podcasting platform Jerod built in Elixir, then finish with tools to run a small business & our approaches to genAI. Oh, and you don’t want to miss Jerod’s Big Confession!
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Sponsors:
Jam.dev – One click bug reports developers love — Never explain another bug report again. Jam auto-captures all the info engineers need to debug and repro.
Notion – Notion is a place where any team can write, plan, organize, and rediscover the joy of play. It’s a workspace designed not just for making progress, but getting inspired. Notion is for everyone — whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or freelance designer, starting a new startup or a student juggling classes and clubs.
