Evan Phoenix

Evan Phoenix, a veteran Ruby programmer and CEO of Mirren, shares insights on the evolving role of AI in software development. He distinguishes between real and fake AI, emphasizing AI as an implementation detail rather than just a product. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on engineering practices, such as performance optimization and human-centric design. Evan envisions a future where agents simplify coding and prediction while enhancing experimentation. He also predicts a resurgence of monolithic architectures as integration costs decline.

Evan Phoenix, a longtime Rubyist and former principal engineer at HashiCorp, shares his inspiring tech journey. He recounts his unique beginnings, from coding on a TI calculator to becoming GitHub user #7. Evan discusses the creative parallels between software engineering and writing, along with the importance of mentorship in navigating his career. He reflects on his transition to a principal role, the challenges of work-life balance while remote, and the complexities of open-source funding, making it a must-listen for anyone in tech!