

Thorsten Ball
Software engineer at Sourcegraph working on AMP. Advocate for AI-assisted coding and the evolution of developer tooling.
Top 10 podcasts with Thorsten Ball
Ranked by the Snipd community

94 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 54min
Agent, take the wheel (Interview)
In this enlightening discussion, Thorsten Ball, a software engineer at Sourcegraph, shares his insights on AI-assisted coding and the revolutionary Amp tool he’s working on. He explains how coding agents can transform software development and discusses the divide between AI believers and skeptics. Thorsten highlights recent advancements in AI, the unique features of Amp, and the necessity for adaptability in engineering skills. He delves into the impact of large language models, questioning traditional coding methods, and envisioning a future where AI enhances coding efficiency.

58 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 54min
Agent, take the wheel (Changelog Interviews #648)
Thorsten Ball, a coding innovator and author of 'How to Build an Agent', returns to Sourcegraph to dive into the world of AI-driven coding agents. He discusses the revolutionary potential of these tools in simplifying software development and enhancing team collaboration. Thorsten explores the divide between skeptics and advocates of AI, shares insights on the evolution of coding practices, and highlights the unique aspects of Amp amidst a competitive landscape. Get ready for a fascinating conversation about the future of coding and AI!

19 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 54min
Agent, take the wheel
Thorsten Ball, a software engineer at Sourcegraph and author of books on compilers, discusses the innovative AMP coding tool. He shares insights on the transformative potential of coding agents and recent advancements in AI tooling. Thorsten explores the divide between AI believers and skeptics, while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking as programming evolves. He also highlights practical applications of AI in coding, touching on how these technologies enhance developer efficiency and the future prospects of tools like Amp.

18 snips
May 8, 2025 • 52min
Ep. #13, Why Microsoft Chose Go: A Deep Dive with Thorsten Ball
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.

17 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 15min
Supply chain attacks ⛓️💥 Ghetto Logs 👊🏾 🪵 and Rust/AI cold takes 🧊 with Thorsten Ball
In this engaging discussion, Thorsten Ball, a software engineer at Sourcegraph and author of notable programming books, dives into pressing issues around supply chain security, highlighting threats like typo squatting and a dangerous malicious package in the Go ecosystem. He shares his insights on new Go language updates and tools like GoFix that automate code migration. Thorsten also explores the juxtaposition of Go and Rust, discussing preferences rooted in simplicity versus complexity, and wraps up with creative approaches to logging using AI.

15 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 8min
#044 - Managers should know how to code feat. Thorsten Ball
Exploring clashes between Product and Engineering teams, the importance of informed decision-making, challenges in time estimates, benefits of technical leadership, drawbacks of cookie banners, emphasizing coolness in education, understanding the workplace culture and responsibility

13 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 48min
Agents At Work 4: the future of coding with Thorsten Ball
Thorsten Ball, a software engineer at Sourcegraph and author of influential coding books, dives into the future of coding with AI agents. He shares insights on how AI, particularly through large language models, is transforming software development. The conversation highlights the role of AI in enhancing coding productivity and user interaction tools. Thorsten emphasizes the need for developers to adapt to new paradigms, reshape code practices, and embraces AI tools to improve documentation and commit messages for a seamless coding experience.

9 snips
Feb 23, 2024 • 51min
E18: Do you love programming as much as Thorsten Ball does?
Thorsten Ball, self-published author, discusses learning new topics, textbooks, and why bugs are great. They explore individualized learning, programming styles, and terminal emulation. Embracing bugs for growth and integrating passion into software engineering are highlighted.

8 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 1h 13min
Thorsten Ball, Software Engineer at Zed
Software Engineer at Zed, Thorsten Ball, shares insights on differentiation, working in public, importance of domain knowledge, standing out in job interviews, and building innovative products like Zed text editor. Emphasizes soft skills, communication, problem-solving, and showcasing competence to enhance hiring opportunities. Discusses diverse skill set, unique career paths, and the value of self-promotion in tech industry.

Mar 17, 2024 • 1h 14min
Compilers and Overly Complex Web Development with Thorsten Ball
Exploring compilers and interpreters, complexities of type checking, simplifying JavaScript for teaching, parsing challenges in modern programming, navigating complexity in tax law and tech evolution, front end development shifts from server-rendered HTML to client-side frameworks.