
Developer Voices
Deep-dive discussions with the smartest developers we know, explaining what they're working on, how they're trying to move the industry forward, and what we can learn from them.You might find the solution to your next architectural headache, pick up a new programming language, or just hear some good war stories from the frontline of technology.Join your host Kris Jenkins as we try to figure out what tomorrow's computing will look like the best way we know how - by listening directly to the developers' voices.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 32min
DataFusion - The Database Building Toolkit (with Andrew Lamb)
Building a database is a serious undertaking. There are just so many parts that you have to implement before you even get to a decent prototype, and so many hours of work before you could begin working on the ideas that would make your database unique. Apache DataFusion is a project that hopes to change all that, but building an extensible, composable toolkit of database pieces, which could let you build a viable database extremely quickly, and then innovate from that starting point. And even if you’re not building a database, it’s a fascinating project to explain how databases are built.Joining me to explain it all is Andrew Lamb, one of DataFusion’s core contributors, and he’s going to take us through the whole stack, how it’s built and how you could use it. Along the way we cover everything from who’s building interesting new databases and how you manage a large, open-source Rust project.–DataFusion Homepage: https://datafusion.apache.org/DataFusion on Github: https://github.com/apache/datafusionDataFusion Architecture (with diagrams!): https://youtu.be/NVKujPxwSBA?si=tw9ACxlbdpBuVsnv&t=1045Datalog: https://docs.racket-lang.org/datalog/Tokio: https://tokio.rs/Andrew’s Homepage: http://andrew.nerdnetworks.org/Andrew’s Blog Post about Tokio: https://thenewstack.io/using-rustlangs-async-tokio-runtime-for-cpu-bound-tasks/Velox: https://velox-lib.io/Arroyo: https://www.arroyo.dev/Synnada: https://www.synnada.ai/LanceDB: https://lancedb.com/SDF+DBT: https://docs.sdf.com/integrations/dbt/integratingSupport Developer Voices on Patreon: https://patreon.com/DeveloperVoicesSupport Developer Voices on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@developervoices/joinKris on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/krisajenkins.bsky.socialKris on Mastodon: http://mastodon.social/@krisajenkinsKris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisjenkins/

Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 29min
Jupyter's Architecture Unpacked (with Afshin Darian & Sylvain Corlay)
Afshin Darian, a co-creator of JupyterLab, and Sylvain Corlay, a key contributor on Jupyter's Steering Committee, delve into the inner workings of Jupyter. They explore its evolution from a Python-centric tool to a versatile, multilingual platform enhancing scientific communication. The duo discusses integrating the Language Server Protocol for coding efficiency, Jupyter's architectural complexities, and addressing security risks in collaborative environments. They also tackle the future of real-time collaboration and innovative applications, boosting productivity across multiple fields.

33 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 21min
Nix, The Build-Everything Language (with Julian Arni)
In this engaging conversation, Julian Arni, a Nix enthusiast and creator of Garnix, discusses how Nix revolutionizes software builds. He contrasts Nix with Docker, highlighting Nix's superior reproducibility and efficiency. Julian explains Nix's unique features like dev shells for easy onboarding and hash-based naming for reliable deployments. He also addresses the challenges of integrating Nix into tech stacks and shares valuable resources for newcomers. This lively dialogue showcases the potential of Nix in transforming development environments.

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 18min
Graphite: Image Editing as a Syntax Tree (with Keavon Chambers & Dennis Kobert)
Graphite is a new image editor with an interesting architecture - it’s a classic UI-driven app, an image-manipulation language, and a library of programmable graphics primitives that any Rust coder could use, extend or add to. The result is something that you can use like Photoshop or Inkscape, or make use of in batch pipelines, a bit like ImageMagick.Joining me to discuss it are Keavon Chambers & Dennis Kobert, who are hammering away on building a project that’s potentially as demanding as Photoshop, but with a more ambitious architecture. How can they hope to compete? Perhaps in the short term by doing what regular image And is the future of image editing modular?–Graphite Homepage: https://graphite.rs/Graphite Web Version: https://editor.graphite.rs/Graphite on Github: https://github.com/GraphiteEditor/GraphiteSigned Distance Fields: https://jasmcole.com/2019/10/03/signed-distance-fields/Support Developer Voices on Patreon: https://patreon.com/DeveloperVoicesSupport Developer Voices on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@developervoices/joinKris on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/krisajenkins.bsky.socialKris on Mastodon: http://mastodon.social/@krisajenkinsKris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisjenkins/

11 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 33min
ReScript: A Better Typed JavaScript? (with Gabriel Nordeborn)
Gabriel Nordeborn, a compiler contributor for ReScript, discusses the strengths and advantages of ReScript compared to TypeScript. He unpacks why JavaScript developers might want to choose ReScript, focusing on its streamlined type system and performance. The conversation touches on the challenges of TypeScript, highlights ReScript’s efficiencies in immutability and pattern matching, and explores methods for enhancing developer productivity. Gabriel also shares insights on the importance of achieving a flow state for optimal coding creativity.

24 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
A universal query engine in Rust (with Predrag Gruevski)
Predrag Gruevski, creator of Trustfall, discusses his innovative work in developing a universal query engine in Rust. He explores the potential of querying diverse data sources, integrating REST APIs and databases with filesystems. The conversation dives into optimizing query performance and the challenges of building a flexible syntax for complex queries. Predrag also touches on the role of semantic versioning and linting tools like Cargo Semver Checks in maintaining code consistency. His insights reveal a vision for streamlined, efficient data interactions.

Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 35min
Raspberry Pi Hardware & A Lisp Brain (with Dimitris Kyriakoudis)
Dimitris Kyriakoudis, a researcher, programmer, and musician, discusses his innovative music hardware, µseq, which utilizes Lisp to control synthesizers. He dives into the结合烹饪 style of live coding, its role in real-time sound manipulation, and why Lisp is a fitting choice for musical composition. Dimitris elaborates on the challenges of moving academic innovations into accessible products and how Raspberry Pi can simplify modular synthesis. The conversation also touches on ergonomics in instrument design and enhancing coding flow through intuitive tools.

49 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 50min
Software Systems Aren't Just Software (with Diana Montalion)
In this discussion, Diana Montalion, a coder and architect renowned for her book Learning Systems Thinking, dives deep into the complexities of large software systems. She emphasizes that software is part of a larger ecosystem involving users and teams, making change challenging but not impossible. Key topics include the necessity of systems thinking over linear approaches, the importance of effective communication in development, and nurturing collaboration within organizations. Diana also shares insights on engaging users directly for better software design.

4 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 44min
Building Fyrox: A Rust Game Engine (with Dmitry Stepanov)
Dmitry Stepanov, an independent game developer known for creating the Fyrox game engine in Rust, dives into his fascinating journey. He discusses the challenges of building a game engine solo, the advantages of Rust, and innovations like hot reloading. Dmitry shares insights on game architecture, scripting, and managing complex UI elements. He also touches on community contributions and the financial aspects of pursuing creative projects, highlighting the passion driving the Fyrox development.

Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 16min
Testing TVs At Scale With Elixir (with Dave Lucia)
Dave Lucia, a software engineer at TVLabs, tackles the challenges of testing television software at scale. He discusses the complexities of integration testing amidst a mix of software and hardware. With innovative techniques like real-time video processing and using Erlang and Elixir, he shares insights on enhancing reliability. The conversation also delves into GPU-powered testing devices, power management strategies, and maintaining optimal conditions for testing. Lucia highlights the shift to containerization for software deployment, streamlining updates across diverse TV models.
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