Fallthrough

Dive into the identity crisis of software engineering where some aspire to be artists while others cling to traditional roles. Kris and Matt explore the issues plaguing the industry, from rushed MVPs leading to poor user experiences to the pitfalls of project management. They tackle the challenge of invisible maintenance in software and the need for deliberate tool choices. The conversation highlights the importance of holistic planning and the evolving role of AI in enhancing team productivity. Tune in for insights that challenge the status quo!

The hosts dive into the surge of cloud outages from major providers like AWS and Azure, analyzing the causes and implications. They discuss the intricacies of DNS failures and the cascading effects on service performance. Debates ensue over the risks of centralized systems and the need for localized alternatives. Insightful critiques of cloud incident reports are shared, along with thoughts on the value of AI-assisted code reviews. With a mix of humor and technical depth, they explore whether traditional big tech careers are still worth pursuing.

Steve Klabnik, a prominent open-source developer known for his work in the Rust ecosystem, dives into the innovative features of JJ, a new version control system. He shares insights about his transition from Oxide to East River Source Control to work on JJ full time. The discussion highlights JJ's pluggable backends, which allow for an easier switch from Git. Steve also explains how JJ simplifies workflow with auto-snapshots and focused commits, while addressing challenges in moving away from established tools. Plus, he teases plans for a new JJHub service!

Cory O'Daniel, CEO of MassDriver and co-founder of OpenTofu, dives into the evolving landscape of DevOps. He discusses the ongoing relevance of the cloud promise and the significance of on-prem infrastructure. The conversation highlights the complex relationship between DevOps teams and platform engineering, emphasizing the importance of keeping technology choices simple to avoid unnecessary complexity. Cory also addresses the skills gap in operations and the critical role of apprenticeships in bridging this divide.

Mitchell Hashimoto, a software engineer and creator of Ghostty, shares exciting insights about terminal emulation and his new library libxev. He discusses the growing community around Ghostty and its specific features for AI workflows. Mitchell highlights the importance of open-source governance and introduces libxev as a cross-platform event loop library. They've even envisioned future capabilities, like enhancing SSH connections with Ghostty-to-Ghostty features. His passion for diverse technical challenges and infrastructure impact shines throughout the conversation.

Open source leadership is fraught with challenges, as discussed through various conflicts like Python's tricky migration and Node.js's split with Joyent. The hosts dive into Rust's governance issues, WordPress power struggles, and the controversial rollout of Go modules. Communication failures exacerbate these conflicts, while soft governance often leads to accountability avoidance. They emphasize the importance of setting clear community goals and advocating for honest feedback to foster healthier project dynamics.

Kris and Matt dive into a lively GopherCon debrief, contrasting it with RustConf and discussing the community's value. They tackle conference logistics, food issues, and the enduring relevance of PHP in the web ecosystem. The hosts argue about the consequences of corporate conformity on quality and criticize how many programming abstractions still reflect outdated hardware. They also introduce Omarchy, a Linux distro designed for developer efficiency. Mixing humor with sharp insights, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on programming and community engagement.

Ron Evans, an experienced technologist and TinyGo evangelist, shares insights from his extensive career in embedded systems and robotics. He reflects on the lessons of past AI winters and their relevance today. Ron explains the significance of TinyGo and its application in running Go on microcontrollers. He discusses the societal impacts of AI on newcomers and offers advice for navigating this changing landscape. Ron also reveals his vision for combining TinyGo, computer vision, and automation in robotics.

Jon Sabados, a seasoned staff software engineer at The New York Times, shares insights on building sustainable software systems that can evolve over time. He discusses the importance of long-term planning to avoid technical debt and the delicate balance between speed, cost, and quality in development. The conversation delves into the challenges engineers face, the journey from legacy systems to modern solutions, and even a skeptical take on AI's future role. Get ready to rethink your approach to software development!

Join Rory Nichols, a talented director and co-founder of A Few Good Productions, alongside Sophie Haines-Nichols, a skilled producer and co-founder of the same creative studio. They dive into the nitty-gritty of content creation, revealing their journey as a couple navigating the podcasting landscape. Topics range from choosing the right format and engaging with audiences to the challenges of authenticity in a polished world. They also tackle the integration of AI in editing and the importance of maintaining originality, all while sharing some personal anecdotes that keep the conversation lively.