Software Engineering Daily

Join John Wall, SVP at BlackBerry QNX, and Ismael Valenzuela, VP of Threat Research and Intelligence, as they dive into the evolution of secure communications. They discuss BlackBerry's shift from smartphones to a cybersecurity leader, highlighting advancements in embedded systems, especially in automobiles. The duo emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing security measures and the necessity of blending human intelligence with tech solutions. They also tackle the challenges of military-grade encryption in a cloud-based world and the culture of security in software engineering.

Brian Bucklew, cofounder of Freehold Games, dives into the fascinating 15-year journey of developing Caves of Qud, a roguelike game set in a rich post-apocalyptic world. He shares insights on the blend of sci-fi and fantasy that inspires its deep lore, and discusses the balance of handcrafted vs. procedurally generated design. The episode also highlights innovative terrain generation techniques and the transformative role of procedural generation in gaming. Bucklew reflects on technical challenges and future plans, including mobile adaptations.

Jerzy Grzywinski, a Senior Director of Software Engineering at Capital One with over 16 years in various engineering roles, and Brent Segner, a distinguished engineer focused on cloud cost optimization, dive into cloud efficiency. They discuss the complexities of compute optimization, exploring the benefits of horizontal scaling and the impact of programming languages on performance. The duo also emphasizes GPU resource management for AI workloads, as well as the importance of collaboration in navigating cloud costs and promoting cost-awareness in scaling organizations.

In this discussion, Amanda Saunders, Director of Enterprise Generative AI Software at NVIDIA, and Allan Enemark from the Morpheus cybersecurity SDK team, delve into cutting-edge AI applications for container security. They explore the challenges of vulnerability scanning and the role of NVIDIA Blueprints in streamlining this process. The duo highlights how AI-driven solutions automate vulnerability assessments, transforming cybersecurity practices. Listeners will also gain insight into the evolution of software development and the integration of security in every stage of the cycle.

Ramon Santamaria, the Founder and Lead Developer of Raylib, shares insights on his journey creating a lightweight C library for game development. He discusses how Raylib evolved from teaching art students to a robust, open-source platform. The conversation highlights the importance of foundational programming skills, the challenges of navigating computer science education, and the community's role in Raylib's growth. Ramon also introduces enhancements in version 5.5 and new tools like RGFW, aiming to simplify game development for both beginners and experienced users.

Gokul Subramanian, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Anduril Industries, sheds light on innovative technology in defense, particularly in drones and computer vision. He discusses how Anduril adapts to remote work challenges, enhancing recruitment with diverse talent. The conversation dives deep into creating custom PubSub systems, integrating AI in defense, and managing data for military operations. Gokul also touches on sophisticated training simulations and the importance of interoperability in defense technologies, showcasing the intersection of tech and national security.

Sylvain Corlay, CEO of QuantStack, discusses revolutionary advancements in software package management, particularly with the launch of Mamba 2.0. He highlights Mamba's speed and vendor neutrality, essential for scientific computing. The conversation delves into enhancing software supply chain security, focusing on risks and cryptographic solutions. Sylvain also explores the educational potential of WebAssembly and JupyterLite, illustrating how innovative tools like Mamba can empower future generations in programming and data science.

Tobias Hahn, Engineering Manager at Ableton, discusses the intricacies of developing Ableton Live, a leading music software used by artists like Daft Punk. He delves into the challenges of maintaining legacy code while innovating with modern technologies, emphasizing real-time audio processing. Hahn highlights the collaboration between engineering and UI design, illustrating how product owners and tech teams work together to enhance user experience. The conversation also touches on integrating machine learning and the importance of a supportive culture for onboarding new engineers.

Joey Parsons, the founder and CEO of Beeps—a startup focused on creating an on-call platform for Next.js developers—shares his journey from founding effx, which was acquired by Figma, to addressing on-call challenges in tech. He delves into the rapid rise of Next.js and its community, the limitations of current on-call systems, and how Beeps aims to streamline incident management. The conversation touches on using AI to improve alert handling and reduce noise for developers, especially benefiting junior engineers. Joey highlights the emotional toll and need for resilience in on-call responsibilities.

Emre Tinaztepe, Founder and CEO of Binalyze, alongside Gregor Vand, delves into the world of digital forensics and cybersecurity. They discuss the evolution from traditional methods to innovative cloud solutions and the role of customer feedback in shaping effective tools. Tinaztepe shares experiences from his military background and startup journey, emphasizing security in software design and the challenges of cross-platform forensics. The conversation highlights the integration of AI and the importance of data privacy in today's tech landscape.