Changelog Interviews

Nicholas C. Zakas, longtime JavaScript engineer and creator of ESLint, reflects on recent npm compromises and why current responses fall short. He critiques token policies, explains trusted publishing and anomaly detection, weighs registry funding and operational challenges, and examines why alternatives like JSR or Volt struggle to replace npm.

Damien Tanner, founder of Pusher and now LayerCode, explores the transformative landscape of software development. He argues that the traditional SaaS model is dying, with voice AI agents taking center stage. Damien highlights the inefficiencies of code review processes and predicts a shift toward agent-driven workflows. He discusses building real-time voice AI infrastructures and how small teams can achieve big dreams. Tune in to gain insights on trusting AI models and the exciting potential for non-technical users to become builders.

Sid Sijbrandij, founder of GitLab and now building Kilo, shares his journey from leading GitLab to navigating his cancer diagnosis. He discusses innovative cancer treatments, revealing how single-cell sequencing has impacted his health strategy. Sid describes his vision for Kilo as an all-in-one engineering platform, prioritizing open-source collaboration. With a focus on developing rapid AI-driven tools, he highlights a future where technology aids diagnostics and empowers aspiring developers. Amid his health challenges, Sid continues to inspire with his entrepreneurial spirit.

Ajay Kulkarni, Co-founder and CEO of Tiger Data, shares his journey from Wall Street to tech founder. He discusses how founder values shape company culture and reflects on his transformative experiences in the database world. The duo dives into the concept of agentic databases, detailing how these tools alter developer workflows and accelerate shipping in the AI era. They explore the exciting future of Postgres-native technologies and the critical balance between empowering agents and maintaining safety in development.

Keenan Wyrobek, cofounder and CTO of Zipline, discusses revolutionary drone logistics that started with delivering medical supplies in Rwanda. He shares insights on overcoming technical challenges and regulatory hurdles while expanding delivery services to e-commerce and agriculture. Keenan elaborates on their innovative double-drone design, cloud-based orchestration, and the future of airspace management. He also highlights the societal impacts of drone delivery, sparking creative uses like gifting and route-worker lunches.

In this fascinating discussion, Werner Vogels, Amazon CTO and architect of AWS, predicts a future where companionship may involve consumer robots, addressing loneliness, especially among the elderly. He emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to quantum-safe encryption as technologies advance. Vogels also highlights the evolving role of developers, urging continuous learning and a blend of deep and broad skills. Curious minds will find insights into using AI responsibly and the importance of nurturing innovation through curiosity.

In this engaging conversation, Bill Buetler, a seasoned Wikipedian and founder of a digital agency focused on ethical Wikipedia PR, sheds light on the inner workings of Wikipedia. He discusses the complex rules that govern edits, the unique culture of editors, and the invisible hierarchies that shape content. Bill also explores how AI might impact the platform and reveals the challenges Wikipedia faces with sourcing reliable information. Additionally, he shares insights on maintaining journalistic integrity amidst shifting media landscapes.

In this engaging conversation, Spencer Chang, an artist and technologist known for his internet sculptures and open-source tools, delves into the concept of communal computing. He discusses his 'alive internet theory' and the importance of human creativity in contrast to AI. Spencer shares fascinating examples of his creations, including ceramic NFTs and public installations that encourage collective interactions. His projects like PlayHTML highlight collaborative web experiences, making technology both playful and accessible.

Sean Goedecke, a prolific software blogger and staff software engineer at GitHub, dives into the intersection of engineering and politics. He argues that senior engineers should engage in organizational decisions to influence direction. Worry-driven development is challenged as a barrier to productivity. Sean also breaks down what constitutes 'good taste' in engineering and how AI agents are shaping new values. Plus, he shares strategies for writing engaging blog posts that cut through the noise and gain traction on platforms like Hacker News.

Andrew Nesbitt, a trailblazer in open source metadata, discusses his journey from creating Libraries.io to building ecosyste.ms, which tracks millions of packages and dependencies. He dives into the significance of package metadata for understanding real-world usage and the challenges of maintaining accurate dependency graphs. Andrew also explores who utilizes this wealth of data, from researchers to maintainers, and the critical role of SBOM enrichment in enhancing security. His insights on sustainability and funding in open source provide a thought-provoking window into the future of digital infrastructure.