Changelog Interviews

David Hsu, Co-founder and CEO of Retool, shares his inspiring journey from a Y Combinator-backed startup to leading a revolution in internal tools. He discusses how Retool evolved to become the go-to platform for AI agents in enterprises. Dive into the pivotal moments of their shift from peer-to-peer payments to intuitive internal software development. Hsu also highlights the power of AI integration and the importance of tailored solutions for businesses, showcasing a brighter, more efficient future in app development.

Don MacKinnon, Co-founder and CTO of Searchcraft, dives into the exciting future of search technology. He discusses how blending vector embeddings with classic ranking can enhance search accuracy. Don shares insights on building developer-friendly search solutions and the challenges faced in ensuring relevancy and handling user errors. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on user expectations, fundraising for tech startups, and the ethical considerations of AI-generated content. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey into the world of next-generation search!

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.

Chris Anderson, a pioneer in NoSQL from his work with CouchDB and Couchbase, discusses his current projects, Vibes.diy and Fireproof. He explores the birth of vibe coding, a playful yet effective approach to app development that demystifies programming for everyone. The conversation touches on the evolution of database technology, emphasizing user-friendly innovations and collaborative opportunities. Chris also shares insights on the future of coding tools and the importance of accessibility in fostering creative coding experiences.

Carson Gross, the creator of the HTMX JavaScript library and author of Hypermedia Systems, dives into his passion for hypermedia and its evolution. He shares insights on elevating HTML for web interactions and the importance of simplicity in coding. The discussion also touches on Gumroad's decision against using HTMX, balancing clean and practical coding styles, and innovations in multi-agent communication. Carson's blend of humor and thoughtful reflections on coding practices captures a refreshing perspective on modern web development.

In this discussion, Richard Feldman, the creator of the Roc programming language and author of "Elm in Action," shares insights on Roc’s innovative features inspired by Elm. Delve into topics like static dispatch, purity inference, and opportunistic mutation. Richard highlights Roc's smart handling of dependencies and security, as well as its performance advantages against languages like Rust and Go. The conversation also touches on community engagement and the potential for Roc to reshape developer experiences and foster new applications.

In this conversation, Amanda Silver, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft's Developer Division, shares her expertise in shaping tools like VS Code and TypeScript. She discusses how AI is transforming development environments and enhancing productivity. Amanda highlights Microsoft’s transition to embrace open-source technology, emphasizing developers' needs. The chat also delves into AI's role in code editing and infrastructure management, while touching on the evolution of GitHub and exciting new projects like Windsurf.

Andreas Møller, Co-founder of Nordcraft, discusses innovations aimed at bridging the gap between web developers and designers. He shares the vision behind Nordcraft Engine, designed to empower web developers with tools reminiscent of gaming development. The conversation highlights the importance of tackling challenges in software development and the need for integrated approaches in building complex applications. Møller also introduces a unique visual programming method, streamlining collaboration and optimizing workflows in web projects.

Preston Thorpe, a software engineer and open-source contributor currently incarcerated, shares his extraordinary journey of transformation and redemption. He discusses how his time in prison has allowed him to refactor both his skills and identity. Preston highlights the power of coding as a vehicle for personal growth and the crucial role of community support. He reflects on his past struggles, the importance of education behind bars, and what lies ahead as he prepares for release—a story of resilience and hope that inspires change.

Derek Collison, creator of NATS and CEO of Synadia, shares insights into the development of NATS, a cutting-edge messaging system for cloud-native applications. He discusses the tensions with the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, exploring the complexities of licensing and governance in open source. The conversation highlights NATS's unique design and its evolution as a solution to Cloud Foundry issues. Derek also touches on the importance of community engagement and collaboration to navigate the challenges of the open-source ecosystem.