Book Overflow

In this episode of Book Overflow, Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups discuss "Looks Good To Me" by Adrienne Braganza. Join them as they discuss what makes a bad code review, pair programming, AI automation, and more!

Stephen Wolfram, a renowned scientist and author, dives into his book about ChatGPT, revealing insights from his experiments with OpenAI. He connects his early work in particle physics to modern LLMs, questioning if ChatGPT exhibits genuine intelligence. The conversation explores the intricacies of neural networks, emphasizing the importance of data quality and the ethical challenges in AI. Wolfram also touches on the unpredictable nature of LLMs and the necessity for clarity in AI outputs, showcasing how curiosity fuels innovation in technology.

In this episode of Book Overflow, Carter Morgan and Nathan toups discuss "Looks Good To Me" by Adrienne Braganza. Join them as they discuss everything about code reviews, including automation, team procedures, and more! Carter on For Your Amusement: https://youtu.be/rhdyrTXbvlg?si=9csVUrBEWonG40VY To get links to the books mentioned in this episode, check the YouTube episode description at https://youtu.be/8B4_hl2dcow 00:00 Intro 04:30 About the Book 07:04 General Thoughts on the Book 12:49 A high-level overview of code reviews 16:14 Learning together, knowledge-sharing, Jargon, Process, and Automation 27:00 Keys to Effective Code Review Process, Roles, and Expectations 46:07 Tools, Platforms, and Patterns Standards for Code Reviews 01:03:46 Closing Thoughts Tools and technology mentioned in the episode: - Phabricator https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phabricator - Phorge (successor to Phabricator) https://we.phorge.it/ - Gerrit https://www.gerritcodereview.com/ - Conventional Commits https://www.conventionalcommits.org/en/v1.0.0/ - Github https://github.com/ - Semantic Versioning (SEMVER) https://semver.org/ Book Overflow is a podcast for software engineers, by software engineers dedicated to improving our craft by reading the best technical books in the world. Join Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups as they read and discuss a new technical book each week! The full book schedule and links to every major podcast player can be found at https://www.bookoverflow.io

Carl Brown, an incredibly well-read software engineer with a 35-year career, shares insights from his extensive literary journey. He discusses the enduring relevance of foundational tech books like 'Mythical Man-Month' and 'Philosophy of Software Design'. Carl emphasizes the importance of clean coding practices and navigates the challenges of freelancing, shaped by his experiences with ADHD. He also recommends essential reads for tackling database management and debugging, highlighting how critical literature fosters deep understanding in complex engineering discussions.

Delve into the world of evolutionary architectures and their nuances in software design. Learn about the pitfalls of tight coupling and the importance of adaptability in data engineering. Discover the challenges posed by low-code solutions and the strategic decision-making required in agile development. The discussion emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of architectural anti-patterns, fostering a culture of awareness to avoid common mistakes, all while advocating for informed, iterative practices in tech.

In this special episode of Book Overflow, Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups sit down with Scott Tolinski, the host of the web development podcast Syntax. Join the three of them as they discuss Scott's favorite books, his career as a developer, and what you can learn by being a voracious reader! Links to all the books discussed in the episode can be found in the YouTube episode description: https://youtu.be/kJs9pVy94jM

Join Neal Ford, an expert in software architecture, Rebecca Parsons, a thought leader in engineering, Patrick Kua, a software coach, and Pramod Sadalage, a database design authority, as they delve into revolutionary software practices. They discuss the pivotal role of fitness functions in assessing system qualities and the shift towards cloud and DevOps. The guests explore Python quirks and the importance of conascence in system integrity, while emphasizing the sidecar pattern for managing operations without disrupting logic—all vital for building adaptive software architectures.

Devin Davies, an Apple Design Award Winner celebrated for his innovative recipe app Crouton, shares his journey from weekend project enthusiast to successful app developer. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to SwiftUI and the impact of personal projects on skill enhancement. The conversation explores the fusion of design and technology, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and the joy of creative endeavors. Devin also reflects on navigating the shift toward independence in the creative field, balancing personal passions with full-time commitments.

In this episode of Book Overflow, Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups discuss "Recoding America: Why Government Is Failing in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better" by Jennifer Pahlka. This book was personally recommended by Brian Kernighan and is about what processes and cultures make government technology so woefully inadequate. Join Carter and Nathan as they discuss agile vs. waterfall, the importance of a good business culture, and possible infringements on civil liberties!

In this very special episode of Book Overflow, Carter Morgan and Nathan Toups are joined by the prolific Robert "Uncle Bob" Martin to discuss his book "Clean Coder." Join them as Uncle Bob talks about his thoughts on the "flow zone," humility, and what coding has to do with flying an airplane! Links to all the books mentioned in the episode can be found in the YouTube episode description: https://youtu.be/wf68VDObVX0 00:00 Intro 03:29 Motivation for writing Clean Coder 06:00 Learning from Life Experiences 09:39 Professionalism and the Challenger Story 17:14 Pros and Cons of Flow State (The Zone) 21:10 Learning from your mistakes 24:11 Sobriety (and a story of getting drunk at a party) 30:17 Timeless advice, Professionalism, and saying No 35:39 Blameless Postmortems and taking responsibility 40:03 Agency, Control, Situational Awareness and Culture 43:58 Unconventional career paths and creativity 53:00 Layers of Abstraction 56:16 Thoughts on AI and LLMs 01:00:58 Book Recommendations 01:06:49 Closing Thoughts