
The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source
Software's best weekly news brief, deep technical interviews & talk show.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2023 • 7min
Magical shell history & why engineers should focus on writing (News)
Discover how Atuin can transform your shell history into a magical experience for engineers. Learn why focusing on writing skills is essential for organizational clarity and error resolution. Dive into LazyVim, a tool that enhances your Neovim setup, and explore exciting advancements in CSS. Plus, hear a discussion about the significance of constructive dialogue in the open-source community. Tune in for insights that could revolutionize your coding workflow!

Jul 14, 2023 • 1h 15min
Dear Red Hat... (Friends)
Jeff Geerling, a prominent figure in the Ansible community and a critic of Red Hat's recent subscription model, shares his passionate insights on the turmoil surrounding RHEL. He discusses the backlash from the open-source community and the potential rise of alternatives like Rocky Linux and SUSE’s ambitious fork. The conversation dives into the implications of commercialization in open-source software and the impact of corporate decisions on trust within the community. Geerling's candid remarks highlight the ongoing tension between innovation and corporate strategy.

12 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 1h 5min
Types will win in the end (Interview)
Jake Zimmerman, a lead at Stripe and the driving force behind Sorbet, shares insights into the transformative power of type checking in Ruby. He discusses the monumental Stripe codebase and why he believes "types will win in the end." The conversation touches on the gradual acceptance of type systems, the challenges of large codebases, and the balance between Ruby’s dynamic nature and type safety. Jake also highlights the future of typing in Ruby and the evolution of community perspectives on tools like Sorbet.

Jul 10, 2023 • 8min
Oracle smacks IBM over RHEL (News)
Tensions rise as Oracle criticizes IBM for its controversial decision regarding RHEL, igniting community discussions. Discover a Slack clone crafted in just 5 lines of Bash—an impressive feat of simplicity. Explore innovative insights on data joins as Justin Jaffray shares 13 unique perspectives. Plus, learn how llama.cpp is enhancing web chat features and Meta's bold move to pay engineers for tackling Python’s GIL. Collaboration is key in the open-source realm, pushing technology forward!

62 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 1h 23min
Efficient Linux at the CLI (Interview)
In this insightful conversation, Daniel J. Barrett, an esteemed author and Linux educator with nearly 40 years of experience, shares his expertise on mastering the Linux command line. He delves into advanced techniques like command substitution and the CD command for efficient navigation. Barrett highlights the importance of continuous learning in Linux and warns about the risks of relying on AI for package recommendations. He also discusses effective management of Linux configurations and job control, providing practical tips to enhance developer productivity.

Jul 3, 2023 • 6min
Streak redemption, vectors are the new JSON, CommonJS is hurting JavaScript & the rise of the AI Engineer (News)
Discover the intriguing concept of streak redemption and its impact on software quality. Explore why vectors are being hailed as the avant-garde alternative to JSON in development. Delve into the decline of CommonJS and the push for modern ES modules. The conversation also highlights the rise of AI engineers, marking a significant shift in the tech landscape. Insights and trends that are shaping the future of software development are discussed throughout.

12 snips
Jun 30, 2023 • 1h 29min
Even the best rides come to an end (Friends)
Kelsey Hightower, an AI researcher and MIT scientist, recently announced his retirement from Google and shared insights on his next steps. He humorously reflects on life beyond work, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and curiosity. The conversation dives into the complexities of DevOps and software versioning, tackling the balance between innovation and stability. Kelsey also addresses the risks of AI and the significance of empathy in solving user problems, rounding out a candid discussion on personal and professional growth in tech.

4 snips
Jun 28, 2023 • 1h 7min
Don't make things worse! (Interview)
Taylor Troesh, a software developer and creator of the ScrapScript language, dives into a range of fascinating topics. He shares insights on quirky concepts like 'yak shaving' and 'negative 10x engineers’ while emphasizing time management and productivity. Their conversation touches on the innovative Ikea-oriented approach to development, the complexities of choosing reliable dependencies, and the significance of foundational tech in navigating modern software ecosystems. Plus, get a taste of ScrapScript and its potential to streamline coding with a fresh perspective!

Jun 26, 2023 • 8min
AI poisoned its own well, libraries to UnsuckJS, we need more Richard Stallman & ChatGPT package hallucination (News)
AI's self-referential training is causing concerns over model reliability, sparking a debate on the future of artificial intelligence. A new microsite aims to enhance JavaScript's reputation with creative solutions to 'UnsuckJS.' The discussion also revisits Richard Stallman's philosophies, advocating for a revival of his principles in the face of modern challenges. Lastly, the pitfalls of AI tools, particularly their tendency for package hallucinations, raise questions about trust in emergent technologies. Join in for a deep dive into these provocative topics!

10 snips
Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 31min
There's a whole PEP about that (Friends)
Brett Cannon, a core member of Python's steering council and an unofficial ambassador to the community, joins for a fascinating discussion. He tackles the anxieties around pip installation and shares insights on the evolution of Python from version 2 to 3, and the anticipation of Python 4. The conversation dives into the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) and Chris Lattner’s Mojo project, highlighting innovations in the Python landscape, including the growing influence of Rust. It's a lively mix of technical challenges and community dynamics!