The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Brett Cannon, a prominent software engineer and contributor to Python, shares insights on the significant changes in the Python community following Guido van Rossum's departure. He discusses the complexities of establishing a new governance model, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind new Python Enhancement Proposals (PEPs). Cannon delves into the emotional stakes and challenges faced by core developers during this transition, and reflects on the importance of community engagement for Python's future direction and innovation.

Victor Zhou, creator of popular .io games like Generals.io, shares his journey in the booming world of multiplayer online games. He discusses the addictive nature of .io games and the intricate development process behind Generals.io, which he later sold to a gaming company. The conversation covers the economic strategies for monetization through ads and donations, the technical challenges of game development, and the importance of community engagement. Zhou's insights provide a glimpse into the passion and dedication required to succeed in the gaming industry.

In this engaging discussion, Andre Staltz, creator of Manyverse, dives into the world of off-the-grid social networking. He shares the importance of user privacy and the benefits of decentralized communication, stressing how Manyverse empowers communities with limited internet infrastructure. The conversation also touches on the evolution of open-source freelancing and innovative revenue models. Staltz highlights the grassroots nature of Manyverse as a counter to corporate tech, emphasizing authentic connections and user-friendly design.

Evan Conrad, creator of the open-source iOS app Quirk, discusses his personal battle with severe panic attacks and the transformative power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He shares how Quirk helps users navigate their mental health challenges, specifically addressing cognitive distortions and anxiety. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of CBT for all individuals, the importance of technology in mental health, and the playful approach Quirk takes in reframing distressing thoughts. Tune in for insights that blend personal experience with innovative solutions.

Gerhard Lazu, a resident ops and infrastructure expert, discusses the transformative infrastructure updates to Changelog.com for 2019. He dives into the strategic switch to Kubernetes and CircleCI to streamline CI/CD workflows, highlighting their impact on operational efficiency. The conversation also covers the enhancements brought by Docker, including self-updating containers, and how community engagement fosters open-source collaboration. Lazu emphasizes the continuous drive for improved monitoring and observability, essential for navigating the complexities of modern application deployment.

Alex Ellis, founder of OpenFaaS, discusses the evolution of serverless functions on Docker and Kubernetes. He shares insights on community building and the balance between maintainership and leadership within open source. Alex highlights OpenFaaS's flexibility and community engagement, emphasizing its advantages over traditional solutions. The conversation also touches on the importance of feedback loops, the challenges of remote work, and fostering empathy in team environments. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of serverless technology and its collaborative spirit!

Emma Bostian, a UX engineer known for her contributions to the Coding Coach project, shares her whirlwind journey to becoming a thought leader in just six months. She discusses the subtle distinctions between UX roles, the challenges of relocating for career growth, and the importance of community building in tech. Emma highlights the significance of mentorship through Coding Coach, emphasizing its mission to connect developers and mentors globally. The conversation also touches on personal growth, feedback culture, and the dynamic nature of UX design.

Syrus Akbary, a key figure in the WebAssembly community and co-founder of Wasmer, discusses the future of WebAssembly beyond just the browser. He explores how Wasmer enables universal binaries compatible with languages like Rust and Go. The conversation highlights the importance of Application Binary Interfaces (ABI) for seamless execution across platforms. Akbary also envisions decentralized computing through WebAssembly in cloud gaming and emphasizes the potential for open source projects to attract investment, shaping the development landscape.

Lucas Fernandes da Costa, a software developer passionate about text-based interfaces, discusses his journey to embracing terminal tools like Vim. He shares his Terminal starter pack, including neovim and tmux, while highlighting the advantages of command-line interfaces over graphical ones. Lucas emphasizes a minimalist approach to development tools, advocating for learning and customization. He also explores the productivity boosts that come with using OhMyZSH and key command-line tools, making a compelling case for why text mode is still relevant today.

Adam Barr, a veteran from Microsoft and author of 'The Problem with Software,' dives into why skilled engineers often produce poor code. He discusses the disconnect between academia and industry, emphasizing the need for practical training and better feedback loops. Barr critiques outdated coding interviews for neglecting real-world skills and advocates for evolving hiring practices. The conversation highlights the importance of code maintainability and flexibility, as well as the challenges of navigating programming principles and fostering collaboration between tech and academia.