The Stack Overflow Podcast

Travis Oliphant, the creator of NumPy and SciPy and a leading figure in open-source, joins to share insights on Python's evolution as a data science powerhouse. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building impactful libraries and the vital role community feedback plays in development. Travis emphasizes the importance of sustainable open-source practices and innovative funding models that connect venture capital with community efforts. He also addresses the need for effective governance in open-source projects to prevent monopolization.

Darko Mesaroš, Principal Developer Advocate at AWS and a computer history enthusiast, dives into the rich evolution of software development. He highlights the journey from punch cards to modern programming languages like Python and Ruby, emphasizing their transformative effects. The conversation touches on the rise of AI in coding, the importance of understanding prompts, and the collaboration among developers across generations. Darko invites listeners to reflect on their coding experiences and the continuous evolution of technology.

Rich Harris, the creator of Svelte and a software engineer at Vercel, shares the fascinating journey of Svelte's development. He dives into the rapid evolution of web frameworks and the unique compiler-based approach that makes Svelte stand out. Rich discusses the complexities of front-end development and the need for unified frameworks to enhance user experience. He also highlights the collaborative spirit of Svelte's community and shares insights on improving asynchronous operations in web applications, making Svelte increasingly appealing to developers.

Prashanth Chandrasekar, CEO of Stack Overflow, and Christina Dacauaziliqua, a Senior Learning Specialist at Morgan Stanley, dive into the dynamic world of continuous learning. They discuss creating intentional learning environments that marry innovative tools with community collaboration. Key topics include the necessity for leaders to model continuous learning, practical principles to embed a growth culture, and how Morgan Stanley is empowering employees through strategic learning frameworks. The conversation also touches on balancing AI with essential human interactions in personalized learning.

Ryan welcomes Nathan Michael, CTO at Shield AI, who's at the forefront of AI for defense technologies. They dive into Hivemind's tech that enables drones to make autonomous decisions while keeping humans in the loop. Nathan discusses the delicate balance between human oversight and autonomous operations, highlighting the ethical implications of their innovations. The duo also explores the challenges of operating drones in complex environments, emphasizing the importance of communication and adaptability in high-pressure scenarios.

Tuhin Srivastava, CEO and co-founder of Baseten, shares his insights on advancing AI infrastructure for large-scale neural networks. He discusses the evolving demands on GPUs and the challenges of scalability in generative AI. The conversation highlights the trade-offs between different model types, like RAG and embedding models. Tuhin also emphasizes the cost-saving benefits and customization potential of open-source models, while addressing the rapid changes in chip architecture that shape software development.

Ryan welcomes Evan You, the creator of Vue.js and Vite, whose innovative work focuses on high-performance tooling for JavaScript. They discuss Vue's journey from its inception to a thriving framework, emphasizing the balance of community support and financial sustainability. The conversation dives into exciting AI integrations that improve coding efficiency and the architectural upgrades in Vue 3. Evan shares insights on fostering community engagement and the future of open-source projects, revealing how user questions shape AI development.

Wenjing Zhang, VP of Engineering, and Caleb Johnson, Principal Engineer at LinkedIn, sit down with Ryan to discuss how semantic search and AI have transformed LinkedIn’s job search feature. They explore the engineering efforts behind transitioning from keyword-based search and the impact of AI models on LinkedIn’s job seekers and employers.Episode notes: LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with more than one billion members.Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn.Connect with Wenjing on LinkedIn.Congrats to Mattias Larsson, who won a Populist badge for answering Singleton Class which requires some async call.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Everitt, a developer advocate at JetBrains and an early adopter of Python, dives into the fascinating journey of Python's evolution. He reflects on its humble beginnings and pivotal moments that shaped its growth alongside the internet. The discussion highlights the impact of leadership within the community, notably Guido Van Rossum's guiding role. Innovations like async programming and type hinting are spotlighted, showcasing Python's competitiveness in modern tech landscapes. The strong community spirit and its significance in academia and data science are celebrated.

Quinn Slack, CEO and co-founder of Sourcegraph, shares insights into the transformative power of AI in software engineering. He discusses how AI coding tools shift developer roles from syntax-focused tasks to higher-level management and design. The conversation highlights the blend of human creativity with AI, the rise of vibe coding enabling non-programmers to build apps, and the critical need for clear project requirements. Slack also emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI-assisted coding, navigating its potential and challenges in the evolving tech landscape.