The Stack Overflow Podcast

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.

Paul Petersen, Cloud Platform Engineering Manager at U.S. Bank, and Anirudh Kaul, Senior Director of Software Engineering, share their insights on the bank's digital transformation. They discuss how multi-cloud strategies foster innovation while navigating regulatory challenges. Key topics include the balance of team autonomy and collaboration in a high-pressure environment, the importance of transparent communication, and the role of platform engineering in enabling cultural change. They highlight the significance of user engagement during cloud transitions to ensure successful adoption.

Mahir Yavuz, Senior Director of Engineering at Etsy, shares his insights on integrating machine learning to optimize search and recommendations. He discusses the balance between AI-driven personalization and maintaining user trust in the marketplace. The conversation dives into the challenges of gift-giving, emphasizing the unique thrill of discovery on Etsy while addressing operational hurdles. Mahir also highlights how generative AI can enhance product listings and foster connections, showcasing the innovative strategies that keep Etsy’s community thriving.

Ryan Panchadsaram, co-author of Speed and Scale and a leader in climate investment, discusses pivotal strategies for combating the climate crisis. He emphasizes the role of technology in fostering environmental solutions and the significance of efficient coding practices. The conversation dives into the collaboration between tech giants and policymakers to promote sustainable energy by 2030. Panchadsaram also sheds light on innovative approaches like sustainable air fuel and the challenges they present, while championing the importance of bold actions to reduce emissions.

Sean Falconer, an AI entrepreneur in residence at Confluent and co-host of Software Engineering Daily, dives into the chaotic world of AI standards. He discusses how structured protocols are crucial for AI systems to communicate effectively, much like early web standards. The conversation highlights the challenges of establishing these standards without stifling innovation. Falconer also shares insights on testing large language models, emphasizing the need for clarity in prompts and understanding AI limitations to enhance reliability in enterprise applications.