Hanselminutes with Scott Hanselman

Vjekoslav Krajačić, the Principal Developer of FilePilot and former game industry dev, dives into his innovative lightweight file explorer. He discusses how his background in game development informs the app’s high-performance and immediate-mode UI design. Krajačić reveals the challenges of integrating with older Windows APIs and the benefits of a custom OpenGL renderer that makes FilePilot feel fast. He also shares insights on building from scratch, the influence of Handmade Hero, and plans for future features including cross-platform support.

Loris Cro, VP of Community at the Zig Software Foundation, shares his journey from bioinformatics to the world of Zig, a rising star in systems programming. They delve into Zig's fresh approach to simplicity and explicitness, contrasting it with the complexities of C/C++. Loris discusses Zig's memory safety, cross-compilation advantages, and innovative comptime capabilities. He highlights case studies like Bun and TigerBeetle, showcasing Zig's real-world impact and its mission to make systems programming more accessible. A conversation about the future of development awaits!

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Dawn Song, a computer science professor and MacArthur Fellow, dives into the world of agentic AI and its implications for security and privacy. She discusses her transition from physics to security, the impact of prestigious awards on her research freedom, and the mission of the Berkeley Center for Responsible Decentralized Intelligence. Dawn emphasizes the challenges of securing AI agents, the risks of complex systems, and her personal journey building custom agents for increased productivity.

Marcus Fontoura, a Technical Fellow at Microsoft and author of 'Human Agency in a Digital World,' dives into the pressing question of maintaining human control over technology. He discusses the transition from passive users to active participants in automation and the importance of ethics in design. Marcus raises concerns about AI's impact on engineering careers and stresses the need for teamwork diversity to prevent fragility. He emphasizes focusing AI on real human issues while encouraging tech professionals to engage in public policy discussions.

Daniel Temkin, an artist and programmer, dives into the whimsical world of esoteric programming languages in his book, Forty-Four Esolangs. He discusses how these languages serve as thought-provoking art rather than just tools. Temkin highlights the beauty of languages like Brainfuck and Befunge, explores community dynamics, and introduces innovative concepts like 'folders' as a language and Stroll, which incorporates human movement. He also touches on non-English programming languages and their potential to challenge the status quo. A captivating blend of art and code!

Scott sits down with Camille Tomlin, Head of IT at Philadelphia International Airport, to explore the intersection of aviation, technology, and leadership. They discuss how airports are transforming digitally — with IoT, data analytics, and smart infrastructure — and how Camille leads a team that bridges city government, airlines, and millions of passengers every year.

Dr. Gabriel Dos Reis, a Principal SDE at Microsoft and C++ expert, dives into why C++ remains relevant in a tech landscape dominated by newer languages. He discusses the language's evolution, highlighting its powerful features and performance in areas like AI and browsers. Gabriel explains C++'s backward compatibility, how it mirrors human languages, and addresses modern challenges like tooling gaps. He also shares insights on teaching robust coding practices and emphasizes the importance of learning multiple programming languages to enhance engineering skills.

Claire Giordano, a long-time Postgres advocate and engineer at Microsoft, shares her journey into the world of PostgreSQL. She discusses the database's unexpected rise from academia to a leading choice for startups and global enterprises. Claire highlights Postgres' extensibility, the importance of its open-source community, and its adaptability in the era of AI. She also sheds light on its welcoming community culture and how managed services have boosted its adoption. Discover the secrets behind Postgres' enduring popularity and innovative spirit!

Scott chats with Stephen Jones, a senior engineering manager and curator at the Interim Computer Museum, specializing in restoring vintage systems. They delve into the art of bringing old computers back to life and the importance of interactive restoration for visitors. Stephen shares insights on community involvement, the challenges of remote access for vintage systems, and the significance of preserving software and hardware. He also discusses the museum's mission and how retro computing can bridge generational gaps in tech understanding.

Kat Excellence, an early-career software engineer and author of the blog katexcellence.io, shares valuable insights on navigating the tech industry. She discusses the challenges of motivation in coding and the importance of small, consistent progress. Kat emphasizes shipping code early to prove impact and the significance of documenting work. She also highlights the benefits of reviewing PRs daily to enhance learning. With a focus on turning setbacks into growth, Kat offers junior engineers a toolkit for success in their careers.