The freeCodeCamp Podcast

Tapas Adhikary, a software engineer and founder who runs a remote development firm and teaches hundreds of programmers. He talks about how AI and LLMs are reshaping developer roles and expectations. He shares tips for building a fully-remote consultancy, landing international clients, and mentoring hundreds of developers through content, community, and open source.

Sumit Saha, a software engineer and educator from Dhaka, discusses the fading hunger for deep learning among developers. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding shortcuts like LLMs and fostering genuine curiosity. Sumit uses engaging analogies to explain complex concepts like JavaScript closures and JWTs. He shares insights on Dhaka's vibrant developer community and the significance of continuous self-study. He envisions the future of developer education as interactive and personalized, urging newcomers to embrace hard work and sustainability in their careers.

Quincy Larson chats with Mike McQuaid, the lead maintainer of Homebrew and a software engineer with a rich background at GitHub. They dive into the evolving skills needed for a future in open source and the blend of remote work. Mike shares insights on maintaining balance in life to avoid burnout, techniques for efficient workflows like 'shitty first drafts,' and the emotional labor of senior roles. He also discusses the impact of AI on development, emphasizing the importance of reading code well for new developers.

Zubin Pratap, a former corporate lawyer and self-taught software engineer, shares his inspiring journey from law to programming, landing a job at Google in just two years. He explores how modern tools can simplify coding while complicating other aspects of development. Zubin discusses the impact of AI on various professions, the importance of structured learning through platforms like freeCodeCamp, and the realities of career changes. He emphasizes that strong communication skills are becoming more vital as tech tasks evolve.

Santosh Yadav, an accomplished software engineer and tech communicator from Mumbai, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a Google Developer Expert and Microsoft MVP. He discusses how to get promoted as an Individual Contributor without becoming a manager and emphasizes the importance of networking early in one's career. Santosh also delves into the challenges of transitioning back to coding after management and how to thrive in remote work culture, especially contrasting experiences in India and Europe. His story is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Lengstorf, a 22-year software veteran and creator of CodeTV, dives deep into the evolving developer landscape. He addresses the misconceptions surrounding AI's impact, revealing how many leaders overestimated its role. Jason offers strategies for navigating the job market, emphasizing networking and human connection as vital. He critiques the hype around AI, underlining its use as a productivity tool rather than a replacement. With insights on community building and creativity, he encourages developers to embrace collaboration and cross-disciplinary exploration.

Kunal Kushwaha is a software engineer and passionate educator known for his YouTube tutorials and for founding the WeMakeDevs community. He shares his journey of self-learning after failing the JEE twice, emphasizing the importance of open source contributions over traditional lectures. Kunal discusses his role as a field CTO at Civo, his transition to the UK on a Global Talent Visa, and how he developed hands-on learning skills in tech. His insights shed light on reshaping education and exploring new opportunities in the tech ecosystem.

Andrea Griffiths, a self-taught programmer and Developer Advocate at GitHub, shares her transformative journey from construction to tech. She discusses the importance of critical thinking in an AI-driven world and offers practical tips for busy parents wanting to learn new skills. Andrea emphasizes breaking problems into chunks and the value of foundational knowledge. She also reflects on her experiences in the U.S. Army and running gyms, advising listeners to embrace humility and curiosity in their career paths.

Alison Co and Cindy Cui, talented software engineering students and hackathon winners, discuss their project BrailleLearn, which helps visually impaired individuals learn Braille. They share insights on the challenges of low literacy rates and the importance of accessible tools. The duo dives into the role of AI in their development process, stressing its limitations while emphasizing hands-on learning. They also reflect on securing internships, the value of teamwork, and their experiences at GitHub Universe, revealing how collaboration can spark innovative solutions.

David J. Malan, a Harvard computer science professor and instructor of the popular CS50 course, shares his insights on learning programming. He explains why he still advocates for mastering the C language in today's tech landscape. Malan discusses the value of fundamental concepts like data structures, even as AI evolves. He encourages adaptive learning environments and innovative teaching methods, such as theatrical demonstrations, to enrich understanding. Emphasizing exploration over rushing mastery, he argues for a more immersive and relaxed approach to education.