Thoughtworks Technology Podcast

Neal Ford, a software architect and director at Thoughtworks, and Mark Richards, an experienced software architect and author, discuss the three new fallacies of distributed computing. These include the misconceptions that versioning is easy, compensating updates always work, and observability is optional. They also delve into the emergence of modular monoliths and the importance of architectural governance in distributed systems. Listeners get fresh insights into key concepts shaping software architecture, paving the way for innovations in 2025.

In this engaging discussion, Zichuan Xiong, a ThoughtWorker specializing in AI solutioning and ops, delves into the transformative power of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for IT operations. He highlights how MCP enhances AI's capability to think like IT staff, moving beyond traditional APIs to provide deeper context-sensitive functionality. Zichuan also examines the strategic decisions surrounding building versus buying infrastructure, the evolution of open-source tools, and the importance of integrating multiple contexts for effective incident management.

Join Andy Yates, Head of Ecosystems Development at Thoughtworks, as he unpacks the highlights from Google I/O 2025. The conversation dives into the groundbreaking Gemini framework and its transformative impact on e-commerce and brand identity. Andy discusses the complexities organizations face when implementing new tools, emphasizing the need for effective change management. The chat also explores AI innovations in media production, including advances in photo and video editing, while considering user privacy and workforce shifts in the evolving tech landscape.

Rob Mee, CEO of Mechanical Orchard, and Rachel Laycock, CTO of Thoughtworks, discuss the challenges of modernizing mainframe systems using generative AI. They explore how their collaboration has led to innovative tools that simplify the complexity of legacy codebases. The conversation highlights the gradual approach required for effective modernization and the importance of skilled developers. They also emphasize the role of generative AI in identifying crucial data flows and creating reliable new code, prioritizing quality and maintainability throughout the process.

You might think you know software engineering, but what are the really fundamental elements? What are the concepts, ideas and practices that are completely essential? What makes software engineering what it is? Thoughtworker Nate Schutta and Dan Vega are attempting to address those questions in their upcoming book with O'Reilly, The Fundamentals of Software Engineering. Covering topics ranging from reading code through to the importance of learning to learn, it promises to offer a fresh insight into the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful software engineer. In this episode of the Thoughtworks Technology Podcast, Nate and Dan join hosts Neal Ford and Ken Mugrage to discuss the book and to dive into what really are the fundamental elements of software engineering. Listen for a fresh perspective on the discipline and a deep dive that shows it's about far more than just writing code. Learn more about The Fundamentals of Software Engineering: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/fundamentals-of-software/9781098143220/

Neal Ford and Birgitta Böckeler, both members of the Doppler team at ThoughtWorks, dive into the intriguing findings of the latest Technology Radar. They discuss the rise of supervised agents in coding, emphasizing the balance needed between AI assistance and code quality. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of observability in applications using large language models and the vital role of Retrieval-Augmented Generation in enhancing AI accuracy, all while strategizing how to navigate the rapid advancements in technology.

Join Birgitta Böckeler, an AI for Software Delivery Lead, and Lilly Ryan, a Cybersecurity Principal, as they explore the intriguing concept of 'vibe coding.' They discuss how this emerging practice suggests relying on intuition and AI tools over traditional coding standards. The conversation touches on the balance between innovation and the need for oversight, as well as the complexities of version control in coding. Personal anecdotes enrich their insights on the evolving landscape of software development and the role of AI in shaping coding practices.

Kief Morris, a distinguished engineer at Thoughtworks and author of 'Infrastructure as Code,' joins host Ken Mugrage to discuss the evolution of infrastructure over the past decade. They explore the necessity for standardized practices in cloud environments and the influence of tools like Terraform. Morris emphasizes the shift toward automated deployment models like GitOps and the role of AI in infrastructure management. They also discuss how effective communication and iterative practices are crucial for ongoing maintenance and evolution in infrastructure strategies.

Rebecca Parsons, former CTO emerita of ThoughtWorks and co-author of 'Building Evolutionary Architectures', joins Neal Ford, a regular host and also co-author, to dive into the dynamic world of AI governance. They explore how fitness functions can optimize AI performance, ensuring systems meet their intended goals. The duo discusses identifying biases within AI, the importance of operationalizing large language models, and the need for objective metrics in rapidly changing tech landscapes. Their insights reveal how adaptability can shape the future of AI.

Neal Ford and Mark Richards, both seasoned experts in software architecture, share their insights on redefining software architectures. They discuss the groundbreaking concept of 'architecture as code' and the integration of architecture fitness functions. The conversation dives into aligning service level objectives with architectural strategy and the importance of data integrity in distributed systems. Moreover, they explore how Generative AI could revolutionize architectural processes, ensuring adaptability and consistency in software development.