Thoughtworks Technology Podcast

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.

In this insightful discussion, Prasanna Pendse, Global Director of AI Strategy, and Shayan Mohanty, Head of AI Research, share their expertise on the revolutionary AI start-up DeepSeek. They dive into how DeepSeek’s R1 reasoning model differentiates itself from giants like OpenAI. The duo tackles misconceptions about AI training costs, the impact of hardware limitations, and innovative strategies to optimize performance. They also explore the implications of these developments on the tech industry’s economic landscape and the complexities surrounding model licensing.

Join Shayan Mohanty, Head of AI Research at Thoughtworks, and John Singleton, Program Manager at the AI Lab, as they dive into the complexities of generative AI. They discuss the vital role of evals, benchmarks, and guardrails in ensuring AI reliability. The duo outlines the differences between testing and evaluations, highlighting their significance for businesses. Additionally, they explore mechanistic interpretability and the need for robust frameworks to enhance trust in AI applications. This conversation is essential for anyone navigating the evolving AI landscape.

Neal Ford, a seasoned collaborator in software architecture, joins forces with Mark Richards, an accomplished author in the field. They delve into the critical intersections of software architecture with implementation, data management, and business strategy. The duo discusses the complexities of architectural choices, the balance between monorepo and separate repositories, and how team dynamics can influence architectural effectiveness. Generative AI's impact on architecture also takes center stage, highlighting the necessity for adaptability in evolving business environments.

Andrew Harmel-Law, a tech principal from London and author of "Facilitating Software Architecture," discusses the importance of diverse participation in architectural decision-making. He argues that a broader involvement leads to richer insights and better outcomes. The conversation highlights the need for trust and engagement among stakeholders, the risks of technology attachment, and how to navigate them. Andrew stresses that embracing varied perspectives can drive cultural shifts in organizations, ultimately enhancing the architectural process.