Tech Lead Journal

• #213 - Moldable Development: Explain Systems & Make Better Software Decisions - Tudor Girba

  (05:57) Brought to you by Swimm.io.⁠⁠⁠⁠Start modernizing your mainframe faster with Swimm.Understand the what, why, and how of your mainframe code.Use AI to uncover critical code insights for seamless migration, refactoring, or system replacement.Are we looking at software engineering the wrong way?What if it’s less about writing code and more about making better decisions in an ever-changing system?Learn a revolutionary approach to understanding complex software systems in my conversation with Tudor Girba, the CEO of feenk. We explore “Moldable Development,” a groundbreaking concept that challenges traditional views of software engineering. Learn why treating development as a decision-making process, supported by custom tools, is crucial for tackling today’s software challenges, especially when dealing with legacy systems.Key topics discussed:Software Engineering as Decision-Making: Why software development is fundamentally about making informed decisions rather than just constructing systems.The Inefficiency of Reading Code: Developers spend over 50% of their time reading code, yet this activity remains unoptimized.Moldable Development: Learn how creating custom tools tailored to specific problems can revolutionize your workflow and decision-making process.Legacy Systems as Opportunities: Reframe legacy systems as value-creation opportunities instead of burdens.Glamorous Toolkit: Discover the innovative development environment enabling thousands of micro-tools for better system understanding.The Future of Development Environments: Explore how AI, moldable development, and tools like Glamorous Toolkit can coexist to solve diverse class of problems.This conversation will completely transform how you think about software development!  Timestamps:(00:01:57) Career Turning Points(00:08:29) Understanding How We Read Code(00:10:43) Software Engineering is a Decision-Making Activity(00:13:19) Reading Code is a Suboptimal Activity(00:16:44) Moldable Development(00:22:47) The Challenges with Legacy Systems(00:30:17) Moldable Development Workflow(00:46:02) Glamorous Toolkit(00:54:15) IDE, AI, and Glamorous Toolkit(01:00:36) Writing with Simon Wardley(01:03:01) 1 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Tudor Girba’s BioTudor Girba is the CEO of feenk, a company focused on modernizing legacy systems. They do that through Moldable Development, a way of programming through contextual tools. They build Glamorous Toolkit, a free and open-source moldable development environment, to show how working through thousands of contextual tools per system can be practical. In 2014, Tudor received the prestigious Dahl-Nygaard Junior Prize for his work on modeling and visualisation of evolution and interplay of large numbers of objects.Follow Tudor:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/girbaBluesky – bsky.app/profile/tudorgirba.comX – x.com/girbafeenk – feenk.comGlamorous Toolkit – gtoolkit.com📝 Rewilding Software Engineering – medium.com/feenk/rewilding-software-engineering-900ca95ebc8c_____Our SponsorsManning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/213.Follow @techleadjournal on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Buy me a coffee or become a patron.

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• #212 - The Architect's Paradox: Embracing Uncertainty in Software Architecture - Barry O'Reilly

  (07:40) Brought to you by Swimm.io.⁠⁠⁠⁠Start modernizing your mainframe faster with Swimm.Understand the what, why, and how of your mainframe code.Use AI to uncover critical code insights for seamless migration, refactoring, or system replacement.What if everything you’ve been taught about software architecture is fundamentally at odds with how the real world works?Dive into my conversation with Barry O’Reilly, a veteran architect and former Chief Architect at Microsoft, as we explore a radical rethinking of software architecture that embraces uncertainty and complexity. Discover how to design systems that survive in an ever-changing world.Key topics discussed:The Architect’s Paradox: Why rigid logic fails when applied to human systems and business complexity.The Failures of Traditional Architecture: Why requirements engineering and rigid models often fall short.Residuality Theory: A revolutionary approach focused on how systems collapse and adapt over time.Correctness vs. Criticality: Designing architectures that survive off-spec scenarios rather than aiming for perfection.Philosophy in Architecture: Unpacking hidden “default” philosophies that shape how we build software–and why they need to change.Essential Mindset for Architects: Humility, pessimism, and embracing uncertainty as tools for success.  Whether you’re a developer, architect, or business stakeholder, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking about software architecture.Timestamps:(02:00) Career Turning Points(10:02) The Architect’s Paradox(15:54) Barry’s Definition of Architecture(20:24) The Challenges of Time and Change(24:09) The Danger of Software Abstractions(29:41) Understanding Our Architecture Philosophy(37:05) Residue as the Unit of Software Architecture(46:31) Practical Way of Applying Residuality(49:03) The Goal of Architecture is Criticality(52:17) Bridging the Gap Between Architecture and Stakeholders(55:09) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Barry O’Reilly’s BioBarry is a veteran Architect who has held Chief Architect positions at Microsoft among others. He has also been a startup CTO, the Worldwide Lead for the Solutions Architecture Community at Microsoft, and founder of the Swedish Azure User Group. He is also a PhD candidate in software design and complexity science.Barry is a regular speaker at international conferences and events, where he shares his insights and expertise. He is the Founder of Black Tulip Technology and the creator of Residuality Theory, which seeks to redefine architecture as the management of complexity.Follow Barry:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/barry-o-reilly-b924657/📚 The Architect’s Paradox – leanpub.com/architectsparadox📚 Residues: Time, Change, and Uncertainty in Software Architecture – leanpub.com/residuality📚 Book bundle – leanpub.com/b/residues_____Our SponsorsManning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/212.Follow @techleadjournal on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Buy me a coffee or become a patron.

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  1:01:03
• #211 - Back to the Future: Lessons from My 42-Year Career in Tech - Paula Paul

  (03:43) Brought to you by Swimm.io.⁠⁠⁠⁠Start modernizing your mainframe faster with Swimm.Understand the what, why, and how of your mainframe code.Use AI to uncover critical code insights for seamless migration, refactoring, or system replacement.Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological change?How do you not just survive, but thrive through decades of major changes in the tech industry?With 42 years experiencing the tech industry’s biggest transformations, Paula Paul (Distinguished Engineer, Technical Advisor, OpenJS Foundation Board Member) has seen it all. Hear her hard-won lessons on navigating massive technology shifts, from mainframes to modern AI and cloud. This episode explores why embracing change and building a healthy relationship with technology are crucial for a fulfilling career.Key topics discussed:Insights from a 42+ year career spanning mainframes, CAD, the web, cloud, and AIA refreshing perspective on AI: Is it taking jobs away or creating choices?Why technology is often the “easy part” compared to managing changesHow to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology and avoid overwhelmTimeless advice for building a successful and fulfilling tech career you loveNavigating career pivots and embracing a non-linear path (“canvas vs. ladder”)The latest challenges of open source software, e.g. licensing and security risksThoughts on diversity, inclusion, and meritocracy in the tech industryTune in for practical advice and deep reflections on building resilience, embracing curiosity, and finding your place in the ever-changing world of technology.  Timestamps:(02:10) Career Turning Point(05:59) How to Approach AI and Rapid Technology Change(07:27) Long Feedback Loop in Software Development(10:35) Importance of Building the Right Things(13:35) The Fear of AI and Technology Changes(16:46) Timeless Tech Career Advice(19:34) Navigating Career Decisions(23:03) Every Company is a SaaS Company(26:22) The Huge Impact of Open Source(28:59) Open Source’s Security Challenge(31:04) Managing a Healthy JavaScript Ecosystem(33:11) Recent Trend of Open Source Licensing Change(35:46) Choosing Open Source vs. Commercial Software(37:18) Challenges of AI Model Training Based on Open Source(41:46) Recent Challenges with DEI Programs(45:05) The Value of Diversity(47:34) AI as Learning Tool(48:46) Creating Healthy Relationship with Technology(51:45) Dealing with Tech Anxiety(55:03) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Paula Paul’s BioPaula is a trusted technical advisor and distinguished engineer who has served as a fractional CTO in multiple organizations. Paula championed API, Identity, and platform strategies as a Distinguished Engineer with ThoughtWorks and led cloud adoptions on AWS, GCP, and Azure through her company, Greyshore. Paula is passionate about Open Source; she has been a multi-year speaker and co-chair of Open Source Day for the Grace Hopper Celebration and currently serves as a board member with the OpenJS Foundation and the Brookline Music School.Follow Paula:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/paulapaulMedium – @paulapaulWebsite – http://greyshore.com_____Our SponsorsManning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript: techleadjournal.dev/episodes/211.Follow @techleadjournal on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.Buy me a coffee or become a patron.

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  59:12
• #210 - Creator of WireMock: Building a Successful Open Source Project and The Art of API Mocking - Tom Akehurst

  (05:29) Brought to you by Swimm.io⁠⁠⁠⁠Start modernizing your mainframe faster with Swimm.Understand the what, why, and how of your mainframe code.Use AI to uncover critical code insights for seamless migration, refactoring, or system replacement.Tired of API dependencies slowing down your development and testing?Dive into my conversation with Tom Akehurst, creator of WireMock, and discover the art of using API mocking to build successful software in complex distributed environments.Key topics discussed:The origin story of WireMock, born from integration challenges at DisneyHow WireMock became a leading API mocking tool with millions of monthly downloadsInsights on building and maintaining successful open-source projectsThe key benefits of API mocking for developer productivity and experienceThe shift from the traditional testing pyramid to a “testing trophy” approachLeveraging API mocking for API-first design and rapid prototypingThe distinction between API mocking and contract testingThe future of API testing and development in the age of microservices and AIWhether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out your journey in API development, this episode provides valuable insights into the power of API mocking and the journey of building a successful open-source project.  Timestamps:(02:11) Career Turning Points(08:08) WireMock OSS Success Story(15:15) Welcoming & Aligning with Contributors(18:05) Benefits of WireMock & API Mocking Tools(19:59) API Mocking & Testing Pyramid(22:05) API Mocking vs Contract Testing(25:25) The Economics of API Mocking(27:27) API First Design(32:32) Impact to the Developer Experience & Productivity(35:32) Working More Effectively with Distributed Systems(38:15) API Virtualization/Simulation(41:13) AI Advancement in API Development(44:25) Building API for AI Agents(47:25) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Tom Akehurst’s BioTom Akehurst is the creator of WireMock, the open source API mocking tool, which he’s now been working on for well over a decade. Lately he’s also the CTO and co-founder of WireMock, Inc., where he’s helping complex engineering organisations effectively adopt API simulation techniques in order to build better software faster.Tom has been developing software for over 20 years. He’s built large-scale web systems for media, travel, hospitality, retail and government, applying lean, eXtreme Programming, Continuous Delivery and DevOps principles along the way.Follow Tom:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/tomakehurstEmail – [email protected] – wiremock.org_____Our SponsorsEnjoy an exceptional developer experience with JetBrains. Whatever programming language and technology you use, JetBrains IDEs provide the tools you need to go beyond simple code editing and excel as a developer.Check out FREE coding software options and special offers on jetbrains.com/store/#discounts.Make it happen. With code.Manning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript:techleadjournal.dev/episodes/210.Follow @techleadjournal onLinkedIn,Twitter, andInstagram.Buy me acoffee or become apatron.

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  52:18
• #209 - How I Retired Early in Tech: My Journey to Financial Independence - Kristine Howard

  Discover the secrets to early retirement and financial independence from a tech industry veteran!In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Kristine Howard, who transitioned from a dynamic career in tech to a life of early retirement, reaching financial independence and personal fulfillment along the way.Key topics discussed:Learn why tracking your expenses is the key to financial freedomMaster the balanced money formula for budgeting successUncover smart investing strategies, including the power of index funds and diversificationUnderstand how aligning your career with personal values can lead to greater satisfactionLearn the “4% rule” and how it can help determine your retirement readinessGain insights into the emotional journey of transitioning to early retirementHear the unexpected benefits of early retirement, including more time for personal growthDiscover the three keys to staying healthy in retirement: staying active, engaged, and contributingWhether you’re just starting your career or dreaming of early retirement, don’t miss out on these valuable lessons for achieving financial independence and living life on your own terms!  Timestamps:(02:07) Career Turning Points(07:01) Getting into Early Retirement(09:16) Financial Independence vs Early Retirement(10:13) Can We Reach Financial Independence?(11:56) The Shares/Equity Lever(15:43) Working in Startups vs Corporates vs Big Tech(18:34) The Importance of Financial Tracking(23:36) Building Automation & Doing Periodic Reviews(29:17) Focus on the Spending Rather than Income(30:43) Budgeting(33:12) Trade CapEx for OpEx(35:36) Saving & Investing(38:53) On Diversification(41:17) The Importance of Emergency Fund(43:12) How Did it Feel Getting Closer to Retirement?(48:19) The Feeling of Significant Income Drop(51:01) Things Anyone Can Do Even Before Retirement(56:00) 3 Tech Lead Wisdom_____Kristine Howard’s BioKristine Howard is an American-Australian residing in Sydney, Australia. Her extensive career features significant roles within technical teams at prominent companies such as Channel 9, Canva, and AWS. She is married to the Snook, and together they share a passion for global travel and culinary exploration. Kristine also expresses her creativity through knitting and sewing, finding joy in crafting handmade items. Notably, she has shared her expertise and insights at over 100 tech meetups, conferences, and events worldwide.Follow Kristine:LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/kristinehowardBlog – web-goddess.org_____Our SponsorsEnjoy an exceptional developer experience with JetBrains. Whatever programming language and technology you use, JetBrains IDEs provide the tools you need to go beyond simple code editing and excel as a developer.Check out FREE coding software options and special offers on jetbrains.com/store/#discounts.Make it happen. With code.Manning Publications is a premier publisher of technical books on computer and software development topics for both experienced developers and new learners alike. Manning prides itself on being independently owned and operated, and for paving the way for innovative initiatives, such as early access book content and protection-free PDF formats that are now industry standard.Get a 40% discount for Tech Lead Journal listeners by using the code techlead24 for all products in all formats.Like this episode?Show notes & transcript:techleadjournal.dev/episodes/209.Follow @techleadjournal onLinkedIn,Twitter, andInstagram.Buy me acoffee or become apatron.

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