Producer's note: This episode should have gone out as episode 48 ahead of Webhooks! This is our missing episode. Join us next episode for episode 50! Colin has a fitness update: working on the lungs, breathing and stress in general. CJ is digging into enums and converting them to models at Craftwork. More to come on that topic soon. Colin continues…

In this episode, you'll learn about webhooks and how they enable event-driven integrations. We cover webhooks, how they work, and best practices for providers and consumers. Topics: - The evolution of webhooks and how they compare to traditional API polling methods - Implementing webhooks securely, including verification techniques - Strategies for…

CJ and Colin with the summer updates and fitness check-in. We dive into cron jobs, scheduling those jobs with various tools and services and best practices for when/how to cron. - Summer updates - CJ's live peloton class in the studio - Peloton hotel finder - Colin gives a RTO recap - Craftwork update, one year of the Rails codebase - Realtime proj…

Colin and CJ explore the ongoing debate between monolithic architectures versus API-driven frontends, touching on the pros and cons of GraphQL and REST. The conversation also covers the intricacies of integrating Next.js with Rails applications. On the personal front, CJ shares his solar pool heater project and Colin prepares for his upcoming relay…

This week, CJ and Colin talk about content clickbait, Gameboy nostalgia, and the in-vogue topic of AI/LLMs. CJ dives into some cautionary tales around more API integrations and his steps to avoid platform risk while trying to build software at a growing company. Finally, we bid farewell to RailsConf and discuss the market for Ruby/Rails conferences…

In this episode, you'll hear about the Write the Docs conference in Portland, a must-attend for anyone in the tech writing community. CJ and Colin chatted about the unique, community-focused vibe of the event, which was akin to RailsConf or RubyConf, and shared some standout talks. One highlight is Calvin Fung's "Beyond Words: Strategies for Leveli…

This week, we discuss building companies on top of API integrations and recent acquisitions that we've been following closely and dig into some tech we're both using in our daily work. If you feel like you have a lot going on in your world right now, we also tease our upcoming episode on Cal Newport's newest book, Slow Productivity. - Postman acqui…

In this episode, Colin shares insights from the Game Developers Conference (GDC) on cutting-edge technologies like motion capture and AI-powered game creation. We'll chat candidly about the challenges of achieving work-life balance, recognizing burnout signs, and staying productive amid demanding software projects. Additionally, we'll explore perso…

In this episode, we talk about that subscription fatigue that is coming for us all. CJ has been working on some homesteading projects, including maple syrup harvesting and an AI birdspotting camera. Colin finally reveals what he's been working on at work: a new SDK! What we're building - CJ is homesteading: maple syrup - Raspberry PI + camera + AI …

In this episode, we'll dive into the codebase of Campfire, a product released by the 37signals (now Basecamp) team. Sharing our initial impressions of the codebase hitting some of these topics: - The use of helpers and views in this Rails app - The gems and dependencies - The decision to use SQLite - The integration of Hotwire, Stimulus, and front-…

This week, Colin and CJ discuss how differently we can feel when we get caught in the mindless doomscrolling traps of consuming content rather than creating things, interacting with other IRL humans, and more! - Accountability/fitness update - Quick update on Buckets! - Consumption vs Creation - Learning styles - Badass Course Creators podcast: Rai…

In this episode of Build and Learn you'll hear CJ and Colin discuss the following: CJ's weekend project of installing new kitchen cabinets. They share the DIY process of customizing and installing inexpensive cabinets from Lowe's. Running and training tips, including focusing on "zone two" aerobic base training. Colin shares his goals to rebuild hi…

2024! This week, we're sharing the various tools we use day-to-day in our work and side projects. Let us know if you have any favorites on Twitter @buildandlearn_ Building CJ: working on a side project, https://buckets.cjav.dev Colin: working on some fun docs projects at work Learning: Sharing Our Tools in 2024 Tools by Category Terminal Editor API…

In this episode, we'll touch on office setup and soundproofing, with a focus on effective techniques and materials. We talk about the challenges and strategies in finding non-technical co-founders for startups, emphasizing the importance of shared values and complementary skills. The episode also delves into the impact of AI on the tech industry, p…

Chris and Colin wrap up 2023 chatting about personal finance, website annotations, vim and a growing need to "finish" something over starting yet another thing. Replacing Mint Colin is using Copilot money CJ was using YNAB earlier this year Tagging + podcast expenses: notion, zencastr, transistor, descript Use our referral code 7X6AQD to get 2 mont…

In this episode, Colin and CJ discuss their experience with Advent of Code challenges. They use it as a virtual meetup for their local developer group and the value of solving problems in new languages. They also talk about live streaming using Twitch's built-in Stream Together feature and alternatives like Meld Studio for multi-person streaming se…

This week we're digging into when to hold on and when to call it quits when it comes to a business. The team at Craftwork is paying down tech debt with Polish week. We also chat about USB hubs, llamas, and how to get started on YouTube. BUILDING CJ: Polish week at Craftwork - cleaning up code formatting, todos, tests, UI polish and clean up, DX cle…

In this episode, we catch up on recent tech events, discussing in detail the AI launches at both OpenAI and GitHub. We chat about the Hu.ma.ne AI pin, and touch on GitHub Universe. We also talk about Docs implementations and the challenges of managing and maintaining code snippets in documentation. Show notes: Docs Astro Starlight - https://starlig…

Episode 31 Intuit is apparently shutting down Mint, pushing folks to Credit Karma Colin's school bus update Building CJ is continuing to build out a comms center for managing customer comms in a scalable way for Craftwork. SAML` Colin is working on the conference room booking app, Likely use jumpstart for all stuff you need when you build something…

In this episode, we'll share updates and talk about what we're learning and working on. First up, is the exciting prospect of buying a short school bus and converting it into a fun project. We'll touch on UI frameworks like PhlexUI, as well as share updates about our experiences with different diet and fitness regimens. We'll chat about some more A…

No cut off date + multi-modal ChatGPT Generating AI voices with ElevenLabs Looking cool with New Ray Ban + Meta Smart Glasses? Making an epic screencast set up with Screencasting.com from Aaron Francis Who’s upgrading to the new iPhone 15 with USB C Traveling with international / regional esim cards from Airalo Betting against SaaS? Once from 37Sig…

This time around Colin and CJ talk about learning styles and how to learn to learn. We highlight a documentation framework called "Diataxis," which provides a structured approach to content categorization, differentiating between tutorials, how-to guides, explanations, and references. The significance of recognizing and adapting to varied learning …

It's the One Year Anniversary of Build & Learn! In this episode we chat about refreshing OAuth tokens and building CRM features with SMS/voice APIs. CJ and Colin also talk about the tradeoffs of building "calm", bootstrapped companies versus venture-backed startups. It seems like everything that is old is new again! What startups from the 2009-2012…

In this episode you'll hear about Colin's adventure of building a Google Calendar Discord bot using CloudFlare, mastering Google Calendar APIs, and navigating serverless Postgres with neon.tech. We'll also share our insights on the benefits of being part of Y Combinator, and the unexpected hiccups we faced with Rails' Turbo Streams. Dive in and lea…

Welcome back after the summer break! CJ and Colin get caught up after a summer of adventure and... new job announcements! CJ update Tahoe Time / Family Time E-Bike with Dad Boat / Plane flight simulator Colin update Spending time on the coworking space Summer camping Role reversals and announcement We have new jobs! Context switching Colin: product…

In this episode, we chat with Dave Paola, the founder of the Agency of Learning, an organization aimed at getting early-career developers job-ready, especially developer boot camp graduates. We delve into the history of boot camps, identify key gaps in current education methods, and explore how the Agency of Learning addresses these gaps by simulat…

In this episode, we talk with Chris Oliver about his deliberate approach to building GoRails and his other businesses on Rails. In a tech world that only seems to be moving faster and faster, we discuss the slow and steady path he has followed to create a fulfilling life for himself and his team while shipping awesome Rails things for his customers…

In this episode, we're joined by Alan Shreve, the founder and CEO of ngrok, to discuss the future of software development and the emergence of innovative tools that simplify complex tasks -- like ingress. We talk about ngrok's solid approach to error handling, which enhances troubleshooting and user experience by assigning unique codes to each erro…

CJ and Colin are back to chat about getting outside, recap the recent RailsConf and discuss building and participating in developer communities in 2023. Getting Outside The Nature Fix book Outside 365 RailsCamp in Hawaii RailsConf 2023 and Webhooks Workshop Webhooks Workshop Github Repo Marp Markdown Presentation Tool Ruby Central YouTube Channel R…

In this episode, Colin and CJ discuss using the new GPT tools for work and play. Open AI Large language models Generative AI How do we use it, and is it going to be doom & gloom? How We Use It Brainstorming & riffing on ideas I was building something in React and hadn’t touched React in a few years. I had all this iteration going on in my component…

In this episode we dig into the HackerRank annual survey that was released a few months ago for 2023 including the top in demand skills from employers in this uncertain tech and economic environment. Note from Colin & CJ: This episode was recorded in November 2022. It is amazing how much changes in a few months. Languages By Volume of HackerRanks J…

In this episode about webhooks.fyi, we're joined by Keith Casey from ngrok. You'll hear about webhooks.fyi an information-rich resource for learning how to build and consume webhooks. webhooks.fyi is an open source knowledge base and directory listing and analyzing different webhook providers. We discuss webhook security, signature verification, fo…

This week we are joined by Chelsea Otakan, infamously also known as @chexee on most of the internet. Chelsea is a product designer and front-end developer, currently working at Lattice. In this episode, we learn more about Chelsea's design origin story, her philosophies on product design, and why you should "build a skateboard, not a wheel". Chelse…

In this episode of Build and Learn, we discuss code generation (codegen) and how Stripe uses it to generate SDKs for its APIs automatically. We talk about how a declarative shape of an API (such as Open API spec or GraphQL schema) can be fed into a tool to generate an SDK in a specific programming language. This process helps ensure that the SDKs a…

In this podcast episode, we are diving into the world of developer advocacy and developer relations with Chris Traganos, aka "Trag." While Chris and CJ originally met working together in developer advocacy at Stripe, Trag talks to us about his new role leading the Developer & Appstore Evangelism program at Amazon. How DevRel strategies change depen…

In this podcast episode, the we discuss a range of topics related to learning and building cool projects. We begin by discussing the recent snow day and share some funny tips and tricks kids use to create a snow day. Charlie Gerard, a senior dev advocate at Stripe, introduces herself and talks about her role as a creative technologist, primarily wo…

In this episode, you'll hear Lindsay's path from graphic designer to support engineer and how she now manages a team of support engineers. We discuss what this transition has looked like for her as well as the training and learnings she undertook along the way. In the second half of the episode, we dig into more specific tactics that her and her te…

In this episode, you'll hear Erik's developer journey and learn about AWS Amplify. We discuss some ƒront-end trends and continue reiterating the value of rolling up your sleeves and building small things to learn new programming languages and frameworks. We compare and contrast working with Vue and React. We touch briefly on trends seen at Vercel w…

We talk about some of the keys to building a personal brand as a software developer. • Authenticity • Consistency • Why you should (or shouldn't) think about developing your brand This Episode's Links •Twitter and the Perils of Obedience • Coolors: the super fast color palette generator • BuildSpace Creator Linked List • Monica Lent: building profi…

Sourcing where you want to apply Make a list of the tools/apps/companies you like to use Outbound (Make a top 10 list) Inbound (review inbound recruiter outreach from the past 3 months or more) Networking (who do you know, try to do some coffee chats to see if they like their company and team) Cold outreach is tough (numbers game) Timing - intervie…

Some Links Laravel Bootcamp Rails Hackathon Ruby Archaeology by Nick Schwaderer "Build vs Buy" on Rails by Colin Loretz Content Creation for Software Developers CFP Land Why speak at a conference? Share your hard-won learnings Meet other people Grow an audience Build your talent brand to hire people What makes a conference worth speaking at? Do you…

Types of Content Tweet Blog Posts / newsletter Live Streaming (Twitch, etc) YouTube & YT Shorts TikTok & Instagram Resources Rubyists who tweet useful and helpful stuff https://twitter.com/websebdev https://twitter.com/siaw23 https://twitter.com/ShinoKouda Niche blogs Blended Edge on building integrations: https://www.blendededge.com/blog Newslette…

Disclaimer: The episode on Creating Pull Requests got lost so Episode 6 ended up being our Build vs Buy episode. Upcoming Conferences Of Note Rails SaaS - Oct 6-7, 2022 (already happened) Ruby Conf Mini - Nov 15-17 RubyConf - Nov 29-Dec 1 Chirp - Nov 16th Pull Request Guide from Thoughtbot Other Tips for giving a nice PR review Remember the person …

Colin's RailsConf 2022 Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-GDhlBTHoo Innovation tokens blog post - Choose Boring Technology ReadMe jobs - https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/readme/jobsBy CJ Avilla, Colin Loretz

- PTO & Taking Time Off - Self-care - Accrual caps - Burnout - Unlimited time off - good or bad? - Trap of not taking enough, personal guilt, fear of letting team down - Brad Feld’s 1 week a quarter - completely off grid, no work (= 4 weeks a year) - Why taking time off is good for your team / company - Marathon / not a sprint, you need to be able …

Paths Educational paths toward programming Self-taught - blogs, articles, tutorials, online platforms like Udemy, code academy 4-year computer science degree 2-year “web design” degree 12-week full-time boot camp 6-month part-time bootcamps Bootcamps that specialize in a discipline like data science, graphics design Bootcamps that serve underrepres…

Welcome from Build & Learn! Learnings from our first full episode: The First Pancake Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2022 In May 2022 over 70,000 developers told us how they learn and level up, which tools they’re using, and what they want. Developer Profile Education Learning to code Experience Roles Where Who Technologies Most loved Most dreaded …

Why a podcast? Fun to hang out We learn a lot from one another. Chance to share what we’re building and learning in public Chance to meet and elevate other folks in the community Set the stage for what to expect on the show We are figuring this out, so don’t hold us to it in these first few episodes ;) Building and learning from Software Developmen…

Welcome to Build & Learn, a podcast about software development and developing ourselves as software engineers. Hosted by CJ Avilla and Colin Loretz.By CJ Avilla, Colin Loretz