some software talks i like
Not tagged as video but contains mostly links to videos Comments
There are numerous recorded software talks available, but it can be challenging to sift through the high volume and varying quality of content. To help filter through these talks, the reporter will serve as the intermediary, focusing on talks that primarily discuss the craft of creating software rather than specific software implementations. The reporter acknowledges that the demographic of such talks is currently mostly male.
The reporter expresses disappointment in the predominantly male speakers in this field, noting that their use of language may be overly aggressive. The reporter also discusses the concept of "complect," which means intertwining or entwining concepts, leading to complexity. The reporter loves this word and considers it a beautiful term for weaving together mental models.
Complexity arises when concepts are entangled, and incidental complexity occurs when independent concepts are entangled. Accidental complexity at one layer of the stack can become essential complexity for someone building on top of that layer. The reporter emphasizes that complexity can be contagious and highlights a taxonomy of systems proposed by BMC DTrace, which categorizes systems based on their simplicity, engineering, emergence, and revolution.
The reporter discusses the bias present in computer systems, as every program is written from a particular point of view. They emphasize that programming reduces the world to the repeatable and discrete, and that programming inherently involves quantization or deliberate forgetting. The reporter also mentions Steve Oomf's calming approach to discussing anxiety related to labor displacement and alienation in software engineering, particularly in the context of AI.
The reporter emphasizes the role of technologists in either accelerating humanity or enabling its downfall, depending on who wields the technology. They stress that humanity's goodness or evilness determines technology's nature. Andrewrk's talk on Ziglang inspires hope in overcoming coercion through technology.
The reporter concludes by discussing the importance of considering real-world constraints when building software, rather than relying on abstract models. They express concern about removing context and recommend holding general problem-solving skills in tension with specific advice. The reporter ends by praising William FoundationDB's talk on software testing and the importance of context in understanding and solving problems.
Written by urgent.news from Lobsters's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
