Build and Learn

In this episode, we reconnect for season 3, after a short hiatus to chat about life in Developer Relations (DevRel) at bigger companies, the avalanche of meetings that come with onboarding, the rollercoaster of prepping for big events like GDC, and the ongoing quest to create top-tier documentation and SDKs. We swap tips for maximizing AI tools, reflect on building the DevRel muscle from scratch,...

This week we talk about travel from a tech/gear lens and learning game development.  CJ is back from Italy  apple pay, currency conversion, splitwise, train, google maps, translation apps, tour headsets Colin's food tip: Topjaw on youtube Airalo for esim Train travel in europe is amazing! One-bag travel, having an extra smaller bag Pack Hacker Colin learning Unity Flappy bird tutorial CJ is windin...

In this episode, we discuss the WordPress vs. WP Engine drama. We also chat about Discord Activities, the new way to embed games and experiences directly in Discord. Resources https://replicate.com/  https://mikecann.co.uk/posts/battletabs-global-launch-on-discord-activities https://a16z.com/discord-activities-social-gaming/ Tech Crunch Wordpress Drama Explained https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/07/w...

CJ and Colin chat about AI tools and coding environments. Pros and cons, daily workflows, and challenges of various AI-driven coding tools like VS Code, Cursor, and Copilot. We also talk about the broader implications of AI in content generation, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, and emphasize maintaining a human touch in communication to avoid hollow, AI-generated content. - Avante nvim pl...

In this episode, you'll learn about the PARA Method for organizing your notes and tasks, emphasizing the importance of balancing craftsmanship with delivering real customer value. Discover insights from Pieter Levels' success with straightforward tech stacks and recurring revenue from multiple startups. The discussion covers the power of building in public, optimizing productivity with personal CR...

In this episode, Colin and CJ discuss their audio and video setups, ideal microphones, cameras, and software for content creation. They dive into the specifics of the equipment they use and recommend budget-friendly options for those just getting started. Additionally, they touch upon some useful applications and tools that streamline their workflows, and discuss their experience with various deve...

In this episode, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Ruby on Rails, reflecting on its impact and vibrant community. We share Rails origin stories from the late 2000s and early 2010s. You'll hear about different companies' reading and writing cultures, including practices like decision documents, meeting notes, and internal newsletters. You'll hear updates on current projects, with Colin discussin...

We discuss visiting NYC, DevRelCon, red-eye flights, and why enums are terrible. Some of the bits and bobs mentioned in this episode: - DevRelCon - Chef's Table ( S2E1 Grant Achatz ) / Alinea - Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon - CJ enumerating lessons about enums

We're celebrating our 50th episode and two years of podcasting. In this milestone episode, we reflect on what has kept us consistent, our laid-back approach to podcasting, and give a shoutout to you! We also explore how social media affects consumer behavior and share tips for managing digital consumption and mental health. You'll also hear about our latest projects, including optimizing Redis for...

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 to avoid building Coworking Software (to everyone...

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 handling and processing webhook data - Challenge...

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 project view tracking with action cable (who’s looking...

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 race, Reno Tahoe Open (RTO). Both hosts reflect o...

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 2024 and beyond. Colin's Gameboy nostalgia a d...

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 Leveling Up Your Tech Writing Career," where he details...

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 acquires Orbit ! Congrats to the team! - Discussing bui...

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 personal finance topics, such as budgeting, emergency f...

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 to detect birds in the yard - Colin finally shares...

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-end tech - The inclusion of Go code for the Thrust...

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: Raising the bar for online learning with Greg Rog Ne...

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 his running foundation and get faster this year. How...

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 tools/clients Content Creation/Editing Mac Helper...

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, particularly concerning recent layoffs. Additionall...

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 months free https://copilot.money/link/9p7G8LwLqNWGkfr...

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 setups. Other topics include potentially writing cod...