Creating space and opportunity with She Code Africa

Powering public goods: In this episode of The ReadME Podcast, hosts Neha Batra and Martin Woodward look back on their growth and learnings from the past season, from pronunciation struggles to hosting highs. Next, they share a fun story about the world's first webcam at the University of Cambridge in 1991 and its coffee-related origins. The hosts then dive into the Digital Public Goods Alliance with Ricardo Mirón Torres, who highlights the success of open-source solutions like DHIS 2 in addressing global challenges, including its role in tracking COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. The conversation then shifts to the Laravel PHP framework with Senior Editor Klint Finley, examining its popularity, ease of use, and the vibrant community surrounding it. Klint turns the interview around on Neha and Martin and asks about their favorite moments from the season to close out the episode. by The ReadME Podcast

32 min listen

(De)coding conventions: Programming languages are always in flux, and so is the way we use them. In this episode, we dive into the rise of TypeScript, with The ReadME Project’s Senior Editor Mike Melanson outlining its history and evolution. Hosts Neha Batra and Martin Woodward discuss the pros and cons of static typing, and Jordan Harband from TC39 shares his views on the benefits and limitations of TypeScript. We also hear from Aaron Gustafson on AI’s potential to enhance accessibility and highlights the projects that are leading the charge. And Kingsley Mkpandiok from the CHAOSS Project, responds to an #AskRMP submission with tips on encouraging non-code contributions within open source projects. by The ReadME Podcast

42 min listen

Bridging code and community: The influence of open source extends well beyond code. In this episode, we dive into the less-explored areas of the open source community, spotlighting their profound and wide-ranging impact. With host Neha Batra away for travel, Martin Woodward welcomes Kyler Middleton to discuss navigating the open source community in a highly regulated environment. She highlights the dual challenges of aligning cultural norms and overcoming technical barriers. Also, The ReadME Project’s Klint Finley is back to discuss the underappreciated importance of non-code contributions to open source projects. He emphasizes how roles such as marketers, graphic designers, technical writers, and community managers can be vital for the success of a project. Lastly, we feature a clip from our bonus episode with Kelsey Hightower highlighting the complexity of scaling a project like Kubernetes, which extends beyond technical challenges to include legal, financial, and community-related a by The ReadME Podcast

41 min listen

Kelsey Hightower—Present: In this bonus episode, we hear from Kubernetes superstar Kelsey Hightower. Diving into crucial elements like empathy in maintainership, succession planning, and the identification of future leaders, hosts Martin Woodward and Neha Batra explore Kelsey’s philosophy on fostering thriving open source communities—and his hopes for the future state of Kubernetes. Dedicated to GitHub’s Maintainer Month, the conversation focuses on the people behind the projects, highlighting their extraordinary effort and celebrating their impact on the community. To close out this special episode, members of The ReadME Podcast community thank maintainers who have had a positive impact on them. by The ReadME Podcast

46 min listen

The open/closed equilibrium: This month, we consider the evolution of openness in open source. The ReadME Project’s Senior Editor, Mike Melanson joins hosts Martin and Neha to discuss expert advice on why “closed to contributions” sometimes makes sense and how that model aligns with open source expectations. Additionally, maintainer, founder, and CEO of Scarf Avi Press highlights the benefit of analytics to maintainers and the open source community, and discusses the metrics that matter most. Also, Jessica Januik, Senior Software Engineer at Google, answers a listener question and shares insight into why humor is paramount when building team chemistry. by The ReadME Podcast

41 min listen

Fusing tech and progress: This month we’re exploring quantum leaps in technology—then, now, and what devs can do today to prepare for tomorrow. The hosts welcome Klint Finley, Senior Editor of The ReadME Project, to discuss the role that open source played in a recent nuclear fusion breakthrough. Additionally, we speak with Jerome Hardaway, Executive Director of Vets Who Code, who shares practical advice on fortifying your career against unforeseen forces. And for those just getting started, Kedasha Kerr joins us to answer a listener question and provide tips to get going with Git and GitHub. by The ReadME Podcast

39 min listen

Innovation without barriers: In this special edition of The ReadME Podcast, the hosts welcome a panel of developers and educators to discuss building accessible technology, the impact of inclusion on innovation, and how the developer community can get involved in building better technology for everyone. by The ReadME Podcast

36 min listen

Co-maintaining openness: This episode of The ReadME Podcast brings back Senior Editor Klint Finley to discuss his article on how open source is breathing new life into vintage technology. Also, the hosts discuss the benefits and challenges of open source collaboration with the co-maintainers of Calva, and Jana Iris advises on how to build an open source community from the ground up. by The ReadME Podcast

35 min listen

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication: On this episode of The ReadME Podcast, Neha and Martin dig in with senior editor Mike Melanson on how to Marie Kondo your software stack. We also hear from Byte Board’s Frances Coronel on the art of finding your open source mentor. Plus: bashbunni is in the house discussing developer relations, approaching content with a servant leadership mentality, and the power of Ping Pong. by The ReadME Podcast

36 min listen

Let the games begin: This time around, it's all about gaming. Neha and Martin chat with Dr. Johanna Pirker, lead of Game Lab Graz, about how the virtual worlds can positively impact mental health, personal connection, and increase access to science and learning—if we work together. We also check in with Klint Finley about the open source community's role in democratizing game development. by The ReadME Podcast

36 min listen

Cue the command line: On this episode, Neha and Martin discuss the 1952 presidential election, hear from senior editor Klint Finley about the future of the command line, and ask Appsmith co-founder and CTO Arpit Mohan about the myth of the lone hacker. Plus, we’ll answer a listener’s question about how to create leadership positions in open source. by The ReadME Podcast

42 min listen

Code like it’s 1995: On this episode, hosts Neha and Martin welcome The ReadME Project's Senior Editor Mike Melanson to discuss whether Java is dead or experiencing a revival. We’ll also answer a listener question about securing your OSS project and chat with GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke on everything from developer happiness to GitHub Universe and his latest LEGO project. by The ReadME Podcast

46 min listen

Build your own luck: The ReadME Podcast is back with the stories, insights and advice you need to contribute to—and thrive—in the open source community. Neha Batra and new co-host, Martin Woodward, chat with our very own Klint Finley about the functional programming renaissance, bring former host Brian Douglas back to answer some of your burning OSS questions, and discuss the value of taking risks and publishing your work with Aaron Francis. by The ReadME Podcast

37 min listen

Trailer: The ReadME Podcast, where culture meets craft in open source development. by The ReadME Podcast

2 min listen

Hosts in the hot seat: For the final ReadME Podcast episode of Season 2 our hosts Brian and Neha turn the spotlight around and interview each other. The conversation covers everything from Nintendos at Christmas and university computer hand-me-downs to Encarta, Ask Jeeves, and Netscape. They also dive down the rabbit hole of their tech journeys—starting from the beginning. Learn how they got into open source and who gave them the nudges they needed to really find their stride. They also share their approaches to imposter syndrome, what keyboard shortcuts they love, and whether they prefer coffee or tea. There’s a little serendipity, a lot of OSS love, and a few surprises along the way. Check out The ReadME Project for more episodes, stories and features: https://github.com/readmeign-up And sign-up for our monthly newsletter: https://github.com/readme/#newsletter by The ReadME Podcast

43 min listen

FreeCodeCamp: For curious people, by curious people by The ReadME Podcast

33 min listen

Keeping creativity alive while managing workloads: Jani Eväkallio discovered programming when he was stuck inside with a broken leg as a teenager. He fell in and out of programming afterwards and took an OSS hiatus at 16. He has since dove back in and maintained countless projects over the years—but quickly recognized his own limitations and didn’t hesitate to hand over the reins to those looking for the responsibility. Jani discusses his relationship with open source, why he turned down millions of dollars for FOAM, and where he’s currently channeling his creativity. Jani on GitHub: https://github.com/jevakallio Jani on the web: https://jevakallio.dev/ Be sure to check-out The ReadME Project for more episodes, stories and features: https://github.com/readme and sign-up for our monthly newsletter: https://github.com/readme/#newsletter by The ReadME Podcast

34 min listen

Three careers and motherhood are just the start: Salma Alam-Naylor, aka White Panther, discovered programming at a young age but focused on music and comedy into her twenties. Though her path to developing wasn’t obvious or linear, she wouldn’t change it for anything. Today, she’s a positive force in open source, making an impact on Twitch, Discord, and via her vocal commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in tech. In our conversation, she shares her journey to open source, where music and code meet, and how becoming a parent changed her perspective on the future of work. Salma on GitHub: https://github.com/whitep4nth3r Salma on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/whitep4nth3r Salma on Discord: https://discord.com/invite/theclaw Be sure to check-out The ReadME Project for more episodes, stories and features https://github.com/readme, and sign-up for our monthly newsletter: https://github.com/readme/#newsletter by The ReadME Podcast

53 min listen

Where utility meets beauty: Hoppscotch: Liyas Thomas is the founder of Hoppscotch, an open source API development ecosystem that’s seen exponential growth. Encouraged by his own mentors, Liyas now maintains Hoppscotch full time. Whether he’s programming or pursuing his passion for art, he always puts beauty at the core of his work. During this conversation, he shares his path to Hoppscotch, the importance of community, and a preview of his newest endeavor: a book. Liyas on GitHub: https://github.com/liyasthomas Liyas' website: https://liyasthomas.com/ Be sure to check-out The ReadME Project for more episodes, stories and features: https://github.com/readme by The ReadME Podcast

35 min listen

Giving 110% in the right place at the right time: Fred Schott’s love for programming started early, and he worked hard during his 20s at companies like Box and Google. As his own side projects experienced open source success, Fred took the plunge in 2021 and started Astro, a JavaScript-based static site builder full time. In this conversation, he speaks about his introduction to open source, his path to Astro, and the role luck plays in success. Fred on GitHub: https://github.com/fredkschott Astro on the web: https://astro.build/blog/introducing-astro/ Be sure to check-out The ReadME Project for more episodes, stories and features: https://github.com/readme by The ReadME Podcast

48 min listen

A master in both piano and WordPress: While earning her Master’s degree in Piano, Helen Hou-Sandí worked in the computer lab, where her skills caught the attention of her music conservatory. Implored to make a website, she discovered the instant gratification of WordPress and was hooked. A decade later, she’s a leading WordPress developer who’s passionate about open source. Helen shares her journey from pianist to programmer, how the disciplines inform each other, and the ways in which she hopes to make WordPress relevant to a new generation of developers. Helen's blog: https://helen.blog/ Helen on GitHub: https://github.com/helen Be sure to check out The ReadME Project for more episodes, stories and features: https://github.com/readme by The ReadME Podcast

42 min listen

Python enthusiast, Twitch streamer, et. al.: Anthony Sottile started college as a biochemistry major, but pivoted to programming two years in. After his first coding class, the school was so impressed they invited Anthony to teach the following semester. He loved helping others realize the potential of programming, which eventually led him to Twitch, where he codes, shares stories, and builds community in real time. Hear more about his journey, and why he thinks better communication is essential for open source. Anthony on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/codewithanthony Anthony on GitHub: https://github.com/asottile Be sure to check out The ReadME Project for more episodes, stories and features: https://github.com/readme by The ReadME Podcast

34 min listen

Season 2 Trailer: Season 2 of The ReadME Podcast is on the way with our hosts Brian Douglas and Neha Batra! New episodes will be dropping every Tuesday starting October 26th... by The ReadME Podcast

1 min listen

Prioritizing empathy and taking risks to build Chakra UI: Segun Adebayo’s approach to computers and technology is driven by a belief that how we communicate is just as important as what we communicate. With this in mind, he created Chakra UI, a modular and accessible React library that has a quarter million downloads a month. Originally from Nigeria and now based in Dubai, Segun sat down with us to share his open source origin story, his passion for design, and what the future holds for both himself and Chakra UI, now on The ReadME Podcast. by The ReadME Podcast

38 min listen

Changing the hardware development game at Adafruit by The ReadME Podcast

31 min listen

From comics in Virginia to React Core at Facebook: Rachel Nabors grew up in rural Virginia and knew that if they could just get a laptop and the internet, they could bring the world to them. Currently balancing documentation, demos, and community engagement on Facebook’s React Core team, it’s safe to say Rachel was right. An illustrator, developer, author, speaker, and teacher, Rachel shares how they discovered programming via Sailor Moon, what open source and the React Core team means to them, and what’s next, now on The ReadME Podcast. by The ReadME Podcast

40 min listen

cURL: 25 years and 200 releases later: Almost 25 years ago, in 1997, Daniel Stenburg created cURL, a command line tool for transferring data. The name stands for “client URL,” works on any platform, and is used in billions of installations. Despite maintaining cURL for a quarter of a century, Daniel couldn’t be happier where he is, and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. We recently sat down with him to hear how he first discovered open source, why he wants to lower the barrier of entry for newcomers, and how he sees cURL evolving in the future, now on The ReadME Podcast. by The ReadME Podcast

44 min listen

Quitting a steady job to chase intuition: In this episode, we talk with Henry Zhu, full-time maintainer of Babel, the Javascript compiler. We’ll discover how Henry first got into programming, and what convinced him to leave a stable job at Adobe to take the leap into open source. Henry digs into the challenges and rewards of building a community, and how he finds balance. Hear it all straight from Henry, now on The ReadME Podcast. by The ReadME Podcast

33 min listen

From a master's thesis to global go-to by The ReadME Podcast

26 min listen

Keeping the lights on with Home Assistant: Originally from the Netherlands and now based in California, Paulus Schoutsen has always been fascinated by data, and how it could be used to optimize people’s lives. Seven years ago, he open sourced a simple way to remotely turn his house lights on at sunset. Today, Home Assistant has grown to an entire home automation framework with a worldwide community. Hear Paulus share his path to programming, including his early experiments and a deep-rooted love for open source, now on The ReadME Podcast. by The ReadME Podcast

37 min listen

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Creating space and opportunity with She Code Africa

Creating space and opportunity with She Code Africa

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