In this episode of Voices of the Code, Karl Murray and Steven Fox interview Phil Mareu, who shares his journey from a small farming town in Kansas to becoming a successful web developer and entrepreneur. Phil discusses his early exposure to technology, his transition from mechanical engineering to programming, and the challenges he faced while building his own web development company. He also talks about his passion for disc golf and how it influenced his career, culminating in his work with the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). In this conversation, Phil Mareu discusses his journey in the tech industry, focusing on his experiences with developing a live scoring app for disc golf, navigating corporate challenges, and rebuilding his company, PhilSquare. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the power of modern development tools like Filament, and shares insights on maintaining a DIY mindset. Phil also offers valuable advice for new developers, highlighting the significance of mastering fundamentals and building side projects.

Takeaways

• Phil's early exposure to technology shaped his programming journey.
• He transitioned from mechanical engineering to web development.
• Phil's passion for coding began with a TI-99 computer.
• He built a successful web development company focusing on customer service.
• Phil's experience with Laravel transformed his approach to web applications.
• He faced challenges while working with legacy systems at PDGA.
• Phil's entrepreneurial spirit drove him to start his own business.
• His love for disc golf led to the creation of related software.
• Phil emphasizes the importance of client relationships in business.
• He learned to adapt and grow through various challenges in his career. The Lawyer of El was a game changer for disc golf scoring.
• Digital solutions can significantly improve tournament experiences.
• Navigating corporate environments can be frustrating for developers.
• Building a business requires a clear vision and consistent clientele.
• Engaging with the community is crucial for professional growth.
• Filament has transformed Phil's approach to development.
• DIY projects can enhance problem-solving skills and creativity.
• Fundamentals in development are essential for long-term success.
• Side projects help in gaining practical experience and confidence.
• It's important to maintain a balance between client demands and personal skill sets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code
03:00 Phil Mareu's Background and Early Technology Experiences
06:21 The Journey into Programming and Early Coding Experiences
09:12 Transitioning from Mechanical Engineering to Web Development
12:02 Starting a Web Development Company
15:23 The Evolution of Web Development Skills
18:04 Building a Unique Web Development Business
21:08 Adapting to New Technologies and Frameworks
26:51 Transitioning to Laravel
31:22 The Journey into Disc Golf
36:50 Building for the PDGA
41:41 Challenges with Legacy Systems
51:17 Reimagining PhilSquare with New Tools
56:06 Leveraging Technology for Rapid Development
59:08 Navigating Client Expectations and Solutions
01:01:49 Re-engaging with the Community at Laracon
01:06:57 Building a Presentation Portfolio
01:11:11 Fundamentals for New Developers
01:18:21 The Journey of Self-Employment
01:21:44 New Chapter

Summary

In this episode of Voices of the Code, host Karl Murray and co-host Steven Fox welcome guest Jayson Lindsley, who shares his unique journey into programming. Jayson discusses his early experiences with computers, the challenges of working with time zones in software development, and the lessons learned from breaking computers. The conversation highlights the importance of hands-on experience in tech and the various paths one can take in a programming career. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of curiosity and hands-on learning in technology, discussing their experiences with breaking systems to understand them better. They explore the tools they use for coding, the challenges of front-end frameworks, and the complexities involved in building a chat application, particularly focusing on performance issues and reactivity in Vue. In this conversation, Jayson L. discusses the challenges and intricacies of app development, particularly focusing on the use of Tauri for building lightweight applications. He contrasts the benefits of custom-built solutions against off-the-shelf products, emphasizing cost efficiency and resource management. The discussion also touches on the future of mobile development and the importance of community resources for aspiring developers. Jayson shares his personal experiences and insights, making a case for the advantages of using Tauri in modern software development.

Takeaways

• Jayson describes himself as a jack of all trades in programming.
• His original career path was in reverse engineering.
• Time zones present significant challenges in software development.
• Breaking his first computer sparked his interest in technology.
• Hands-on experience is crucial for learning programming.
• He transitioned from C# to PHP without guidance.
• Jayson emphasizes the importance of understanding frameworks.
• He learned valuable lessons from his early mistakes.
• The conversation touches on the complexities of time zone management.
• Breaking things can lead to valuable learning experiences. Start up a Linux VM and break it to learn.
• Curiosity drives problem-solving in engineering.
• Hands-on experience is crucial for understanding technology.
• Using cheap computational devices can enhance learning.
• Debugging skills are essential for developers.
• Laravel is favored for its speed and efficiency.
• Component libraries can introduce performance issues.
• Understanding reactivity is key in front-end development.
• Optimizing performance requires careful consideration of components.
• Scaling applications effectively is a continuous challenge. App development can be challenging, especially with resource management.
• Custom solutions can save costs compared to off-the-shelf products.
• Tauri offers a lightweight alternative to Electron for app development.
• Community resources are invaluable for learning and growth in tech.
• Cost efficiency is crucial when scaling software solutions.
• Integrating chat features into existing apps can enhance productivity.
• The future of mobile development is promising with Tauri.
• Developers should consider the user experience when building applications.
• Learning from community experiences can streamline development processes.
• Engaging with tech communities can provide support and insights.

In this episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven Fox welcome Trevor Varwig, a developer with a rich background in software development. Trevor shares his journey from creating mods for Microsoft Flight Simulator to working in various industries, including LNG and education software. The conversation delves into Trevor's current role, his interest in security, and the nuances of red team hacking. They also discuss the Houston Laravel Meetup, Trevor's passion for smoking meats, and his enthusiasm for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The episode wraps up with insights on development practices and the importance of understanding the tools we use.

Takeaways

• Trevor started developing at a young age, starting with Microsoft Flight Simulator mods.
• Security is a growing focus in software development, with Trevor studying for security certifications.
• Red team hacking involves testing the security of applications by attempting to breach them.
• The Flipper Zero is a tool for demonstrating security vulnerabilities in physical devices.
• Trevor enjoys smoking meats and experimenting with different flavors and techniques.
• The Houston Laravel Meetup aims to connect local developers and grow the community.
• The oil and gas industry often relies on outdated software, presenting challenges for modernization.
• Trevor emphasizes the importance of understanding code and not relying solely on AI for development

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Development Journeys
06:12 Transitioning to Laravel and Full Stack Development
11:26 Exploring Programming Languages: Go, PHP, and Beyond
18:10 Diving into Security: Best Practices and Learning
24:28 Understanding RFID Security Risks
31:24 The Evolution of Microsoft Flight Simulator
39:36 Challenges in the Oil and Gas Software Industry
44:59 Remote Work Trends Post-COVID
52:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
57:45 Programming Tips for New Developers