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

In this episode, Leah Thompson shares her journey from being a math teacher to becoming a developer, her experiences with Laravel, and her transition into the tech community through Twitch streaming. She discusses the challenges she faced while learning Laravel, her experiences at Laracon, and her current project of building a multiplayer math quiz app. Leah emphasizes the supportive nature of the Laravel community and the resources she finds valuable for her learning. In this engaging conversation, Leah Thompson shares her journey from teaching to tech, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The discussion covers various topics including the importance of community in tech, the role of certifications, and the struggles of email development. The hosts and Leah also explore unique keyboard features, the course business in tech education, and the significance of key mapping for productivity. Leah emphasizes the value of building in public and connecting with others in the tech community as essential for growth and success.

Leah's Socials:

• https://x.com/LeahTCodes
• https://www.twitch.tv/leahtcodes
• https://www.youtube.com/@leahtcodes
• https://github.com/leahthompson01

Takeaways

• Leah transitioned from teaching math to becoming a developer.
• She started learning web development through a free bootcamp called 100 Devs.
• Streaming on Twitch helped Leah solidify her learning and connect with others.
• Laravel simplifies many aspects of development compared to the MERN stack.
• Leah enjoys the Laravel community for its support and friendliness.
• She is currently working on a multiplayer math quiz app.
• Leah faced challenges with nested JSON structures in Laravel.
• She values resources like Laracasts and the official documentation for learning.
• Attending Laracon inspired Leah to engage more with the Laravel community.
• Leah's journey highlights the importance of community and continuous learning in tech. Solving tech problems can be a puzzle that challenges the mind.
• Unique keyboards can enhance the coding experience but may require adjustment.
• Key mapping is crucial for productivity in coding tasks.
• Gatekeeping in tech education can hinder access to knowledge.
• The course business can be lucrative, but often lacks substantial content.
• Certifications may not be necessary for all tech roles, especially in programming.
• Building a community in tech can provide support and encouragement during challenges.
• Email development presents unique challenges that can be frustrating for developers.
• Sharing your journey in tech can attract support and opportunities from others.
• It's important to find joy in coding and not get bogged down by difficult tasks.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leah Thompson
02:18 From Math Teacher to Developer
05:08 The Journey of Streaming on Twitch
07:47 Transitioning from JavaScript to Laravel
09:35 Working at Rugged Software
10:37 Tools of the Trade: Text Editors
12:06 Learning Resources for Laravel
13:30 Experiences at Laracon
20:14 FOMO from Laracon AU
23:33 Exploring Travel Experiences
25:04 Diving into Personal Projects and YouTube
27:44 Building a Multiplayer Math Quiz App
33:50 Keyboard Preferences and Challenges
38:27 The Course Creation Conversation
41:02 Certifications and Career Paths in Tech
44:57 Navigating Certifications and Programming Paths
45:29 Experiences with WordPress and Beaver Builder
47:03 Coding Snacks and Productivity Tips
48:33 Transitioning into Tech: Building in Public
49:31 Engaging with Tech Communities
51:16 Learning Through Public Struggles
53:20 The Challenges of Email Development
55:22 Reflections on Career Choices and Future Aspirations

In this episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven Fox welcome Bogdan Kharchenko, who shares his journey into coding, his experiences with Laravel, and insights into the development community. They discuss the importance of not over-engineering applications, the benefits of using Laravel's ORM, and the value of community engagement through meetups. Bogdan also shares his personal interests, including motorcycle racing and mountain biking, highlighting the balance between work and life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of developer experience and practical advice for new Laravel developers.

UpstatePHP: https://upstatephp.com/
Over Engineered Podcast: https://overengineered.fm/

Takeaways

• Bogdan's journey into coding began with a computer gifted by his parents.
• Laravel's documentation was a key factor in Bogdan's choice to use it.
• The importance of community engagement through meetups is highlighted.
• Over-engineering applications can hinder progress; focus on delivering value.
• Mastering Laravel's ORM can significantly enhance development efficiency.
• Pair programming fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among developers.
• Legacy code migration requires careful planning to avoid disruptions.
• Developer experience is crucial for productivity and satisfaction.
• Balancing work with personal interests leads to a fulfilling life.
• The Laravel community remains strong and supportive.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context
02:44 Bogdan's Coding Journey
05:30 Transition to Laravel
08:40 Working with Laravel and Developer Experience
11:20 Current Work at InterNACHI
17:21 Migrating Legacy Code to Laravel
20:12 Handling Web Traffic and Legacy Systems
24:02 Tools and Developer Environment
26:11 Remote Collaboration Tools and Pair Programming
28:23 The Importance of Meetups in a Remote World
32:43 Key Takeaways from Laracon
36:29 Valuable Tips for New Laravel Developers
42:44 Balancing Coding with Extreme Sports
46:23 The World of Custom Keyboards
49:50 The Impact of Thumb Clusters
50:56 Custom Key Commands and Efficiency
52:05 Programming Keyboards for Personal Use
52:26 The Gateway to Advanced Keyboards
53:16 Meetup Insights and Community Engagement
54:18 Sign Off and Future Guests

In this episode of Voices of the Code, Steven Fox and Karl Murray welcome Alex Six, a senior software engineer at Zillow Group, to the show. The conversation covers Alex's journey into programming, his experiences with the Laravel framework, and the dynamics of working within a small team inside a large organization. They discuss the collaborative nature of the Filament project and Alex's favorite development tools. The episode also touches on the differences between using Linux and Mac for development, highlighting the advantages and challenges of each environment. In this engaging conversation, Alex Six and the hosts discuss various topics ranging from the challenges of onboarding in NixOS, the choice of Linux distributions, the future of Laravel in light of WordPress community dynamics, and the importance of documentation in development tools like Filament. They also touch on personal hobbies such as Formula One and fountain pens, and conclude with valuable advice for new developers about practical learning experiences.

Takeaways

• Alex Six works as a senior software engineer at Zillow Group.
• Alex transitioned from engineering to web development through an internship.
• Laravel was chosen for its productivity and enterprise-level results.
• The Filament project is developed asynchronously with a strong team dynamic.
• Alex's early career involved significant learning experiences in a small startup.
• Kirschbaum's relationship with Filament was influenced by Alex's advocacy.
• Vim is a preferred tool for efficient coding.
• Linux offers a reliable development environment despite some challenges.
• Choosing the right Linux distribution can impact development.
• Laravel's future may see an influx of WordPress developers.
• Community dynamics can affect the perception of technologies.
• Documentation is crucial for user experience in development tools.
• Side projects can be a great way to explore new ideas.
• F1 is awesome.
• Fountain pens is, somehow, a common interest between Steven, Karl, and Alex.
• Hands-on experience is more valuable than passive learning.
• Building something meaningful can enhance learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code
02:55 Hurricane Helene and Community Resilience
05:44 Journey into Programming and Laravel
12:00 Working at Zillow: A Unique Perspective
17:53 The Filament Team and Open Source Collaboration
23:58 Career Progression and Filament's Impact
29:53 Tools of the Trade: Development Preferences
30:08 Mac vs. Linux: Personal Preferences
32:50 The Reliability of Linux for Development
36:30 NixOS: A New Frontier for Developers
40:26 The Future of Laravel on Linux
44:32 Community Dynamics in the PHP World
50:59 Skill Issues and Tool Discussions
52:02 Side Projects and Hobbies
53:04 Formula One Fandom
56:47 MotoGP Insights
59:54 Fountain Pens and Personal Interests
01:03:55 Advice for New Developers

In this inaugural episode of Voices of the Code, hosts Karl Murray and Steven introduce themselves and share their journeys into the world of Laravel and programming. They discuss their experiences at Laracon, the importance of community, and their shared passion for keyboards. The conversation also touches on their collaborative project, LaraBets, and their personal hobbies, including rock climbing and coffee roasting. The episode wraps up with insights on networking at tech conferences and plans for future episodes.

Takeaways

Voices of the Code aims to highlight lesser-known figures in the Laravel community.
Both hosts have unique journeys into programming, with Steven starting from a business need and Karl transitioning from retail.
Networking at events like Laracon is crucial for building community and collaboration.
The hosts share a passion for custom keyboards and their impact on productivity.
LaraBets is a fun project that combines predictions and betting in a light-hearted way.
Personal hobbies, such as rock climbing and coffee roasting, enrich the hosts' lives outside of coding.
The importance of community and shared experiences in the tech world is emphasized.
The hosts plan to bring on guests to share their stories and insights in future episodes.
Justin Jackson's involvement highlights the supportive nature of the tech community.
The hosts are committed to producing weekly episodes to engage with their audience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Voices of the Code
03:05 Getting to Know the Hosts
06:05 The Journey into Laravel
12:00 The Keyboard Enthusiasts
18:03 Projects and Collaborations
23:59 LaraBets: A Fun Betting Project
30:01 Hobbies and Personal Interests
36:03 Networking at Laracon
40:58 Wrap-Up and Future Plans