Modern Web

• The Future of Open Source: Funding, Sustainability, and the Open Source Pledge

  In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Rob Ocel, along with co-hosts Adam Rackis and Danny Thompson, explores the sustainability of open source with Chad Whitacre, Head of Open Source at Sentry. Chad discusses the Open Source Pledge, an initiative encouraging companies to fund the open source projects they rely on. He breaks down the challenges maintainers face, the imbalance between corporate benefit and community support, and why businesses need to step up. The conversation touches on alternative funding models, the history of open source licensing, and the push to make sustainability a core part of the industry. 🔗 Learn more at opensourcepledge.com. Key Points - The Open Source Pledge – Chad Whitacre, Head of Open Source at Sentry, explores the Open Source Pledge, which encourages companies to commit at least $2,000 per engineer per year to fund open source projects. The goal is to create a sustainable funding model for open source maintainers by shifting corporate mindsets toward recurring financial support. - Challenges in Open Source Sustainability – The discussion highlights the core issue of open source sustainability: while software itself is freely available, the expertise and time required to maintain it are scarce resources. - Many maintainers experience burnout due to unpaid labor, and there’s no clear business model to fund independent contributors. - Corporate Contributions Beyond Code – Whitacre outlines three ways companies can give back to open source: contributing code, offering in-kind resources (like infrastructure or bandwidth), and providing direct financial support. While many companies contribute code, direct monetary contributions remain rare. - The Social Contract of Open Source – The conversation frames open source as a “gift economy,” where companies benefit from freely available software and have an ethical obligation to give back. Whitacre aims to normalize financial contributions to maintainers, likening it to paying for a meal after consuming it at a restaurant rather than expecting everything for free. Follow Chad Whitacre on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadwhitacre/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chadwhitacre.com Twitter: https://x.com/chadwhitacre_ Github: https://github.com/chadwhitacre Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

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• Backend Abstractions, Serverless Patterns, and Why It’s Okay to Start Learning with Frameworks

  In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Rob Ocel, Danny Thompson, Adam Rackis, and Brandon Mathis discuss the role of abstractions in software development. They explore frontend tools like React and SolidJS, backend abstractions like serverless platforms, and the importance of understanding patterns and learning through mistakes. The group also highlights emerging trends for 2025, including opportunities in platform plugins and developer marketplaces. Key Points for the Episode: The Role of Abstractions in Development: The panel discusses the benefits and challenges of abstractions in software development, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying systems to avoid over-reliance on tools like React hooks and serverless platforms. Learning Through Experimentation: Personal experiences with tools like Advent of Code, exploring new languages like Swift and Rust, and experimenting with new frameworks like SolidJS highlight the importance of hands-on learning and stepping outside comfort zones. Platform Opportunities: A growing interest in building apps and plugins on established platforms like Stripe, Zoom, and Chrome Extensions showcases untapped opportunities for developers to create impactful solutions and monetize their skills. Chapters 0:00 - The Potential of Plugins and Platforms 0:42 - Welcome to the Modern Web Podcast 0:47 - Introducing the Hosts and Guests 1:19 - Holiday Projects and Side Gigs 1:31 - Danny’s Speedrun of a New Platform 2:07 - Adam’s Holiday Reading List 3:38 - Brandon’s Advent of Code Challenge in Swift and Rust 5:01 - Learning New Programming Languages Through Challenges 6:52 - Discussion on Abstractions in Software Development 7:10 - The Balance Between Abstractions and Understanding the Basics 8:56 - Learning Through Experience: The Importance of Stepping on Rakes 9:46 - React’s Role in Frontend Development and Its Critics 10:39 - The Evolution of Frontend and Backend Abstractions 12:09 - The Impact of Serverless and Cloud Platforms 13:31 - Misuse of Abstractions and Overcomplicated Code 14:27 - The Common Pitfalls of React Hooks Misuse 15:29 - Overuse of `useEffect` and Its Performance Implications 16:41 - Learning from Industry Experts: Insights from Ben Lesh 17:53 - The Evolution of the Web from Static Documents to Interactive Applications 19:04 - The Role of Abstractions in Backend Development and Serverless Adoption 21:06 - Advice for Developers on Understanding Patterns and Abstractions 22:21 - Sponsor Message: This Dot Labs 22:27 - Looking Ahead to 2025: Technologies and Trends 22:43 - Excitement Around SolidJS and Signals-Based Frameworks 23:29 - The Growing Ecosystem Around SolidJS and TanStack Router 24:48 - Insights from a Conversation with Ryan Carniato 25:19 - Interest in TanStack Start and React 19 Features 26:09 - Danny Learning Spanish and Coding Challenges 27:16 - Exploring New Platforms for Side Projects and Monetization 27:55 - The Untapped Potential in Plugin and App Store Ecosystems 29:01 - Case Study: Monetization through Small Chrome and Office Extensions 30:09 - Growth of Developer Marketplaces (Stripe, Slack, Shopify, Zoom) 31:06 - The Challenge of Getting Projects in Front of Users 32:03 - Opportunities in Game Modding and Twitch Extensions 32:32 - Closing Thoughts and Future Podcast Episodes 32:45 - Sponsor Message and Where to Find the Podcast Online Follow the crew on Twitter and Linkedin: Rob Twitter: https://x.com/robocell Rob Linkedin:   / robocel   Danny Twitter: https://x.com/DThompsonDev Danny Linkedin:   / dthompsondev   Adam Twitter: https://x.com/AdamRackis Adam Linkedin:   / adam-rackis-5b655a8   Brandon Twitter: https://x.com/BrandonMathis Brandon Linkedin:   / mathisbrandon   Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

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• Software Engineers: You Can Become a Content Creator (with Bytes of Bree)

  In this Modern Web Podcast episode, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson chat with Bree Hall, developer advocate at HubSpot and content creator known as "Bytes of Bree." Bree shares her journey from front-end engineer to advocacy, offering insights on balancing travel, staying productive, and navigating the pressures of being "always on." They explore creating engaging content, short vs. long-form formats, and how to build trust with an audience. Bree also shares tips on learning, working, and sharing knowledge while staying authentic in the tech space. Key Points from the Episode: Transition to Developer Advocacy: Bree shares her experience moving from front-end engineer to developer advocate, highlighting the expanded ways to contribute beyond coding. Managing Travel and Productivity: Practical tips for balancing frequent travel with work, including maintaining a travel kit, planning small tasks, and adapting work hours. Specializing in a Tech Stack: Bree emphasizes the importance of mastering a specific tech stack deeply, choosing Astro, React, and Tailwind as her focus for 2025. Short vs. Long-Form Content: Discussion on how short-form content skills improve long-form storytelling, with platforms like TikTok emerging as powerful tools for learning and discovery. Chapters 0:00 - 0:21 Introduction to Popular Tech Content 0:21 - 0:57 Exploring Niche Technical Topics 1:03 - 1:26 Podcast and Guest Introduction 1:32 - 2:04 Transitioning to Developer Advocacy 2:04 - 2:41 Key Differences Between Engineering and Advocacy 3:07 - 3:48 Perceptions vs. Reality of Developer Advocacy 3:48 - 5:25 Navigating the Challenges of Always Being "On" 5:25 - 6:34 Travel Productivity Tips for Advocates 6:34 - 7:24 Balancing Work During Heavy Travel 7:24 - 8:46 Tips for Staying Organized on the Road 8:46 - 10:12 Personal Rituals to Stay Grounded 10:12 - 11:17 Optimizing Gear for Productive Travel 11:17 - 12:14 Reflecting on Priorities for 2025 12:14 - 14:22 Choosing and Mastering a Tech Stack 14:22 - 15:56 Advice for Junior Developers 15:56 - 18:10 Balancing Fun and Learning in Development 18:10 - 19:55 Sharing the Journey: Content Creation Insights 19:55 - 22:24 The Spectrum of Developer Passion 22:24 - 24:03 Finding Your Lane in Tech Content 24:03 - 25:02 Diverse Interests in Developer Content 25:02 - 26:31 Content Creation and TikTok Strategies 26:31 - 27:42 The Success of "Break into Tech" Content 27:42 - 30:15 The Role of TikTok as a Search Engine 30:15 - 32:01 Short Form vs. Long Form Content 32:01 - 33:56 The Art of Engaging Content 33:56 - 36:04 The Power of Short Form in Building Trust 36:04 - 37:39 Evolving as a Content Creator 37:39 - 39:01 Processing and Discussing Information in Content 39:01 - 40:30 Challenges of Live Content Creation 40:30 - 41:39 Closing Remarks and Guest Links Follow Bree on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/bytesofbree Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannahall0/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

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• Web Development Getting Boring? Exploring Innovation, Front-End Trends & Full-Stack Challenges

  In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, hosts Rob Ocel and Danny Thompson sit down with Pat Clarke, Director of Engineering at Lumen Learning, to explore the evolving state of web development. They discuss everything from the monotony of today’s web design and the rise of cookie-cutter sites to the resurgence of personal websites and the need for creativity in web experiences. Pat shares insights on balancing innovation with business goals, the complexities of front-end development, and why full-stack developers may not always be the solution. Key topics include: - Why the web feels “gray and boring” today - The balance between data-driven design and user experience - The importance of front-end specialization in modern development - How to train developers to be well-rounded while embracing their strengths - Finding the right resources to skill up in a fast-moving industry Follow Pat Clarke on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/LeftShotDev Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-clarke-dev/ Lumen Learning: https://lumenlearning.com/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

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  40:39
• “Security as Code” with Arcjet for Modern Applications

  In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Danny Thompson sits down with David Mytton, founder and CEO of Arcjet and creator of the console.dev DevTools newsletter. They explore what makes a truly successful developer tool, the importance of great documentation, and how Arcjet is redefining "security as code" for modern applications. David shares insights into open-source strategies, balancing speed and innovation in startups, and the evolving role of AI in developer tools. Chapters 0:00 - 1:41 Episode Introduction 1:42 - 2:55 David Mitten’s Background & Dev Tools Expertise 2:56 - 4:17 The Importance of Great Documentation 4:18 - 6:43 Challenges in Keeping Documentation Updated 6:44 - 9:20 Simplistic vs. Over-Stylized Docs 9:21 - 11:19 Why Arcjet Stands Out 11:20 - 13:01 Developer Security & Perceptions 13:02 - 15:07 Layered Security & Best Practices 15:08 - 16:46 Encouraging Developers to Prioritize Security 16:47 - 18:48 Dependency Management Challenges 18:49 - 20:30 Evolving Dev Tools Over Time 20:31 - 22:54 Modern Code Editors & Terminal Innovation 22:55 - 25:41 AI’s Role in Dev Tools 25:42 - 27:08 Benchmark Reliability in Dev Tools 27:09 - 30:57 Open Source Contributions & Strategy 30:58 - 32:54 Shipping Fast as a Small Team 32:55 - 34:06 Closing Remarks Follow David Mytton on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/davidmytton Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmytton/ Website: https://davidmytton.blog/ Github: https://github.com/davidmytton Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co

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