#195: Patterns, paradigms, and pythonic thinking with Rodrigo Girão Serrão
In this ep, we chat with Rodrigo Girão Serrão about his journey from mathematician to Pythonista. What started as a colleague’s tip turned into 11 years of Python exploration. Rodrigo shares how his background in APL reshaped the way he writes Python, helping him embrace list comprehensions and functional patterns more intuitively.We dig into his latest side project—a bytecode compiler written in Python—and what that reveals about how Python really works under the hood. Rodrigo unpacks dunder methods, decorators, and how Python’s consistent design makes building elegant, expressive code a joy.He also shares great advice on giving talks: from deep diving into topics to letting ideas evolve before structuring a presentation. His love for community and clarity in coding is contagious.Whether you're new to Python or a seasoned dev, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the language we all love.Connect with Rodrigo on socials:Github: https://github.com/rodrigogiraoserraoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-gir%C3%A3o-serr%C3%A3o/Check our these links for some further reading/viewing:RP podcast: https://realpython.com/podcasts/rpp/252/The categorisation of the module itertools: https://mathspp.com/blog/module-itertools-overviewA tutorial on decorators: https://mathspp.com/blog/pydonts/decoratorsAn article about dunder methods: https://mathspp.com/blog/pydonts/dunder-methodsWhy APL is a language worth knowing (article): https://mathspp.com/blog/why-apl-is-a-language-worth-knowingHow APL made me a better Python developer (talk/video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDy-to9fgawThe series of articles with the compiler/interpreter: https://mathspp.com/blog/tags/bpciA tutorial is not a long talk: https://mathspp.com/blog/a-tutorial-is-not-a-long-talkHow I prepare a technical talk: https://mathspp.com/blog/how-i-prepare-a-technical-talk Structural pattern matching: https://peps.python.org/pep-0636/ ___💡🧑💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅___If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.esDeveloper Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/Twitter: https://x.com/pybitesApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340Sp
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#194: Evolution, not extinction: why developers still matter in the age of AI
In this episode, we dive into AI’s impact on software development with Matt Makai, VP of Developer Relations at DigitalOcean and creator of Full Stack Python. We explore how AI tools are changing coding workflows—from elite devs like Miguel Grinberg and Armin Ronacher to Matt’s own work on the AI-powered PlushCap app. While some see friction, others embrace AI as a co-pilot. Matt shares why staying hands-on with code is key for tech leaders, and why, despite the hype, AI won’t replace developers—it’ll just reshape how we work. Connect with Matt on socials:X: https://x.com/fullstackpythonGithub: https://github.com/mattmakaiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmakai/Matt's projects:Plushcap: https://www.plushcap.com/ Full Stack Python: https://www.fullstackpython.com/DigitalOcean: https://www.digitalocean.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/digitalocean___Blogs mentioned:https://blog.miguelgrinberg.com/post/why-generative-ai-coding-tools-and-agents-do-not-work-for-mehttps://lucumr.pocoo.org/2025/6/12/agentic-coding/ ___💡🧑💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅___If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.esDeveloper Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/Twitter: https://x.com/pybitesApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1
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#193: Why coding alone sucks!
In this episode, we share our own experiences of what it’s like to code in isolation — and why it held us back more than we realised at the time. When you're working solo, it’s easy to miss out on learning opportunities, fall into unhelpful habits, or lose momentum altogether.But when you start coding alongside others, everything shifts. We talk about how code reviews gave us instant feedback, how collaborating with other devs helped us level up faster, and how the simple act of being part of a team made coding more enjoyable — and a lot less lonely.Whether you're freelancing, working remotely, or just feeling a bit disconnected, we share some practical ways to break out of that bubble. We also talk about how the PyBytes community has grown to nearly 1,400 developers, all sharing ideas, swapping feedback, landing jobs, and building real connections.If you’ve been feeling stuck or isolated in your coding journey, this episode might be the nudge you need. Because trust us — once you stop coding alone, everything changes.Join our Circle Community today! https://pybites.circle.so/c/start-here___Books mentioned:Reinventing The Store: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/lFI3EQAAQBAJMagician's End: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/nKHPc2SQqScC___💡🧑💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅___If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.esDeveloper Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/Twitter: https://x.com/pybitesApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1
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#192: Coding smarter not harder - 5 key ways to succeed as a developer
Are you ready to level up your Python skills? In this episode we share the five common mistakes that hold learners back, and how to avoid them. From setting clear goals to building simple, impactful projects, we’ll show you how to turn scattered effort into strategic growth. Learn to stay focused in a world full of distractions, seek mentorship confidently, and reframe challenges as stepping stones. Whether you're stuck in tutorial loops or just getting started, this guide will help you build momentum, boost confidence, and thrive as a developer. Books:Effective Python: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/9kG4DwAAQBAJThe Maniac: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/TggPEQAAQBAJMagician: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/aKUrDwAAQBAJPeak: https://pybitesbooks.com/books/GmcpCgAAQBAJPodcast mentioned: #129 - Empower Your Python Ambitions - From Idea Paralysis to Real-World Projectshttps://www.pybitespodcast.com/13505291/episodes/13505291-129-empower-your-python-ambitions-from-idea-paralysis-to-real-world-projects___💡🧑💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅___If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.esDeveloper Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/Twitter: https://x.com/pybitesApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1
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#191: Code, click, cloud - how Sebastián Ramírez is taking FastAPI to the next level
Sebastián Ramírez returns in this episode to share the evolution of his journey from open-source developer to company founder, with the launch of FastAPI Cloud. After creating tools used by developers worldwide, Sebastián explains how he found a critical gap in the app creation process - the painful transition from local development to production deployment. Throughout our conversation, we hear how Sebastián and his team are working to remove this obstacle.We also hear some of the amazing ways that FastAPI has been adopted in mission-critical systems worldwide. From powering image generation in ChatGPT to controlling particle accelerators at CERN and managing data from the James Webb Space Telescope, FastAPI has found its way into diverse applications that impact our daily lives and scientific understanding.To join the FastAPI Cloud waiting list, visit https://fastapicloud.com/.You can also reach out to Sebastián on the following platforms:X profile: https://x.com/tiangoloGithub profile: https://github.com/tiangoloTo read the book Sebastián mentioned, visit https://sre.google/books/_______💡🧑💻Level up your Python skills in just 6 weeks with our hands-on, mentor-led cohort program. Build and ship real apps while gaining confidence and accountability in a supportive community. Join an upcoming Pybites Developer Cohort today! 🌟✅___If you found this podcast helpful, please consider following us!Start Here with Pybites: https://pybit.esDeveloper Mindset Newsletter: https://pybit.es/newsletter 💡Pybites Books: https://pybitesbooks.com/Bob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/Julian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/Twitter: https://x.com/pybitesApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pybites-podcast/id1545551340Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sJnriPKKVgPIX7UU9PIN1
The Pybites Podcast is a podcast about Python Development, Career and Mindset skills. Hosted by the Co-Founders, Bob Belderbos and Julian Sequeira, this podcast is for anyone interested in Python and looking for tips, tricks and concepts related to Career + Mindset. For more information on Pybites, visit us at https://pybit.es and connect with us on LinkedIn:Julian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansequeira/Bob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbelderbos/
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