The ReadME Podcast

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.Here’s what’s in store for this episode:00:00 - The hosts discuss the challenges of establishing web standards in open source communities when new technologies emerge.02:38 - First Commit: The transformation of the world of stock trading from a chaotic, bustling floor to an automated and computer-driven environment. Our hosts highlight the role of open source, particularly Linux, in powering high-speed trading systems and enabling advancements in performance and speed.05:40 - Feature release: The ReadME Project’s Senior Editor, Mike Melanson, discusses the rise of TypeScript and the pros and cons of statically typed languages.18:24 - The interview: Aaron Gustafson joins the hosts to discuss the role of AI in improving accessibility. He highlights initiatives such as Microsoft's AI for Accessibility Grant Program, which invests in research and startups to drive innovation in accessibility.36:10 - AskRMP: Kingsley Mkpandiok answers a listener’s question on encouraging non-code contributions. The key? Communicate that everyone’s skills matter.Looking for more stories and advice from the open source community? To learn more from the authors and experts featured on this episode, check out:TypeScript and the dawn of gradual types by Mike MelansonAdvancing inclusion with progressive enhancement by Aaron GustafsonFrom fixing computers on farms to democratizing DevOps by Kyler MiddletonTurbulent times call for adaptive leadership by Tramale TurnerMake your first open source contribution in four easy steps by Ruth IkegahSpecial thanks to Jordan Harband for sharing his insights on TypeScript, Aaron Gustafson for outlining the role that AI will play in accelerating accessibility, and Kingsley Mkpandiok for answering a listener question about encouraging non-code contributions.  Check-out The ReadME Project, for more episodes as well as featured articles, developer stories, helpful guides, and much more! Send your feedback, questions, and ideas to [email protected].

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 aspects.Here’s what’s in store for this episode:00:00 - The hosts discuss the far-reaching impacts of open source and outline the symbiotic relationship between non-code contributions and OSS in everyday life. 03:02 - First Commit: How FarmBot is bringing automation to home gardening. Martin highlights how the open source community is putting a high-tech spin on backyard cultivation.05:05 - The Interview: Kyler Middleton joins Martin to discuss everything from securing cloud applications to growing up on a farm.23:45 - #AskRMP: Kelsey Hightower on managing open source projects at scale and the learnings that can be applied to projects of any size.27:42 - Feature Release: The ReadME Project senior editor, Klint Finley, is back to discuss non-code contributions and why developers should prioritize supporting their creation and management.Looking for more stories and advice from the open source community? To learn more from the authors and experts featured on this episode, check out:Non-code contributions are the secret to open source success by Klint FinleyFinish your projects by Aaron FrancisDo your part to secure the open source supply chain by Feross AboukhadijehFrom chaos to clarity: Use code visibility to illuminate unfamiliar code by Shanea LevenSpecial thanks to Kyler Middleton for sharing her security and community insights, Kelsey Hightower for discussing open source at scale, and Sarah Rainsberger for highlighting the benefits of non-code contributions to open source success. Check-out The ReadME Project, for more episodes as well as featured articles, developer stories, helpful guides, and much more! Send your feedback, questions, and ideas to [email protected]. 

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.Here’s what’s in store for this episode:00:00 - Introduction: The hosts discuss GitHub May-ntainer Month and introduce Kelsey Hightower!1:07 - The interview: Kelsey talks the hosts through how he got into tech, how maintainers can avoid burnout, the importance of identifying new leaders, what the future holds for Kubernetes and much much more!32:55 - Maintainer shout-out!  ​​Aaron Francis, Cassidy Williams, Frances Coronel, Anthony Sottile, Peter Strömberg, and Brandon Ringe call in to  share their appreciation for fellow maintainers in their lives.Special thanks to our guest, Kelsey Hightower, and to all of the maintainers who called in to share appreciation for their fellow maintainers. Check-out The ReadME Project, for more episodes as well as featured articles, developer stories, helpful guides, and much more! Send your feedback, questions, and ideas to [email protected].

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.Here’s what’s in store for this episode:00:00 - The hosts examine what’s new in open source, highlighting new communities like Mastodon and Bluesky.01:37 - First Commit: Open source saves the day! From climate change to nuclear radiation, open source is empowering communities to adapt to catastrophe.05:48 - Feature Release: The ReadME Project’s Mike Melanson welcomes Ben Johnson to share key considerations when deciding how to approach project contributions.20:00 - The Interview: Avi Press, maintainer, founder, and CEO of Scarf, shares his perspective on how the open source community, and maintainers in specific, can benefit from improved community analytics.34:00 - #AskRMP: Jessica Januik highlights why humor is so important when building a team or community.Looking for more stories and advice from the open source community? To learn more from the authors and experts featured on this episode, check out:How ‘open’ should your open source be? by Mike MelansonFormatters, linters, and compilers: Oh my! by Josh GoldbergHarness the power of generative AI for software development by Anton MirgorodchenkoGitHub’s Maintainer Month calendarSustain Podcast Maintainer Month seriesSpecial thanks to Avi Press for detailing community analytics for maintainers, Jessica Januik for sharing insight into building team chemistry, and Ben Johnson for walking us through his decision to limit contributions to Litestream.Check-out The ReadME Project, for more episodes as well as featured articles, developer stories, helpful guides, and much more! Send your feedback, questions, and ideas to [email protected].