From World of Warcraft to Software Development with Kevin Ullyott

From World of Warcraft to Software Development with Kevin Ullyott

Kevin's socials : https://github.com/Orrison [https://github.com/Orrison] https://bsky.app/profile/kevinullyott.com [https://bsky.app/profile/kevinullyott.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ullyott-9b206460/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ullyott-9b206460/] In this episode, Karl and Steven welcome Kevin Olliot, who shares his journey into programming, starting from his early gaming days to his current role as Software Development Director at Canyon GBS. The conversation explores Kevin's experiences with Laravel, the differences between agency and corporate development, and the importance of mentorship in the tech industry. They discuss the concept of source available software, technical debt, and the strategies used at Canyon GBS to train new developers. The episode wraps up with insights on deployment strategies and the future of their developer handbook. Takeaways * Kevin's programming journey began with gaming and building computers. * He discovered Laravel while working on advanced processing tasks. * Kevin emphasizes the importance of curiosity in programming. * Agile development allows for quick iterations and learning from mistakes. * Technical debt is tracked and managed consciously at Canyon GBS. * The developer handbook serves as a resource for new developers. * Open communication and mentorship are key to team success. * Kevin's team operates in one-week sprints to maintain agility. * Source available software can benefit the community by sharing knowledge. * Deployment strategies are tailored to the needs of the organization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:26 Kevin's Journey into Programming 06:17 First Encounter with Laravel 09:21 Current Role and Responsibilities 12:32 Agency vs Corporate Work 15:13 Source Available Software Discussion 24:00 Mentorship and Resource Sharing 24:29 Learning from Open Source Projects 25:38 Database Choices: The Case for Postgres 26:42 Understanding Foreign Data Wrapping 29:51 Performance Insights: Postgres vs MySQL 31:11 Postgres Features and Limitations 36:41 Strategies for Managing Large Datasets 41:41 Working with Prominent Developers 43:09 Independent Operations and Collaboration with Filament 46:21 Agile Development and the Concept of Wet Code 47:25 Managing Technical Debt in Agile Sprints 50:02 Team Structure and Mentorship in Software Development 53:17 Strategies for Onboarding Junior Developers 57:00 Creating a Developer Handbook and Community Engagement 01:01:20 Future Plans and Open Source Aspirations 01:08:26 New Chapter

Journey to Philsquare with Phil Mareu

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

From Reverse Engineering to Software Development with Jayson Lindsley

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.

Flight Sims and O&G with Trevor Varwig

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

Math Teacher to Web Dev with Leah Thompson

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