The Scripting Den Podcast

Hosted by Fernando Doglio

Technology Education

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Latest episode

Mar 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Insights about the Software Development industry from a senior developer (with more than 20 years of experience). Short, to-the-point episodes where I share my insights. Give it a listen and see if you learn a thing or two!

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40 recent

March 8, 2025Episode 4024 min

Episode 40 - Should you be using AI to code at work?

In this episode of "The Scripting Den Podcast" I dive into one of the most debated questions in today’s software development world: Should you use AI to code at work? During the episode we explore how AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Tabnine can boost productivity by automating repetitive coding tasks and accelerating prototyping. He also examines the potential downsides—such as skill degradation, quality and security risks, ethical issues, and shifts in team dynamics—that you need to consider before fully integrating AI into your workflow.I'm also covering best practices to strike the right balance: use AI to handle mundane tasks while keeping your manual coding skills sharp, implement rigorous code reviews, set clear usage policies, and invest in continuous training. This episode is perfect for developers and tech leaders looking to understand how to harness AI as a powerful coding partner without losing the human touch.Recommended ToolsGitHub Copilot: https://github.com/features/copilotTabnine: https://www.tabnine.com/Codeium: https://codeium.com/If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. Happy coding!Get in Touch!X (Twitter): @deleteman123YouTube: The Scripting DenNewsletter: fernandodoglio.substack.comRate Us!To ensure this episode reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and on Podchaser. Your support helps us grow!

January 12, 2025Episode 3930 min

Episode 39 - Let's talk about AI ethics and your role as a developer

In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most pressing topics in tech today: AI ethics. I try to explore how well-meaning developers can unintentionally create AI systems that harm society. From bias in AI models to privacy concerns, accountability challenges, and even the environmental impact of AI, this episode is packed with insights every developer needs to hear.By the end of the episode, you’ll understand:What AI ethics entails and why it matters.Key ethical challenges developers face when building AI systems.Practical tools and frameworks to make AI fairer, more transparent, and responsible.How developers can proactively address bias, privacy, and sustainability in their projects.I also provide actionable tips and resources to help you embed ethics into your AI development process, ensuring that the systems you build serve as tools for progress—not harm.Interesting Links and ResourcesTools for AI Transparency: LIME | SHAPBooks:Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’NeilRace After Technology by Ruha BenjaminOnline Courses on AI Ethics: fast.ai | Stanford OnlineAI Principles: Google AI Principles | Microsoft Responsible AI StandardsGet in Touch!X (Twitter): @deleteman123YouTube: The Scripting DenNewsletter: fernandodoglio.substack.comRate Us!To ensure this episode reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and on Podchaser. Your support helps us grow!

December 19, 2024Episode 3845 min

Episode 38 - Navigating your first technical interview

Understanding how to prepare for your first technical interview, and what to expect from the process is not easy. Companies will have their own hiring process, and some of them will confuse you with their own process getting you to think all of them are like that.Whiteboard coding, for instance, that's one of the worst things you can do during a technical interview, however, it's a very common practice (sadly!)In this episode I cover the entire process of interview, with a focus on the technical aspect, what to expect, what not to say and do during the process, and most importantly, what you should do and why.By the end of this episode, you'll be ready to ace your next tech interview!Interesting link:Skills of a Successful Software Engineer (my book): https://www.manning.com/books/skills-of-a-successful-software-engineerGet in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you

November 9, 2024Episode 3720 min

Episode 37 - Why is everyone talking about Vector Databases?

If you haven't been living under a rock, you might've heard about this specific type of NoSQL database being mentioned quite often lately.Now, why do you think that is? In fact, do you know what a Vector database actually is? And what you can do with it?In this episode I go over all those questions, eventually hitting the actual answer that prompted this episode: Why is everyone ( and their mother ) talking about Vector databases?Make sure to check it out!Interesting links:My course on using Redis as a vector database (https://www.linkedin.com/learning/redis-ai-building-a-vector-database-with-redis/introduction)Related episodesEpisode 2: Is AI going to replace developers? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSd-KwcdChg&list=PLInfuhuFMY7KNADQS66SdfJoYQaShMB1F)Episode 34: How to implement AI into your dev workflow? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZVKE2t-otg&list=PLInfuhuFMY7KNADQS66SdfJoYQaShMB1F)Get in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you

October 6, 2024Episode 3631 min

Episode 36 - Why and how to use AI to become a better developer

Many developers avoid using AI in their day-to-day simply because they don't know how to use it. Maybe you're one of them?If reading AI automatically takes you to Copilot then you need to listen/watch to this episode.In this episode I cover 4 different ways in which AI can help you be a more efficient developer, and 2 of those are what I call BBTs (Big Boring Tasks) that are made a lot simpler thanks to AI.I also cover the following products during the episode, make sure to check them out if you're interested!Coding assistants Microsoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/Codeium: https://codeium.comReviewing code for quality & securitySnyk: https://snyk.io/Codacy: https://www.codacy.com/ Writing documentationClaude: https://claude.ai/OpenAI's ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/Writing unit testsMabl: https://www.mabl.com/Related episodesEpisode 2: Is AI going to replace developers? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSd-KwcdChg&list=PLInfuhuFMY7KNADQS66SdfJoYQaShMB1F)Episode 34: How to implement AI into your dev workflow? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZVKE2t-otg&list=PLInfuhuFMY7KNADQS66SdfJoYQaShMB1F)Get in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you

September 30, 2024Episode 3556 min

Episode 35 - The impact of LLMs in software development with Dave Thomas, co-author of the Pragmatic Programmer

In today's episode I got to interview Dave Thomas, co-author of one of the most influential books in our industry: The Pragmatic Programmer.During the interview, we talk about the potential impact of LLMs (like Claude or ChatGPT) on the software development profession. Will we still be developing in the same way and following the same principles (some of which were actually coined by Dave on his book) in the next 5-10 years? We attempt to answer that question.Here are some of the topics we cover, but I encourage you to listen to the whole thing, because Dave is dropping nuggets of wisdom on every one of them.Ownership of code in the era of LLMs.Learning in the age of AI-driven development.Relevance of developers when AI can write the code for you.The importance of learning the basics as a developer."Coding as a craft" now that we have AI in the loop.The value of developer's time and the implications of AI in that formula.Is the curriculum of a developer going to change now that we're using AI-assisted development?Reach out to DaveEmail for more dave@pragprog.orgBook a chat slow with Date: calendly.com/pragdaveDave's Website: https://pragdave.me/Get in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you

September 22, 2024Episode 3435 min

Episode 34 - How to include AI into your dev workflow?

Have you considered using AI as part of your dev workflow? Are you aware of all the benefits LLMs can bring to the table?Some companies fear AI simply because of misconceptions, or just lack of understanding. In this episode I cover the reasons why developers should include LLMs into their workflow and some of the best practices to keep in mind during that implementation process.Interesting links:Episode 2: Is AI going to take your job?Cursor: www.cursor.comPrivacy-aware Copilot alternative: https://codeium.com/LM StudioOllamaGPT4AllGet in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you

September 15, 2024Episode 3328 min

Episode 33 - How to pick the right tech stack for your product?

Sometimes as developers we spend way too much time thinking about the "perfect" tech stack for our projects, and while that doesn't exists, there are some considerations that you can take to make a somewhat smart decision when deciding on what tech to use.Some of the factors that can help you decide on your tech stack are:The complexity of your project.Your team's expertise with the tech.The scalability and growth needs for the product.The type of community support you're looking for.And the cost considerations (including cost of ownership).Remember to check out Code-Clash.net if you're looking for some guidance or if you have some questions about potential tech alternatives.Get in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you

September 7, 2024Episode 3243 min

Episode 32 - Working at a startup vs working for bigger companies, which one is better?

Where do you prefer to work, smaller startups with very small teams? Or huge multi-national companies where your team is just one of many inside a big department?Have you tried both worlds? I have!And in this episode, I share my own experience of what it's like to work for small, young startups, more mature ones and then making the jump into big, multinational companies.Is there one better than the other? That's up to you to decide, but in this episode I give you all the tools you need to make that call!Big shout-out to the "Develop Yourself Podcast" by Brian Jenney for inspiring this episode. If you haven't yet, look it up and subscribe, he has a fantastic take on the industry!Get in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you

August 31, 2024Episode 3125 min

Episode 31 - How (and why) to optimize your unit tests for performance?

Unit tests are usually 2nd (if not 3rd) class citizens in any codebase, teams usually work on them only once they're done with all the "important" features.However, if you do it like that, chances are those tests will eventually start slowing your development process down. They will affect your coding, and your deployment pipelines, affecting your time-to-resolution metrics or even the business by slowing down time-to-market numbers.In other words, bad tests are a real problem.In this episode I cover several reasons why optimizing for performance is actually a great idea, and multiple things you can do to improve your unit tests.Mainly:Get rid of your 3rd party dependencies.Test only what needs to be tested.Optimize the test data.Implement selective testing.Get in touch!X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deleteman123YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-scripting-denMy newsletter: https://fernandodoglio.substack.com/Rate us!To ensure the podcast reaches more developers, make sure to rate it on your favorite podcasting app and in Podchaser!Thank you