In this podcast episode, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Carson Gross, creator of htmx, about simplifying web development with hypermedia-based design. Carson shares the story behind htmx, a JavaScript library that enhances HTML for interactivity without the need for complex JavaScript frameworks. Tune in to learn how htmx can help you simplify your web development through its easy-to-use extensions to HTML that power AJAX-driven interactions. Guest Bio: Carson Gross is a software...

In this episode, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Steve Sanderson and Javier Calvarro Nelson about Blazor, a web UI framework for .NET. They explore the various capabilities of Blazor, including its support for WebAssembly, server-side rendering, and mobile applications via .NET MAUI. Steve and Javier discuss the different modes Blazor can operate in, such as server, WebAssembly, and auto mode, and how these modes enhance flexibility and performance. They also delve into the challenges...

In this episode, host Jonathan “J.” Tower speaks with Luis Quintanilla about ML.NET, an open-source, cross-platform machine learning framework within the .NET ecosystem. They delve into the capabilities of ML.NET, including building data transformation pipelines and training custom models. Luis explains how ML.NET simplifies the machine learning process for .NET developers, making it accessible without needing extensive data science expertise. Tune in to learn how ML.NET can help you...

In this episode, host Jonathan "J." Tower speaks with Neal about architectural fitness functions and how they can serve as unit tests for your software architecture. They explore how incorporating fitness functions into your development process ensures that your system's architectural characteristics remain consistent and reliable over time. They also look at why automating these checks allows you to catch deviations early and maintain a high standard of quality in your projects. Guest...

In this episode of Blue Blazes, host Jonathan "J." Tower speaks with Jimmy Bogard about vertical slice architecture (VSA) and how using it in your software projects can help make them more predictably successful. We delve into how VSA organizes your code by feature, allowing you to more easily and reliably make the most common type of changes to your application. Guest Bio: Jimmy Bogard is best known for his contributions to open-source software, particularly as the creator of AutoMapper...

In this episode of Blue Blazes, host Jonathan "J." Tower speaks with Mark Richards about how architecture decision records can improve your software development process. You might know Mark from his books.  This episode includes lots of ground, including: The best place to store your ADRs where they are accessible and versionable. How you can use ADRs to document key decisions and their rationale. Tips for preventing recurring debates about past architectural decisions. The...

In this episode of Blue Blazes, host Jonathan "J." Tower speaks with Mike Hartington from Ionic about the ins and outs of hybrid mobile app development. Mike, an expert in mobile development, gives listeners a great overview of why you would want to explore building your applications as hybrid apps instead of native apps. A few of the topics covered include: How using a familiar set of web technologies to build your mobile apps drives efficiencies On-the-fly updates to apps Use...

In this podcast episode, host Jonathan "J." Tower speaks with Olivia Liddell from AWS about the intricacies of serverless computing. Olivia, a seasoned solutions architect, demystifies serverless technology, emphasizing its practicality and the mindset shift required for effective use. Key insights shared in the conversation include: Serverless doesn’t mean the absence of servers but represents a shift in managing underlying infrastructure The benefits and trade-offs of serverless...

In this podcast episode, Cecilia discusses the nuances of low-code and no-code solutions with Blue Blazes host, J. Tower. She explains that low-code is just another abstraction layer that allows developers to build applications visually within a development environment. Cecelia distinguishes low-code from no-code solutions, highlighting the flexibility and scalability that low-code platforms offer. She also addresses common misconceptions about low-code, emphasizing its applicability even...

Giving the right users appropriate access to technology resources is Data Security 101. For security purposes, you may want to utilize a framework of policies and technologies known as identity and access management (IAM). Join us on today’s journey and see how using a third-party provider for IAM can help make your software projects more predictably successful. In this episode, we’re covering: · The first steps for implementing IAM · Stability of third-party IAM implementations · Zero...

Do you want efficient, predictably successful software projects? Would you like to enhance your team’s skills? Online courses and training allow you to accomplish both. But with so many options out there, how do you know:  Which courses and programs are worth utilizing?  How to get the most out of online learning experiences?  What are common roadblocks in online learning (and how can you overcome them)?  How to tailor these learning experiences for specific company, team, and...

Are you struggling with selecting the right language or framework for your software projects? Unsure if C# and .NET are the right fit? Learn how these technologies can help solve common coding challenges around maintainability, cross-platform support, productivity, and more. Join us on today’s journey and you will: Discover specific advantages of C# over other popular languages such as JavaScript Get best-practice recommendations for ensuring security and optimal performance Understand...

It can be tricky to know when to use third-party component libraries and which ones to use. While these libraries can be crucial in making modern software projects more successful, it’s important to know: · When to use third-party components versus building custom ones · How third-party components help you be performant, consistent, and cross-platform · What advantages paid libraries offer over free component libraries Your host, J. Tower, and today’s guest, Sam Basu, answer these...

Cassandra Faris—community manager for Kasten by Veeam, president of the Stir Scholarship, and international speaker—joins J. in the newest episode of Blue Blazes. Together, the two discuss successful failing and cover topics that include: · What it means to fail successfully · Why perfectionism can prevent improvement · How failure and vulnerability relate to agile methodology Our guides on today’s journey also share resources, explore the pitfalls of a “fail fast” mentality, and offer...

Clark Sell, co-founder of THAT Conference and Unspecified Software, stops by our podcast to talk with J. about community and industry conferences. During the journey through this popular topic in the software world, they share their thoughts on: · Why conferences are worth attending · Pros and cons of in-person vs. online events · Networking and meeting people at conferences · How to build a case for your boss that you should go to one In addition to insights like these, Clark and J....

Trailhead’s long-time friend Jesse Liberty joins J. to discuss an array of topics related to unit testing. In this episode, the ground they cover includes: · Key advantages of unit testing · Common mistakes developers make with it · Tips for incorporating unit testing into a team process Along with these insights, you will learn how to get started if you haven’t done much unit testing, convince others of its importance, and balance the trade-offs between test coverage and development...

In this episode, J. explores the potency of trust in successful teams with guest Richard Campbell. Check it out, and you will learn what makes for good team building, how to establish trust, and what you can do about challenging individuals in a team. In doing so, you’ll see that it’s possible to have disagreements without it being destructive to the team and the value of getting everyone on the same side (literally). About Today’s Blue Blazes Guest Richard Campbell is a co-host of the...

Martine Dowden stops by Blue Blazes and chats with J. about accessibility and its role in successful software projects. In this episode, you will see why this is such an important subject and learn smart approaches for establishing accessibility in legacy projects (from the co-author of Approachable Accessibility!). Along the way, Martine generously shares tools for web apps and resources that can help you and your team improve your software’s accessibility.    About Today’s Blue Blazes...

In this episode of Blue Blazes, J. talks with developer, business owner, consultant, and cloud architect Mike Benkovich about AI and how software teams can use it. During the conversation, we see why AI should be viewed as a tool (not something to be feared), how it can help humans learn, and what individuals in the software field should be looking to use it for. Mike and J. also discuss the limitations and potential for inaccuracies associated with this technology. About Today’s Blue...

Christina Aldan—an award-winning speaker and brand strategy consultant—joins Blue Blazes to talk with J. about Jobs To Be Done (JTBD). In doing so, we learn how this approach can drive better results through more effective communication and conducting upfront research before you “build the thing.” Check out today’s episode to see how you can use the JTBD process to make a huge impact for your next project.

Cory House joins J. to talk about using custom dev tools to improve web applications. Cory discusses the importance of slowing down to go faster in a build, how dev tools work in different environments, project pitfalls you can avoid, and why the right mindset during a build matters. Cory covers these web app development topics (and more) with great examples and gives the kinds of valuable tips and insight that have made him a highly sought-after trainer.

In the episode of the Blue Blazes podcast, J. speakers with Steve Smith (also known as "Ardalis" online). He is the co-owner and chief architect of NimblePros, and the conversation covers how shortening the feedback cycles throughout your software process can help lead to more successful projects.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new Blue Blazes podcast. Today, J. talks with Brian McKeiver, co-owner of BizStream, about EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and how technology companies can utilize this valuable tool to keep projects focused and on track.