Compiler artwork

Compiler

62 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 53 ratings

When it comes to technology, you may have questions. So do we. Every other week, we demystify the tech industry, one answer at a time. Join us as we bring together a chorus of perspectives from within Red Hat to break down the big, emerging ideas that matter both today and beyond. Compiler is hosted by Angela Andrews and Brent Simoneaux. Learn more about our show at redhat.com/en/compiler-podcast

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Episodes

Bad Bosses

March 21, 2024 07:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

Everyone wants to work for a good boss. That’s not always possible. Sometimes, a bad boss is easy to spot. Sometimes, a boss who’s been great will say something devastating. They’ll make you want to move on.  We hear stories about managers who stalled their employees’ careers—and how those workers found a way to thrive in spite of those bad bosses.

The Ground Floor

March 07, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

We all start somewhere. For these two IT professionals, the ground floor is where they found their way into the tech industry.  When you don’t know how to navigate a career in technology, it pays to be flexible. Because as Luis Martin and Victor Santiago would learn, where someone begins isn’t necessarily where they end up.

Grains of Salt

February 22, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

We could all use some help making decisions. The advice we get isn’t always the most helpful. Sometimes, it’s easy to spot the bad advice. But what do you do when you can’t tell?  Two technologists share times of indecision where they had to figure out whether the guidance they asked for was really in their best interests.

All's Well That Ends Well

February 08, 2024 08:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

Big mistakes. Colossal setbacks. Bad days. We’ve all been there. But how do we find a way forward? The Compiler team shares two stories of unexpected challenges and happy endings.

Big Bets

January 25, 2024 08:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MB

People react differently when they hear the word “risk”. While there’s the possibility of reward, it takes a lot to step out of the comfort zone. The Compiler team asks if there’s ever such a thing as a safe bet, and hears from experienced risk-takers on the best time to take a leap of faith.

Warning Signs

January 11, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

They say wisdom comes from experience. Starting out in the tech industry likely means you’re short on experience and looking for advice. One area where people could use a leg up? Learning the warning signs of a problematic project. We hear stories from people who’ve figured out the hard way how to spot potential red flags, and what can happen when they’re missed.

Year In Review

December 21, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

It’s been a year of growth at Compiler, and we want to celebrate and share with our guests and listeners some of our favorite moments from the show. Thank you for all of the support, we’ll see you in 2024!

Continuing Education

December 07, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MB

Learning never stops. But neither do our workloads. The constant influx of emails, messages, and tickets doesn’t leave much room for acquiring new skills—At least, not during our waking hours. So, what do we do about it? The Compiler team discusses continuing education, its importance, and how to approach it with patience.

Legacies: The Wrap-up

November 09, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 14.3 MB

Over the course of the series, we’ve learned how tough it is to choose between older systems and newer innovation. Tougher still, is how those systems can make the people maintaining them feel: Frustrated, isolated, and stuck in the past while the world moves on.  As we wrap up our discussion on the topic, we hear from technologists on how they reconcile the old with the new to advance their understanding of their discipline— and maybe further their careers in the process.

APIs And The Modernization Dilemma

October 26, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Governments, companies, and organizations around the world are coming together to make healthcare IT infrastructure faster and more intuitive, matching the pace of modern living.  APIs are a large part of those efforts. But their use in IT modernization can present both unique challenges and unanswered questions. Sometimes, the challenge isn’t the tech itself—it’s the people who build, manage, and use it.

Ossified Operating Systems

October 12, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 12.9 MB

Operating systems are everywhere. They’re likely also all over the place. There are unsupported operating systems running everything from old machinery to everyday devices. And because of the foundational role they play, any change can have cascading effects on the rest of their systems.  How do you handle legacy operating systems? What do you need to be aware of? And how different are operating systems from each other?

The COBOL Chronicles

September 28, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MB

It has become the programming language underneath some of the most important industries in the world, but the community surrounding COBOL is aging, and companies are hungry for newer innovation. COBOL has stood the test of time, but what is its place among newer generations of technologists?  Want to dive deeper into the history of COBOL? Check out the Command Line Heroes episode, “The Infrastructure Effect”.  

The Legend Of Hadoop

September 14, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MB

In 2002, Hadoop hit the scene, and quickly became a media darling. Twenty years later, typing the term into a search engine will return questions about its continued relevance—or possible lack thereof. Is Hadoop still important? Where is it most visible today? The Compiler team dives hard into the project, and how it forever changed the way we look at data.

Hardy Hardware

August 31, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

Old hardware needs love and attention. But not too much—you don’t want to upset the status quo. Legacy servers, devices, and machinery are probably part of every company’s can’t-lose infrastructure. And it’s not always possible to replace.  Hardware has a knack for sticking around. Knowing how to keep it running can help avoid catastrophe.

In Defense Of Legacy

August 17, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MB

As the tech industry continues to innovate, more technology gets classified as outdated—often referred to as legacy. But younger IT professionals often start their careers working on legacy hardware and software, and upgrades aren’t always an option. How can they learn and grow, while still working on older tech?  This episode is the first in our new series, “Legacies”. We tackle different examples of older hardware and software, break down their relevance to today’s industry landscape, and...

Thriving In Economic Uncertainty

July 06, 2023 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.7 MB

The last few years have been a weird time for everyone, and while the tech industry is seeing a lot of change, not all of it is inspiring.  Navigating market shifts can be tricky, stressful, and terrifying. But that’s just the beginning of the equation. When the going gets tough, what can help us grow?

Ready To Launch

June 22, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 34 MB

Launching a new product should be cause for celebration. All too often in the tech industry, launch day is a source of worry, and in the worst cases, scrambling panic. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  What can we learn from the gaming industry’s frequent launches? Why is it so difficult to get launch day right? And why aren’t companies better prepared for the problems they know are coming?

Adventures In Automation

June 08, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

Repetitive tasks can be the worst part of a job. They take time, they take focus, but they don’t typically spark creativity. That is, until you try to automate them.  What kinds of tasks are ripe for automation? Which ones are best left to do yourself? And what does it take to automate away the drudgery?

Datacenters And Sustainability

May 25, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26.9 MB

We closely examine different aspects of technology— data storage, AI, software development, and hardware capabilities. But one part of that equation often goes ignored: The energy grid. It’s an unfortunate truth, but the datacenters we depend on to address everyday challenges can themselves be a drain on our global resources. How do technologists reconcile the work they do with the rising environmental impacts? And how do we work together to find a solution?

Tech Conferences 101

May 11, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

We have some one-off episodes to share while we are hard at work on our new series. This week, we tackle speaking at tech conferences.  Tech talks aren’t just for unicorn CEOs and high-profile prodigies. With a little bit of work, anyone can speak at a conference. Our guests go over the preparation, dish about showtime jitters, and share a few tips for when things go awry on stage.

The Developer Advocate And The Exchange

April 27, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 35.8 MB

There are a lot of ways to get the word out about your product. But the tech industry needs something more. Building a community where users and developers can talk to you, ask questions, and provide suggestions—that doesn’t happen on its own. Developer advocates do the hard work of nurturing communities, doing a lot of showing and telling. And when that community starts talking to each other, and brings new people in on their own? That’s the dream.  The company, its business activities and...

Tech Support, Deconstructed

April 13, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

To some, working in technical support can seem equal parts stressful and mundane. But through building relationships, sharing knowledge, and practicing empathy for users, one can stretch beyond the help desk to become a trusted partner for customers as they navigate critical issues and business challenges. The company, its business activities and its employees depicted in this podcast are fictional and are not intended to represent or depict any current or former business organization or an...

The Web Developer And The Presence

March 30, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

Web development has changed a lot over the years. And for startups, it’s a necessity, at least for marketing and securing capital. But digital strategy and product strategy don’t have to be separate. They can be considered as two parts of a company’s approach to growth.  The company, its business activities and its employees depicted in this podcast are fictional and are not intended to represent or depict any current or former business organization or any individuals living or dead. Any re...

The Product Manager And The Loop

March 16, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

When building out an application, it can be hard to decide what needs attention, and what can wait. Maintenance is important, but development teams also want to add new features for customers. So they have to choose, and not everyone agrees. A product manager can help break the impasse. Good ones bring in customer feedback while providing teams with focus and direction. The result is a cycle that informs contributors on what’s working, what’s not working, and what future successes can look l...

The Sysadmin And The Script

March 02, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

System(s) Administrators don’t get enough credit. They set up systems. Maintain them. Make sure everything follows security best practices. All while having to know code and infrastructure and looking out for crises. And if you think you can automate away their jobs, you’re in for a surprise: They can do it better and continue to make other valuable contributions to your company.  The company, its business activities and its employees depicted in this podcast are fictional and are not inten...

The Designer And The Blueprint

February 16, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Design can be a powerful tool. But where, and how, does it start when building software? And how can it drive a company’s growth? Through intentional, proactive processes and documentation, design can be a monumental force in development, discovery and problem solving. The company, its business activities and its employees depicted in this podcast are fictional and are not intended to represent or depict any current or former business organization or any individuals living or dead. Any resem...

The Architect And The Toolbox

February 02, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB

There are many kinds of architects in the tech industry. While they don’t draw building schematics, they do put together blueprints for programs, systems, networks. What does it take to effectively build solutions to technical problems? And how do you learn those skills?  Grabbing tools out of a box and assembling them into a working whole is the starting point. Architects consider a customer’s needs and how those are affected by the particular combinations. And as it turns out, keeping an ...

The CTO And The Vision

January 19, 2023 05:05 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

A Chief Technology Officer needs to be an expert in technology. That much is clear. But what does a CTO actually do every day? What outcomes are they responsible for? And how can others help them achieve those goals?  The CTO and the Vision is the first episode in Compiler’s series on tech careers. We call it Re:Role. We launch a fictional startup that needs to expand its team as it grows. But before we hire, we need to understand when it makes sense to add another role, what it is the peop...

From CodeNewbie: The new wave of frontend developer tools are on their way

December 08, 2022 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MB

Compiler is on a holiday break and will return in January 2023—but we're sharing an episode made by our friends at CodeNewbie that we think you'll like: To welcome back our show for Season 22, we talk with a familiar face to the CodeNewbie Podcast, Chris Ferdinandi. Chris is the author of the Vanilla JS Pocket Guide series and the creator of the Vanilla JS Academy training program. On today's episode, Chris talks about what he's learned since coming on the show in 2020, how he sees the futur...

Building A Common Language

November 10, 2022 08:00 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MB

While working in a software stack, IT professionals may have to bridge gaps in practical knowledge, institutional knowledge, and communication. Teams may be located in different countries or backgrounds, and may even work in different areas of the stack.  The practice of building software is deeply technical, but it’s also deeply human. In the final episode of Stack/Unstuck, we discuss how bridging gaps in communication and expertise helps teams come together from across a software stack to...

Testing, PDFs, And Donkeys

October 27, 2022 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

We reach our penultimate episode for Stack/Unstuck, and arrive on the topic of testing. Testing isn’t necessarily part of any technology stack, but it is a vital part of building software. Sometimes, it can feel like testing is an afterthought, or just a box for busy coders to tick once completed. We hear from our guests about how testing doesn’t need to be saved for a curtain call. It can have a starring role when identifying problems within different components of a software stack. And as...

The Overlooked Operating System

October 13, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

The operating system wars are over. We’re still left with Windows, Linux, and MacOS—along with Android and iOS. Many argue that there’s little left to accomplish with the bottom of the software stack. But work on the OS is far from over.  The kernel and user space provide the literal foundation for the rest of the software stack. Drivers, networking, and countless other features are abstracted away as common resources so the other layers of the stack can focus on their own functions. So whe...

Data-baeses

September 29, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

Writing data is easy. You take in the information and put it away for future use. It’s remembering exactly what you wrote and where you put it that’s the challenge. Just like having to look for your keys as you try to rush out the door, getting that data quickly makes all the difference. And when your database is your bestie, it can serve that information faster than you could imagine.  Getting a database into shape takes specialized skills. From planning and development to maintenance and ...

Frameworks And Fundamentals

September 15, 2022 07:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

Frameworks exist to make building apps easier, and there are a lot to choose from. We hear from one long-time Java developer about his passion project, an app designed to remind users of important deadlines and appointments. We explore his app’s framework—how he chose it, and how things changed along the way. While they are there to help developers build applications very quickly, frameworks shouldn’t be seen as a salve or a substitute for basic knowledge. When things go awry, that’s when k...

The Fractious Front End

September 01, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

Front-end development can be complex—and that means a front-end developer’s skills are essential, albeit constantly shifting. But a humble web search can produce various memes and jokes about how the front end isn’t as much of an endeavor as other parts of an application can be.  Expanding knowledge beyond one’s area of the software stack can strengthen the skills they have, but negative perceptions can become a barrier to building those necessary relationships. As communities and companies...

The Great Stack Debate

August 18, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

The software stack is like an onion. Or a sheet cake. Or lasagna. Or is it? It’s often described as having layers that sit on top of each other. The reality is much more complicated—and learning about it can help any tech career.  The Great Stack Debate is the first episode in Compiler’s series on the software stack. We call it Stack/Unstuck. We explore each layer of the stack, what it’s like to work on them, and how they come together into a whole application.   

Are Big Mistakes That Big Of A Deal? Part 2

July 07, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

Mistakes are part of growth. If we’re lucky, we’re in an environment where they’re not punished harshly. That lets us fix the problem, learn to do better, and move on—but also to tell the story once the sting has passed. Last episode, we heard three stories of people blundering into trouble and coming out the other side a little bit wiser. This episode adds three more stories of mistakes being made—but the culprit isn’t always as clear.  

Are Big Mistakes That Big Of A Deal?

June 23, 2022 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

Oops. We all make mistakes. Most of the time, they’re small enough no one notices. But every now and then, we do something that makes us break into a cold sweat. The “Oops” becomes a curse, desperate pleas—or horrified silence as we process what just happened. In the moment, they’re panic-inducing. But once the dust settles, are those big mistakes that big of a deal? On this episode of Compiler, we hear three stories of people who wish they had an easy undo button. But making those mistakes...

How Does Data Help Shape Movies?

June 09, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.7 MB

Movies are culturally important. They transform language and communication. Motion pictures present fantasy worlds we can get lost in, helping us understand the world differently. Discussing data and movies can make the fantasy seem…a little less fantastic. It can feel sterile, mass produced, and devoid of imagination.  But data is vital, both for those behind the camera and those sitting in theaters (or at home). This episode will cover some ways data science and machine learning can infor...

How Do We Make Updates Less Annoying?

May 26, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MB

Updates. They take time out of your day and your devices out of commission. That’s about the extent of it for an end user. But for organizations? Updating their systems is a big deal. And forgoing regular updates is a recipe for disaster.  “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” isn’t a good option for enterprise IT. Your system may keep running but if you haven’t updated in awhile, you may be missing some stability and performance improvements—and probably some security patches too. Regularly up...

When Should Data Die?

May 12, 2022 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28.6 MB

We have a finite time on earth. But the data we generate? It can last much, much longer. We have limited control over what happens to our data during our lives. And while you might not care about anything when you’re gone, you and your loved ones might have an interest in how your information is used after you pass. So we wondered: When should data die? It’s a tricky question. In the digital age, individuals generate mountains of data over their lifetimes. But who has the right to decide wh...

How Bad Is Betting Wrong On The Future?

April 28, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MB

Technologists are often asked to make decisions based on future industry advancements—or basically, things that haven’t happened yet. It’s already difficult to choose the right path for a project without the pressure to be clairvoyant. But everyone wants to feel like they are leading the pack on the next big thing.  What do we need to know to make a good prediction for where technology is headed? Alternatively, what do we need to know to avoid the wrong choice? We speak to experts in the De...

Are We As Productive As We Think?

April 14, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

We live in what some call a “distraction economy.” There are countless messages, emails, tickets, bugs to fix, and meetings to attend. For those who have to build software, platforms, and services, as well as those who maintain them and keep them running, it can be difficult to decide what to focus on first.  The immense pressure to be productive is challenging to balance with passion projects, personal responsibilities, or just with the need to rest. Our team spoke with tech-minded creator...

Who's Afraid Of Compilers?

March 31, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MB

It’s about time we asked a question about compilers. It’s been a scary proposition. Compilers have a reputation for density, complexity, and a fair bit of mysticism. But when we looked into them, we learned they’re really just like any other program. So we wondered: Who’s afraid of compilers?  In this episode of Compiler, we start to break down the reputation by opening up the black box. What do compilers do? How do they work? And what can you gain by learning more about the inner workings ...

How Do Roads Become Smarter?

March 17, 2022 07:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

Traffic jams and congested streets are an annoyance many people have to endure. Turns out, the same technology keeping us constantly connected—the Internet of Things—can also improve how we move people and things from place to place. But what are the considerations for technologists? Connectivity can’t be the only piece of the puzzle. Smart road technology can make travel safer, easier, and more efficient. But how can it make travel enjoyable?

What Do Kids Learn When They Learn About Tech?

March 03, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MB

Computer literacy is supposedly coming naturally to younger generations who seem to be born with smartphones in their hands. But there’s a difference between tech familiarity and actually knowing how technology works. And when kids learn about the wide world of IT, what else are they learning?  Kids know tech is everywhere. In this episode of Compiler, we spoke to middle school, high school, and college educators about what it is their students are hoping to learn—and what skills they pick ...

Command Line Heroes Presents: Relentless Replicators

February 24, 2022 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

Hey listeners—we’ve got something different for you to try. If you enjoyed our Caturday episode and want more stories about security, we think you’ll like Season 9 of Command Line Heroes. It’s Red Hat’s tech history show, and this new season is all about malware. Here’s the first episode: Computer viruses and worms haunt the internet. They worm their way into a system, replicate, and spread again. It’s a simple process—with devastating consequences. But there’s a whole industry of people th...

How Can Memes Improve Security?

February 17, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.7 MB

Memes are goofy. They’re easily recognizable. And they’re often used to make a point. So it’s no wonder that people on both sides of the InfoSec community are not only familiar with memes, but often use them in their endless games of cat and mouse. Consequently, memes are often a sign of a breach of security. Because there’s little as satisfying as leaving a meme as proof of your security prowess.  On this episode of Compiler, we hear from a couple of Red Hatters who rose to an unusual secu...

Can Kubernetes Help People Find Love?

February 03, 2022 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

Valentine’s Day is a time for roses, candy, wine, and time with that special someone. And more than ever, people are meeting their romantic partners through dating apps and websites. These apps have different features, and can vary in user experience. What technology can meet the unique demands of those looking for love across cultures, time zones, and even across oceans? In this episode of Compiler, our team goes on a date with Kubernetes to discover how container orchestration speaks to t...

How Should We Handle Failure?

January 20, 2022 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MB

In tech, there's a lot of pressure to keep things running smoothly. That makes even a small mistake or a brief outage seem disastrous. When people fail at something, they can experience many different emotions: Anger, regret, or even fear. In this episode of Compiler, Jen Krieger and 2019 TED Fellow Dr. Erika Hamden join us to discuss how we should handle failure, and how teams and individuals can benefit from processing it safely and effectively.  Compiler is all about asking questions. An...