Jun 30, 2026

Sustainable Augmented Development • Kent Beck • YOW! 2025

Kent Beck's presentation at YOW! Australia 2025 explores the transformative impact of augmented development ('the genie') on software engineering. He argues that AI shifts programming into an exploratory phase, requiring a re-evaluation of traditional practices. Beck introduces the concept of 'resting between the notes' to foster optionality over mere feature churn, and makes a compelling case for the increased value of junior developers as AI tools become powerful learning aids, emphasizing that 'nobody knows' the future but we must 'take our time' to adapt effectively.

Jun 28, 2026

Using Spec-Driven Development for Production Workflows - Erik Hanchett, AWS

Erik Hanchett discusses spec-driven development (SDD) as a structured approach to building complex software features with AI coding assistants. He explains how to guide AI "interns" through distinct phases of requirements, design, and implementation, emphasizing context management, the use of "skills," and the crucial role of the human in the loop for review. Hanchett highlights AWS's Kiro tool, which automates much of this process, and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for integrating external data sources, offering a pathway to higher-quality code and more effective AI collaboration.

Apr 23, 2026

It Ain't Broke: Why Software Fundamentals Matter More Than Ever — Matt Pocock, AI Hero @mattpocockuk

AI coding tools are powerful but can quickly create unmanageable code if used without discipline. Matt Pocock argues that success with AI in software development comes not from delegating everything, but from applying decades-old engineering fundamentals like TDD, Domain-Driven Design, and creating deep, testable modules. The developer's role shifts from a tactical coder to a strategic system designer.

Feb 27, 2026

SW Design, Architecture & Clarity at Scale • Sam Newman, Jacqui Read & Simon Rohrer

Experts Sam Newman, Jacqui Read, and Simon Rohrer explore the nuances of software design, its intersection with architecture, and the critical role of communication in scaling technical clarity. The discussion covers practical advice on implementing Architectural Decision Records (ADRs), the evolving role of the architect as a facilitator, and strategies for creating agile enterprise architectures.

Feb 13, 2026

Clean Architecture with Python • Sam Keen & Max Kirchoff

Sam Keen, author of 'Clean Architecture with Python', discusses with Max Kirchoff how to pragmatically apply architectural principles to Python. They explore the critical link between architecture and testability, thoughtful dependency management through layered design, and how these principles enhance modern AI-assisted coding workflows by providing clear structure and scope.

Jan 22, 2026

Effect Oriented Programming • Bill Frasure, Bruce Eckel, James Ward & Andrew Harmel-Law • GOTO 2026

Authors Bill Frasure, Bruce Eckel, and James Ward discuss the core concepts of Effect-Oriented Programming. They explain how effects are composable operations that encapsulate side effects and defer execution, allowing developers to manage unpredictability with compiler-checked types. The conversation covers ZIO, the expansion of effect systems into languages like TypeScript and Kotlin, and their unique, constraint-driven writing process.