Season 1 Episode 21

Edited Transcription

In this episode, I discuss cutting-edge software tools and the pros and cons of staying on the cutting edge.

We all love using the latest and most excellent tools, whether a new framework or library, especially in JavaScript.

But there are some downsides to always being on the cutting edge.

You might encounter problems that no one else has solved, or you might be using something that's not fully functional.

That said, I'm not saying you shouldn't explore new tools.

I have two approaches that I follow, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.

First, when I'm working on something that I need to ship and support within a reasonable timeframe, I stick to tried and tested stable versions of tools.

I avoid jumping on new frameworks and rebuilding everything from scratch, as it's unreliable to deliver a product and provide timely updates and fixes.

Second, I believe in constant learning and experimentation.

I explore new tools and technologies to understand their capabilities and limitations.

I don't necessarily plan to use them immediately, but I monitor their progress and maturity.

For example, when Swift was released for iOS development, I jumped on it for my side projects to learn and understand it while still using Objective-C for production versions.

So, my suggestion is to approach new tools as a learning experience rather than immediately integrating them into your projects.

It's best to avoid shipping products with cutting-edge tools unless they're for tutorial purposes or you're certain they're stable.

Remember, not all new tools are enduring, and you don't want to waste time fixing issues unrelated to your project.

If you do encounter problems, make sure to contribute back to the open-source community.

And if you come across an abandoned tool you like, consider forking it and continuing its development.

These are my thoughts on the matter, and I'd love to hear your opinions. And why not follow the Podcast by clicking here.