As a software developer, you’re always learning how to perfect your skills. With technology growing stronger and stronger every day, your job is to improve it through amazing software, apps, and so on. In this profession, you have to do the following (and then some):
- Coding (i.e., JavaScript)
- Ensuring that software is working properly
- Debugging
- Developing new software, etc.
And one of the best ways to improve as a software developer is by listening to a podcast. (You heard right!)
Podcasts offer a great way to learn in your downtime, as they’re easily listened to while on your commute, in the gym, and so on. Don’t have time to take a class on software development? Podcasts on this subject are the next best thing!
If you’re interested in software development or are already working in tech, there are lots of tech podcasts that you can choose from. Though, we want to make some good recommendations for this list!
The best podcasts for software developers
The Changelog
First, let’s take a look at The Changelog!
This is one of the biggest podcasts in tech right now, as it’s been going on for 11 years and counting. If you have any interest in open-source tech, then you have to be subscribed to them. Hosts Adam Stacoviak and Jerod Santo are developers who have created their own online community, where they use lots of open-source tools. They use this knowledge to bring you tips and advice on open-source software.
There are over 400 episodes to enjoy, so you’ll be able to dive in and find an episode on any topic that you’re interested in. They have a lot of knowledge that you can draw from when it comes to your own projects. So, there’s no need to worry about whether you’re getting relevant information on software development or not.
Recent episodes (in July 2022) include:
- Oxide builds servers (as they should be)
- DevTool platform types, things to know about databases, starting with commas, Lobsters turns 10 & Upptime, AND
- Actual(ly) opening-up
SyntaxFM
Considered one of the best shows on software development by far, SyntaxFM has your web development needs covered! On this podcast, no stone is left unturned, when it comes to developing software. You’ll get up-to-date titbits on web development, with some fun and excitement on the side!
Former-break-dancer-turned-developer Scott Tolinski and Canadian developer Wes Bos team up to host this amazing show. Both charismatic and intellectual in the industry, they talk web development, with their recent episode covering clamp and interpolate. In addition, they interview some of the biggest names in web development. Throughout the series, software developers can be sure to solve problems with practical solutions (tips and tricks), and then use said solutions for future endeavors in the field.
Recent episodes of SyntaxFM (as of July 2022) include:
- Clamp & Interpolate
- Supper Club × Voice Coding with Pokey Rule
- 10 years of Speaking + Conferences, AND
- CSS5 Color Functions
Indie Hackers Podcast
Next, dive into the Indie Hackers podcast!
This podcast is one of the best out there if you’re looking for something that’s focused on developer entrepreneurs. With the industry growing today, it makes sense sentence for people to start businesses that revolve around software development.
“There are lots of tech businesses out there that get no outside funding, and they are what this show focuses on,” says developer writer Harriet Gold, from Assignment Help and Lia Help. “Here, you’ll get lots of insights into what makes these ventures work. In hindsight, learning from software developer entrepreneurs can actually help you make better decisions on starting a business in that niche or industry.”
Host Coutland Allen is an MIT-trained engineer who founded his own tech venture, and he interviews other founders in this podcast. He gets to know how they got their idea off the ground and sees what made them so successful. You can pick up a lot of tips for your own business.
The podcast is weekly, with their latest podcast episode “From Side Project to Full Time” airing on July 5th. In this episode, they interview both Network Operations Center Manager Damon Chen (athenahealth), Head of No-Code Engineering, and Junglebee Founder Michael Rouveure.
Software Engineering Radio
Want to learn more about software engineering? Then take a listen to the Software Engineering Radio podcast!
This program is brought to you by IEEE Software, a leading technical magazine for software professionals. The magazine is published by the IEEE Computer Society – informing, inspiring, and collaborating in computer science and engineering.
Run by the good staff and volunteers of IEEE Software, Software Engineering Radio has the sole purpose of providing long-lasting education on software development. With relevant information and fun titbits in each episode, the podcast is weekly with its knowledge base consisting of testimonials, interviews from various experts in the industry, and fun facts.
In their recent episode (on July 6th), the podcast interviews Kumar Ramaiyer, CTO of the Planning Business Unit at Workday. In this episode, they talk about software-as-a-service (SaaS), and how to build it in software development. It’s a good learning tool for software developers who have any questions or concerns about SaaS.
JS Party
Software developers must learn about JavaScript at some point during their careers. The good news is, that JS Party has your regular JavaScript fix covered!
This podcast is focused on JavaScript, so if that’s your coding language of choice then you’ll want to listen to this show. As the JavaScript ecosystem is so massive, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why this show was created, to help you understand what’s out there, and how to use it to its fullest extent.
There’s a rotating cast of JS experts on hand to talk about everything that’s new with the system, best practices that you should know about, and any new changes that you’ll want to explore. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to know more about JavaScript.
With a brand new episode once a week, JS party has the ultimate goal of helping software developers learn the tips and tricks of JavaScript. Check out their recent episodes in July 2022 thus far: “Accidentally testable” and “Sophisticated Cornhole.” In “Accidentally testable,” OSS developer Jessica Sachs discusses re-launching and maintaining Faker.js after its abandonment. In “Sophisticated Cornhole,” the group talks about emojis, while they discuss whether or not TypeScript is the “new Java.”
Talk Python To Me
On the other hand, if you use Python regularly, you’ll want to listen to Talk Python To Me.
Python, as a programming language, is vital to software development. And, with this podcast, none is left unsaid about Python. The Talk Python To Me podcast is hosted by developer Michael Kennedy, and every week he talks to experts in the field to learn more about Python.
There are over 300 episodes in the library, covering everything from web development to data science, machine learning, and more. Needless to say, there is a lot of valuable information to dive into, when it comes to the popular programming language.
Their recent episode “Applied mathematics with Python” aired on July 8th. In this episode, mathematics takes center stage, as Kennedy explores this subject in terms of Python – why it’s important in the programming language, and how software developers can incorporate it into their everyday work.
Masters of Scale
Software development is a booming business. This fact is prominent in Masters of Scale, where LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman introduces listeners to the art of creating a business around software development.
On this podcast, you’ll hear stories about how people have started their own businesses within the field, and how they’ve become successful in what they do. You’ll learn great lessons from software executives, founders, etc. And, you’ll learn fact from fiction as the host and his guests debunk misconceptions and theories that have plagued the industry for a long time. It’s an ideal podcast for those looking to start a business in software development.
Recent episodes from Masters of Scale include:
- Rapid Response: Volunteer for impact, w/AmeriCorps’ Michael Smith, live at the Social Innovation Summit; AND,
- Customer love is all you need, w/Y Combinator’s Sam Altman
20minJS
As mentioned, JavaScript is a crucial part of web development. And what better way to learn about the programming language than with the 20minJS podcast!
The podcast is hosted by OpenReplay. OpenReplay is an open-source session replay suite where developers can study how users interact with applications. It’s a great resource for developers looking to better understand the user experience, and improve their applications and software. With that said, you’ll be in good hands with this podcast, since it’s run by time-and-true experts in the field.
In their recent July 5th episode, “AgnosticUI and what it means to build a component library with Rob Levin,” AgnosticUI creator Rob Levin talks about frameworks. However, he takes the discussion a step further by discussing the ins and outs of creating a framework agnostic component library. He describes the entire process in detail, making it a great way for software developers to learn about adequate framework creation.
JavaScript Jabber
“JavaScript Jabber is ideal for developers who constantly work with JavaScript specifically,” says Aaron Saunders, a tech expert with State Of Writing and Essayroo. “Popular amongst web developers everywhere, JavaScript is essential to learn and have in your software development toolkit. The good news is, that the show is hosted by top-end JavaScript developers AJ ONeal, Charles Max Wood, Aimee Knight, Dan Shappir, and Steve Edwards. With new episodes weekly, JavaScript fans and developers can get their regular dose of fun and helpful content.”
Their recent episode “Hydrogen and Oxygen” aired on July 5th. In this episode, the group interviews Senior Staff Developer Josh Larson (Shopify), as they talk about Hydrogen and Oxygen. They explain how Hydrogen (addresses needs from online storefront owners) and Oxygen (allows customers to host and launch Hydrogen) are crucial to the world of JavaScript. In addition, the group talks about how React is important in building the necessary framework for creating the best online experience for users everywhere.
Finally, there is a plethora of knowledge to have on web development through the Dev Interrupted podcast.
Hosted by Dan Lines, Dev Interrupted is a weekly podcast that helps software developers take the guesswork out of web development. With an experienced team of software experts from various parts of the field, you’ll get a regular dose of relevant topics. The podcast delves into the many processes, metrics, tips, and tricks, etc. of software development. In addition, you’ll hear interviews from various experts in web development.
Best of all, Dev Interrupted is more than just a podcast. The program even has a website for listeners to visit to learn more about software development. The podcast even has its own Discord server for listeners to meet up with experts in the field.
Recent episodes of Dev Interrupted include:
- What a Healthy Relationship with Open Source Looks Like ft. GitLab’s John Coghlan; AND,
- How to Train Devs to Disrupt Industries w/Lessen’s CTO Chris Bee
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it!
Listening to a podcast – any of these 10 podcasts, or some, or ALL OF THEM – can be quite an education for software developers – novice and expert. As you can see, software development is growing and, like technology, will continue to grow for many years to come. And, with these podcasts, you’ll learn about web development and coding in more ways than one. Regardless if you’ve been in the industry for a long time, or if you’re new to the game, there’s something for everyone!
Just to recap, check out these great podcasts on software development:
- The Changelog
- SyntaxFM
- Indie Hackers Podcast
- Software Engineering Radio
- JS Party
- Talk Python To Me
- Masters of Scale
- 20minJS
- JavaScript Jabber, AND
- Dev Interrupted
These are some of the best tech podcasts out there right now. They’re informative, fun, and worth your time. Take a listen now, and you’ll be able to pick up a lot of tips and tricks to help you get ahead in your career.
Good luck, software developers!
