10 Software Engineering Podcasts

Podcasts provide an excellent medium for software engineers to stay on top of latest technologies, improve coding skills, and gain career and leadership insights while multitasking. The best shows engage listeners through compelling topic selection, high production quality, and knowledgeable hosts with industry experience. Leading software podcasts balance educational content with entertainment value.

This post explores 10 top-rated software engineering podcasts based on topic relevance, episode quality, host expertise, guest insights, production value, and overall usefulness for software professionals looking to keep learning and advancing their careers. Any engineers and tech leaders can benefit from having these podcasts in their regular listening rotation.

Software Engineering Podcasts

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of the top 10 software engineering podcasts:

Podcast	Pros	Cons
Software Engineering Daily	Educational daily content; highly produced	Can get too in-depth for some
Programming Throwdown	Fun debates; experienced hosts	Unscripted style isn’t for everyone
Coding Blocks	Concept deep dives; engaging hosts	Episodes skew longer
The Changelog	Latest open source news; high quality	Niche focus on open source
The Ray Wenderlich Podcast	App development focus; experienced hosts	iOS/Apple focus; lighter fare
Developers Tea	Short episodes; personal development focus	Narrow niche focus
The InfoQ Podcast	Renowned guests; broad topics	Interviews can feel impersonal
Software Engineering Radio	Legendary guests; IEEE credibility	Academic tone; niche audience
Full Stack Radio	Role-relevant topics; focused content	Web stack niche focus
Software Sessions	Thoughtful career-focused interviews	Host-centric format

Software Engineering Daily

Hosted by software engineer Jeff Meyerson, Software Engineering Daily publishes daily interviews with experts on topics relevant for software developers. Episodes provide insightful overviews into emerging languages, frameworks, techniques, career growth, and more. The host and guests dive deep into current software technologies and methodologies.

Production quality is excellent, aided by chapter markers that allow jumping into discussions of interest. Software Engineering Daily ranks among the most popular and highest rated engineering podcasts for delivering practical, educational daily content software professionals can immediately apply.

Programming Throwdown

Programming Throwdown provides another top software podcast choice with energetic, unscripted technical discussions. Veteran software engineer hosts Jason Gorman and Patrick Wheeler debate various programming languages, frameworks, architecture patterns, and processes in a fun free-flowing format.

Valuable perspectives come from the hosts’ extensive industry experience. The opportunity for listeners to “throwdown” and voice their own opinions increases engagement. Programming Throwdown entertains while providing proficient industry insights to level up coding skills and decision-making.

Coding Blocks

Billing itself as a podcast for developers by developers, Coding Blocks delivers educational deep dives intodeveloper topics through the lens of its knowledgeable hosts. Michael, Joe, and Allen met as computer science students and held various software roles since. Their expertise translates into thoughtful explanations of complex concepts.

Episodes follow applicable themes like databases, design principles, algorithms, languages, and more. The hosts’ camaraderie also invites listeners into an engaging learning experience. Coding Blocks provides another leading software podcast option to learn and grow as an engineer.

The Changelog

The Changelog publishes podcasts and writes covering the latest in open source technology. Their main podcast provides developer-focused discussions and interviews related to new software releases, version control, open source sustainability, and technology trends. Hosts Adam Stacoviak and Jerod Santo thoroughly examine topics.

Digest episodes summarize the latest news and updates from the open source community. Spotlight series provide deeper exploration of notable projects like Kubernetes and React. For those interested in the open source landscape, The Changelog delivers insightful coverage.

The Ray Wenderlich Podcast

Launched by software education platform Ray Wenderlich, this podcast features lively conversations around app development, programming techniques, emerging tech, and developer career topics. Hosts Tammy Coron, Eric Van de Kerckhove, and Darren Murph draw on their extensive industry experience.

Recent episodes have covered Kotlin multiplatform, SpriteKit game dev, App Store optimization, and landing a software job. Valuable developer insights get conveyed through an engaging format. The Ray Wenderlich Podcast provides useful knowledge to build better apps and advance coding skills.

Developers Tea

For software developers seeking wisdom beyond code, Developers Tea delivers thoughtful daily episodes examining personal development, leadership, productivity, and career growth. Host Jonathan Cutrell provides insightful perspective and actionable advice from lessons learned in his software career.

The short 10-15 minute format makes episodes easy to fit into busy schedules. Show notes summarize keytakeaways. Topics range from technical like simplicity in code to personal like building confidence. Developers Tea provides useful guidance beyond syntax and tools to thrive professionally.

The InfoQ Podcast

The InfoQ Podcast features Q&A format interviews with software practitioners sharing their experiences, learnings, and advice across a range of industry topics. JavaScript, Java, .NET, DevOps, leadership, and testing categories align episodes with roles and interests.

Esteemed guests include software leaders like Martin Fowler, Linda Rising, and Mary Poppendieck. Listeners gain valuable wisdom from industry veterans and experts. InfoQ’s established reputation for quality software coverage extends into its engaging podcast.

Software Engineering Radio

Software Engineering Radio from IEEE features in-depth interviews on educational technology topics for software professionals. Episodes provide actionable pragmatic insights directly from experts through personal conversations. Subjects range from architecture to languages to leadership skills.

Esteemed past guests include technology leaders like Joshua Bloch, Mary Lynn Manns, Grady Booch, and Martin Fowler. Episode notes with key takeaways provide further learning resources. For supplementing professional education through expert perspectives, Software Engineering Radio delivers.

Full Stack Radio

Hosted by web developer Adam Wathan, Full Stack Radio examines topics of interest for back-end, front-end, and full-stack developers through interviews with industry professionals. Episodes deliver focused discussions around programming languages, frameworks, tooling, techniques, and workflows useful across the stack.

Recent episodes have covered React testing, static site generators, Postgres JSON support, and improving as a manager. Full Stack Radio provides straight-to-the-point practical insights software engineers can apply immediately.

Software Sessions

Software Sessions host John Sonmez guides conversations with established developers, CTOs, and authors about software craftsmanship, learning, productivity, and related topics. His thoughtful interview style draws out personal experiences and advice to help listeners advance their skills and careers.

Episodes deliver tactical tips like structuring knowledge and crafting technical essays along with bigger picture career guidance like achieving work-life balance. For well-curated insights to thrive professionally, Software Sessions hits the mark.

FAQs

What every software engineer should read? Software engineers should read a variety of materials to stay up-to-date and enhance their skills. Some recommended readings include:

1. “Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin
2. “Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software” by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides
3. “The Pragmatic Programmer” by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
4. “Introduction to the Theory of Computation” by Michael Sipser (for understanding fundamental concepts)
5. Technical blogs, forums, and documentation relevant to their chosen programming languages and technologies.

Are there self-taught software engineers? Yes, many successful software engineers are self-taught. While formal education can be beneficial, it’s not a strict requirement for becoming a software engineer. Self-taught engineers often learn through online resources, books, tutorials, and practical experience.

Are software engineers no longer in demand? As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, software engineers were still in high demand. However, the demand for specific skills and technologies can fluctuate over time. It’s essential to stay updated on industry trends to ensure your skills remain relevant.

Do software engineers live a happy life? Happiness in life is subjective and varies from person to person. Software engineers, like individuals in any profession, can lead happy lives if they find fulfillment in their work, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and pursue their interests outside of work.

How can I become a good software engineer book? Becoming a good software engineer requires continuous learning and practice. Some books that can help you on your journey include:

1. “Code Complete” by Steve McConnell
2. “Effective Java” by Joshua Bloch (for Java developers)
3. “You Don’t Know JS” by Kyle Simpson (for JavaScript developers)
4. “Introduction to Algorithms” by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, and Clifford Stein (for understanding algorithms)

How can you become a software engineer? To become a software engineer, you typically follow these steps:

1. Obtain relevant education (e.g., a computer science degree).
2. Learn programming languages and technologies.
3. Build a portfolio of projects.
4. Apply for internships or entry-level positions.
5. Continuously improve your skills through practice and learning.

Can I be a software engineer if I don’t like math? While math can be helpful in software engineering, not all roles require advanced math skills. Many software engineering positions focus more on coding, problem-solving, and software development rather than complex mathematics. You can find roles that align with your math preferences.

How hard is it to become a software engineer with no experience? It can be challenging to break into the field without prior experience, but it’s not impossible. Building a strong portfolio of personal projects and participating in open-source contributions or internships can help you gain the necessary experience to land your first software engineering job.

Can you call yourself a software engineer without a degree? Yes, you can call yourself a software engineer if you have the skills and experience, even without a formal degree. Many successful software engineers are self-taught or have alternative educational backgrounds.

Is coding dead in 2023? No, coding is not dead in 2023 or likely to die anytime soon. Coding and software development remain essential skills in a technology-driven world, and the demand for software engineers continues to grow.

Why do most software engineers quit? Software engineers may quit for various reasons, including burnout, dissatisfaction with their work environment, lack of career growth opportunities, or pursuing other interests. Retention rates vary among individuals and companies.

How many software engineers get laid off? Layoffs in the software engineering field can occur due to economic downturns, company restructuring, or changes in technology trends. The exact number of engineers affected by layoffs varies over time and depends on external factors.

How stressful is software engineering? The level of stress in software engineering varies based on factors such as the complexity of the projects, deadlines, work environment, and individual preferences. Some software engineering roles can be stressful, while others may offer a more relaxed work atmosphere.

Do software engineers actually work all day? Software engineers typically have full workdays, but the specific hours and workloads can vary. They spend time coding, debugging, attending meetings, and collaborating with team members. Work-life balance also depends on the company and project.

What is the typical life of a software engineer? The typical life of a software engineer involves a combination of coding, problem-solving, teamwork, and ongoing learning. Work schedules, project types, and career paths can vary widely.

How do you know if a software engineer is good? A good software engineer often possesses qualities like strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, the ability to write clean and maintainable code, and a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies. Their work history and portfolio of projects can also provide insights into their skills.

Do software engineers work good hours? Work hours for software engineers can vary depending on the company, project, and individual preferences. Some engineers work standard 9-5 hours, while others may have flexible schedules, remote work options, or occasionally need to work extra hours to meet deadlines.

How many hours does a software engineer study? The number of hours a software engineer spends studying can vary significantly based on individual goals and circumstances. Some engineers may spend a few hours per week learning new technologies, while others may dedicate more time, especially when preparing for certifications or skill upgrades.

Is it worth becoming a software engineer in 2023? The worth of becoming a software engineer in 2023 depends on your interests, career goals, and the demand for software engineering skills in your region. As of my last update, software engineering remained a high-demand and potentially lucrative field.

Is software engineering harder than computer science? Software engineering is often considered a subset of computer science. Computer science is the broader field that covers theoretical and foundational concepts, while software engineering focuses on practical application and development. The difficulty can vary depending on individual preferences and career goals.

What degree is best for software engineering? A degree in computer science or software engineering is commonly seen as the best choice for pursuing a career in software engineering. However, related degrees in mathematics, electrical engineering, or information technology can also be valuable.

Is coding harder than calculus? The difficulty of coding versus calculus depends on individual aptitude and perspective. Some people may find coding more accessible, while others may find calculus easier. Both require practice and understanding to master.

How much math is in coding? The level of math required in coding can vary based on the specific field and project. Basic math skills are typically sufficient for many software development tasks. However, more complex projects, such as computer graphics or machine learning, may require advanced math concepts.

Is software engineering math-heavy? Software engineering, in general, is not math-heavy, but certain specializations within the field, like data science or computer graphics, may involve advanced mathematics. Many software engineering roles primarily focus on programming, problem-solving, and software design.

Is 40 too late to become a software engineer? No, 40 is not too late to become a software engineer. People of all ages can enter the field, and many successful software engineers started their careers later in life. It’s essential to be dedicated to learning and building relevant skills.

What is the shortest time to become a software engineer? The time it takes to become a software engineer varies depending on your starting point and how quickly you can acquire the necessary skills. Some people may transition into the field in a year or two with focused learning and dedication.

What does an entry-level software engineer do? Entry-level software engineers typically work on coding, debugging, and maintaining software applications under the guidance of more experienced engineers. They may also participate in code reviews, testing, and documentation tasks.

Does Google hire software engineers without degrees? Yes, Google and many other tech companies have hired software engineers without formal degrees based on their skills, experience, and performance in interviews and technical assessments.

What percentage of software engineers have no degree? The percentage of software engineers without formal degrees varies but is not uncommon. Many self-taught and bootcamp-educated engineers have successfully entered the field without traditional degrees.

What type of engineer makes the most money? Salaries can vary significantly by location and specialization, but generally, software engineers and data engineers tend to have high earning potential in the engineering field due to the demand for their skills.

What is the salary in coding 2023? Coding salaries in 2023 can vary widely depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific job role. In general, software engineers and developers often earn competitive salaries.

Is coding becoming saturated? The demand for coding skills remains strong, but the job market can vary by location and technology trends. Some areas and specialties may become more competitive, while others continue to see demand for skilled coders.

Conclusion

Podcasts represent a flexible, convenient medium for software engineers to keep building expertise. Top shows like Software Engineering Daily, Coding Blocks, and Programming Throwdown deliver role-relevant insights through high-quality episodes. The Changelog and Software Engineering Radio engage through specialist coverage of open source and emerging technologies. Any software professionals can integrate these top podcasts into their learning routines to level up coding skills and career trajectories.