Azure DevOps Podcast: Rod Paddock on the New Normal

Rod Paddock on the New Normal - Episode 111

Oct 19, 2020

Joining the podcast today is Rod Paddock, the CTO of Dash Point Software, Inc. and the Editor in Chief of CODE Magazine!

In 2001, Rod founded Dash Point Software, Inc. to develop high-quality custom software solutions. With over 30 years of experience, some of his current and past clients include Six Flags, First Premier Bank, Microsoft, Calamos Investments, The US Coast Guard, and US Navy. Along with developing software, Rod is a well-known author and conference speaker. Since 1995, he has given talks, training sessions, and keynotes in the US, Canada, and Europe.

In this episode, Rod and Jeffrey cover a ton of ground! They discuss his latest editorial in CODE Magazine title, “The New Normal,” some of his latest favorite tools and libraries (such as Snowflake and Marten), and why he feels it is the best time right now to be a developer!

Topics of Discussion:

[:38] Be sure to visit AzureDevOps.Show for past episodes and show notes.

[:46] About The Azure DevOps Podcast, Jeffrey’s offer to speak at virtual user groups, and his newest endeavor: a video podcast, Architect Tips!

[1:30] About today’s episode with Rod Paddock.

[2:10] Jeffrey welcomes Rod to the podcast!

[2:58] Rod reflects on some of the changes he has seen in the industry.

[4:36] Rod speaks about the mission of CODE Magazine, the type of content they put out, and some interesting background about how the magazine has evolved.

[6:18] Rod speaks about his latest editorial in the magazine titled, “The New Normal”.

[10:52] Rod and Jeffrey discuss the future of what this “new normal” may look like going into next year and beyond for the software development industry and in general.

[14:49] Why it’s a great time to be a developer (and has always been!).

[15:44] As a fun aside, Rod speaks about his meat smoking with his Traeger grill.

[20:32] A word from Azure DevOps Podcast’s sponsor: Clear Measure.

[21:05] About the Snowflake database engine and how Rod uses it in his work.

[25:25] Rod explains the main impetus for adopting Snowflake.

[27:21] How to access Snowflake.

[28:19] Why, to Rod, Snowflake is the best of all worlds.

[30:55] Rod plugs his favorite library for working with CSV files.

[32:21] Rod speaks a favorite tool of his, Marten, that was created by Jeremy Miller.

[34:37] The curse of choice when it comes to databases and beyond.

[37:45] Rod’s thoughts on the “full stack developer.”

[42:39] Rod and Jeffrey share some parting words on the software development industry and how quickly it has evolved.