Introduction

> Building and sharing my passion for programming is a journey that’s all about “entertaining and inspiring millions.” It’s not just code; it’s the thrill of learning and creating that keeps me going every day.

> I believe that whether you’re a “newbie” or a “seasoned developer,” the essence of software engineering lies in having fun and pushing boundaries. It’s the roller coaster of life that excites me, and the joy of building stuff is what truly fuels my passion.

Love for programming

> One of the key moments that sparked joy in programming for me was when I first encountered linked lists in college. The idea of having a set of infinite items instead of a limited number was mind-blowing. It made me realize the vast possibilities of what I could express in code.

> Another profound moment was grasping the concept of recursion, particularly when exploring the decorator pattern. Understanding how you can construct objects in a recursive way opened my eyes to the endless unique problem-solving methods in programming.

> A significant turning point was when I delved into Lisp and created complex systems like chess engines. Witnessing the beauty of systems evolving through simple rules filled me with infinite joy, similar to the awe I felt with linked lists and recursion. These moments shaped my love for programming, despite initial struggles with concepts like recursion and fears of not belonging in the programming world.

Hardest part of programming

> Programming can become a tedious grind when it lacks surprises and challenges. When I was at Schedulicity, I found myself in this monotonous routine where I knew exactly what I would do every day. There was no creativity, just a mechanical process of generating and displaying objects. The worst part? “When you know everything” – it stripped away the joy of discovery and turned programming into a factory-line job.

> Reflecting on those moments, the absence of uncertainty and challenge was what truly hurt. It’s not the obstacles, but rather the predictability of it all that can drain the passion from a programmer. Without those unknowns, all that’s left is the race of getting it from your head to your hands as fast as possible.

Types of programming

> I've always seen myself as a tools engineer, focusing on building libraries and tools for developers to be successful. This journey led me to work on UI libraries, build systems, and even WebSocket connections for TVs at Netflix.

> I consider myself a generalist, tackling various tasks without getting too specialized in one area. Whether it's optimizing memory, building UIs, or setting up websocket connections, I like diving into different challenges and learning new things along the way.

Life story

> Life truly is a rollercoaster, and my journey reflects that. From facing the depths of addiction and losing my father to experiencing an awakening that changed my life, I've learned there’s always hope and an opportunity to rebuild. Those dark times, including my struggles with depression and substance abuse, were pivotal in shaping who I am today.

> The moment I felt the "very dramatic and real presence of God" became a turning point for me. It was kind of like Frodo on his razor's edge, leading to a deep shift in my feelings of shame and consciousness. That was when I realized I had to take responsibility for my actions and seek out a healthier, more meaningful path.

> Embracing the process of learning transformed my life—I stumbled through school initially, but after years of perseverance, I finally clicked into place. Going from the "worst person to the best" in math and programming was a rewarding journey, proving that dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary success when fueled by genuine motivation.

Hardship

> I think what really struck me was reflecting on losing my dad at a young age. It's like I never knew what having a dad truly meant, and that feeling of longing has stuck with me. Losing a dad at a young age is different; it's like I have this fuzzy memory and a constant yearning.

> This loss of a father figure had a profound impact on me, especially in seeking approval. I found myself desperate for that approval and love, a void that I tried to fill in various ways. It's amazing how these early experiences shape our behaviors without us even realizing it.

High school

> High school feels like an eternal prison filled with fleeting social hierarchies that can crush you, but they really hold no long-term weight. The people who seem so vital in those moments become less consequential as life unfolds, and if I could have grasped that sooner, I might have navigated those years with more freedom and courage.

> Embrace the weirdness and challenges—it’s in that struggle where real growth occurs. The so-called “cool” kids might thrive in that shallow popularity contest, but it’s the outsiders, the ones who question and explore, who are truly setting themselves up to win in the grand game of life. The key is to realize that every trial is a chance to figure out who you really are and to come out swinging when real life begins.

Porn addiction

> Porn addiction is particularly difficult because society doesn't see it as a serious issue, making it hard to get support. It's a private addiction that can be easily hidden, leading to a long-term impact on how individuals view and value others. Overcoming this addiction requires recognizing its objectifying nature and the devaluation of human connection it promotes.

> The manosphere's focus on casual sex can lead to devaluing intimacy and deep connections, impacting relationships in the long run. While confidence from sexual experiences can be beneficial, real fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships and connections, whether romantic or friendship-based. Prioritizing intimacy over casual sex is key to leading a truly fulfilling life.

> Building trust and vulnerability are essential for deep relationships, with trust being proportional to the depth of a relationship. Being vulnerable, even in the face of potential harm, is crucial in establishing strong connections with others. The risk of vulnerability is always worth it, leading to life-changing experiences like finding a life partner and experiencing personal growth.

God

> There was a pivotal moment at 19 when clarity struck, and I realized that I had been living a life devoid of real values, chasing fleeting pleasures. "I had no value; I wrapped up all my meaning or value in having sex or getting laid," and that realization led to my decision to choose a different path, away from addiction.

> Overcoming porn addiction went beyond simply replacing one distraction with another. The key was understanding that my actions were based on a "true realization... I was taking something away from my future wife." This deep understanding transformed my perspective and empowered me to change.

> Life's true fulfillment and meaning can't be found in temporary escapes, whether through drugs or other distractions. "You cannot find that thing you’re looking for," and while drugs may offer a momentary thrill, they ultimately come with a "heavy cost" that chips away at the life you could be living. Focusing on building genuine connections and a meaningful life is where real happiness lies.

Perseverance

> My journey from struggling in pre-calculus to excelling in advanced math taught me the value of relentless hard work. Despite initially failing, I kept pushing myself to improve daily, dedicating hours to practice until complex concepts became second nature. It was a journey from being bad at something to eventually becoming really good at it, proving that consistent effort is key to mastering any skill.

> The notion of "work smarter, not harder" is a phrase I strongly dislike. It implies that there's an easy path to success, overlooking the reality of hard work and the absence of shortcuts. For me, working very hard was the only way to discover what working smart truly meant. The process of putting in the hours was essential in understanding and achieving excellence.

> Another cultural phrase I find frustrating is "the journey is better than the destination." This concept suggests that the ongoing struggle is more valuable than reaching the goal, which I find illogical. Progress and moving forward, even if slow, are crucial, and positivity should not undermine the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving success. Therefore, I propose a more fitting phrase: "work hard, get smart."

Netflix

> The journey into tech was filled with exploration and ambition, drawing inspiration from my father’s early entrepreneurial struggles and my own experiences with startups that came just “a half decade too early.” It was a lesson in timing and perseverance as much as it was about technology.

> Landing at Netflix was a “bold leap” into the unknown, leaving a comfortable situation behind to embrace a job that thrived on a high-pressure culture. I carried the weight of personal challenges too, with a wife about to give birth and no support network in California, making it an intense life shift.

> Despite the challenges, the energy of Silicon Valley was exhilarating; being surrounded by people driven to create and innovate was a powerful motivator. It's a unique environment where everyone's focused on building something, and that shared enthusiasm is contagious, igniting a passion that's hard to replicate elsewhere.

Groovy

> Netflix posed a unique challenge in understanding their stack, particularly the front end for TV devices like PlayStation 3. Groovy was the language used, but it wasn't popular among engineers, leading to unexpected challenges and learnings. The need to restructure data for recommendations highlighted the importance of abstraction in distinguishing between movie content and recommendation information, showcasing the guest's adaptability and problem-solving skills in navigating through complex tasks.

Printf() debugging

> "One of my first jobs was writing robots for the government, and that experience really honed my print debugging skills. The only way to figure out those complex systems was to print out information and work through problems logically, which has become a powerful tool in my engineering toolkit."

> "There's a temptation to just start from scratch when faced with an old codebase, but the real growth comes from understanding it first. I learned this the hard way when I dismissed a colleague’s code as 'goofy'—only to find I'd nearly recreated their solution because they were solving a problem I hadn’t even taken the time to fully understand."

Falcor

> Discovering vulnerabilities in software systems can have significant implications, as seen in the case of the Falcore bug at Netflix that could have brought down the entire infrastructure. The impact of such vulnerabilities, if exploited, can be massive and challenging to address.

> The complexity of defending against denial of service attacks highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Cloudflare and similar services act as essential safeguards, but the evolving landscape of attacks, including social engineering tactics, poses constant challenges for security professionals.

> As AI technology advances, the potential for prompt injections and social engineering attacks becomes a concerning reality. The intersection of AI and cybersecurity presents new vulnerabilities that software developers and security experts need to anticipate and address proactively to safeguard systems from malicious exploitation.

Breaking production

> First off, the journey of working with software systems is like walking a "knife's edge." We’ve got all this incredible power in our hands, but with that power comes the risk of destruction. It really makes me ponder, “Will we flourish or destroy ourselves?” The stakes feel high, but embracing this balance is crucial for the future of our civilization.

> On a more personal note, breaking production has been a wild ride. I’ve definitely had my moments of chaos, like the time I mistakenly set static objects in PHP, causing a wave of incorrect data that had people believing they were in different countries. Or when I messed up a countdown for Lady Gaga's video launch, freezing the entire website, and let’s not forget the infinite loop bug that turned a basic function into a webpage disaster! Looking back, it’s almost laughable how some of those mistakes felt so obvious afterwards, yet in the moment, it was a total conundrum. It’s moments like these that remind me how important it is to learn from our slip-ups.

Pieter Levels

> One key insight I shared was about the approach of pushing directly to production. I mentioned how it's suitable for solo developers like Peter Levels but may not scale for larger organizations like Microsoft or Netflix due to the complexity involved. I emphasized the importance of considering the application's complexity, the size of the team, and the need for a robust testing suite before deciding to push directly to production.

> Another point I highlighted was about the trade-off between sticking to familiar tools like jQuery for efficiency versus exploring new technologies to potentially solve problems more efficiently. I explained that while familiarity with a toolbelt can lead to speed in getting the job done, exploring new languages or experiences can offer more efficient solutions for specific problems. I stressed the value of being open to exploring different tools to continuously improve problem-solving abilities.

Netflix, Twitch, and YouTube infrastructure

> The sheer complexity of infrastructure behind platforms like YouTube is staggering, especially with their dynamic data demands. With "1 million hours of videos uploaded every day," managing relevance and quick delivery of new content is a monumental engineering challenge that I can hardly wrap my head around.

> Working in large companies often requires navigating a web of teams and approvals for even small changes. It's mind-blowing to think that something as simple as reversing the order in which seasons are displayed can require "20 engineers" and multiple meetings with VPs, which slows down innovation.

> The importance of hiring capable engineers who can rally teams and adapt quickly cannot be overstated. "You have to create a very lean audience that can move fast," because if great talent is made to sit through bureaucratic processes, they can easily lose motivation and become disengaged, which is detrimental to both the company and their personal growth.

ThePrimeagen origin story

> Firstly, my streaming journey began with a charity event for Kids with Cancer Research through Extra Life. It was an impactful experience as I could choose the hospital where the donations went, making a direct impact.

> Next, transitioning from streaming Fortnite to programming on stream was a turning point. It was daunting to leave the safety of Netflix for the uncertainty of streaming full-time, but it felt like a unique opportunity to explore something unconventional before it was too late.

> Lastly, the origin of my streaming alias, ThePrimeagen, stems from the video game Turok 2, where the final boss was called "The Primogen." The alias symbolizes a counterculture movement against the pretentious tech world, promoting creativity, fun, and inclusivity in the tech community.

Learning programming languages

> The journey of learning a new programming language is hands-on—"just put your hands on the keyboard." Diving into practical projects allows you to overcome obstacles and grasp the unique aspects of the language, rather than relying solely on previous experiences with other languages.

> Reading the language reference was a transformative approach for me: "I've been just kind of going through and just reading the entire manual for these languages." It’s about internalizing the concepts so when you build later, you remember the potential of the language, making your coding journey richer.

> While AI offers incredible assistance in learning to code, there's a double-edged sword aspect: "you sacrifice knowledge for speed." If we offload our problems to AI too often, we risk fostering a generation of programmers who might struggle with unique challenges. Balancing AI use with raw coding practice is key—“at some point you have to take off the training wheels.”

Best programming languages in 2025

> JavaScript is a great first language for beginners as it allows for visual expression and quick understanding of programming concepts. It offers versatility in frontend, backend, web development, and even embedded systems, despite some criticisms.

> Choosing a programming language should align with your goals, whether it's game development (C/C++), web development (JavaScript), or embedded systems (C/C++). Understanding what you want to achieve is key to selecting the right languages to explore.

Python

> "Python is definitely the go-to for anything data or machine learning related, but let’s not overlook the powerful combo of Python with C++ and CUDA. A lot of the magic happens in C++ behind those Python libraries, and it's fascinating how they mesh together."

> "If you're passionate about front-end design, JavaScript is where you want to be. Sure, Python has its strengths, but for those looking to create visual experiences, mastering JavaScript is essential. Finding that sweet spot between backend and frontend skills is key."

HTML & CSS

> HTML and CSS are not programming languages. "If I can't write a function in an if statement, I don't feel like that's a programming language." Modern HTML, with all its features, is more of a specification than a programming language – it's about specifying how things should look and behave under different conditions.

Bash

> Command line skills are essential; being comfortable with it gives you a "superpower" in programming. It's not just about the tools but understanding the underlying mechanics that can really set you apart.

> While I appreciate languages like JavaScript for their popularity, there's a unique charm in Bash that fosters creativity—it's not always about how sophisticated a language is but how effectively you can solve problems with the tools at your disposal.

FFmpeg

> "I find FFmpeg to be this incredible library system filled with mysteries and powers that grow exponentially as you unlock its command line capabilities. It's like only a few wizards truly understand it, but it's so fascinating to delve into."

> "I believe exploring both dynamic languages like Python or JavaScript and strict languages like Rust or Go is essential. Also, delving into niche but exciting languages like Elixir, Odin, or Okamo can bring a sense of community and accomplishment in the ever-evolving programming landscape."

Performance

> The competition between Zigg, Rust, and C++ is fascinating, as each language offers its own balance of performance and developer experience. Zigg, in particular, stands out because it provides a middle ground: “Zigg has optionals... it prevents that whole null pointer dereferencing seg fault problem.” This aspect simplifies the coding process while maintaining flexibility.

> C remains a legendary language for its versatility and efficiency, yet it can be extremely tricky to master. As I said, “C is like the ultimate language. It can do anything... But it's also really difficult.” Zigg captures some of that magic of C while adding newfound safety features, making it an attractive option for both new and experienced developers alike.

Rust

> I love that in Rust, memory management is directly tied to the stack, making it simpler and more efficient. When a stack variable goes out of scope and gets cleaned up, it also cleans up what's on the heap, avoiding memory leaks effortlessly.

> The explicit requirement for specifying mutability in Rust makes code more readable and understandable. By having to declare variables as mutable, it enhances code clarity and prevents unexpected changes, creating a safer programming environment.

Epic projects

> One of my all-time favorite projects involved taking a Doom ASI port and transforming it into a browser-based game where Twitch chat could control the gameplay. It was exhilarating to see the community come together, spamming keys to beat levels while I developed various compression algorithms to ensure smooth gameplay—"I turned it from gigabytes into kilobytes" with some clever coding techniques.

> The cultural landscape of streaming platforms varies greatly, and I feel a strong kinship with the Twitch community because of its interconnectedness—"every channel you go to has this like same culture." It’s a place where memes flow freely, and there's a vibrant energy that fuels the humor and jokes shared among streamers and viewers alike.

> Big projects shape me as a programmer by highlighting "where all of your choices add up." When I hit the 5,000 to 10,000 lines of code mark, that's where the real learning happens. It's the moment when I assess my initial design decisions, recognize the need for effective testing, and figure out how to scale my work effectively—those experiences are truly transformative in my growth as a developer.

Asserts

> I find joy in debugging by seeing my choices materialize and the payoff of laying out asserts, allowing me to quickly debug and discover errors before they become real bugs. It's about creating powerful systems that work correctly in the majority of cases, stress-testing them, and ensuring they function flawlessly.

> By embracing the practice of incorporating asserts everywhere, as inspired by conversations with John Carmack and learning from experts like Yuron and NASA, I have found a new way of programming that not only helps me catch bugs early but also teaches me to anticipate and handle unforeseen complexities. It's a skill set that grows over time and transforms the programming experience into a more rigorous, resilient, and enjoyable process.

ADHD

> Maturity has been a game changer for me; it means embracing the process even if it takes longer, like forcing myself to reread a page or stay present while listening to an audiobook. “I remember reading some pages in college like 18 times in a row,” and it wasn't about speed—it was about the commitment to my growth, which I believe applies to everyone, whether they have ADHD or not.

> The crucial role my wife plays in my life cannot be overstated; she clears the distractions that would otherwise pull me into chaos. I've recognized that “it would be foolish of me to claim that I've defeated ADHD by myself”—it’s about mastering the aspects I can control while leaning on my support system, which has helped me excel in my passions like programming.

Productivity

> I've learned the importance of minimizing distractions and side quests in programming. By mastering my skills, I can focus solely on the task at hand, allowing me to be fully present in problem-solving without constantly looking up information or being pulled in different directions.

> I prioritize efficiency by mastering tools like typing and my editor to the point where actions become instinctual. This way, I don't waste mental energy on unnecessary tasks like looking down at the keyboard or delving into endless plugin customizations. Instead, I aim to streamline my workflow, making quick edits only when truly necessary and avoiding the temptation of endlessly perfecting my setup.

Programming setup

> The Kinesis Advantage keyboard is a game-changer for productivity; its ergonomic design minimizes wrist pain and makes correcting mistakes swift and easy. "Backspace in general symbolizes like you're deleting a thing. It symbolizes a mistake... the Kinesis just makes it pleasant and fast and easy physically to correct a mistake."

> A one-monitor setup revolutionizes my workflow. By using shortcuts to switch tasks quickly, I can flow between projects without the distraction of multiple screens. "Everything is perfectly mapped out to a single key."

> Mastering Vim motions transforms coding into a fluid, almost musical experience. It's all about efficiency—once you know how to navigate and edit text quickly, "editing text and getting code out actually becomes one of the many bottlenecks."

> Comfort in my setup is key; I sit on a yoga ball to maintain good posture and keep my focus sharp. "When I have something to lean against, I slouch... but with the ball, I maintain an active posture."

> It's important to embrace the learning curve of tools like Neovim or Emacs, as they can significantly influence your programming journey. "It doesn't matter how you use it; I want to see the person that just knows how to use it and they know how to use it well."

Coffee

> I love how we came up with the idea for Terminal Coffee Company out of a desire to sell something unique, ethical, and fun, like coffee that developers can order via SSH, making it a fun and geeky experience that we can all enjoy.

> The focus on creating a product that brings joy without any ethical dilemma, developing a high-quality coffee supply chain and packaging that we truly believe in, has been so fulfilling, even to the extent that I find myself personally hooked on the coffee; it's not about influencing careers or startups, just offering a simple and enjoyable experience that people can connect with in a light-hearted way.

Programming with AI

> AI shines in predictable tasks but struggles with the unpredictable; it excels in well-documented areas like Typescript while falling short in cutting-edge frameworks like Zig. Understanding its limitations is crucial for effective use.

> Using AI can initially feel like a magic trick, but over time, I realized I was more "autopiloting" than coding critically. Developing the skill to thoughtfully modify AI-generated code is essential for successful collaboration.

> Programming with AI can be enjoyable and less isolating—it's like pair programming with an intern that always gives you a response, even if it sometimes misses the mark. It's fun to have that interaction rather than staring at a blank page.

> While productivity gains are apparent, relying solely on AI can create skill gaps. Mastery of hard skills remains vital; they are the foundation that allows programmers to harness AI effectively, rather than be outpaced by it.

> The ever-evolving nature of programming calls for adapting and learning from AI, but it cannot replicate the human element of care and creativity that comes with crafting code. True artistry in programming requires the human touch that AI simply can't emulate.

Advice for young programmers

> It's essential to balance passion for programming with other aspects of life, like relationships and health, to avoid the pitfalls of being solely consumed by work.

> Developing a love for programming, focusing on skills that bring joy, and not sacrificing morals for success are crucial in navigating the tech industry and personal growth.

> The intersection of work and family life is complex, as having children can redefine one's capacity for love and dedication, leading to a unique perspective on priorities and fulfillment.

Reddit questions

> First off, the tech industry is a bit of a minefield, and companies like Microsoft have mastered the art of playing both sides. Sure, they've created solid products like VS Code, but at the end of the day, their motives aren’t as altruistic as they make them out to be. The way they approach open source seems more about keeping you locked into their ecosystem than about genuine support. Just look at how they function—they're all about getting you to rely on their products, which feels awfully like an old-school business tactic to me.

> On a lighter note, humor can be a powerful tool in tech discussions, whether it's talking about “male models” or sharing a cheeky experience like my infamous Stack Overflow "dict" question. It’s a reminder that even in the serious world of programming and software, we can find laughter in our community. Just imagine how that innocent inquiry spiraled into a legendary moment—it's proof that the boundaries of tech and humor can blur beautifully!

God

> God played a significant role in my life, transforming me in ways I couldn't have imagined. It was a turning point that shaped my values, relationships, and overall happiness. Forgiveness, fueled by experiencing God's love first-hand, brought me freedom from past hurts and anger.

> Love, in its various forms like friendship, parental, and agape love, is essential to the human experience. It's a fundamental need that brings depth and meaning to our lives, combating loneliness and driving acts of forgiveness. Love is not just a desire, but a necessity for personal growth and societal harmony.