whatTheFunc()?!

Episode 7 - Composing Some Magic with Nils and Jordi from Packagist

Episode Summary

In this episode of the whatTheFunc()?! podcast, Ben speaks with Nils Adermann and Jordi Boggiano, the creators of Composer and Packagist. They discuss the origins of Composer, its evolution, and the impact it has had on PHP development. The conversation delves into the balance between open source and commercialization, common mistakes developers make in dependency management, and insights gained from user experiences. They also touch on future plans for Composer, including security initiatives and the importance of community support in maintaining open source projects.

Episode Notes

Takeaways

• Composer started as a tool to manage PHP dependencies.
• The evolution of Composer has significantly impacted PHP development.
• Open source projects need a sustainable financial model.
• Developers often undervalue their time when building solutions.
• Companies should review workflows to improve efficiency with tools.
• User feedback is crucial for improving Composer's features.
• Security in open source is becoming a priority for funding.
• Community support is essential for the longevity of open source projects.
• Understanding user experiences can guide product development.
• The balance between open source and commercial interests is evolving.