APIs as the Execution Layer of AI with Postman's Rodric Rabbah

APIs as the Execution Layer of AI with Postman's Rodric Rabbah

In this episode of Hanselminutes, Scott Hanselman chats with Roderick Rabah, Head of Product at Postman Flows, about the evolution of software development, the intersection of APIs and AI, and finding the "right layer of abstraction" for problem-solving. Drawing on his deep expertise in compiler optimization, distributed systems, and serverless computing, Rabah shares his perspectives on building tools that empower developers to create efficiently and explores the paradigm shift toward visual programming and AI-driven automation.

The conversation dives into how Postman is innovating in the software space, how approaches to software engineering are transforming with generative AI, and why embracing new ways of working is critical for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Key Topics
  • [01:08] Introduction of Roderick Rabah: From research scientist to API innovator
  • [02:14] Evolution of software development: From FPGAs to serverless computing
  • [03:23] APIs and AI: The transformative intersection powering workflows
  • [05:33] The rise of tool-calling and agents: Simplifying backend tasks
  • [07:33] Managing complexity: Why structured APIs make integration seamless
  • [12:08] Visual programming languages: The paradigm shift for developers
  • [16:42] Postman Flows: Building applications through visual workflows
  • [20:24] Embracing generative AI: How senior and junior engineers benefit
  • [29:02] Deploying with WebAssembly: Making cloud integration accessible
  • [30:33] Reflections on the future of technology and its impact on software careers
Main Takeaways
  1. API + AI Integration: APIs combined with large language models are unlocking new capabilities for software development by abstracting complex operations and enabling automation.
  2. Visual Programming Paradigm Shift: Applications are increasingly built using visual workflows where developers focus on intent rather than low-level code implementation, driving efficiency and accessibility.
  3. Generative AI Empowerment: Generative AI tools are accelerating the pace of innovation, empowering engineers to fix bugs, streamline workflows, and manage edge cases efficiently.
  4. Structured APIs Critical for AI: Thoughtfully designed APIs with proper documentation and safeguards are essential to ensure that autonomous AI agents interact correctly and securely.
  5. Accessible Deployment: New runtime frameworks, like serverless with WebAssembly, make it easier for developers to deploy applications across the cloud, enabling broader adoption of AI-driven solutions.
Notable Quotes

"Serverless is where you think about servers less." – Scott Hanselman

"At what point does communicating your intent to AI become programming again?" – Roderick Rabah

"Visual programming resonates with builders because it matches the mental model of decomposing problems." – Roderick Rabah

"Technology transforms rapidly. You have to figure out how to wield this immense power." – Roderick Rabah

"Don’t throw away your critical thinking just because AI makes building faster." – Roderick Rabah

Resources Mentioned
  • Postman Flows – Tools for visual programming and API integrations: postman.com
  • Replit – Generative coding platform for automating development tasks: replit.com
  • WebAssembly – Runtime framework for deploying serverless applications: webassembly.org
  • Books on Compiler Theory: Suggested resource for expanding understanding of abstractions

Follow along for more insights, tips, and conversations with industry leaders. These show notes summarize key moments in the podcast for easy reference and understanding - these show notes were generated by a custom gpt-4o-nano model trained in previous episodes of Hanselminutes

Jaksot(1000)

AI Code Reviews with CodeRabbit's Howon Lee

AI Code Reviews with CodeRabbit's Howon Lee

What if AI could not only speed up your code reviews—but actually make them fairer? In this episode of Hanselminutes, Scott Hanselman chats with Howon Lee, Senior Software Engineer at CodeRabbit, about how AI is changing the game when it comes to code reviews. They dig into the unspoken dynamics that can pop up in traditional reviews—like how seniority or team politics sometimes matter more than the code itself. Howon shares why AI can be a helpful, unbiased voice that gives everyone clear, consistent feedback, no matter their experience level. They also talk about how tools like CodeRabbit are working to make software development more inclusive and collaborative.http://coderabbit.ai

29 Touko 202533min

Azure AI Foundry (from BUILD 2025) with Yina Arenas

Azure AI Foundry (from BUILD 2025) with Yina Arenas

Learn how to supercharge your AI development with our integrated signals loop that connects model choice, knowledge retrieval, fine-tuning, orchestration and memory —anchored by observability and trust. Design, customize, and manage intelligent agents using open standards and protocols such as Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent-to-Agent (A2A) to connect with tools and drive collaboration. Gain insights into advanced orchestration, tracing, and monitoring to streamline decision-making, boost efficiency, accelerate time to market, and lower costs.NOTE - This is a bit of a meta-episode, recorded live at Microsoft Build, this is a discussion about how Scott might use AI to help produce his podcast!Azure AI Foundry: The AI app and Agent Factory | BRK155

22 Touko 202550min

Is AI what Robotics needs? with Jasmine Lawrence Campbell

Is AI what Robotics needs? with Jasmine Lawrence Campbell

In this episode of Hanselminutes, Scott sits down with AI/ML & Robotics leader Jasmine Lawrence Campbell to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and robotics. Jasmine shares insights on how AI is shaping the future of robotics, the challenges of integrating AI into robotic systems, and why she believes there's a place for everyone in AI. Whether you're a developer, researcher, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and robotics, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on the technology driving automation forward.https://www.jasminelawrence.com

16 Touko 202533min

Is Vibe Coding Real? with James Montemagno

Is Vibe Coding Real? with James Montemagno

Vibe Coding has folks talking and "vibing entire applications." But is it valid? Should one use AI agents to create apps that go directly into production, or is it just appropriate for prototyping? Scott talks to James Montemagno who recently vibed a 17,000 line application and only wrote 20 bespoke lines himself. Is this the future of programming or did James get lucky? Scott takes the sceptical view in this spicy episode.

8 Touko 202545min

Making SNES ROMS with C# and Matthew Shapiro's DotnetSnes

Making SNES ROMS with C# and Matthew Shapiro's DotnetSnes

What if you could craft Super Nintendo ROMs using the power of C#? In this episode, Scott Hanselman dives into the world of retro game development with Matthew Shapiro, the creator of DotnetSnes—a tool that enables developers to build SNES games with modern .NET technology. They explore how the project works, the challenges of programming for classic hardware, and what this means for indie game developers and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer or a coding enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights that bridge the old-school and the cutting-edge.https://github.com/KallDrexx/DotnetSneshttps://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7320970127917649920/

1 Touko 202533min

Neverending support for open source with Hayden Barnes

Neverending support for open source with Hayden Barnes

The issue of software support for open-source is a long and storied one. Scott sits down with open-source advocate Hayden Barnes about how paid support and custom builds of older open-source software is a business opportunity for herodevs. Should you upgrade and migrate to the latest build? Or should you get paid never ending support?

24 Huhti 202532min

Computer Science for Kids with Jen Looper

Computer Science for Kids with Jen Looper

Scott sits down with Jen Looper, educator, developer, and author of Computer Science for Kids. Together, they dive into the importance of introducing young minds to coding early and making computer science accessible for all. Jen shares insights from her book, discusses the evolving landscape of tech education, and highlights creative ways to inspire the next generation of innovators. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just passionate about fostering tech literacy, this episode is packed with wisdom on shaping future coders.Computer Science for Kids

17 Huhti 202534min

AI Data Infrastructure for the Global South with Kate Kallott

AI Data Infrastructure for the Global South with Kate Kallott

In this episode of Hanselminutes, host Scott Hanselman sits down with Amini's Kate Kallot to explore the transformative potential of AI-driven data infrastructure in the Global South. As the founder of Amini, Kallot shares insights into how artificial intelligence can bridge critical data gaps, drive sustainable development, and empower communities with better access to information. The conversation delves into the challenges of building scalable, ethical AI solutions in regions where data scarcity has historically hindered progress. In association with the ACM's ByteCast

10 Huhti 202534min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
rss-valo-minussa-2
adhd-podi
psykologia
rss-narsisti
rss-niinku-asia-on
rss-duodecim-lehti
aamukahvilla
kesken
rss-uskonto-on-tylsaa
rss-luonnollinen-synnytys-podcast
rahapuhetta
jari-sarasvuo-podcast
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
rss-laadukasta-ensihoitoa
rss-ai-mita-siskopodcast
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
mielipaivakirja