Exploring Compilers and Architecture with Lizzie Paquette

Lizzie Paquette, a systems software engineer at Brex, shares her experiences and insights on a variety of topics related to Elixir and software engineering. She talks about how she got into coding, initially facing challenges with Java, and subsequently finding her passion working with Elixir at Brex. Lizzie delves into her love for compilers and offers advice for beginners looking to get into this field. She also highlights the use of macros in Elixir, discussing both their advantages and potential pitfalls, especially in the context of onboarding new developers. Lizzie explores Brex's architectural choices, such as microliths, and elaborates on 'chaos engineering' practices. Throughout the episode, she underscores the importance of inclusivity in the software industry through her involvement in Code 2040 and emphasizes the value of creating thorough design documentation to preemptively catch bugs and streamline the development process. The episode also features a segment with Todd Resudek and Sophie DeBenedetto, discussing their interests and exciting Elixir projects.