Yalla Let's Code

Should You Still Become a Software Engineer in 2026 06.06.2026 1h 47min

If your kid or your closest friend came to you tomorrow and said, "I want to switch into software engineering as a career", what would you actually tell them? Our guests answer that question.Show Links:https://fortune.com/2026/05/26/uber-coo-ai-spending-tokens-claude-code/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/29/satya-nadella-says-as-much-as-30percent-of-microsoft-code-is-written-by-ai.htmlhttps://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2026/03/20/our-commitment-to-windows-quality/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/aws-service-outage-ai-bot-kirohttps://newsletter.pragmaticengineer.com/p/state-of-the-job-market-2026https://www.businessinsider.com/jensen-huang-500k-engineers-250k-ai-tokens-nvidia-compute-2026-3https://x.com/steipete/status/2055346265869721905/photo/1https://youtu.be/FQpZdCKgc6wFollow our guests:- https://x.com/boredabdel- https://x.com/soub4i- https://x.com/el_ateifSara- https://x.com/saidbouig

Interview with Tambi Jalouqa, on building, exiting, and investing from the MENA region 03.06.2026 58min

In this episode, we talk honestly about what it takes to build a global product from outside Silicon Valley, why he changed his mind about solo founders, the mistake almost every technical founder makes when they bring in a "business" co-founder, and how AI tools have flattened the geography of software.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction02:50 Starting on an MSX, fixing CRT monitors, and studying math before CS05:18 Binary Interactive Studio 07:50 Jobland: video-CV app10:35 POS Rocket12:45 Raising from local VCs vs. the US14:18 The secret sauce of POS Rocket15:55 Switching from builder to investor 22:38 Why he co-founded Xpand Conference 27:30 Leaving Propeller to start Maza VC31:30 Why pre-seed is both more impactful33:30 The advantage of building from your home country38:48 Did he miss coding? 42:00 Solo founders: red flag → green flag46:25 The countries producing the best founders right now48:18 The #1 mistake technical founders make51:35 Mountain biking55:50 New Section: Paul Graham, vibe code, mountain biking56:50 ClosingShow Links: - LinkedIn: https://jo.linkedin.com/in/tambijalouqa- Maza VC: https://maza.vc- Maza VC Handbook: https://handbook.maza.vc/about/introduction- Propeller VC: https://propellervc.com- Xpand Conference: https://www.xpandconf.com- Claude Code: https://claude.com/claude-code- Y Combinator: https://ycombinator.com- Paul Graham essays: https://paulgraham.co

Interview with a Moroccan YC startup founder, Amine Benjellon 27.05.2026 1h 2min

In this episode, Amin Benjellon shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Morocco, navigating the challenges of startups as a foreign student in France, to successfully joining Y Combinator. He discusses the importance of mindset, jumping on waves of opportunity, and the impact of YC on his entrepreneurial trajectory. Links - Amine on X: @BenGeekly - Rolling Dice Club: https://rollindiceclub.com - MailWarm: https://mailwarm.com

How Thomas built a Shopify theme dev lab and agency 09.09.2025 56min

If you're a developer, indie hacker, or SaaS builder, this is a must-watch. You'll learn:- The strategy he used to niche down and find his first clients- Why he started a t-shirt business to learn Shopify- The moment he discovered a Kardashian was using his theme- His raw, unfiltered advice for anyone wanting to build their own software productShow Notes:- Bricks Space Lab:https://brickspacelab.com- Follow Thomas's journey on Twitter: https://x.com/kimurathomas

Bringing PHP to Mobile & Desktop with Native PHP with Sean Rosenthal 19.08.2025 1h 24min

We're joined by Sean Rosenthal, the co-founder of Native PHP. He shares his incredible journey from a career in sales to co-creating a framework that allows developers to build native desktop and mobile apps using the PHP and Laravel skills they already have. Sean provides a candid look at the entrepreneurial grind, the technical challenges he and his partner Simon Hamp overcame, and what the future holds for PHP outside of the web.Show Notes:What You'll Learn:How personal drive and a problem-solving mindset are crucial for success in tech.The real story behind what inspired Native PHP and how the project got started.A deep dive into the technical solutions used to compile PHP for iOS and Android.Sean's experiences working on complex projects for major organizations like Pfizer.The importance of building a support infrastructure, not just a product.Links Mentioned:Native PHP Official WebsiteSean Rosenthal on X (Twitter)Sean's YouTube Channel - Laravel OnlineThe New Boston (YouTube Channel)

Building Native Apps with PHP by Simon Hamp 03.08.2025 1h 11min

In this episode, I interviewed with Simon Hamp, a seasoned software engineer with 25 years of experience in PHP. Simon shares his incredible journey from being a self-taught programmer in the days before YouTube and Stack Overflow to becoming the owner and maintainer of Native PHP and the founder of Laravel Dev.Show Notes:LinksSimon Hamp's Website: simonhamp.meSimon Hamp on X: @SimonHampNativePHP: nativephp.comLaravel Dev: laradevs.com

Building Global Tech Conferences (React Brussels, Paris & Africa) Ayman Ben Amor 11.07.2025 1h 1min

In this episode, we're joined by Ayman Ben Amor, a software developer and the visionary founder behind the BeJS (Belgian JavaScript) community. Ayman shares his incredible journey from a movie-loving kid who wanted to be a hacker to organizing some of Europe's and Africa's most prominent developer events, including React Brussels, React Paris, and the inaugural React Africa.He pulls back the curtain on the immense effort required to run a successful tech conference, detailing the 9-12 month planning cycle, the stress of sales and marketing, and the complex logistics of securing venues and speakers.Show Notes:BeJS Community: https://bejs.ioReact Brussels Conference: https://react.brusselsReact Paris Conference: https://react.paris/React Africa Conference: https://react-africa.comAyman on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Aymen_Ben_AmorBook Recommendation: "Personality Isn't Permanent" by Benjamin Hardy

The Strapi Founder's Story (Pierre Burgy): Monetization of an Open Source Project 22.06.2025 58min

In this episode, I had Pierre Burgy, the co-founder and CEO of Strapi, the leading open-source headless CMS. Pierre shares his incredible nine-year journey, from starting a side project as a student to building a globally recognized company. He dives deep into the early challenges of fundraising for an open-source project (including being $30k in debt), the evolution of their business model, the power of community, and his vision for the future of content management with AI.Sponsor of this episode: SASS Insights: Get the metrics that matter for your Shopify app. Try it for free at https://saasinsights.comShow Notes: Find Pierre on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/pierreburgyFind Pierre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierreburgy/Website: https://strapi.io/GitHub Repository: https://github.com/strapi/strapiJoin the Strapi AI Waitlist: https://strapi.io/aiStrapiConf: https://strapi.io/confThe GitLab Handbook: A comprehensive resource on how to run a remote-first, transparent company. https://about.gitlab.com/handbook

The impact of vibe coding (AI) on the shipped products (Special) 07.06.2025 1h 1min

In this special episode, we dive deep into the phenomenon of "vibe coding" - using AI assistants to write code through natural language prompts. With our today's guest, Mohamed Aboulaid (Backend Engineer at Spotify & Community Catalyst behind GeeksBlaBla), for an honest discussion about AI-assisted development's current state and future.Show Notes:GeeksBlaBla Community: geeksblaba.comFollow Mohamed Aboulaid: https://x.com/laytoun

Building the TanStack (Formerly React Query) with Tanner Linsley 06.06.2025 1h 14min

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Tanner Linsley, co-founder of Nozzle and the visionary behind TanStack (formerly React Query). With over a decade of experience in software development and open source, Tanner shares his incredible journey, from his early days as an aspiring audio engineer to becoming a leading figure in the frontend community.Join us as Tanner gives the back story of TanStack, including upcoming features and new libraries, and offers valuable advice for aspiring open source contributors.Show Notes:TanStack: https://tanstack.comTwitter: https://x.com/tannerlinsleyNozzle: https://nozzle.io (Tanner's SEO tracking company)Remix: https://remix.run (acquired by Shopify)Astro: https://astro.buildGatsby: https://gatsbyjs.com

Building Shopify Apps and SaaS Insights with Benjamin Ayles 27.05.2025 1h 11min

Try it free today at saasinsights.com (Sponsored)Key topics covered:- Breaking into Shopify app development during the pandemic- The reality of vibe coding and AI-assisted development- Building scalable applications vs. quick MVPs- Navigating Shopify's evolving app store requirements- Practical insights on app store optimization and keyword trackingShow Notes:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminayles- The Courage To Be Disliked: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-yourself-happiness/dp/1760630721- The Lean Startup: https://theleanstartup.com- The SaaS Playbook: https://www.amazon.es/SaaS-Playbook-Multimillion-Dollar-Startup-Without/dp/B0C87KHT1L- Vibe Coding at YC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IACHfKmZMr8

Building Great Products As A Dev with Anne Thomas 14.05.2025 57min

In this episode, I had the pleasure of having Anne Thomas, co-founder of Design Packs (a Shopify App), discuss her story getting into building a Shopify app, working with a Shopify theme development agency, and doing a Shopify store performance audit and other things that you should check out in this episode.Show Notes:- The Manager's Path (https://www.amazon.com/Managers-Path-Leaders-Navigating-Growth/dp/1491973897)- Missive Email App: https://missiveapp.com/- CodeDrops CSS Animation: https://tympanus.net/codrops/- Anne Thomas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annethomas8/- Design Packs: https://design-packs.com/pages/aboutThe - Unofficial Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fZyUfHLOnZathTk0bfz2Y- Syntax.fm podcast: https://syntax.fm

Building a Successful Web Dev Career (and Podcast) with West Boss 26.04.2025 1h

I'm thrilled to welcome the renowned Wes Bos! Known for his incredibly popular online courses and as the co-host of the Syntax FM podcast alongside Scott Tolinski (who joined us previously!).Wes dives into pivotal moments in his career, including how a specific blog post series on Sublime Text unexpectedly took off, leading him to write a book and discover his talent for teaching.Show Notes:Wes Bos Website: https://wesbos.com/Syntax FM Podcast: https://syntax.fm/Wes Bos on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wesbosWes Bos Courses: https://wesbos.com/coursesJavaScript 30: https://javascript30.com/Beginner JavaScript Course: https://beginnerjavascript.com/Sublime Text: https://www.sublimetext.com/Riverside.fm (Mentioned as built by a student): https://riverside.fm/Canada Learning Code (Formerly Ladies Learning Code): https://www.canadalearningcode.ca/

Interview with Ilyas: Cloud Architect, Owning A Coffee Shop, Selling Online Workshops, etc. 06.04.2025 1h 12min

What happens when a software engineer also opens a coffee shop? This week, I (Ilias) talked to Ilyas (Same name, haha), who shared his unconventional career story, which was filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons. Discover his insights on navigating the tech world, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how to forge your own path to success

Balancing Business, Code, and Family with Matthew Sodomsky 29.03.2025 59min

In this Yalla Let's Code Podcast episode, I sit down with Matthew Sadomsky, VP of Product Strategy at Lightworks, the company behind the popular Shopify apps Mechanic and Locksmith. Matt shares his unique journey, from his early days of building websites to navigating the dot-com bubble, to his current role shaping the future of e-commerce.Key points:- How Matt's dual background in business and computer science gives him a competitive edge.- The importance of side hustles in career development and building connections.- Matt's experience building a tech team from the ground up for a cannabis company, and choosing Shopify as their e-commerce platform.- The secret to building successful Shopify apps that adapt and evolve.- Insights on leveraging AI in software engineering and staying ahead of the curve.- Tips and resources for aspiring Shopify developers.- Whether you're a software engineer, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the world of e-commerce, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Join us for a deep dive into the world of Shopify app development and the lessons learned along the way!

Morocco tech entrepreneurship in the public sector | Interview with Tarik Fadli 15.03.2025 58min

Join Ilias Haddad on Yalla Let's Code as he interviews Tariq Fadli, co-founder of Wraqi ma and Algo Consulting Group. Discover Tariq's journey from early coding days to leading Morocco's digital transformation. Learn about software development, entrepreneurship, and the business side of tech. Perfect for developers and tech enthusiasts

Remote working in Morocco, Author of Make It Legal eBook and working at Automatic | Interview with Ahmed El Ezzabi 27.12.2024 56min

Ahmed El Ezzabi, a software engineer at WooCommerce, shares his journey into web development and becoming a software engineer. He discusses the challenges of not having a computer science degree and the limitations it can impose in the job market. Ahmed also talks about his experience working at Automatic, the company behind WordPress, and the transition to working on the WooCommerce payments team. He shares his side project, Remote.ma, a website and blog that focuses on remote work and legal issues for Moroccan remote workers. Ahmed started Remote.ma to share information about the legal aspects of remote work in Morocco. The blog expanded to cover productivity tips and coffee shop recommendations. Ahmed also wrote an ebook called Make It Legal to provide a comprehensive guide to making remote work legal in Morocco. Ahmed also offers personalized consultation services for individuals with specific legal questions. Show Notes Links: - Remote.ma - Make it legal ebook - Consultation - Remote.ma Investing tips - Cursor.ai - Ahmed Contact Page

Managing a Shopify Agency during the Pandemic, hosting the Lady Bug podcast and many more | Interview with Kelly Vaughn 06.12.2024 45min

In this episode, Kelly Vaughn, founder of the Taproom agency and director of engineering at Spot AI, shares her journey as a web developer and entrepreneur. She discusses how she started freelancing at a young age and eventually transitioned into running her own agency. Kelly also talks about her experience working with Shopify and the changes she has witnessed in the platform over the years. She shares insights on the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses during the pandemic and the impact on the tech industry. Additionally, Kelly discusses her book 'Start Freelancing Today' and her Twitch livestream with the Shopify dev team. Kelly Vaughn is the co-founder of The Taproom Agency, a Shopify Plus agency, and the co-host of the Ladybug Podcast. She also offers online courses and runs a newsletter called The Modern Leader. In the podcast, Kelly discusses her journey as an entrepreneur, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned. She also talks about the Ladybug Podcast and the topics they cover, as well as her online course on management fundamentals for tech leaders. Kelly shares insights on imposter syndrome and provides tips on how to overcome it. She concludes by mentioning her newsletter and other resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Show Notes: - Start Freelancing Today Kindle Edition - {{ Kelly | plus: Kelly }} Live - LadyBug Podcast - MailChimp Success Story about Kelly - Modern Leader Newsletter - Kelly’s LinkedIn - Kelly’s X account

The story behind Roadmap.sh and it's acquisition | Interview with Kamran Ahmed 29.11.2024 59min

In this episode, Ilias Haddad interviews Kamran, the founder of Roadmap.sh, a platform that provides career roadmaps for software engineers. Kamran shares his journey in web development, from starting as a self-taught developer to working in various companies and eventually creating Roadmap.sh Show Notes: - IndieHackers Podcast (https://www.indiehackers.com/podcast) - How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big(https://www.amazon.com/How-Fail-Almost-Everything-Still/dp/0241003709) - Masters of scale (https://mastersofscale.com/) - Roadmap Discord (https://discord.com/invite/cJpEt5Qbwa) - The roadmap(https://www.youtube.com/@roadmapsh) - Hacker News (https://news.ycombinator.com/news) - Reddit (/r/Entrepreneurship ) - Karman Ahmed X (https://x.com/kamrify)

From a WordPress Freelancer to Building Shopify Apps | Interview with Reda Boubkraoui 01.11.2024 47min

Reda is a 25-year-old Moroccan software engineer. Got his degree in computer science but switched to web development in high school. Started doing freelance work before switching to Shopify development. Our first Shopify app that made a success is a Shopify app that is been in two days. After two or three months the app starts making 1k. 1k per month. We focus on solving other people's problems. -- Reda The main lessons I learned is to be patient and like just to keep testing and see what will work for you. Start small, start with one application, and see if how will goes. -- Reda Show Notes: Blanklob Discord Server Shopify Developer Documentation Add Google Analytics Unsexy Business: How 12 Entrepreneurs in Ordinary Businesses Achieved Extraordinary Success Book @reda_boubkraoui