Dave Farley on remote work, AI, and the future of software engineering

Distributed.

How does human connection shape the way we build software?

In this episode of the Distributed podcast, host Jack Hannah talks with Dave Farley, renowned software engineer, author, and expert in modern software development. Dave shares insights from his 40-year career, covering everything from extreme programming to the role of AI in software engineering. He explains why pair programming is one of the most underrated practices and how fostering trust in remote teams leads to better collaboration and creativity.

Dave also explores the trade-offs of remote and hybrid work, the importance of high-quality engineering practices, and why continuous delivery remains essential for building world-class software.

Highlights:

• Why software development is a team game and not a solo endeavor
• How pair programming boosts productivity and code quality
• Lessons from ThoughtWorks on scaling extreme programming with large teams
• The evolving impact of AI on software engineering
• How remote teams can not only build trust but maintain it

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Dave Farley

(01:33) – Dave Farley’s Path From Early Computing to Today

(05:42) – Leading a Distributed Team: First Remote Experience

(07:58) – Solving Remote Work Challenges Through Human Connection

(11:46) – Building Trust: The Key to Strong Software Teams

(15:55) – Pair Programming: The Secret to Better Collaboration

(18:55) – Overcoming Resistance to Pair Programming in Teams

(28:35) – How AI Is Changing Software Development Forever

(36:29) – Test-Driven Development as the Future of AI Coding

(40:06) – The Biggest Challenge of Remote Work: New Teams

(43:14) – Finding the Right Balance Between Remote and Office

Where to connect further:

Connect with Dave Farley on LinkedIn and his website

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Want to hear more? Check out distributed.fm

Connect with Jack Hannah