Peeking behind Abstractions at DecompileD Conference in Dresden

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the DecompileD Conference in Dresden, an event that brings together developers to discuss software engineering, embedded systems, AI, and the intersection of various technologies. True to its name, the conference is all about deconstructing complex topics and peeking behind the abstractions that we rely on daily as developers.

Finding the Right Abstraction

One of the highlights for me was giving my own talk, Finding the Right Abstraction. In my session, I explored the trade-offs between interface simplicity, the scope of an abstraction, and its reusability. (Also covered in out blog article The Triangle of Abstractions.) Every abstraction comes at a cost, and choosing the right one requires a delicate balance between making something easy to use and ensuring it remains flexible enough for future needs. The discussion delved into real-world examples, showing how different abstractions can either empower or hinder development. It was great to exchange insights with the audience and hear their perspectives on the challenges of abstraction in their own projects.

The Layers of Abstraction in Concurrency

Fitting perfectly into the theme of abstractions, I attended an eye-opening talk titled Concurrent Cat in a Raspberry Pi by Diogo Behrens. In this talk, Diogo demonstrated how building a concurrent tool in C requires a deep understanding of not just the programming language but also the underlying optimizations that both the compiler and the CPU might be applying. As web developers, we typically operate many layers above the hardware, abstracted away from these low-level concerns. This talk was a fascinating reminder of just how much is happening under the hood, and it reignited my curiosity about lower-level system interactions.

Connecting with the Dresden Developer Community

Beyond the insightful talks, DecompileD Conference is also a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow developers. We caught up with our friends from the Dresden developer community, exchanged ideas, and shared our experiences from the past year. The conference always fosters an engaging atmosphere, and the networking opportunities are just as valuable as the technical content.

Attending DecompileD was once again a great experience, providing fresh perspectives on software development and reminding me of the importance of understanding the abstractions we rely on. Whether it’s designing better interfaces, considering compiler and CPU optimizations, or simply reconnecting with the community, the conference continues to be an invaluable event.

Already looking forward to next year’s edition!