Build IT Better S01E28- Data Access Precision: Jay Phelps on GraphQL and Netflix’s Vision

Welcome back to another episode of Build IT Better! We have the whole group for this one with Tracy Lee, Ben Lesh, Adam Barrett, and Jesse Tomchak; joined by Jay Phelps, a software engineer at Netflix. He's a part of the shared client Foundation team at Netflix, a crew that's all about creating exceptional experiences across various platforms, including TV, web, iOS, and Android.

Jay and his team are currently working on a groundbreaking project known as the "discovery experience paid path" (DEP), which is set to redefine how Netflix APIs interact with the user's discovery journey. This project spans both server-side and client-side development, showcasing their full-stack prowess.

What's even more exciting is Netflix's transition to GraphQL, the industry-standard query language for APIs. This move not only streamlines their development process but also empowers clients to take charge of a part of the backend layer, making it more efficient and consistent.

Despite the challenges that come with adopting new technology like GraphQL, Jay believes it's the right choice for Netflix. It offers a standardized approach, aligning with industry best practices. While discussing GraphQL's potential limitations, the group talks about their clever use of data masking to ensure that components access only the data they need.

Tune in as Jay talks about how his dynamic team at Netflix are dedicated to delivering a superior streaming experience. Their work on the DEP project and transition to GraphQL showcases their commitment to innovation and improvement. Their story is a testament to Netflix's constant drive to stay at the forefront of technology and provide users with nothing less than exceptional entertainment.

Hosts
Tracy Lee, CEO of This Dot Labs
Ben Lesh, Author of RxJS
Adam L Barrett, Software Engineer at This Dot Labs
Jesse Tomchak, Software Engineer at Mammoth

Guest
Jay Phelps, Software Engineer at Netflix