In today's jam-packed episode, they dive deep into the world of API design, logging best practices, and effective configuration management. Our esteemed guests, Michael Dawson, James Snell, Matteo Collina, and Natalia Venditto, bring their extensive expertise to the table, discussing the nuances between GraphQL and REST/Open API, the merits of API First vs. Code First approaches, and the impacts of global states in Node.js applications.You'll hear insights on how to maintain effective API contracts, avoid common pitfalls in software development, and implement robust error handling and logging mechanisms. Additionally, the episode covers practical advice on optimizing large-scale ecosystems with tools like Pino and managing dependencies thoughtfully to avoid technical debt.They also touch on the personal side of development, with James Snell emphasizing the importance of well-being by taking regular breaks. Charles Max Wood shares his recent experience at a board game convention and recommends the TV show "Reacher" for some downtime entertainment.So, sit back and enjoy this enlightening conversation that spans across technical deep dives and light-hearted discussions, offering valuable takeaways for developers at all levels.SocialsLinkedIn: James SnellLinkedIn: Michael DawsonLinkedIn: Matteo CollinaLinkedIn: Natalia VendittoPicksCharles - Gnome Hollow | Board GameCharles - Reacher (TV Series 2022Michael - MakerWorld: Download Free 3D Printing Models Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/javascript-jabber--6102064/support.