Listen "All Models Are Wrong (with James Gayfer)"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of Dead Code, Jared interviews James Gayfer about data modeling and the challenges of structuring databases effectively. James, who prefers raw SQL over ORMs, explains how many database models merely mirror table structures, leading to inefficient APIs and excessive data fetching. He discusses the concept of complete versus incomplete data models, emphasizing that completeness depends on an application’s needs at a given time. They explore trade-offs between overly simplistic models that require frequent queries and overly complex ones that attempt to replicate real-world relationships in unnecessary detail. James advocates for designing domain models thoughtfully, using patterns like repositories to maintain consistency while keeping data retrieval manageable. Ultimately, he encourages developers to embrace iteration, rethink their models as needed, and accept that all models are wrong, but some are useful.Links:James Gayfer’s BlogJames Gayfer’s Mastodon profileSQLx library for RustRepository PatternHanami FrameworkPhoenix FrameworkEctoHotwireAll models are wrong, but some are usefulDead Code Podcast Links:MastodonXJared’s Links:MastodonXtwitch.tv/jardonamronJared’s Newsletter & WebsiteEpisode Transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More episodes of the podcast Dead Code
IDE-cide (with Samir Talwar)
13/01/2026
Deferred Conflict (with Steve Klabnik)
16/12/2025
Poison Pills (with Joel Hawksley)
02/12/2025
Ground Zero-Cost Bindings (with Josh Vlk)
18/11/2025
Brut-al Death (with David Bryant Copeland)
04/11/2025
God Class Funeral (with Adam Tornhill)
21/10/2025
Deserial Killer (with Matt Schwager)
07/10/2025
Crushing Riffs (with Kasper Timm Hansen)
23/09/2025
Fear-Driven Everything (with Justin Searls)
09/09/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.