Episodes

In this conversation, Chris Lloyd-Jones and Josh McDonald discuss the GitHub Coding Agent, a new feature showcased at Microsoft Build. They explore its capabilities, limitations, and the implications for software development, particularly in the context of AI integration. The discussion covers various aspects such as user stories, accessibility, project requirements, testing strategies, and the evolving role of business analysts in the age of AI. They also touch on the integration of Dungeons and Dragons into their project, highlighting the flexibility and efficiency that the coding agent brings to the development process. GitHub Repo: https://github.com/SecuringTheRealm/str-agentic-adventures Takeaways

• The GitHub Coding Agent enhances development efficiency.
• Agent mode requires human oversight and input.
• Accessibility remains a challenge in AI-generated content.
• Templates and project requirements are crucial for AI collaboration.
• Vibe engineering aims to create structured coding practices.
• Product requirements documents provide context for AI tasks.
• Continuous testing is essential for code quality.
• Architectural decision records help maintain project consistency.
• AI interactions should go beyond simple prompts.
• The role of business analysts is becoming more significant in AI development.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to GitHub Copilot 00:42 Exploring GitHub Coding Agent Features 04:20 Templates and Project Requirements 08:01 Architectural Decision Records and Testing 11:54 The Role of AI in CI/CD 15:10 Comparing Agent Mode and Coding Agent 19:17 Future of Development with AI 22:21 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this conversation, Chris Lloyd-Jones and Josh McDonald discuss the use of Foundry Local for securely generating sensitive AI content. They explain the importance of data privacy and security, showcasing a multi-agent workflow that allows for the creation of confidential research documents. The conversation highlights the integrated knowledge sources that track references and contextual information, as well as the ability to enhance model knowledge through RAG search. Chris emphasizes the secure export of content for various applications, underscoring the significance of Foundry Local in his AI toolkit. Josh emphasizes the developer friendly UI. GitHub Repo: https://github.com/SecuringTheRealm/str-foundry-local Takeaways

• Foundry Local allows for secure AI content generation.
• Data privacy and security are paramount in sensitive research.
• The multi-agent workflow enhances efficiency in content creation.
• Integrated knowledge sources provide crucial contextual information.
• RAG search enriches model knowledge about specific entities.
• Content can be exported securely for various uses.
• The system operates entirely on local hardware.
• The technology supports both local and deployment for cloud-based model operations.

In this conversation, Josh McDonald and Chris Lloyd-Jones discuss the importance of securing communications in the realm of agentic AI. They explore the CIA triangle of security—confidentiality, integrity, and availability—and how Microsoft Purview serves as a data security solution. The discussion delves into the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Agent-to-Agent (A2A) protocols, emphasizing their roles in facilitating secure communication between AI agents. The conversation concludes with a demonstration of MCP in action and reflections on the future of agentic AI. Takeaways

• Securing communication between agents is crucial.
• The CIA triangle of security includes confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Microsoft Purview is a comprehensive data security solution.
• MCP connects AI applications to external tools and data sources.
• A2A protocol enhances enterprise communication between agents.
• Data lineage is vital for governance and compliance.
• Generative AI tools can aid in security contexts.
• The integration of MCP with tools like GitHub Copilot is significant.
• Understanding agent flow is essential for security teams.

Check out the repo here: https://github.com/SecuringTheRealm/str-mcp-purview

In this conversation, Chris and Josh explore the latest features of GitHub Copilot, particularly focusing on agentic AI and its implications for software development. They discuss the concept of vibe engineering versus vibe coding, emphasizing the need for subject matter expertise when utilizing AI tools. The duo embarks on a project to recreate a tabletop RPG experience using TypeScript and the semantic kernel, showcasing the capabilities of AI in generating code and managing development tasks. They also address the challenges of debugging and the importance of iterative development in AI-assisted coding. Takeaways

• The concept of agentic AI is transforming software development. Vibe engineering emphasizes the need for subject matter expertise in using AI tools.
• AI tools can significantly enhance coding efficiency but require oversight.
• Debugging is a crucial part of the development process with AI.
• AI can generate complex code structures from simple prompts.
• Iterative development is essential when working with AI-generated code.
• Understanding the underlying technology is key to effective AI use.
• Future developments in AI will continue to reshape coding practices.

Exploring Generative AI and agents through the lens of Dungeons and Dragons. Discussing the development of an AI dungeon master, the use of ChatGPT for rapid prototyping, and the evolution from single-agent to multi-agent AI systems. Emphasizing the importance of storytelling in AI projects and the potential for collaboration among AI agents to tackle complex challenges.

After the unexpected summoning of the mischievous Kobold in Aberdeen in Scottish Summit 2024, the realm’s finest adventurers find themselves in the frozen lands of the North, tasked with a new quest just in time for the Winter Solstice. The Crystal Keep is now abuzz with activity, as the Guildmaster reveals a bold plan: to train an army of Christmas elves—or more precisely, Agentic AIs—to work in harmony and ensure that the holiday celebrations across the realm go off without a hitch. Each AI elf is crafted with a unique skill, from managing gifts to guiding sleighs through snowstorms, but they are far from perfect. The adventurers must now teach these autonomous beings to collaborate, ensuring that their tasks are performed with precision, creativity, and responsibility. Leading this effort, the party faces familiar trials—the challenge of coordination among hordes of eager but chaotic AIs, and the need to balance autonomy with careful oversight. The Kobold's influence still lingers, stirring up occasional mischief as the elves learn to work together without causing merry mayhem.

Takeaways:

• Generative AI can enhance storytelling in gaming.
• Rapid prototyping is essential for developing AI solutions.
• ChatGPT serves as a useful tool for initial AI projects.
• Agentic AI solutions provide more tailored responses.
• Single-agent models are limited in scope and capability.
• Multi-agent systems can collaborate to solve complex problems.
• Customization of AI agents is crucial for effectiveness.
• The integration of AI in gaming can lead to innovative experiences.
• Understanding AI mechanics is vital for successful implementation.
• The future of AI in gaming looks promising with ongoing advancements.

4Originally published in December 2024 at https://www.festivetechcalendar.com/