Jim McMaster: Podcast Interview with Amish Munshi

Jim McMaster brings a rare, long-view perspective on software development. From graduating MIT and writing assembler code in the early days, to helping shape one of the most-used cloud storage systems in the world—Google Drive—Jim shares stories that are both nostalgic and practical.

We talk about his time at Google, what it was like to advocate for folders over tags, and how he navigated the shift from system programming to Java backend development. Jim opens up about workplace dynamics, career decisions, and why doing what you love matters more than chasing trends.

This episode is packed with career wisdom—especially for anyone starting in tech or navigating a mid-career transition.

Key Topics:

• Jim’s early days at MIT, the Army, and mainframe programming

• The inside story behind Google Drive’s file system

• Transitioning to Java—and staying there for 25+ years

• The evolution of backend languages at Google

• How to find your niche and avoid burnout in tech

• The importance of mentorship, learning, and doing what you love

• Thoughts on Java trends, IDEs, and the future of development

About Jim McMaster: Jim is a seasoned backend software engineer with 44 years of experience in the tech industry. He spent 12 years at Google, played a key role in launching Google Drive, and currently works at Geico. He’s passionate about clean code, backend development, and mentoring younger engineers.

 

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