Building Figma Slides with Noah Finer and Jonathan Kaufman

This episode explores the development of Figma Slides, a new product launched by Figma in less than a year. The interview features two engineers, Jonathan and Noah, who detail the technical challenges and unique solutions employed during the project. Against this backdrop, they discuss the innovative two-way navigation system between grid and single slide views, built upon Figma's existing infinite canvas. More significantly, the conversation delves into the complexities of their tech stack, a blend of TypeScript, React, and a substantial C++ codebase, highlighting the use of a custom debugging tool that allows for simultaneous debugging of C++ and TypeScript code. For instance, the engineers explain how they addressed the challenges of maintaining a seamless multiplayer experience while reordering slides, employing a sophisticated system of minimal mutations to optimize performance and stability. Finally, the discussion touches upon their unique testing methodology, including running tests with all feature flags both on and off, and their internal "EngCrits" process, using FigJam for collaborative design and code reviews, illustrating the innovative engineering culture at Figma.