Tanner Linsley Built TanStack to Outlive Him · The Build Log S1.E2

Tanner Linsley didn't plan to build an open source empire with over 500 million downloads per month, but when React Table and React Query took off, he was ready to take a chance. TanStack is now one of the most popular suites of open source software with a thriving community of maintainers. And now Tanner is working to figure out how to make open source into a sustainable business. Jason Lengstorf sat down with Tanner in Miami to learn how Tanner is handing projects to maintainers, leading volunteers without authority, avoiding hype while still staying visible, and turning TanStack into a business that can support the people who help build it. Sponsored by Clerk: https://codetv.link/clerk For builders, founders, and entrepreneurs, it feels like everyone wants to tell you how to run your company. And if you ignore their advice? Well, you’re not gonna make it. Most of that advice, though, is hypothetical. Wouldn’t it be more valuable to hear what someone actually did? Host Jason Lengstorf visited Miami to hear real stories about real companies, told by the people who built them. This is The Build Log. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CodeTV supporters get early access to new videos, exclusive bonus content, and other perks. Join us in building a happier, healthier, friendlier web dev community! https://codetv.dev/support ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro: building something that lasts 0:49 How TanStack grew from React Table 2:00 React Table, React Query, and the open source flywheel 3:01 Pragmatism, trade-offs, and shipping when it’s ready 4:30 Building software that survives beyond you 6:01 Creating tools that remove pain for developers 6:38 Trusting maintainers and handing over the reins 7:50 Visibility without hype 9:15 Service, resilience, and leading volunteers 12:16 Turning TanStack into a sustainable business