Explore middleware concepts, patterns, and frameworks in this 58-minute conference talk from PhreakNIC 16. Delve into design abstractions, web server architecture, and scalability challenges. Learn about key patterns like Reactor, Acceptor-Connector, and Active Object. Discover optimization techniques including the Leader-Followers pattern. Gain insights on demultiplexing, request queues, and monitor objects. The talk covers practical implementations, such as building a simple web server, and touches on broader topics like Coursera, educational resources, and recommended books in the field of middleware development.