Explore a conference talk that delves into the innovative Codon Domain-Specific Language (DSL) developed by Zymergen for efficient genome design. Learn how this powerful tool enables scientists to specify large collections of DNA changes concisely, facilitating the creation of numerous test strains for improving industrial microbes. Discover the atheoretic model employed by Zymergen, which focuses on systematic searching for functional improvements rather than relying on incomplete mechanistic understanding. Gain insights into the flexible system designed by engineers, utilized by scientists, and interpreted by machinery, opening new possibilities in DNA design. The talk covers the challenges faced during Codon's development, including code trust, simplified interfaces, learning curves, and super user requirements. Understand how Codon has been successfully implemented in production for over a year, continually evolving to meet new use cases identified by scientists.