Technologists discuss what developers should be learning now

June 24, 2016  |  Kat Hungerford

KCDC

What’s the most-asked question at the Kansas City Developers Conference? According to conference organizers, it’s “What should I be learning now?”

To help answer the query, Startland News curated a panel of experienced software developers, moderated by editor-in-chief Bobby Burch.

Among many nuggets of information from panelists, priority No. 1 needs to be Javascript, according to PayPal programmer Kent C. Dodds.

“I am just completely floored by how many platforms Javascript can run on,” Dodds said. “As a Javascript developer, I can write for the web, for desktop, for mobile, for IoT — all with Javascript. If Javascript isn’t your thing, it’s still an important thing to know because regardless of what you end up doing, you’ll probably write some Javascript. It’s just so ubiquitous.”

The panelists also provided suggestions on how to get started — like finding a specific problem you want to solve, and using that as the impetus to learn a new programming language. Others emphasized the importance of developing “soft skills” and life-long learning.

Originally live-streamed on Startland’s Facebook page, below is the full video. More coverage from the KCDC can be found with this video on its growth, a photo gallery and a Q&A with conference organizers.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2016 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Local weight lifting tech firm Rack Performance lands $250K

        By Tommy Felts | May 29, 2015

        A Lenexa-based tech company is racking up investment capital to further develop its weight room management software. Rack Performance recently raised $250,000 from local, private investors that will help the company advance the second version of its software. Rack Performance built a web-based, weight room and group fitness platform to help coaches and trainers efficiently…

        FitBark wags its way into nationwide retailer

        By Tommy Felts | May 29, 2015

          Animal tech company FitBark is now selling its dog activity-tracking device in Target stores nationwide. The deal will place its product in front of millions of consumers each year at Target’s nearly 1,800 U.S. locations. FitBark’s animal tracking device will be featured among Target’s new “Connected-Life” section, which features other Internet-enabled products such as wireless…

        Kansas City startup ‘walks the talk,’ bungee jumps

        By Tommy Felts | May 29, 2015

        Sara Davidson doesn’t lightly espouse a message of fearlessness in business. And that’s why Davidson, the founder of Hello Fearless, is live broadcasting her jump off a cable car in Switzerland. Davidson is hoping to inspire other women around the world to conquer their fears not only with a live-streamed bungee jump — out of a…

        Think accounting: 3 ways to drive your accountant insane

        By Tommy Felts | May 28, 2015

        In this Think column, Emerging Business CFO founder Dan Schmidt shares three ways to drive him, and other accountants, crazy. The Think column helps entrepreneurs to stop and think about the various aspects of starting and running a business. Accountant and finance professionals are generally known to be level-headed clear thinkers, able to ride the crests of emotion…