Technologists discuss what developers should be learning now

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.