Technologists discuss what developers should be learning now
June 24, 2016 | Kat Hungerford
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.
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
A St. Joe CEO handed him a franchise after graduation; two years later, the risk is paying off
Spencer Engelman’s expectations for his post-college career were shredded by an offer he couldn’t refuse. The Northwest Missouri State University graduate was awarded a business of his own — minus the franchise fee — by a veteran entrepreneur who had visited one of his classes. “It’s a crazy opportunity,” said Engelman, who now operates a DocuLock…
What a catch: Kansas City fandom creates custom appeal for taco-loving cartoonist vibe
Drawing from Kansas City’s spotlight moments — whether trendy and new or iconic and timeless — W. Dave Keith balances a quirky aesthetic with a practical focus on what will actually sell. “I’ve slowly learned that if I want to make money off this business, I need to make stuff that people want to buy,”…
Power through purpose: How a winding journey led this eco devo steward to deep-rooted impact
Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story. [divide] Going behind the scenes of CCED with the people who make it happen Some people are drawn to city-building because of the bricks and steel, the architecture, the skyline, the…
Missouri’s weapon in the AI race with China: KC tech companies, says GOP lawmaker
As artificial intelligence reshapes the way Kansas City works, civic and elected leaders want to ensure small businesses and the region’s tech community have seats at the table. Federal regulation could help, said Eric Schmitt. “For me, [it’s about] making sure that the big tech companies don’t block out a lot of the innovators, say…