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a16z Podcast

a16z Podcast: The Future of Software Development

Jan 5, 2016
In a lively discussion, Roger Dickey, CEO of Gigster, Bill Macaitis, CMO of Slack, Matthew McCullough from GitHub, and Joel Spolsky, co-founder of Stack Overflow, tackle the evolving landscape of software development. They explore the demand-supply gap in skilled developers and the pivotal role of open-source software. The panel also emphasizes the shift towards project-based learning for programmers and the significance of community contributions in hiring. They highlight how platforms can connect vetted developers with businesses, ensuring quality and innovation in tech.
32:47

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Quick takeaways

  • The demand for software development is outpacing the supply of skilled developers, prompting companies to leverage open source solutions for better efficiency.
  • The evolution in hiring practices prioritizes developers' practical contributions and collaboration skills over traditional certifications, reshaping talent evaluation in software engineering.

Deep dives

Supply and Demand in Software Development

There is a growing imbalance between the increasing demand for software development across various industries and the limited supply of skilled developers. This discrepancy has made it crucial for companies to explore alternative methods of software acquisition, such as leveraging open source software. Open source allows organizations to tap into a vast pool of already developed solutions while giving them flexibility in using and modifying code. As companies incorporate these resources, they can enhance productivity and address their software needs more effectively.

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