The Programming Podcast

The hosts dive into the misconception that AI will replace developers anytime soon, emphasizing the continued need for real coding skills. They offer valuable tips for staying motivated, even when friends and family may not understand your tech journey. The discussion covers essential strategies for efficient coding, the importance of foundational skills, and what new developers should focus on during their critical first months. Listeners are encouraged to embrace personal growth and build meaningful projects as they navigate their careers.

Quincy Larson, founder of freeCodeCamp.org and author of "Learn to Code," discusses effective ways to invest your time in tech. He emphasizes the value of consistent coding practice over cramming. Networking at meetups is crucial for standing out in the tech scene. Larson covers essential programming skills like HTML and Python, as well as the importance of understanding AI and machine learning. He also highlights that free resources can be high quality and urges listeners to have realistic job search timelines.

Ever wondered what it takes to plan a tech conference in just THREE MONTHS? 🤯 Join Danny Thompson and Leon Noel as they break down their experience organizing the Commit Your Code conference – from shoestring budgets and last-minute speakers to the surprising strategies that led to its success! Join Leon Noel (Managing Director of Engineering at Resilient Coders) and Danny Thompson (Director of Technology at This Dot Labs) as they take you behind the scenes of organizing a tech conference from scratch! 🚀 Last week we just hosted the Commit Your Code Conference with over 60 speakers! We trended Globally even though we were doing our conference the same week as AWS Re:invent! Here's how Danny Thompson did it. In this episode, Danny shares the journey of planning the Commit Your Code Conference, highlighting the challenges, lessons, and surprises along the way. From securing sponsors to managing a $11K budget, and ensuring accessibility for all attendees, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring community organizers and tech enthusiasts. 🖥️✨ 🔍 What we cover: How a one-time idea turned into a game-changing conference 💡 The secrets to creating an inclusive, affordable event! Unique strategies that kept the vibes fun and the networking meaningful 🤝 Hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and lessons learned along the way 🎉 Whether you're a conference attendee curious about what happens behind the curtain, or someone considering starting your own tech event, this episode has something for everyone. Plus, stay tuned for exciting updates about Commit Your Code 2025! 🎉 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com! Danny Thompson https://x.com/DThompsonDev https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev www.DThompsonDev.com Leon Noel https://x.com/leonnoel https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/ https://100devs.org/ 0:00 Intro 1:18 The Spark: How It All Began 2:51 One and done conference, The Logistics 5:01 One speaker at the conference went through our cohort 6:25 Conference Sponsorships are not for the faint of heart 8:20 The Food and logistics for it 10:10 How can We create MORE organic conversations? 13:50 Shorter speaking times 17:01 Three Track Conference, Java, JavaScript and Cloud 18:30 We Trended Globally! 21:00 Community Building: Networking and Engagement 19:30 Two Conversations: Chris DeMars aka Saltnburn & Ghana Speaker Nii! 21:00 I want to address all pain points I have had at a conference 27:00 My strategy in planning 31:00 professional photographer giving headshots to attendee 35:35 Leon and Danny Laughing with an attendee 38:15 The Sponsors felt like they were PART of the event and not salesy 38:55 Educational Resources should be available for everyone 41:13 Ideas that were cut because of budget that we hope to do at CYC 2543:00 What if someone wants to start their own conference?51:06 Won't be shocked if this episode does bad lol 📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business? Email us at dannyandleonpodcast@gmail.com!

The discussion dives into the gap between available tech candidates and the lack of qualified talent, especially for junior roles. Listeners will discover key strategies to enhance their qualifications and align with market demands. The challenges of presenting resumes are explored, with an emphasis on overcoming biases. Freelancers will learn effective client-attraction tactics, the importance of local outreach, and how small projects can lead to bigger opportunities. Finally, the role of strong online presence for small businesses is highlighted as a critical factor for success.

Discover critical mistakes that can hinder job opportunities for software developers. Learn about the importance of a polished resume and the impact of attitude during the hiring process. Explore networking strategies and how to effectively present yourself in interviews. Understand the value of self-awareness and industry alignment in job applications. Plus, gain insights into the Commit Your Code Conference, promoting inclusivity for all developers.

Dive into the fascinating world of feature flagging, where gradual rollouts and real-time monitoring transform the development process. Discover the power of A/B testing tools and hear personal experiences with tools like LaunchDarkly. The discussion also highlights the challenges freelancers face, emphasizing the importance of trust and solid contracts in business. Plus, get tips on navigating the often tricky landscape of freelance payment agreements. It's a blend of tech insights and practical advice for developers and freelancers alike!

Dive into the challenges of tech interviews, where networking often trumps technical skills. Explore the evolving role of AI in the hiring landscape and the need for practical assessments over traditional tests. Discover innovative tools like Cursor IDE and Cody AI that enhance developer efficiency. The hosts share their experiences with hustle culture and the pressures of app development, all while promoting a charitable tech conference. It's a blend of insights, humor, and essential tips for job-seekers and tech enthusiasts alike!

Discover strategies for landing your first tech job as a software developer! The importance of tailoring your learning experience and building community connections is emphasized. Learn how to network locally and overcome fears of connecting with industry executives. Uncover ways to break free from self-imposed limits by creating unique projects that showcase your skills. Finally, master resume strategies using the 'F format' to catch recruiters' attention and stand out in the competitive job market.