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When I became a parent, I was amazed at how similar raising a newborn was to becoming a developer and the ways in which both experiences affect one another. Coding sets you on a challenging path of a lifetime of learning… and in the end you still aren’t an expert! We will compare tradeoffs and decisions that relate to both situations offering insights and lessons learned. Then, explore the similarities between these two journeys and common approaches we use when coding and raising a baby. Whether you’re a parent or not, come discover these interesting and often hilarious parallels. Also, there might be a baby on stage.
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In her talk titled "BDD: Baby Driven Development," Allison McMillan explores the parallels between parenting and software development, emphasizing the ongoing journey of learning that both involve. Drawing from personal experiences as a new parent and a developer, she discusses how both roles require adaptability, patience, and an acceptance of imperfection. Key points addressed in the talk include: - **Identity Shift**: McMillan shares her transformation from various professional roles to becoming a mother and how it redefined her identity, similar to how becoming a developer changed her perspective. - **Learning Curve**: She highlights the overwhelming nature of both parenting and coding, noting that success in either field often comes gradually through continuous effort and learning. - **Information Overload**: Just as developers sift through vast amounts of information to troubleshoot code, parents must navigate a sea of advice and misinformation regarding childcare. - **Earned Dogmatism**: McMillan discusses how increased experience can lead to strong opinions in both fields, which, while important, can sometimes inhibit open-mindedness. - **Debugging Process**: She illustrates the debugging process in parenting by sharing a relatable story of trying to figure out why her baby was crying, drawing a direct comparison to debugging code. - **Feature Building**: The concept of introducing new experiences and features into both a child's and a developer's life illustrates the excitement and challenges inherent in growth and development. - **Challenges of Parenthood and Work**: McMillan candidly discusses the struggles parents face in balancing work and family life, such as time management and maintaining skills, especially after childbirth. - **Survey Insights**: She shares findings from a survey of working parents in the tech industry, revealing common struggles, particularly around parental leave policies, returning to work, and the emotional toll of parenting. - **Workplace Recommendations**: The talk concludes with actionable suggestions for improving workplace policies, including the need for better maternity and paternity leave, flexibility in work hours, and supportive systems for parents. Allison underscores that both parenting and coding are ongoing journeys filled with learning opportunities. She encourages acceptance of the unpredictable nature of both roles and advocates for policies that recognize the challenges faced by working parents, ultimately emphasizing the importance of community support and understanding in navigating both parenting and professional life.
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