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In her keynote address at RailsConf 2014, Farrah Bostic explores the implications of coding becoming a universal skill and the transformative potential it holds for individuals and society. Bostic argues that if everyone learns to code, it will not only democratize the understanding of technology but also foster collaboration across various disciplines. She begins by reflecting on her own experiences with coding, describing it as a journey from being a novice to grappling with the complexities of coding practices.

**Key Points:**  
- **Coding as a Universal Skill:** Bostic emphasizes that everyone should learn to code, regardless of their background, fostering a more inclusive tech environment.  
- **Learning to Code:** She discusses traditional learning paths (e.g., obtaining a CS degree) versus more accessible options like coding bootcamps and online resources.  
- **Good Coding Practices:** Bostic underscores the importance of writing practices in coding, comparing them to writing techniques. This includes writing, editing, and the necessity of seeking feedback.  
- **Community Support:** She stresses the significance of community in learning to code, sharing her positive experiences with supportive coding communities.  
- **Structural Code Inequality:** Bostic raises concerns about a potential divide where novices remain beginners, while experts continuously advance, creating barriers to entry in tech fields.  
- **Customer-Centric Coding:** She advocates for coders to adopt a customer-centric approach, prioritizing the needs of end-users and engaging collaboratively with non-coders for better product outcomes.  
- **The Role of Documentation:** Bostic highlights the critical need for clear documentation and communication in coding, as these practices help bridge gaps between novices and experts.  
- **Conclusions:** She concludes that coding should be about problem-solving and creating value, encouraging programmers to embrace a more holistic and collaborative perspective.

Overall, Bostic's address promotes the idea that coding education should be pursued by everyone, fostering a collaborative mindset within diverse tech communities to advance innovation and inclusiveness.

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