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RailsConf 2018: Scaling the Software Artisan by Coraline Ada Ehmke In the late 1700s the discovery of the principle of interchangeable parts shifted the demand for the expertise of artisans from production to design and invention. This shift transformed Western civilization and opened the way for the industrial revolution. We face a similar opportunity now as one generation of software developers reaches its professional peak and a new wave of developers enter the field. This talk will trace the historical evolution of the artisan and explore how understanding this history can help us to maximize and multiply the impact of senior software developers.
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In the talk titled "Scaling the Software Artisan" presented at RailsConf 2018 by Coraline Ada Ehmke, the speaker explores the evolution of the role of software developers, particularly focusing on senior developers and their transition towards a more innovative and impactful position in the industry. The central theme revolves around drawing parallels between the historical shift of artisans during the Industrial Revolution and current changes in software development practices. Key Points Discussed: - **Definition and Identity of Developers**: Ehmke raises the question of what we should call ourselves in the tech industry, discussing various terms such as architects, scientists, engineers, and ultimately settling on "artisans" as the most fitting description for software developers. - **Historical Context**: The talk traces the historical evolution of artisanship and craftsmanship, highlighting how artisans played a pivotal role prior to the Industrial Revolution. The introduction of standardization and interchangeable parts transformed manufacturing and the value of artisanal work. - **Interchangeable Parts in Software**: Ehmke discusses how software development is at a similar juncture, moving towards standardizing components and using reusable modules, resulting in a shift from traditional software creation to building upon existing technologies. - **Role of Senior Developers**: The evolution of senior developers is emphasized, transitioning from merely producing code to innovating solutions and focusing on the broader implications of their work, such as ethical considerations and the dynamics of team collaboration. - **Mentorship and Standardization**: The importance of mentoring and fostering a culture of learning within development teams is addressed, along with the necessity to create standards for both technical practices and ethical conduct in software development. - **Ethical Responsibilities**: Ehmke concludes by emphasizing the moral responsibilities developers have regarding the impacts of their work, particularly in light of recent ethical dilemmas in technology, urging developers to think critically about the repercussions of their code on society. This presentation ultimately encourages the audience to reflect on how they can scale their own impact as developers, suggesting a shift in focus from production to innovation, design, and ethical accountability. The talk serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for software artisans to foster profound changes in technology and society by embracing their evolving roles.
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