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Using Ruby at work is great… but sometimes it feels like a job! This year, I rediscovered the joy of writing Ruby apps for nobody but myself—and you can, too! Solo development is a great way to learn skills, to find inspiration, and to distill what matters most about programming. Building an entire app by yourself can be overwhelming, but this talk will make it easier. We'll start with a minimal toolset that one person can maintain. You'll learn how many "bad" coding practices can actually reduce complexity. You may be surprised how selfish coding can make you a better team member, too! RubyKaigi 2019 https://rubykaigi.org/2019/presentations/searls.html#apr20
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In his talk titled 'The Selfish Programmer' at RubyKaigi 2019, Justin Searls discusses the benefits of developing software individually rather than collaboratively. He explores how solo programming can foster skill learning, creative inspiration, and better focus on individual coding practices. Searls identifies three main traits of a successful solo programmer: being antisocial, egotistical, and irresponsible. Key Points Discussed: - **Antisocial Programming**: Searls explains that smaller, achievable goals boost motivation and prevent burnout. He introduces a personal rule of completing projects by the end of the weekend to maintain focus and manageability. - **Egotistical Approach**: This allows solo programmers to prioritize their own vision, leading to faster iterations of code and effective problem-solving based on direct user feedback. Instead of relying solely on automated tests, he discusses the benefits of AI testing for efficiency. - **Irresponsible Coding**: Rather than stressing about code reusability, Searls advocates for keeping code simple and isolated to enhance flexibility. He shares his experience building 'Kamisama,' an app that aids his Japanese learning, showcasing how personal projects can lead to practical coding solutions. Searls exemplifies the yin and yang of programming: while being selfish in projects can lead to greater creativity and personal satisfaction, it can also foster a positive impact on others if one remains open to feedback and suggestions. In conclusion, he encourages programmers to embrace a selfish mindset to rejuvenate their passion for coding, underscoring the key takeaway: solo development can lead to significant personal and technical growth. Searls invites anyone interested in further discussion or collaboration to reach out to him during the event.
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