Review: Top Ten Software Skills by 2020

I still don't see anyone publishing the push for managers to upgrade their thinking and leadership for development teams to keep up with the global tech competition. Specifically, many developers have families and can't afford to spend all of their time developing. That's just a part of life - to have a family. Instead, I see managers still *encouraging* developers to learn to keep with the rapid changing pace of technology without providing the means necessary to stay relevant or leap ahead.

Anyhow, thankful for this list stating the next top ten things that developers should master.
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/19/these-will-be-the-top-10-most-popular-tech-skills-of-2020.html

Top 10 Software Skills by 2020

1. Python
2. React (web)
3. Angular
4. Machine Learning
5. Docker
6. Django
7. CompTIA - skills that certify cybersecurity, IT, etc
8. Amazon AWS - or any popular cloud certification
9. Deep Learning
10. React Native (mobile)

Where to Start with Deep Learning

Current ads on Deep Learning that I found interesting:

• CLOUDERA - learn more @ https://blog.cloudera.com/open-data-science-and-machine-learning-for-business-with-cloudera-data-science-workbench-on-hdp/
• MATHWORKS - download ebook @ https://www.mathworks.com/campaigns/offers/deep-learning-with-matlab.html
• PYTORCH - learn more @ https://pytorch.org/get-started/locally/

Happy Coding!

Review: CROKAGE - Crowd Knowledge Answer Generator

This (solution described in article) CROKAGE is absolutely a tool that will move computer science and software programming forward. Perhaps, all industries forward, lol.
https://stackoverflow.blog/2019/08/14/crokage-a-new-way-to-search-stack-overflow/

Additional References

• https://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=3339130 (white paper on ACM)
• https://www.techrepublic.com/article/developers-use-this-new-tool-to-solve-programming-problems-on-stack-overflow/
• https://sdtimes.com/softwaredev/stack-overflows-crokage-helps-developers-find-answers/

Reminder: Tech Giants providing Future of Education

Just in case you are like me and still wondering how long public schools (or any school in some states) will take to catch up with restructuring their schooling system to the workforce demand, here's a resourceful website by Google on Education.

https://edu.google.com/code-with-google/?modal_active=none&story-card_activeEl=enhance-any-subject

Google isn't the only one, however. Microsoft has their own resourceful website focused on One Hour of Code. Apple has Everyone can Code. For young students specifically, Apple also has an education site called Teaching Code. Even Amazon is aware of the educational crises and creating their own online schooling resource: AmazonInspire. Of course, the other tech giant Facebook has their own with Facebook Education.

Rather than wait for our government or public sector to provide the skills and education that our world demands, I think I'll take the initiative with using resources from such leading companies and encourage my family, friends, and neighbors to learn ahead. After all, home schooling is on the rise and many families are supplementing their social education via faith institutions, sport clubs, city clubs, etc.

In Addition

From this GitHub post, I can even see how hackathons boost the learning levels of students better than coursework in computer science. If students begin to take on this project-based assignment (i.e. learning skills through projects rather than test-based assignments), then students will end up not only learning more but also remembering more. This could spark a new kind of homeschooling or custom learning path. Why not just learn on your own at your own pace and then pass a universal, online high school exam for a degree? Wouldn't that be nice?!

Quick References

• https://edu.google.com/code-with-google/
• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/digital-skills/hour-of-code
• https://www.apple.com/everyone-can-code/
• https://www.apple.com/education/teaching-code/
• https://www.amazoninspire.com/
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000412651
• https://www.facebook.com/education/
• https://education.fb.com/
• https://education.fb.com/get-connected/
• https://www.nheri.org/homeschool-population-size-growing/
• https://github.blog/2019-07-17-survey-results-better-computer-science-learning-through-hackathons/

Review: JetBrains Developer Ecosystem 2019

I'm still amazed that Java is the most popular language used on the job. I wonder if it's because so many companies have adopted it since the 90's and don't want to try any other languages. Or, if it's because Java is still outperforming other languages. Or, is it because of SpringIO?

Something that surprised me about this survey is that machine learning is more developed as a hobby or in one's free time. Why aren't companies investing in machine learning and contributing back to open source? Especially with all the big data talk?

Anyhow, thank you JetBrains because these surveys are good to know:
https://www.jetbrains.com/lp/devecosystem-2019/

Review: Google, Microsoft with Brilliant for Quantum Computing

If you are looking for a place to practice programming in quantum computing, then you probably would like this article.

https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/26/microsoft-brilliant-quantum-computing-curriculum/

I haven't had a chance to look into this, but I'm sure I will once quantum computing rises in my list of priorities. Overall, I think just hearing about this is great!

Cheers!

Review: Microsoft Teams application

TL;DR: Watch this - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE1LGec?pid=ocpVideo0-innerdiv-oneplayer&postJsllMsg=true&maskLevel=20&market=en-us

New Way for Team Productivity

If you haven't already watched Microsoft announce its new application for team collaboration called Microsoft Teams, then I strongly recommend checking it out. At first, I thought this will compete against Slack. After watching the full demo however, I easily can envision how this tool will replace email. (This is where Slack is slacking - in promoting their tools as the new business tool for all professionals to get work done.) 

No longer will people communicate via email and manage work via email. No, people need to work faster and smoother instead of waiting to be driven by email conversations. So I think what Microsoft has done here is AMAZING! If a professional can maximize this application (office tool), then s/he will be a game changer at work.

Microsoft Teams - Demo

Microsoft Teams - Vision Promo (2016)

If you also take a look into their pricing plan with using Teams, then you'll see how this tool just makes better sense than continuing with email, email configuration and management, and email support.

Useful Links

• https://products.office.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/free
• https://products.office.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
• aka.ms/SuccessWithTeams
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0--6byMAe9otLougDShhUw
• https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficeGarageSeries
• https://www.pcmag.com/article/349274/microsoft-teams-vs-slack-whats-the-difference

Review: Google I/O 2019

In my previous post, I spoke a bit about the Microsoft Build 2019 and their amazing updates (mainly in respect to business and gaming). Here I'd like to give a little insight into the highlights of Google I/O 2019. Most of Google's amazing updates has evolved around the mobile world and its Pixel smartphone. Take note of their impressive user controls with respect to user security and privacy.

Google I/O 2019 Highlight (by CNET)



Happy Googling!

Review: Microsoft's rise in the world of Blockchain + MS Build 2019

I am caught by surprise to read this article.
https://www.coindesk.com/microsoft-launches-decentralized-identity-tool-on-bitcoin-blockchain

Apparently, Microsoft is making big moves in the world of blockchain technology - and I didn't even see this coming. I know they announced it at their Build 2018, but the follow through is incredible. See below for the introduction on Microsoft Build 2018 - Intro to Blockchain.

The fact that a foundation was created with Microsoft as a founding member to begin addressing the identity problems in blockchain technology is a great sign of advancing the blockchain world and it's great for Microsoft's future.

Learn more at Decentralized Identity Foundation.

Here's a term I'll need to add into my memory: "decentralized identity (DID)".

Well, in addition to this great news is the recap of Microsoft Build 2019.

Microsoft Build 2019

Vision Keynote Highlights
Full Vision Keynote




Microsoft Build 2019 - Fluid Framework




Microsoft Build 2019 - Spatial




Microsoft Build 2019 - Teams

Microsoft Build 2019 - Four Platforms

In case the videos flew over your head or you just need a recap quickly, here are the four platforms that Microsoft will focus on in the coming years.

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 & Power Platform
2. Microsoft 365
3. Microsoft Gaming
4. Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Build 2018 (Refresher)

Microsoft Build - Introduction to Blockchain

Voting Technology

Microsoft's Partnership in "Free & Fair" (Voting Technology)



Happy Inventing!

References

1. https://www.coindesk.com/microsoft-is-pushing-new-blockchain-id-products-but-theres-pushback-too
2. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/blockchain/
3. https://seekingalpha.com/article/4263360-microsoft-starbucks-ethereum-blockchain
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrynpollock/2019/05/14/microsoft-looking-to-build-decentralized-identity-network-on-top-of-bitcoin-blockchain/#8baaeb71de5b
5. https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/06/microsoft-aims-to-modernize-and-secure-voting-with-electionguard/  (Election Guard)
6. https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/06/microsoft-launches-visual-studio-online-an-online-code-editor/  (Visual Studio Online)
7. https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/10/microsoft-power-bi-platform-update-aims-to-put-ai-in-reach-of-business-users/ (AI Builder)
8. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/windows-terminal-preview/9n0dx20hk701?activetab=pivot:overviewtab (Windows Terminal)
9. https://techvibes.com/2019/04/09/five-years-to-the-top-microsofts-software-boss-julia-liuson (Julia Liuson - MS VP Developer Division)
10. https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-demos-electionguard-technology-for-securing-electronic-voting-machines/ (Voting Technology)

Review: Mozilla's good point on security policies with Amazon

In short, Mozilla makes a good point about third parties need a security policy for users especially those connected to Amazon.

Read Article
https://link.medium.com/s2tKcO50EW

Code, but do so with security!

Review: GitHub's Package Registry

I love what GitHub is doing here with their Package Registry. As one of the largest, if not the largest, coding repositories in the world, they are making it easier for the open source communities to download libraries and specific packages for continual advancement in the world of development. After all, who likes to reinvent the wheel? Furthermore, who likes to wait for a committee to approve a library or package before the world can use it?

Sure, there are benefits in waiting for a committee to verify a library or package. So, I'm not saying that committees and organizations are bad. Not at all! But, I am saying that we, developers, need a route where we don't have to wait if we want to experiment.

But, it's early and maybe too early to make opinions. I, myself, need to play with it and see what happens.

Read Article
https://github.blog/2019-05-10-introducing-github-package-registry/

Happy Coding!

Review: Microsoft's New Programming Language - Bosque

Microsoft has another new programming language, huh? Bosque. If a community supports this, then I'll start to pay attention. Else, there are just so many other programming languages out that a developer should continue to focus on like C#, C++.

Read Article

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/04/18/microsoft_bosque_programming_language/

References

• https://github.com/Microsoft/BosqueLanguage
• https://hackernoon.com/best-coding-languages-to-learn-in-2019-b49b49250a25
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/top-10-programming-languages-of-the-world-2019-to-begin-with/
• https://codinginfinite.com/best-programming-languages-to-learn-2019/  (F#)

Review: Facebook's Aroma ML for Code Recommendation

I actually don't need to say much here except you should also read this article.
https://ai.facebook.com/blog/aroma-ml-for-code-recommendation/

Fascinating and useful!

I definitely have my days where I find myself digging through too many StackOverflow (or other Developer Forum sites) to find great coding answers to my problems. Thank you, Facebook!

Customizing My Own Path To Success

Most recently, I blogged about the top universities in the world for graduating in computer science.

I also posted my thoughts about education and its impact on the economies in the world where learning fundamentals of technology is essential today.

As I continue to ponder over these ideas and practices created by others on a similar to journey to upgrade how our society educates and prepares the next generation for the future of opportunities, I'm starting to significantly consider other approaches (or pathways) to learn and drive my career. In addition, I'm planning to sketch out the course (or courses) that my kids should pursue as they find their place in this fast-evolving world.

For example, if I see that my kid's gifts and passion line up with becoming an innovator, then would it be best to pursue this course?

1. Quickly learn the basics of math, reading, writing, science, arts, and typing (keyboarding).
2. Leverage online learning like Khan Academy.
3. Skips grades when possible to learn the next fundamentals in pursuit of obtaining the HS graduate degree.
4. Meanwhile, provide tech exposure to tech conferences, open source project contributions, hackathons, etc.
5. Next, enroll in a bootcamp like Bloc to specialize skillsets in programming while creating meaningful projects in free time.
6. Then, enroll in an entrepreneurship program like Drake University which sounds like it includes sponsorship by investors.
7. All throughout, keeping up via collaboration with trusted friends and trusted online resources (or even an online tool like Declara).

There are many other examples I could give, but the point is thinking critically and strategically about driving our lives to positively make the world a better place - and feel great about it.

Reality Check: This is a privilege thinking. However, many can achieve this place of "privilege thinking" but it may come with a HUGE sacrifice like how many immigrants come to America for opportunity uncertain of what will actually happen once they get here. Again, apply critical thinking, strategize, and be ready to adapt. Good luck!

#lifewithpurpose

References

Listen to the stories of such young, bright, hungry minds.

• https://www.themuse.com/advice/50-fearless-minds-changing-the-world-the-winners
• Jack Andraka
• Angela Benton
• Danielle Fong
• Adam Braun
• Welcome to Silicon Valley (2018)
• Never losing focus to join the Billionaire's Club (Mark Cuban)

Review: Evolving Role of the Modern Developer

Read Article: Evolving Role of the Modern Developer

In this article, I have come to realize that my initialize thoughts on the direction of a development between the role of a developer and a QA engineer (or tester or whatever you call the person who verifies your code works as expected) is actually correct. I was confused and thought that perhaps the role of a tester evolved into just software engineer in test (SET) because of the positions that the tech giants were creating. In addition, because I see the evolution of AI testing.

But, on the spectrum of the SDLC the roles are becoming more integrated and in some respects these roles are merging into one. This doesn't mean the SDLC is going way. How a product or service is built will still need the basic engineering principles and cycles applied. However, who plays which role while creating or updating the product via SDLC will become more versatile and need a greater understanding of the customer's expectations of the product (and not just a function or feature). And, since no single developer can remember everything about a product, developers will need to know how to kindly work well with others.

Review: Amazon Software Development Insights

How is software developed at Amazon?

There are some really good tips in this online video and article.
http://highscalability.com/blog/2019/3/4/how-is-software-developed-at-amazon.html

Review: Future of Quality Assurance

I agree with this author.
https://thenewstack.io/quality-engineering-the-future-of-qa/

Quality Engineering within each Development Life Cycle phase

Since 2005, I could see "software tester" being eliminated from teams. It's the reason why I shifted from "tester" to "developer" back in 2008. I didn't expect the need for a test automation team to emerge. However, I still think that even such teams will no longer be necessary as development teams grow with understanding on how every part of the development process impacts a product's quality.

In addition, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) will create a new path for developing automated "testers" who can simulate the behavior of product users and provide instant feedback to developers. In manufacturing or other assembling facilities, robots will become more like droids.

Regarding quality engineering, the biggest challenge I see today is with the technical leadership having a slow adoption of implementing this "quality" mindset into development teams. This leadership issue is one of the reasons why excellent developers (who already have this mindset) tend to leave and start their own companies. "Quality" developers see an opportunity to create a product (or service) that is better than an existing one. So why wait for technical leadership to see these opportunities?

Test Teams to Test Companies

Some development teams are already leading the charge with implementing the quality engineering principles and leveraging test companies instead of employing testers (or creating their own test teams). An example of an organization to leverage is TestProject.

Here's an example of how they help developers get up to speed with testing their applications (particularly web applications).
https://blog.testproject.io/2018/12/18/net-core-test-automation-selenium-page-object-page-factory/

Here's another company to leverage: TestIM

Going with this development strategy (of leveraging test companies instead of creating own test teams) will save time and money, but with savvy technical leadership.

Expert Users - the new Quality Experts

In the near future, the "User" will be the Tester, Quality Assurance Engineer, or whatever title you want to give to a person who makes sures that a product is working as expected (or beyond expectations). Rightfully so, a product is only as valuable according to the measure given by its user. It's just logical to move towards lean-agile development methodology where it's basically the developer (innovator) and user (expert) creating and maturing the product.

Closing Thoughts on Our Future

Our world will shift from a "buy-sell" model to a "use-improve" model. Therefore, relationships will no longer have a clear line between "business" and "personal" types, but all relationships will carry both types. Every relationship will be "personal" and "business". All experts will need to specialize in developing something and all innovators will need to be experts in using something.

Review: Tech moving faster than skill development

IBM highlights Skills Gap (World Economic Forum 2019)

IBM CEO Ginni Rometty makes a splendid point here in this article.

For most, "technologies are moving faster in time than their skills" and I agree. This adds to my belief that we must upgrade our public schooling system. Waiting until our kids become young adults and relying on companies to train up our kids for the workforce will hurt us all in the near future.

I like this highlight by the article:
IBM CEO Ginni Rometty said at the World Economic Forum's 2019 annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that the most pressing issue of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" is the "skills crisis" that would leave workers behind.

https://www.businessinsider.com/ibm-ceo-ginni-rometty-talks-new-collar-jobs-at-davos-2019-1

Microsoft agrees (to a degree)

In addition, here's an article by Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott with a quote that supports the outlook by IBM CEO. Scott goes further than employment into gently suggesting our duty as citizens.

“It’s challenging, because even if you’re a person with significant technical training, even if you’re an AI practitioner, it’s sort of challenging to keep up with everything that’s going on. The landscape is evolving really rapidly,” he said.

https://venturebeat.com/2019/01/20/microsoft-cto-understanding-ai-is-part-of-being-an-informed-citizen-in-the-21st-century/

And, just in case that's not enough to convince you of the dire state edging our economy, here's another article showing just a snapshot on the timeline of the increasing skills gap.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/two-in-five-technology-job-applicants-dont-have-the-right-technical-chops-survey-finds/

Public Thoughts

Here's what the public thinks, before I conclude my point. And, I wish the public survey by Udemy Research had smaller categories especially for those Over 40 to give insight what the older generations think. Because, I believe those who witnessed more technology impact over more years should have more insight and well thought out solutions.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-do-attitudes-toward-the-skills-gap-tell-us-about_us_5a31af5be4b04bd8793e9714

And here's a quick look at Udemy's 2018 Report.

My Conclusion

Companies must become responsible owners of reducing the skills gap. Our government and public institutions have a greater responsibility in driving the skills gap reduction and even eliminate it.

Cheers,

Review: Open Dialogue about Open Source Software

I really like this author and article. I'll be keeping an eye on the roadmap laid out. If you like Open Source Software, then I strongly suggest that you fill out the form as well.

https://github.blog/2019-01-17-lets-talk-about-open-source-sustainability/

Review: Easier developing isn't actually easier

Here's an article I agree with. The speed and ease of application development doesn't make development actually any easier. The biggest concern from my perspective is developers coding while being mindful application security.

https://www.itprotoday.com/devops-and-software-development/why-easy-software-development-making-things-hard-development-careers

Software Testing article on 5 ways AI will change software testing

Article for today's reading...
https://techbeacon.com/5-ways-ai-will-change-software-testing

And here's an outstanding source of blogs related...
http://blog.testim.io/

It's important to try to keep up and not get discouraged at the pace of technology. :)