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Every Tuesday at 12pm Mountain Time

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A casual weekly virtual chat mostly focused on web and software development.

Weekly Dev Chat is a place to ask questions, hear different viewpoints, and get to know your fellow developers. Every week there is an initial topic posted to get the discussion started. Sometimes we discuss the initial topic the entire chat, and other times the topic changes several times through the natural flow of the conversation.

Everyone and anyone are welcome to join as long as you are kind, supportive, and respectful of others.

The Unexpected Benefits of Programming

What does programming teach you beyond code? This week, we're exploring the external benefits that programming brings to your professional and personal life—the skills that transfer far beyond the terminal.

Organized Thinking - Programming forces you to think systematically. Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable pieces isn't just good for code; it transforms how you approach challenges in any domain. The habit of defining inputs, processing, and outputs applies everywhere.

Better Communication - Writing clear code requires precision. This discipline carries over to written communication, instructions, and documentation. Developers who write good code tend to be more specific and clear when giving instructions or explaining ideas.

Logical Reasoning - Building logic flows, understanding conditionals, and handling edge cases sharpens your ability to think through consequences. This translates to better decision-making and problem-solving in all areas of life.

Patience and Debugging Mindset - Learning to debug teaches you to investigate methodically, check assumptions, and iterate. This problem-solving approach benefits everything from professional projects to personal challenges.

What external benefits have you derived from programming? How have these skills changed how you approach non-technical aspects of your work and life?

Everyone and anyone is welcome to join as long as you are kind, supportive, and respectful of others. Zoom link will be posted at 12pm MDT.

  • in Career
  • 1 min read

Solo vs Team

What's your work situation: solo, small team, or large team? What are the pros and cons of each? Do you feel you're missing out? If you have experience in more than one, which did you prefer?

In a large organisation, are there places for solo developers? In small companies, how can a developer be part of a larger community?

Does your personality type determine where you end up in your career, or is this controlled by the industry you're in?

Everyone and anyone are welcome to join as long as you are kind, supportive, and respectful of others. Zoom link will be posted at 12pm MDT.

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Types of fun in Software Development

Today's (2026-07-21) topic is applying the types of fun to software development. The 4 types of fun are:

  • Type 1: Fun in the moment and when you remember it.
    Example: Stroll in the park on a nice day with friends. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

  • Type 2: Not fun during the moment but is fun in retrospect.
    Example: Hike to the top of a mountain on a hot day with some great views at the top. Get a feeling of accomplishment.

  • Type 3: Not fun during the moment or when you remember it but often makes the best stories.
    Example: Getting lost at night during a hike and your headlamp isn't working. Holy crap, that was more dangerous than I thought.

There is also a 4th type of fun that some people have added:

  • Type 4: Fun in the moment but regret it later.
    Example: Eating and drinking too much. Often counter to your long-term goals such as staying in shape.

What are some examples of the types of fun in Software Development? Inspired by me recently spending six days hiking to and around Mt. Assiniboine. It was definitely type 2 fun due to the long days of hiking, the mosquitoes, and crappy dehydrated food but great to remember.

Everyone and anyone is welcome to join as long as you are kind, supportive, and respectful of others.

P.S. - Image created by ChatGPT.

Gives examples of the 4 types of fun