Book Image

Developer, Advocate!

By : Geertjan Wielenga
Book Image

Developer, Advocate!

By: Geertjan Wielenga

Overview of this book

What exactly is a developer advocate, and how do they connect developers and companies around the world? Why is the area of developer relations set to explode? Can anybody with a passion for tech become a developer advocate? What are the keys to success on a global scale? How does a developer advocate maintain authenticity when balancing the needs of their company and their tech community? What are the hot topics in areas including Java, JavaScript, "tech for good," artificial intelligence, blockchain, the cloud, and open source? These are just a few of the questions addressed by developer advocate and author Geertjan Wielenga in Developer, Advocate!. 32 of the industry's most prominent developer advocates, from companies including Oracle, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, open up about what it's like to turn a lifelong passion for knowledge sharing about tech into a rewarding career. These advocates run the gamut from working at large software vendors to small start-ups, along with independent developer advocates who work within organizations or for themselves. In Developer, Advocate!, readers will see how developer advocates are actively changing the world, not only for developers, but for individuals and companies navigating the fast-changing tech landscape. More importantly, Developer, Advocate! serves as a rallying cry to inspire and motivate tech enthusiasts and burgeoning developer advocates to get started and take their first steps within their tech community.
Table of Contents (36 chapters)
34
Other Books You May Enjoy
35
Index
36
Packt

The appeal of advocacy

Geertjan Wielenga: When you compare this role to pure programming, which is what you were doing before, what is the attractive aspect?

Why are you no longer purely programming and instead you're a developer advocate?

Ray Tsang: I enjoy the pure engineering, but I also enjoy the relationship part of it and working with people. I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to travel and to meet great people.

I learn so much by talking to people. That helps me to expand my view and my knowledge base because there are always these new ideas that pop up when I get to talk to a diverse group of people.

I don't feel that I would get those opportunities if I didn't get to know the community. Of course, there are ways to get that balance in pure engineering too, I'm sure. Some of the most inspiring engineers not only create great tech, but also engage with the community. However, in addition to being able to work on projects, I have the people...