Techstrong Unplugged

Dimitris Andreadis, an engineering director with two decades of experience in open-source development, dives into the evolution of Java, the impact of Quarkus on cloud computing, and how open-source contributions can shape a developer’s career. Dimitris shares insights on how young developers can get involved in open source, why Java is still king for mission-critical systems, and how GitHub has become the new resume.

Badr El Houari, a Java Champion and Chairman of Devoxx Morocco, discusses the growth of the Moroccan developer ecosystem. Badr shares his journey from software engineering graduate to community leader, emphasizing the importance of open-source contributions, continuous learning, and fostering local talent. They explore how events like Voxxed Days help young developers gain industry insights, build confidence in public speaking, and stay ahead of emerging trends like AI and cloud computing.

On this episode, we dive into the world of open source with Mario Fusco, a seasoned developer who has built a thriving career through open source contributions. Mario discusses why open source matters, how it helps developers showcase their work, and the career opportunities it unlocks. Learn how to get started, navigate contributions, and leverage open source communities for learning and professional growth.

Abdelfettah Sghiouar dives into the transformative power of open source. Explore why open source is not just a coding opportunity but a career catalyst. Learn how it builds community, sharpens skills, and opens doors to new possibilities. This conversation covers the "why" and "how" of contributing to open source, including practical tips for your first pull request and the long-term rewards of being part of a vibrant global community.

Marharyta Nedzelska, a software engineer at Sonar, shares her journey into technology, transitioning from a passion for math to a career in programming. They discuss the challenges and biases women face in tech, the realities of being a working mom in the industry, and the systemic issues that often go unnoticed. Marharyta also previews her upcoming talk on code coverage at a tech conference, tackling misconceptions about its role in software quality.

Luca Molteni, a software engineer at Red Hat and long-time Java enthusiast, explores the evolving role of Java in technology and community building. From his 15-year journey as an administrator of a Java User Group in Milan, Italy, to his innovative ideas for engaging younger generations, Luca shares valuable insights on the importance of inclusivity, tackling stereotypes, and making programming accessible.

Rustam Mehmandarov, a Java Champion and Google Developer Expert, explores his journey into technology, from discovering BASIC on vintage machines to teaching the next generation of programmers. Learn how he uses creative methods, like variable "cup" analogies, to introduce coding concepts to kids as young as six, and the unique challenges and joys of teaching children versus adults. Plus, hear about his experiences speaking at global conferences and empowering future tech innovators.

Yassine Benabbas, a PhD in computer science turned developer relations expert and educator, shares his journey from iOS development to community building through the Android User Group in Lille, France. Dive into discussions about teaching, Kotlin, cross-platform development, and the fascinating intricacies of threading and algorithmic optimization. Plus, learn how Yassine engages students with innovative lessons like the Game of Life and stays updated with podcasts and YouTube channels.

Mohammed Aboullaite, a backend engineer at Spotify, Java Champion, and Google Developer Expert, shares his journey from Morocco to Stockholm, his introduction to software engineering, and how early mentorship shaped his career. Discover how he's giving back through initiatives like GeeksBlabla, a platform fostering tech education in Morocco, and his involvement in the DevOps Morocco Conference. Mohammed reflects on the importance of community, mentorship, and leaving a meaningful legacy in the tech ecosystem.

Liran Tal, director of developer advocacy at Snyk, talks about the art of teaching developers application security. He explores engaging methods like Capture the Flag and card games, emphasizing how "hacking" can build better security awareness. Liran shares his journey from software development to security education, the importance of understanding an attacker’s mindset, and the critical role of fun in learning.