
Today I want to talk a little bit about [useReducer](https://reactjs.org/docs/hooks-reference.html#usereducer) and how it can be used as a fantastic way to manage complex state requirements without reaching for a library or peppering your codebase with multiple [useState](https://reactjs.org/docs/hooks-reference.html#usestate) calls.

In the following example, we are going to look at a users profile card which in the real world, would allow a user to update their first name, last name, email and phone.

We are also going to do this with TypeScript so that we get that sweet sweet type safety that it brings to the table.

All of the code for this example will be available [here](https://github.com/damiensedgwick/useref-demo).

Lets crack on.

To use `useReducer` we must first call it and pass it a reducer function, and an initial state object:

```tsx
const [state, dispatch] = useReducer(handleFormInputChange, {
  firstName: "",
  lastName: "",
  email: "",
  phone: "",
  submitted: false
});
```
The `state` here is pretty self-explanatory, but what is `dispatch` and what does `handleFormInputChange` actually handle?

If we take a look at the latter, `handleFormInputChange` is our reducer function that takes in the current state and an action.

Lets take a look at the code:

```ts
export type Data = {
  firstName: string;
  lastName: string;
  email: string;
  phone: string;
  submitted: boolean;
}

export type Action =
  { type: "UPDATE_FIRST_NAME", value: string }
  | { type: "UPDATE_LAST_NAME", value: string }
  | { type: "UPDATE_EMAIL", value: string }
  | { type: "UPDATE_PHONE", value: string }
  | { type: "RESET_FORM" }
  | { type: "SUBMIT_FORM" }

export const handleFormInputChange = (state: Data, action: Action) => {
  switch (action.type) {
    case "UPDATE_FIRST_NAME":
      return { ...state, firstName: action.value, submitted: false };
    case "UPDATE_LAST_NAME":
      return { ...state, lastName: action.value, submitted: false };
    case "UPDATE_EMAIL":
      return { ...state, email: action.value, submitted: false };
    case "UPDATE_PHONE":
      return { ...state, phone: action.value, submitted: false };
    case "SUBMIT_FORM":
      return { ...state, submitted: true };
    case "RESET_FORM":
      return { firstName: "", lastName: "", email: "", phone: "", submitted: false };
    default:
      throw new Error("Unhandled form input action");
  }
};
```
So our `state` takes the shape of `Data` which is the first part we have declared here, the second part is our `Action` type which will help us when it comes to dispatching events a little later.

Lastly, we have declared our function, this is simply a switch statement that checks the action type, and handles it accordingly. If we were to send an action that we had not declared, it would throw a new error.

So for example, if we send the action type `UPDATE_FIRST_NAME`, the function would return all state that has not been modified, as well as the new state for the input element that has been modified, like so:

```tsx
...
case "UPDATE_FIRST_NAME":
    return { ...state, firstName: action.value, submitted: false };
...
```
Now that we have looked at our reducer function, lets look at `dispatch`.

`dispatch` allows us to use our reducer function to send events and values. In the case of our first name input field, it looks like this:

```tsx
<Input placeholder="First Name" value={state.firstName} onChange={(e) => dispatch({ type: "UPDATE_FIRST_NAME", value: e.target.value })} />
```
So as we can see, whenever `onChange` is called for this input element, we send the action type and the value using dispatch, and our reducer function handles updating the correct piece of state.

If we take a step back and look at our users profile component, it lets us see the whole picture for the component.

```tsx
<ProfileCard>
  <UserDetailsForm>
    <Avatar src={avatar} alt="the users avatar" />
    <FormGroup>
      <Input placeholder="First Name" value={state.firstName} onChange={(e) => dispatch({ type: "UPDATE_FIRST_NAME", value: e.target.value })} />
      <Input placeholder="Last Name" value={state.lastName} onChange={(e) => dispatch({ type: "UPDATE_LAST_NAME", value: e.target.value })} />
      <Input placeholder="Email" value={state.email} onChange={(e) => dispatch({ type: "UPDATE_EMAIL", value: e.target.value })} />
      <Input placeholder="Phone" value={state.phone} onChange={(e) => dispatch({ type: "UPDATE_PHONE", value: e.target.value })} />
    </FormGroup>
    <Button type="button" onClick={() => state.submitted ? dispatch({ type: "RESET_FORM" }) : dispatch({ type: "SUBMIT_FORM" })}>{state.submitted ? "RESET" : "SAVE"}</Button>
  </UserDetailsForm>
</ProfileCard>
```
As you can see, all of the `onChange` handlers and the `onClick` handler are very simple. All we are doing is using `dispatch` to send an action type and a potential value should one be required.

No more tracking multiple input fields with useState and declaring different call handlers for different elements.

The entire form can be handled using one function and one state object.

I also mentioned the use of TypeScript here, but I didn't really explain why it was beneficial.

The reason it is beneficial in this example, is that we would get an error should we try and pass a value along with an event, that did not accept a value.

So if we tried to do:
```tsx
onClick={() => dispatch({type: SUBMIT_FORM, value: "some value"})
```
It would error because the action `SUBMIT_FORM` is not expecting any other value to be sent with the event.

You can visit the demo using this link [useRef demo](https://magenta-raindrop-52445e.netlify.app/)

For further reading, you can check out how `useState` and useReducer` behave differently here: [useState vs useReducer](https://twitter.com/dai_shi/status/1534170089981100032)

useReducer > useState


Today is going to be a quick look at some of the more popular array methods in JavaScript.

Each example will use the same set of data, an array of pet objects with different types of animal, their breed and their name.

So lets dive in.

### Array.prototype.map()
`.map()` Creates a new array which is populated with the results of calling a provided function on every element in the calling array.

This is helpful for many reasons but in our example below, we have used `.map()` to create a new array to store all of our pet names in and we have stored them in a new variable `names`.

```js
const pets = [
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie'},
  {type: 'cat', name: 'Bruce', breed: 'Maine Coon'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Tyson', breed: 'Bulldog'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bobby', breed: 'English Bull Terrier'},
  {type: 'parrot', name: 'Paulie', breed: 'Macaw'}
];

const names = pets.map((pet) => pet.name);

console.log(names); // ['Bruno', 'Bruce', 'Tyson', 'Bobby', 'Paulie']
```

### Array.prototype.filter()
`.filter()` Creates a [shallow copy](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/Shallow_copy) of a portion of a given array, filtered down to just the elements from the given array that pass the test implemented by the provided function.

If we imagine that we have just fetched all of our pets from our database. `.filter()` is useful because in the scenerio where we only want to read the data of dogs, as in our example, it allows us to do exactly that. We can also store that data in a new variable such as `dogs` just as we have below.

```js
const pets = [
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie'},
  {type: 'cat', name: 'Bruce', breed: 'Maine Coon'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Tyson', breed: 'Bulldog'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bobby', breed: 'English Bull Terrier'},
  {type: 'parrot', name: 'Paulie', breed: 'Macaw'}
];

const dogs = pets.filter((pet) => pet.type === 'dog');

console.log(dogs); // [{type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie'}, {type: 'dog', name: 'Tyson', breed: 'Bulldog'}, {type: 'dog', name: 'Bobby', breed: 'English Bull Terrier'}]
```

### Array.prototype.forEach()
`.forEach` Executes a provided function once for each array element.

In our example below, our provided function is a rather trivial one that simply logs out a string to the console. However in a more real world situation (still using our pets), our function might return the last time a pet received a checkup (not currently in our data).

```js
const pets = [
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie'},
  {type: 'cat', name: 'Bruce', breed: 'Maine Coon'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Tyson', breed: 'Bulldog'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bobby', breed: 'English Bull Terrier'},
  {type: 'parrot', name: 'Paulie', breed: 'Macaw'}
];

function introducePet(pet) {
  console.log(`${pet.name} is a ${pet.breed} (${pet.type})`)
}

pets.forEach((pet) => introducePet(pet)); // Bruno is a Border Collie (dog)...
```

### Array.prototype.slice()
`.slice()` Also returns a [shallow copy](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/Shallow_copy) of a portion of an array into a new array object selected from start to end (end not included) where start and end represent the index of items in that array. **The original array will not be modified**.

In our example we are using `.slice()` to simply return the first element of array and store it in a new variable `firstPet`. We could also use it to return the first 3 or the last 3. The world is our oyster here.

```js
const pets = [
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie'},
  {type: 'cat', name: 'Bruce', breed: 'Maine Coon'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Tyson', breed: 'Bulldog'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bobby', breed: 'English Bull Terrier'},
  {type: 'parrot', name: 'Paulie', breed: 'Macaw'}
];

const firstPet = pets.slice(0, 1);

console.log(tyson); // [{type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie'}]
```

### Array.prototype.sort()
`.sort()` As the name suggests, sorts the elements of an array in place and returns the reference to the same array, now sorted. The default sort order is ascending, built upon converting the elements into strings, then comparing their sequences of UTF-16 code units values.

We may want to sort our data for various reasons, in our example we simply want to order our pets data alphabetically by their name.

It is worth noting that whilst the majority of array methods with create a new array or a shallow copy, `.sort()` will actually change the order of the array (mutation) so a handy trick if you want to prevent this from happening, is to use slice beforehand to create a copy of the original array order.

```js
const pets = [
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie'},
  {type: 'cat', name: 'Bruce', breed: 'Maine Coon'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Tyson', breed: 'Bulldog'},
  {type: 'dog', name: 'Bobby', breed: 'English Bull Terrier'},
  {type: 'parrot', name: 'Paulie', breed: 'Macaw'}
];

pets.sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name)) // mutated array
pets.slice().sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name)) // copied array

console.log(pets); // [{ type: 'dog', name: 'Bobby', breed: 'English Bull Terrier' }, { type: 'cat', name: 'Bruce', breed: 'Maine Coon' }, { type: 'dog', name: 'Bruno', breed: 'Border Collie' }, { type: 'parrot', name: 'Paulie', breed: 'Macaw' }, { type: 'dog', name: 'Tyson', breed: 'Bulldog' }]
```
That is it for this article and JavaScript array methods. I would highly recommend taking a look at [MDN](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript) as there is a mountain of knowledge there, waiting to be digested. It is also where I got my array method descriptions from.

A Quick Look At Some Popular Array Methods In JavaScript


We’ve all seen the dire BBC [headlines](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62098767), and the accompanying frightening stats. In May Tech Monitor suggested that job vacancies in the IT sector were up by [191%](https://techmonitor.ai/leadership/workforce/uk-tech-jobs-skills-shortage). There really is a problem in our industry but maybe employers and recruiters should look beyond the norm? Norfolk Developers did some digging.

Reading the BBC article more closely, the piece is examining general IT skills across the country as well as more highly qualified roles. [Two million](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62098767.amp) UK tech vacancies last year in the industry and a further [12 million workers](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62098767.amp) lack ‘essential digital skills’, shouts the article. Though, this could apply as much to a lack of basic office computing skills as a shortage of devs.

As a community comprising 1600 members with almost 500 on our very active [Discord](https://nor.dev/discord), if we know anything, it’s about working within the tech industry. 

## A degree is not a prerequisite

With universities and FE colleges about to open their doors for the new term, not everyone who has a passion for programming and tech will be entering these groves of academe. Discussing this with those within our community, many of these specialists tried uni & college but this wasn’t a fit for them so they left full time education. Some just didn’t think that a degree was necessary for a field in which they were already skilled.

## Community support

Alex Scotton, has never graced a uni or a college with his presence as a student. He had the self taught skills but as he says himself, “my journey into the industry took a long time.” Alex has been writing code since he was 10 and kept on programming.

In common with many within the tech community, imposter syndrome played a large part in his initial lack of success and it was down to a friend’s encouragement that Alex was able to gain a foothold in the industry working in a digital marketing team. From this start he was able to progress rapidly in the industry. Today he works as a freelance web developer,a consultant and organises the annual [nor(DEV): conference](https://nordevcon.com/). 

## A web developer’s point of view

Talking to web developer [Louise Foster](https://louisefoster.co.uk/), she says, “I'm completely self taught. I had an online shop between 2010 and 2017 and I ended up realising I got more of a kick working on the website than I did getting the orders in (the orders were great though as well).”

## A degree works for some

NorDev programmer, Jake Saterlay, has a degree in computer science. In discussion Jake suggested, “You’ll learn a lot about the basics of programming [at college], enough to get you your first job, and then after that you’ll get all the experience you need to accelerate your career”

He also believes that you learn many other skills at uni that’ll help in your career.

“I think an aspect that you get from university that you don’t get from being self taught is working in a team. I had various different group projects at university which helped teach me about key project management skills like delegation and communication.”

## A recruiter’s’ thoughts
Speaking to Rokker Consulting’s Jim Marshall, about the issue, he gives reasons for tech skills shortage and states,  “this is the result of an exponential rise in demand (many more traditional firms, by the nature of how they operate, sell/market and deliver products and services, are now principally technology firms), reduced immigration and a tight overall labour market.” 
 
Jim continues by suggesting, 
 
> “the skills shortage has been exacerbated by the fixed mindset of some hirers; sometimes not even taking the time to look at the backgrounds of their best technologists (many of whom entered the industry by non-traditional routes)”. 
 
> “I am a strong advocate of hiring on potential over proof. The key is creating hiring systems and attitudes that adequately index aptitude, curiosity and growth mindset.”
 
## Looking to the future

Amber Hunt managing director of consultancy [Marshall Wolfe](https://marshallwolfe.co.uk/) believes;

> “as technology evolves at a rapid rate, the challenge is hiring and retaining people with these new skills. Whilst companies continue to seek experienced hires, they now find themselves repositioning to attract new digital talent in order to balance the skills shortage – leveraging this by promoting upskilling, retraining and softer skills, alongside apprenticeships, internships and graduate schemes.”
 
In a bid to deal with the tech skills shortage, Amber is trying to “explore with our clients how they can create a sustainable pipeline of talent for the future and thrive in the current technology ecosystem.”
 
She is a keen advocate of a “more inclusive approach to recruitment and open doors for people from diverse backgrounds.”
 
## Alternative routes into tech

Bootcamps and coding camps are an alternative route into the tech industry. [Codebar](https://codebar.io/workshops/2409) in Norwich, organised by Holly Allen and Rose Bonner, is one way with skilled mentors and experts on hand for advice.
 
Another route is Norwich’s [Tech Educators](https://techeducators.co.uk/), where Leanna Lucas, with a background in retail and film has just gained the skills to [land her first job as a web developer for Aviva](https://techeducators.co.uk/blog/our-first-graduate-gets-hired-by-aviva). Talking to Tech Educator’s MD, James Adams, he recognises many of the difficulties of those trying to enter the industry.
 
“What we are trying to achieve at Tech Educators isn’t about saying a university CompSci degree isn’t of value, of course it is, but that’s one path. It’s about offering fair access to all, access to those who don’t want to learn in the “traditional” academic environment, who feel that three years is too long, or are worried about high and increasing costs of tuition over that period.”
 
## Funding

Talking about funding, Tech Educators recently applied for funds via the LEP. James confirmed,

> “We had the recent LEP led tender for government funded spaces, where not one fully instructor led course was selected. Some learners can do the self paced approach, some need an instructor, again for me, it’s about fair access to all, if we are going to truly drive outcomes that we would call a success.” 
 
James firmly believes that fair access for all can solve many of the industry’s skill shortage problems.
 
It’s not that there isn’t the talent - there is but it needs to be fostered and encouraged. Talking to so many, what becomes very clear is that those in the tech industry have taken different routes to achieve their goals and all of these needed to be acknowledged and nurtured.
 
Check out the Norfolk Developers' Discord channel, for jobs, advice, code discussions and some rather esoteric channels on pets and food.

The tech skills shortage


# Community Recommends: VSCode Extensions

Recently, I reached out to our community on the [NorDev Discord Server](https://nor.dev/discord) to get some recommendations on extensions for VSCode. I already had a few in mind but I figured there's no better place to get some solid opions so here are the community recommendations.

## Prettier
![Prettier](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Prettier.jpg)
[Prettier](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=esbenp.prettier-vscode) is a code formatter, and a very popular one too!  
In their own words: 
> Prettier is an opinionated code formatter. It enforces a consistent style by parsing your code and re-printing it with its own rules that take the maximum line length into account, wrapping code when necessary.   

Now if you are new to coding and just starting out it may be worth skipping this one for a little while, just to ensure you learn best practices and don't become entirely reliant on a code formatter to keep your work legible.   
That said, the main reason this was chosen as a popular option by the community is the fact it allows you to worry less on the legibility of your code and instead focus more on the code itself.   
If you need to get in the zone and simply write the code without little worry or regard to formatting and other nuances then this is a great recommendation.  

## Live Server
![Live Server](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Live_Server_Logo.jpg)
[Live Server](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ritwickdey.LiveServer) is a fanstatic tool when you are working on sites that are comprised of nothing more than HTML, CSS and Javascript.   
Live Server provides you with a way to view your code as you would on, well, a live server. It auto updates as you save your code and is a great companion for a second screen (or split screen) set up so you can see the changes as you make them.   
As a new coder I found this to be really useful, I knew almost instantly that the changes I were making were either working or not. It's great for experimental learning.   

## Live Share
![Live Share](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Live_Share.jpg)
[Live Share](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=MS-vsliveshare.vsliveshare-pack) is the definitive extension for sharing your projects and pair programming and working collaboratively remotely, all provided by Microsoft themselves.   
In their own words:
> This extension pack includes everything you need to start collaboratively editing and debugging in real time, including integrated audio and text chat. This provides you and your team/class with a one-click installation, in order to begin pair programming, performing remote code reviews, driving interactive lectures, and more, without needing to leave Visual Studio Code.   

I can't put it much better than that really, long story short, if you need a friend to help you with your code or you intend to pair programme, work collaboratively and want to work in real time then this the one for you.  
A strong choice from the community.   

## GitLens
![GitLens](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/GitLens.jpg)
[GitLens](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=eamodio.gitlens) is an extension that adds extra features to Git.   
To quote the experts:
> Supercharge Git within VS Code — Visualize code authorship at a glance via Git blame annotations and CodeLens, seamlessly navigate and explore Git repositories, gain valuable insights via rich visualizations and powerful comparison commands, and so much more.   

Pretty self explanatory, not sure how else I can elaborate on that other than saying that it sure is a popular option and it comes from the trusty people at GitKraken, a little more from them below.

> GitLens supercharges Git inside VS Code and unlocks untapped knowledge within each repository. It helps you to visualize code authorship at a glance via Git blame annotations and CodeLens, seamlessly navigate and explore Git repositories, gain valuable insights via rich visualizations and powerful comparison commands, and so much more.   

That's all I'm saying other than check it out!   

## CSS Peek
![CSS Peek](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/CSS_Peek.jpg)
[CSS Peek](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=pranaygp.vscode-css-peek) is a favourite of mine beacuse I am a very ~~lazy~~ efficient person.   
CSS Peek allows you to, well, peek at your CSS. You can use it one a `class` in your HTML to see the CSS that it is appying. It does go one step further though and will allow you to edit the CSS from your peek without even opening your CSS file.   
When you're first applying classes it's great if you can remember exactly what your class does, when editing in future it's fantastic for those quick edits. It also lets you jump straight to the relevant part in the CSS file from your HTML document too.   

## JavaScript (ES6) code snippets
![JS Snippets](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/JS_Snippets.jpg)
[JS Snippets](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=xabikos.JavaScriptSnippets) does exactly what it says on the tin.   
This extension providers you with snippets of ES6 code, it also supports Typescript as well as Javascript and React too.  
A very handy little morsel!   

## Power Mode
![Power Mode](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Power_Mode.jpg)
[Power Mode](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=hoovercj.vscode-power-mode) is the point at which we remember that the NorDev community has a good sense of humour.   
Power Mode has a number of features to add flair and meme's to your coding experience.   
There is a combo meter (keep those fingers tapping) as well as a variety of built-in effects including explosions, interdeminsional portals, and clippy (for the meme's) and over 20 customisable settings.   
I can't do it justice in text along, just click the link and prepare to have your mind blown!   

## And that's a wrap!
That is the list of all extensions that were recommended to me by the NorDev community.   
We'd love to hear any suggestions you have to please feel free to drop in, say Hi and let us know your favourites on the [NorDev Discord Server](https://nor.dev/discord)!


Community Recommends: VSCode Extensions


## What a conference! We're grateful to the sponsors & speakers. They make the conference possible and our thanks to all who attended for making it a welcoming, engaging, and rewarding event…

As you might expect, organising a conference the same year as we emerge from restrictions on events and gatherings has proved challenging with many uncertainties in the run-up. A shuffling of dates knocked around our timeline and added to those challenges until we settled on June. Rest assured we will be back in February for a cooler venue from next year.


In the post-conference haze, we recognised how energising and rewarding the conference has been for all.  The feedback and excitement over the two days was fantastic. Whilst it can feel chaotic behind the scenes, we heard many commenting on the event being well organised, friendly and welcoming to those that are usually intimidated by crowds. It shows that the hard work is always worth it 🤗

>>> I am perpetually proud that Norwich has such a friendly and supportive tech scene.
<span className="block mt-2 font-extrabold">@MattB</span>

## Two days for the community!

So many connections were made! Many in our community formed friendships over lockdown on our Discord, online socials, and events. This was the first time they met IRL and made the link between avatar and face!

>>> The learning to be gained from the talks is interesting, but you can watch most of those on the internet. It’s the corridor conference which is the best part!
<span className="block mt-2 font-extrabold">Dom Davis</span>

People were making that important first step into the industry. Our scholarship program saw its most use in several years, with 32 tickets bought through the scheme. It enables students, and those with a low income to get either a free ticket or pay just £7 to attend both days and the social events surrounding the conference too! This program is operated on an honour basis, you need not apply and in 2023 we’re making it even easier too!

![A packed Conference Room 2](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-06-25-nordevcon-2022-retrospective/conference-room-2.jpg)

## Insights

We were overwhelmed with incredible tips & useful feedback in 2020, we listened, and in 2022 we used them. The speaker warning boards, the large signage, the smaller programme, and many many more...

This year, again, we’ve had some great advice and you can [submit your own](https://forms.gle/4HUMDQrTAwT3Cds19). It will guide some considerable changes next year, a priority is to enable more time to socialise and to give more time between talks and the schedule will be refreshed accordingly.

## The plans for 2023

We’re excited and are already planning for 2023. Many of this year’s amazing sponsors have already confirmed their support for next year and we’ve some great ideas (more on that soon)! ❤️

In 2023, we return to our regular schedule, at the Kings Centre again. February, the 23rd & 24th. For a limited time, we're offering ["Super" Super Early Bird tickets](https://nordevcon.com/tickets) at **80% off** the standard price.

We invite you to submit your talk on our [Call for Papers](https://forms.gle/utZHU63XZRiuvJPs9). As a speaker; you get a **free conference t-shirt** featuring your name in the credits adorning the back, **free tickets for you and a friend** (which can be used to refund existing tickets), and your **travel & accommodation expenses covered**!

Thank you!

![The Norfolk Developer's 2022 Conference Team](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-06-25-nordevcon-2022-retrospective/conference-team.jpg)

nor(DEV): con 2022 Retrospective


All conference speakers, regardless of, well anything really, share one thing in common. They all had to deliver their first talk. The first time they stood up in front of a group of people and imparted something. I cannot be more specific, because each and every one of those experiences would have been unique, but I can be reasonably sure about one thing: those speakers  would have been scared. Probably terrified. 
 
## Stage nerves

Talking to a large group of people is scary. That fear lessens the more you do it, but it never quite goes away. Recently, a well respected keynote speaker at a large conference told us their heart rate was over 140bpm before starting. The talk was excellent, so arguably they had nothing to worry about. And yet, there was The Fear. Fear, the talk won’t go well. Fear people won’t find it interesting, or useful. Fear that you will somehow fail.
 
I mention this because, great as it is to see the same old faces [quite literally in some cases,] I also love hearing from new people. What may seem blindingly obvious to you, like doing something in Blender or coding a little electronics project on an Arduino, are actually fascinating to people like me whose experience doesn’t encompass these fields.
 
“But,” I hear you say, “The Fear!”
 
To which I say Tish and Pish. Provided you can tell a story, you can give a talk. Granted, not everyone can tell a good story, but you may surprise yourself if you tried. 
 
## Adrenaline rush

The Fear is very real. As is the stress. But then so is the rush when you’re done. And the discourse after the event. Which is why, time after time, I willingly put myself in the situation of standing up in front of a whole bunch of people who know a lot more about a whole bunch of stuff than I do, and open my gob. And then I tell a story. Usually about tech.
 
Despite coming across as a colossal extrovert, I am actually very introverted. Going up to strangers and talking to them is incredibly difficult for me. Standing in front of them and talking at them is somehow easier. And, once it’s all over, they come and speak to me. A ready made gaggle of people to talk to and interact with while at a conference.

## Conference gains

Ultimately, for me, that’s what conferences are about. Yes, the learning to be gained from the talks is interesting, but you can watch most of those on the internet. **It’s the corridor conference which is the best part**. So despite everything, I will submit talks to conferences I want to go to, because if I don’t I will just passively attend the conference, rather than taking part in it. So this year, listen to the stories being told at [NorDevCon](https://nordevcon.com), and have a think about what story you might tell next year. You never know, you might even enjoy telling it.

Facing the fear


[Keynote speaker](https://www.nordevcon.com/#speakers) and specialist in work-place innovation and optimisation, [Rokker](https://www.rokker.co.uk/) People’s Jim Marshall, spent some time talking to us about the future of work – providing us with real-world solutions rather than just abstractions.

## The nuts & bolts

Having worked with the tech sector for many years, [Jim](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimnmarshall) explains:

> We work across a range of industries and geographies and with companies of all sizes, from start-ups through to fortune 250 businesses; the common themes are: we tend to deal with c-suite stakeholders who want to dramatically scale or improve their people strategy. These companies are predominantly in the tech-sector…although it could be argued that every business on the planet these days is a tech company in one way or another!

## What is success?

Jim explains, “success is about identifying the goals or desired direction of travel for a client company, and then designing a contextual, optimal journey to meet that state”. This is where Rokker’s ‘Design Thinking’ approach comes in, treating each corporate and people brief as a design challenge which requires research, ideation, planning, execution and measurement – supported by a range of in-house tools such as the PRISM methodology seen on the Rokker website.

Jim says “this process is very agile, and specifically designed to align to language within tech companies, instead of MVPs we have MVIs (Minimum Viable Initiatives) for example. The agile framework is also very good at handling corporate change, similar to a development project, it allows us to prioritise and reprioritise based on customer, stakeholder or market influences. I am sure many in nor(DEV) will recognise this language”:

## The people lens

Most organisations are subject to persistent change. Jim is surprised that through these major transformations how comparatively little time and attention is spent addressing the very pertinent question - “how are these changes going to affect our people?” Jim feels that one of the biggest business failings is “inadequate comms.” Organisations that start with a collective ‘how are we going to work through this together?’ and ‘what are our roles going to look like in the new world?’, fair so much better than those that have impressive people slogans and collateral, but put little effort into understanding the motivations of their wider team(s).

## The autonomy to think

Allowing staff the freedom to think is a good start. Jim talked about the importance of giving colleagues the time and space to think and then the “autonomy to act.”  Don’t follow siloed options, but “in a knowledge based economy, it’s so inefficient to run a business with a top down hierarchy - sadly this is all too common, akin to Victorian mill owners.” 

## Exploring the future

Jim highlights that there is room for hope. The pandemic unraveled a whole range of working options. His mantra at that time was, “I hope we don’t forget all of this.” …
”However, I know we have short memories and the crowd mentality rarely follows logic.” 

“There is a massive difference between companies that have been designed digital first and remote first and the approach here is often energising.” However, a lot of organisations that were built ‘premises first’ are struggling with the hybrid era. The problem is not the office working or the remote working, the difficulty is an ideology momentum that is based around control and hierarchy not empowerment and outcome.

Explore more about the future of work by attending [Jim’s keynote at 09.30 on 17th June.](https://www.nordevcon.com/schedule?share=20)

<NorDevCon />

  









 


The future works


Senior software engineer and video game modder and archivist, Codie Stella knows a thing or two about raising the dead. No, we’re not discussing ghouls 👻, [Codie Stella](https://twitter.com/craftycodie) is a game resurrectionist.

## Passion for programming

Codie Stella started making addons for Garry’s Mod in their teens and realised that they really enjoyed doing this. A web & game dev, 3 years B-Tech course, at Peterborough regional college followed. Having graduated they pursued a four year degree course, at UEA, an integrated Masters in computing, where they were introduced to neuro-imaging and machine learning with a practical application that can be used in the field of Alzheimer’s research. This work involved the use of more cost effective MRI scans rather than the more expensive PET scans. 

## Bringing games back to life

Seven years ago fans of the Halo game, specifically Halo 3, attempted to convert the game from Xbox 360 to PC and CodieStella became involved in this project. Minecraft, too, is one  of Codie’s interests. “It’s a game that’s been around for 12 years, it’s a game that’s hugely popular and over its life it has changed dramatically. Comparing the early versions to those that exist today, you’ll see that these are almost two totally different games.” 

Codie Stella went on to explain that what they like is that people can relive the experiences that were enjoyed when first playing the early version. Codie Stella started playing Minecraft in 2011 - when Minecraft was still in a Beta phase. Restoring the old versions has become something of a passion.

## Abandoned games

Team Fortress 2 (TF2) has a massive following, it was released in 2007 and the game is still immensely popular, as Codie Stella says, “the game developers have all but abandoned it but people still want to play the game.” This is the time for community action. Codie Stella added:

> When the community can step in and support these old games that the developers no longer wish to support, this shows passion for the game and allows devotees to keep it going.

Most recently Codie Stella’s work on Halo3 and working on the Xbox 360 “has been a bit of a challenge.” 

## Keeping game devs happy

In terms of people like Codie Stella and the community stepping in where game devs no longer tread, “it’s an interesting area.” Minecraft developers encourage modding and even hire modders. They even release the source code of every update. Sadly, should you touch anything Nintendo related you might get more than you bargained for. The company will “tell you to stop immediately, they do not like modders.” 

To some extent, Codie Stella understands why this might be so. “There are bad ways to do it \[modding\] and some people have stolen code and this might be why some companies are guarded.” When game developers open themselves up to modding that can be both good and bad. “But the companies can gain from the modders’ interest in a specific game.” Legally, the whole area is grey and precedents are still being set.

To find out how you can take part in video game preservation to resurrect your favourites, and hear about hacking comparisons come and [listen to Codie’s fascinating talk at 13.45 on 16 June.](https://www.nordevcon.com/schedule?share=6)

<NorDevCon />

Let the games begin


When machine learning and AI specialist, Fran Buontempo, approached nor(DEV):22 with her conference speech title: ‘Coding your way out of a paper bag,’ we were puzzled. Was this some esoteric philosophical thesis, or would the keynote speech really explain how to code out of a paper bag? 

## Out of hand project

Fran Buontempo heads up her own [consultancy](https://about.me/frances_buontempo) where she works as a development dev ops contractor for investment banks in London, specialising in modelling and has a PhD in machine learning. When asked about her paper bag conundrum, Fran explained:

> Tt comes from the phrase that came to me after interviewing an unsuccessful job candidate, ‘that guy couldn’t code their way out of a paper bag.’

This set her thinking and Fran realised she didn’t know how to use code to escape a bag. Therefore, the question of how to carry out this task saw the light of day. Is this possible or not? 

## The task

“You can model a paper bag with a square or a rectangle and then you want something inside it that moves and will end up outside the bag. You could completely over-engineer this with machine learning tools and algorithms or you could run a simulation or diffusion. Flecks or dots can start in the middle and then gradually spread out.” 

Fran suggests that the audience thinks of a gas moving within a gas model that will only require some adding up (computer led task), or orange squash diffusing once water is added to the squash is another way of understanding the problem.

By using this model, Fran suggests that this is a simplified way of explaining and learning more complicated ideas..

## Machine learning

Fran is looking forward to giving the conference a “walkthrough of genetic algorithms and how these can be used to escape the ubiquitous bag.” She explains a genetic algorithm as, “using the idea of genetics as an algorithm rather than biology, a ‘nature inspired algorithm,’and Darwinian evolution in order to evolve a solution for something.” “All you actually do,” Fran continued, “is try with random attempts, as carrying out numerous permutations would be too time consuming, and then I’ll be able to deduce which ones are better, and this will give you more to experiment with.” She added, “through numerous experiments you will be able to prove your premise.”

> In short you’ll be trying stuff, keeping track of what you’ve done and making things improve.

## Experimenting and science

In an attempt to understand how things actually work, Fran codes from scratch. For example, the pandemic threw up numerous problems where machine learning was used to find an answer.and she believes that if you’re trying to model Covid and trying to work out what type of things might stop the spread, you could take a pre-built mathematical model and send in some parameters and numbers, and lots of libraries will do things for you. This is the methodology applied by most data scientists. But Fran is keen to add that you can build things yourself. 

Many people use Python in this field as there are many Python libraries that let you click together pre-existing pieces. Fran uses Python too but is happy to switch to C++ and other languages.

Back to that paper bag. To find out how you can code your way out of this receptacle, you can catch [Fran’s keynote speech at 16.15 on 16 June](https://nor.dev/con). 

<NorDevCon />


Escaping a paper bag


Developer at The Guardian and open source aficionado, Oliver Barnwell, has invested a fair amount of time in a unique project, [the Great British Toilet Map](https://www.toiletmap.org.uk/). Billed as ‘the largest database of publicly accessible toilets’ in the UK - no one need ever get caught short again. Looking for an all important public lavatory anywhere is easy with this tool.

## Early beginnings

Oliver started coding at a young age, joining a [Neontribe](https://www.neontribe.co.uk/the-tribe/) led centre run by Rupert Redington & Harry Harrold as part of the national hackathon: Young Rewired State. For every summer, until he was 18, Oliver attended this and other events, and the experience enabled him to work at the company during his gap year. It was during this time that he started working on Neontribe’s [Toilet Map](https://github.com/neontribe) as an open source project, with Rupert and design researcher, the Royal College’s, Gail Ramster, who was collecting data for toilet locations. Exploring the search behaviour on the [Toilet Map Explorer](https://www.toiletmap.org.uk/explorer) was Oliver’s one of many projects during this gap year.

## Migrating a project

After graduation and having started a new job at Investec and before moving on to The Guardian,where he has worked on the newspaper’s identity platform migration. Oliver continues to contribute to the [Great British Public Toilet Map](https://www.toiletmap.org.uk/) This open source project is dedicated to helping people find toilets across the UK. In any city, in any part of the UK, simply click on the map and you’ll find your much needed facility.

Having retained his passion for the toilet mapping project, Oliver is working on the next stage. In 2021 the project started its migration from a Single Page Application (SPA) React app to using Next.js and TypeScript. The core aim for the migration was to improve the user experience and to improve the onboarding process for any community contributors. As the app was an SPA, those on the move can find it on their mobile browser.

During June the migration will be released to all users and changes will be rolled back if necessary.

## Looking for a loo

Mapping the UK’s numerous public toilets performs a valuable role for social historians, an important project for developers and an invaluable function for those of us that desperately need a loo when out and about

Neon Tribe is an integral part of the project, as Oliver says, “ it’s been ten years in the making and I’ve only played a very small part, Rupert is the instigator along with Gail.”

The Great British Toilet Map may shortly become a global map. Rupert has confirmed: "I think it is fine to say that we're laying the foundations for use in other countries and cultures."

Catch up with Oliver’s talk on 16 June or [contribute to the project](https://github.com/neontribe/gbptm).

<NorDevCon />


/posts