Merge pull request #168 from davidwesst/post/prdc2022-takeaways

[POST] PrDC 2022 Takeaways

Author: davidwesst

src/blog/prairie-dev-con-2022-takeaways/index.md

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+---
+
+title: "Prairie Dev Con 2022 Takeaways"
+date: "2022-12-06T12:00:00-05:00"
+tags:
+- prairie-dev-con
+- prdc-2022
+- api-design
+- open-api
+- developer-velocity-index
+- e2e-testing
+- playwright
+- adiad
+description: "The talented speakers that come together for Prairie Dev Con always bring fresh ideas to my mind and give me pause to think about my own efforts and how I can learn from their experience. Although not a complete list, these ideas the ones that stood out the most from Prairie Dev Con 2022."
+image: "prdc2022-takeaway.png"
+image_alt: "A woman holding a brown paper bag with the Prairie Dev Con logo on it , seemingly handing it to someone on the other side who is not visible in the photo."
+image_type: "image/png"
+image_credit:
+    derived_from: "https://unsplash.com/photos/-aL5R0kbRHc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditShareLink"
+
+---
+
+[1]: https://swagger.io
+[2]: https://www.openapis.org
+[3]: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/developer-velocity/
+[4]: https://playwright.dev
+[5]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelhebert/
+[6]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajenns/
+[7]: https://www.davepaquette.com
+[8]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavanya-mohan/
+[9]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-krieger-7a087048/
+[10]: https://www.rodpaddock.com
+
+Until I walked through the doors of the Prairie Dev Con in 2022, I did not realize how much I missed it. The talented speakers that come together always bring fresh ideas to my mind and give me pause to think about my own efforts and how I can learn from their experience. Although not a complete list, these ideas the ones that stood out the most from Prairie Dev Con 2022.  
+
+## API First Design ([Joël Hébert][5])  
+
+Joel did a great session about API first design, which was a very dense session, but he delivered the content in a way that was very approachable and allowed me to think of the benefits of doing API first design with tools like [Swagger.io][1] and [OpenAPI][2].  
+
+It was great seeing the value of these tools, and hearing about the patterns and practices experienced API developers like Joel use to implement consistent and secure APIs.  
+
+## Developer Velocity Index ([AJ Enns][6]) 
+
+I went into this session thinking I was going to be fascinated with the subject, but that the concept would apply only to development leads or possibly coders, rather than an architect like me.. 
+
+I was wrong.  
+
+The [Developer Velocity Index (DVI)][3], is a way for any team (even if it is a one-person team, like me on my side projects) can help frame up and scope the abstract problem of figuring out how do to deliver more value.  
+
+I plan on applying the DVI to my side project adventures, self-development, and my enterprise day-job efforts as soon as possible.  
+
+## End to End Testing ([Dave Paquette][7] and [Lavanya Mohan][8])  
+
+Although Dave and Lavanya delivered two completely separate sessions related to testing, the content they delivered worked together in a very interesting way.   
+
+Dave demonstrated and discussed [Playwright][4] and end-to-end testing framework that resolved or improved the problems we commonly see with end-to-end testing. Lavanya demonstrated how someone _should apply_ proper code management and development techniques when creating test code using a framework, like Playwright.  
+
+For me, together they demonstrated why the test recorded features of end-to-end frameworks is not the "best approach" to creating tests, but rather it is only the first step.   
+
+I feel that these ideas will be seeping into both my day-job and side projects in the very near future. 
+
+## Cloud Security ([Adam Krieger][9]) 
+
+Adam closed the Prairie Dev Con season with his session, and managed to leave me with a lot of ideas and helped me identify gaps that I have been living with as a developer and as a solution architect. 
+
+Ensuring that developers are security-aware is something I didn't realize I have been missing in my own skills, but also should be looking for in the implementation of my solution designs. 
+
+## A Deal is a Deal ([Rod Paddock][10]) 
+
+Rod delivered a keynote in both Regina and Winnipeg, and each time I walked away with a positive outlook on my own professional and personal growth, but also with the reminder: A Deal Is A Deal.  
+
+Sounds simple enough, but in the past I have frequently found myself regretting decisions or deals I had made with myself or others. But, a deal is a deal, and even if you don't like it or regret it, you need to take a moment to learn from it and ensure the next deal is one you won't regret. 
+
+## TL;DR; / Conclusion 
+
+In short, there were a lot of good ideas at Prairie Dev Con 2022. These are the ones that stood out to me the most: 
+
+- Consider API First Design with tools like Swagger.io and OpenAPI (Joël Hébert)
+- The Developer Velocity Index (DVI) is NOT just for developers, but for anyone looking to deliver value (AJ Enns) 
+- End-to-End Testing is a thing that requires effort, but has major benefits with the right tools and patterns in practice (Dave Paquette and Lavanya Mohan) 
+- Cloud Developers need not should be security-aware and not just depend others (Adam Krieger) 
+- A deal is a deal, and if you don't like it, learn from it so the next one is better (Rod Paddock) 
+
+Thanks for playing. 
+
+~ DW