Keynote: Machines, Learning, and Machine Learning - Dylan Beattie - NDC Porto 2025

Dylan Beattie explores how software developers should approach learning and career growth in the age of AI and automated coding tools.

Speaker: @DylanBeattie Keynote at NDC Porto 2025 Description: It wasn't all that long ago that "learn to code" was failsafe career advice, and whether you were studying for a university degree, enrolling in a coding bootcamp or just hacking on open source, the prospect of a well-paid job at the end of it was all the motivation you needed... well, times change. Whether you're looking for your first tech job or your next consulting contract, it's tough out there, and naturally, people are asking "what should I be learning next?" What if that's the wrong question? What if the real question isn't what you learn, but how you learn it - and how to get started? Let's talk about motivation. Let's talk about all the wonderful tools and systems out there that make it easier than it's ever been to start exploring new languages and platforms, from Copilot and ChatGPT, to cloud IDEs and IOT microcontrollers. Let's talk about the all-important difference between programs and products; about the challenges of going from "hey, it works on my machine" to something customers will actually pay for. We’ll find out why open source projects succeed where well-funded corporate projects fail, why are there so many JavaScript frameworks – and why you’re still sitting up writing code at 3am, even though you know you have work in the morning.