Takeaways

• Composer started as a tool to manage PHP dependencies.
• The evolution of Composer has significantly impacted PHP development.
• Open source projects need a sustainable financial model.
• Developers often undervalue their time when building solutions.
• Companies should review workflows to improve efficiency with tools.
• User feedback is crucial for improving Composer's features.
• Security in open source is becoming a priority for funding.
• Community support is essential for the longevity of open source projects.
• Understanding user experiences can guide product development.
• The balance between open source and commercial interests is evolving.

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• The AI and LLM space has exploded in the past two years.
• Generative AI is revolutionizing how we create content.
• AI can now take over tasks like ordering food online.
• The interface for AI is becoming more intuitive for users.
• Recent advancements allow for animation from still images.
• AI is changing the landscape of product imagery.
• E-commerce is seeing unprecedented control through AI tools.
• AI-generated content is becoming more productive and relevant.
• The integration of AI with 3D technology is fascinating.
• AI conversations may soon rival human interactions.

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• Platform SH originated from the need for better e-commerce solutions.
• Partnerships are crucial for business strategy and revenue.
• Multi-cloud solutions provide flexibility and sovereignty for customers.
• Scalability is a key requirement for transactional systems.
• Legacy systems pose challenges for both customers and providers.
• Continuous improvement is necessary to meet evolving customer needs.
• Businesses must plan for future growth and technology changes.
• Security issues arise from outdated technology.
• Customer retention is vital for long-term success.
• Investing in technology is essential for operational efficiency.

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• Building a business in a competitive market requires perseverance and adaptability.
• Hiring and retaining talent can be a challenge, especially in regions where job hopping is common.
• The role of agencies in the open source ecosystem is to serve the end client and provide flexibility and support.
• Creating a retainer solution for merchants can help address the issue of platform upgrades and support.
• Offshore companies can offer cost-effective solutions and do more with less.
• Contributions and collaboration are important for the development of open source products. Open-source providers must prioritize cost-effective solutions to make it feasible for merchants.
• The opportunity cost of decisions and the importance of tailored backend systems.
• AI offers opportunities for improved user experience through conversational interfaces.
• Outsourcing can provide benefits such as 24/7 support, ambitious deadlines, and cost savings.
• The future of programming lies in embracing natural language programming and understanding AI capabilities.

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Takeways

• Mark Shust transitioned from Magento 1 to Laravel and eventually returned to Magento 2.
• He built M Academy to provide education and training for Magento developers.
• Mark follows a linear learning approach and simplifies complex topics for beginners.
• He organizes his curriculum based on student requests and prioritizes topics based on demand. AI can help in organizing and retrieving relevant information in software development.
• Understanding the tools and technologies being used is crucial in leveraging AI effectively.
• Developers need to adapt and stay on top of advancements in AI to enhance their skills and job prospects.
• Different versions of Magento, including open source and open core, have implications for developers.

Sound Bites

• "Every course you go through, you go in not knowing too much about the topic. I purposely do that because you only get that beginners sense of beginners once."
• "I thought [the admin grids course] was a big failure at first, which is too bad because I thought it was going to be my best course ever."
• "I definitely follow a linear learning fashion where you're just learning what you need to know when you need to know it."
• "What? Wow."
• "I'm getting involved in AI for, I think certain things like this would be great."
• "The AI experience is very much part of it."

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction and Background
• 08:55 - Starting M Academy and Course Development
• 20:41 - Juggling Multiple Roles and Prioritizing Topics
• 23:08 - The Challenges of Teaching Complex Topics
• 28:11 - Organizing Curriculum for Effective Learning
• 30:59 - The Importance of Simplicity in Teaching and Learning
• 33:26 - Introduction and Wow Moments
• 34:03 - AI in the Developer Experience
• 34:43 - The Role of AI in the Future of Work
• 36:09 - The Risks and Benefits of AI
• 36:46 - Mitigating the Threat of AI
• 38:19 - AI Tools Enhancing Work
• 39:06 - AI Tools Replacing Jobs
• 40:46 - AI Tools Making Work Better
• 44:32 - Stability of Magento 2 Code Base
• 47:50 - Different Realities in the Magento Ecosystem
• 52:21 - Open Source Doesn't Need to Be Free
• 57:01 - Communication Challenges in Open Source
• 01:05:54 - Building Cert Prep and Hoover Courses
• 01:06:35 - Exploring AI and Future Projects

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Host Ben Marks gives a quick introduction to the whatTheFunc()?! Podcast, sharing a couple of his own delightful **** ups.

Yes, he has dropped a production database, but lived to tell the tale.

Hosted by Ben Marks

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