My First Day at the Commit Your Code Conference: A Journey of Inspiration
The first day of the Commit Your Code Conference was an incredible experience of learning, connecting, and growing. From thought-provoking sessions to candid advice, it’s been a day full of moments that reaffirmed my passion for tech and the endless opportunities it offers.
Morning Keynote: A Perfect Start
The day began with a powerful keynote from Danny Thompson, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in coding. Danny, as always, delivered with energy and authenticity, reminding us of one of his core principles: most of his success stems from networking. He encouraged everyone to be present and make connections, highlighting how crucial this is for both personal and professional growth. His words set a motivating tone for the day, inspiring us to engage fully with the community around us.
Session 1: Build the Next Generation of Web Apps Today by Mark Techson
After the morning keynote, I attended Build the Next Generation of Web Apps Today, presented by Mark Techson. Mark’s talks are always a treat — I first heard him speak earlier this year at RenderATL, and he’s quickly become one of my favorite presenters.
Mark is not only an Angular guru, but he also loves to teach and code. An award-winning university instructor and engineer, Mark is deeply passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences. With over a decade of experience developing solutions across the tech stack, speaking at conferences, and mentoring developers, his dedication to making an impact in tech is evident.
This session was an inspiring deep dive into the possibilities for modern web app development, leaving me excited to explore the tools and techniques he shared.
Session 2: 12 Principles of Coding with AI by YK Sugi
The second session I attended was 12 Principles of Coding with AI, presented by YK Sugi. This talk delved into the balance between advancing AI technologies and adhering to ethical coding practices.
YK provided valuable advice on building AI systems responsibly, focusing on key principles like ensuring algorithm transparency and keeping user-centric design at the forefront. One of the most striking moments was his explanation of how minor coding decisions can have significant downstream consequences. It was both a thought-provoking and motivational session, emphasizing the immense influence — and accountability — that developers have.
Interestingly, I had just spent the last week learning data structures and algorithms (DSA) from YK’s YouTube channel. I even binged his videos on the flight to Texas earlier today! I had no idea he was speaking at the conference, so seeing him live on stage was a complete surprise.
Among the many insights YK shared, three key takeaways really stood out:
- Don’t Fear AI — Use It
Instead of worrying about AI replacing jobs or skills, YK encouraged embracing it as a powerful tool to enhance your productivity and problem-solving capabilities. The focus should be on learning to use AI effectively rather than avoiding it altogether. - You Don’t Have to Pay for an LLM
YK highlighted that you don’t need to spend money to access large language models (LLMs). Free options like ChatGPT’s free tier, Claude AI, and even CoPilot offer sufficient functionality to help you achieve your goals. These tools, when used strategically, can be as effective as paid versions. - Effective Prompting is Key
Success with AI tools lies in mastering the art of prompting. YK broke it down into three components: intention, content, and ideas. Combining these with a mindset of trial and error allows you to refine your prompts and get the most out of AI systems.
This session not only expanded my understanding of AI but also left me feeling empowered to integrate it more thoughtfully into my work.
After Lunch: The New Way of Building Full-Stack Apps with Hilla by Sergey Kryvets
After lunch, Sergey Kryvets introduced us to Hilla, a modern framework for building full-stack applications. Hilla stands out by combining a reactive front end with a robust Java backend, automating tasks like TypeScript generation and data binding. Sergey’s live demonstration showcased just how effortlessly developers can create scalable applications without getting bogged down in boilerplate code. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their full-stack workflows.
I paid especially close attention to Sergey’s talk because I’m required to learn Java and TypeScript before graduating from Western Governors University next year. His insights into writing more efficient and maintainable code resonated with me deeply, and I thoroughly appreciate him taking the time to walk us through Hilla’s capabilities. I’ll definitely be looking into using Hilla at my first opportunity — it feels like a tool that could significantly enhance my development process.
Session 4: What’s New in Tailwind CSS v4 by Braydon Coyer
Next, I attended Braydon Coyer’s session, What’s New in Tailwind CSS v4. As a fan of Tailwind, I was excited to hear about its latest advancements.
Braydon highlighted updates like expanded utility classes, improved performance, and enhanced support for dynamic theming. His enthusiasm for the framework was infectious, and the session left me with plenty of ideas to explore in my own projects.
Session 5: How to Not Suck at Your Next Job Search by Taylor Desseyn
The final session of the day was a two-hour talk by Taylor Desseyn titled How to Not Suck at Your Next Job Search. Taylor brought raw honesty and transparency, diving into the reasons why many job seekers don’t hear back from recruiters and what they can do to stand out.
What made Taylor’s session particularly engaging was his hilarious and unfiltered delivery. His great energy kept the room hooked from start to finish, making even the tougher truths feel approachable. He didn’t sugarcoat anything, and his candid advice was as refreshing as it was actionable.
Taylor emphasized strategies like tailoring your resume to specific roles and building genuine connections through networking. Offering a recruiter’s perspective, he demystified common misconceptions about the hiring process and shared what truly matters when trying to land a role.
One of the most memorable takeaways was when Taylor stressed the importance of creating a personal brand. This instantly reminded me of a line from James Quick at RenderATL:
“Content creation is first-round interviews at first glance.”
Taylor’s session reinforced how creating content, sharing knowledge, and actively engaging with the tech community can make you more visible to potential employers. His no-nonsense approach and actionable insights made this session both eye-opening and empowering — an unforgettable end to a fantastic day at the conference.
Closing Session: Advice from Leon Noel, Danny Thompson, and Quincy Larson
I ended the day on an inspiring note, listening to Leon Noel, Danny Thompson, and the phenomenal Quincy Larson from FreeCodeCamp. They shared invaluable advice on landing your dream job, the effort required to stand out in today’s competitive job market, and the critical role community plays in your journey.
One of the most impactful messages was about creating the change you want to see. If there isn’t a tech meetup in your area, start one! Establishing a community can be transformative, not just for you but for others looking for connection and growth. This session reaffirmed that I’m on the right path and in the right room.
In fact, I’ve already embraced this advice by creating my own local tech meetup: Tech Affiliates, which you can find on LinkedIn and Facebook. Our next meetup is happening in Greenville, NC, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how we grow!
After the session, I took the opportunity to personally thank each speaker for their incredible contributions to the tech community. Meeting Quincy Larson was especially meaningful to me. My first certification came from FreeCodeCamp, where I learned HTML and CSS over six months. That certification gave me the confidence I needed to take my first steps into the world of programming and pursue this career path.
It was the perfect ending to a day filled with learning, inspiration, and connections.
As I wrap up this blog post, it’s currently 7:00 AM, and I’m reflecting on an incredible first day at the Commit Your Code conference. I’m even more excited for what Day Two has in store.
Today is extra special because it’s my 34th birthday — an amazing gift to myself to expand my knowledge and be surrounded by such inspiring people as I continue down this path. It’s hard to believe that just three years ago, at 31, I wrote my first lines of code and began this journey.
Here’s to another year of growth, opportunities, and exploring this amazing thing we call life. Cheers to the next steps, the next challenges, and the next connections!
