Nicholas Kircher

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT❗❗❗ There are still a very small amount tickets left - so if you're working in the CBD today and you're curious to learn more about how you can future-proof your software career or engineering team in this new age then definitely come along 😎 The link to the event is in the comments 🔗 #Community #AI #PanelEvent #Networking

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When is Reema Thomas back? That's the common question candidates ask when Reema is on leave and I'm covering for her. It's a testament to the strong ties she has to her community in the QA world and the value she brings. I suspect that's why she is one of our best recruiters. And it's why I feel confident in saying she has put together an awesome QA meetup. If you want to lift the lid on what hiring leaders are looking for. Whats helping QA's like you secure roles at good firms. Or want to learn about the QA role has to play in current best practices around extreme programming, CI/CD and DevOps. Then you want to sign up for this one. Hurry, there's limited space.

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Contract Opportunity for Drupal Developers!! We've seen a significant increase in our clients hiring contractors over the past month, and it doesn't look like it's slowing down. We have a couple of contract roles available for Drupal Developers. These roles can be based in either Melbourne or Sydney, and you must be a permanent resident or citizen. The start dates are ideally within the next two weeks, with interviews happening this week. $800 - 850 p/d Interested? Drop me a message, and we can set up a quick call. If you're a client or tech leader looking to quickly scale up your team to meet targets or about to start an initiative but lack the necessary internal skills, the contract market could be a great option. There are several benefits to engaging contractors, which I can cover in another post. For now, drop me a message if you want to know about the contract market or need help finding the right people. Tribus #softwareengineering #contractjobs #contracting

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🧱 Introducing Our New Foundations Team at incident.io 🧱 We've recently formed a Foundations team at incident.io, focused on delivering a solid base for our other product teams to build on. 🧩 Creating Cohesive Experiences 🧩 To sell multiple products—response, on-call, and status pages—we need to deliver something that's greater than the sum of its parts. Having one team overseeing our product offerings ensures a cohesive experience across products and allows us to develop cross-cutting features like Catalog and Insights. 🏃‍♂️ Accelerating Our Delivery 🏃‍♂️ We've got some solid competition in the space, and a key differentiator for us is our speed of execution. By focusing on our foundations, we can continue to build leverage, enabling our teams to deliver more value more quickly, and extend our lead in the market. 🏗️ A Specialised Platform Team 🏗️ Building frameworks for other teams to use is a different mode of operation than building features. It requires a unique set of skills and a different mindset. We want to ensure we're set up to deliver this kind of work effectively by focussing a single team on this goal. Really excited to see how we get on!

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Here's our next Ministry Of Testing - Auckland meetup Join us for retelling of Spark New Zealand's journey into the world of Playwright by Glen Osborne. Spark’s transformation from manual to automated testing using a custom playwright framework has been interesting. The automation journey for me was going from automation in the CI/CD world to automation in the testing world. We often look for tools that tick all the right boxes when we should look for the right tool and modify it for our use cases. Playwright for end-to-end testing is a solution that our people got excited about and proved to be the correct choice for the business. https://lnkd.in/gZ54Fu6G btw we're looking for a sponsor of our drinks and pizzas, if your company has about $200 in their PR budget and would like to connect with 50-100 Quality and Automation Engineers then please do reach out. <below is me asking chatGPT to give me some hashtags> #TestingCommunity #AutomationTesting #Playwright #QualityAssurance #SoftwareTesting #TechMeetup #AucklandTech #MinistryOfTesting #TestAutomation #QACommunity #EndToEndTesting #ContinuousTesting #CICDAutomation #TechEvent #SponsorshipOpportunity

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Technical Debt - A circle completes itself (Part 1 - The circle is still completing itself) I am presenting at this month’s Sydney Alt .NET online developer’s meeting. The topic is Technical Debt but focussing on the the technical debt that is imposed on us over the life of an application due to the relentless march of technologies, frameworks, languages and development paradigms in the software development industry. It is still a young and fast developing science. If you have a passion for your craft then you can never be bored. https://lnkd.in/gJ_3dxRn In preparing myself I discovered that a circle neatly completed itself. The term “Technical Debt” was first attributed to Ward Cunningham. He is not only inventor of the Wiki but also a signatory to the Agile Manifesto in February 2001. The technology stack that we use, or are exploring, largely determines the literature that we read. In 2004 I had started my first C# job with the Commonwealth Bank as part of their enormous CommSee project. They had employed every available Visual Basic 6 developer in Sydney as potential C# developers for the CommSee project. It was a significant reference project for Microsoft who had flown two plane loads of managers, developers and DBAs to Seattle as part of the project preparations. For Microsoft this project was an enormously valuable reference project for selling the newly released .NET framework to financial institutions globally. The circle is still completing itself… I always believed that the better I was at my work, the more that I could contribute which would result in greater job satisfaction. Coming to IT development from a commercial accounting background I was never interested in technology for technology sake. It was always a tool, a means to an end and the end being delivering business value and productivity to application stakeholders. I could significantly contribute positively to the working experience of application users. Essentially I have always seen myself as a user with developer skills who brings a strong user perspective to software development. In the right environment I am like a small child with his favourite toy. The right environment is a team of kindred spirits who are always seeking smarter ways to make the team so much more than the sum of its parts. The two magic ingredients to such a team are a shared commitment to the team’s goals and the quality of the communication both within the team and between the team and the application’s stakeholders. 

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🤖 First speaker Announced!!! (and as topic names goes, this is one of the best 🌟 ) RSVP Below!! Broderick Westrope - Software Engineer at Mantel Group will be speaking on: The Developer’s Guide to the Galaxy: The Rise of GitHub Copilot Explore how GitHub Copilot is transforming software development by enhancing productivity, facilitating learning, and addressing ethical considerations in AI-assisted coding. https://lnkd.in/gaZbgHir #awscommunitybuilders #aws #github 🎉🎉🎉🎉

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Since John Allsopp mentioned the View Transitions API at Web Directions Code 2023 in Melbourne, I've been closely tracking its progress. Experimenting with it in Angular Spotify has been a joy. While my PR is still a work in progress for a single-page app like Angular Spotify (https://lnkd.in/gY6zQnBi)), it's exciting to see the View Transitions API advancing to a W3C Candidate Recommendation. Moreover, it now supports multi-page apps (MPAs), with the draft for cross-document navigation currently in public working draft status. This breakthrough means transitioning between pages in traditional multi-page apps, including those built with server-side rendering frameworks like ASP.NET MVC, PHP, Ruby, or static site generators such as Jekyll or Hugo, feels incredible with just @view-transition and view-transition-name in CSS! I've detailed my experiments with the View Transitions API for cross-documents. Check it out 👉 https://lnkd.in/gkRprFxt

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🤔 Closure - does it close over the value? or variable? This is one of the perpetual frustrations that developers seem to have. They get this idea, okay closure, but then they immediately jump to the assumption that means that I'm snapshotting a value. That I'm capturing some value at some moment. That is not what closure is. Closure has not got anything to do with the values at all, as a matter of fact. You don't close over a value. ✅ You close over a variable, which means you have a linkage to that variable. Which means at the time you access it, you're seeing whatever value that variable has at that moment, not it had before. It is a live link to all the variables that you are closed over. So don't think of closure as capturing values, think of it as preserving access to variables. The place where this bites people the most, the most classic canonical example, is whenever you try to create closures inside of a for loop, or inside of any kind of looping mechanism.

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Let's talk The Composable Architecture (TCA) I've still seen relatively few Australian businesses adopt this new technology since being here but it's definitely one that I think will be more widely implemented in the future. The most common architectural pattern still being used is without a doubt MVVM. Some companies might have MVC still in use and I have seen the odd one make the use of VIPER. Most if not all companies are now moving towards using SwiftUI, and The Composable Architecture unlocks some incredible ways to perform snapshot testing in SwiftUI. Why have more businesses not already implemented TCA? Articles in the comments for those who want to read more about it #SwiftUI #Swift #TCA #TheComposableArchitecture #iOS #Mobile

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Australian Software Engineering Hiring Trends: Looking Ahead to 2025 As we approach 2025, the Australian tech sector continues to evolve rapidly. Over the last couple of months I have chatted with many Tech Leaders and would like to share key trends shaping the software engineering job market, backed by data and projections: 🚀 Demand Surge: - Projected a 25% increase in software engineering roles from 2024 to 2025. - Average time-to-hire is expected to increase to 45 days, up from 38 in 2024. - Salary growth outpacing inflation, with median salaries projected to rise by 8-10% annually. 🌱 Emphasis on Sustainability: - 40% of top tech firms implementing green coding practices. - 20% increase in job listings mentioning "sustainable technology" or "green tech" skills. - Government incentives for eco-friendly tech solutions driving 15% growth in green tech startups. 🤖 AI & Machine Learning: - AI and ML roles are expected to grow by 35% year-over-year. - 50% of software engineering job descriptions to include AI/ML skills as "preferred" or "required". - Average salary for AI specialists is projected to be 20% higher than traditional software engineering roles. 🔒 Cybersecurity Focus: - Cybersecurity roles in software development teams to increase by 40%. - 75% of companies planning to invest more in security-focused development practices. - Demand for DevSecOps engineers is projected to grow by 50% from 2024 to 2025. 🌐 Full-Stack Proficiency: - 60% of job postings for software engineers require full-stack capabilities. - Salary premium of 15-20% for proven full-stack developers over specialists. - 30% increase in boot camps and courses offering full-stack curriculum. 📊 Data Engineering Growth: - Data engineering roles are projected to grow by 45% year-over-year. - The Big Data analytics market in Australia is expected to reach AUD 5 billion by 2025. - 80% of large enterprises employ dedicated data engineering teams. 🔄 Continuous Learning: - 70% of tech companies offer learning stipends or paid time for skill development. - Average software engineer spending 10 hours per week on upskilling, up from 7 in 2024. - 25% increase in enrollment for online tech courses and certifications. The software engineering field is not just growing—it's transforming, with new specialisations emerging and traditional roles evolving rapidly. What trends are you seeing in your corner of the tech world? Are these projections aligning with your experiences? Let's discuss this in the comments! Lanson Partners #TechHiring #SoftwareEngineering #AustralianTech #FutureOfWork #Tech2025

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DevOps Dynamo , Agile alchemist , SRE Sentinel , Architecture Artisan , UX Unleasher , Lean Luminiary , Service Sorcerer , GenAI Guardian, Privacy Paladin , Security Sentinel .... - Well , they are all roles not jobs! - Transformation and change initiatives - all with good intentions - expect people to don new hats How many of them can be co-piloted off? #transformation #enterprise #AI #Copilot

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Here's the next Ministry Of Testing - Auckland meetup https://lnkd.in/gYVeKUZX where Francis Ho and the team at Auror will share their experience from the other side of the recruitment! Learn how to make your job applications stand out! Join us for an insightful session where we reveal the nuances of CV screening and technical interviews. Rather than just discussing generic tips, we will use real world demonstrations to show you what CV screening looks like from the hiring side, decode what technical interview questions really mean, and explain what hiring teams are looking for. Gain insider tips to enhance your job applications and interview techniques. Note - This session is geared towards those with some experience in software testing, as breaking into the industry or finding your first job after graduation requires a different approach.

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Clojurists Together has changed some of their process for funding Clojure projects: Members get to directly vote for projects! If you're a Clojurists Together member, you will be getting an email with a link to rank your top 5 projects to receive funding next year! #clojuriststogether #clojure

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There are loads of valid reasons to get along to a Software Development meetup in Brisbane. I’ve taken the liberty of compelling a list of some of my favourites for anyone who has never been to one and isn’t sure what they’d find: 1. There are plenty of new things to learn at Meetups, and loads of old things you forgot about. Being part of the conversation is a good time either way. 2. Meets ups are a place for everyone; Seasoned Veterans, Students, Emerging 10Xers, Social Butterflies, Wallflowers, Sticky Beaks and anyone else with any interest. 3. Where else will you find 30 other people who speak your (programming) language, in one well lit place, with food and drink provided, between the hours of 5:30-8pm, for free. 4. If you’re looking to network, the cross section at Meetup can deliver the goods. Get a feel for what is going on in the market, beyond what LinkedIn feeds you, and start making those moves. Whether it's hearing about a new gig or finding a co-conspirator for your side hustle, a Meetup offers more opportunity than going home to your couch. 5. All the Managers and ‘Heads of’ generally say the same thing: “It’s great to see the friends that I only really get the chance see at Meetups”. Maybe you’re that person, or maybe you make those friends the next time you head along to one. If it’s you’re first time or your last, come along in a couple of weeks to ‘Talk is Cheap: Show Me the LOW Code’ Time: 5:30pm onwards Date: Thurs, 28 Nov Location: Level 19 / 160 Ann St, Brisbane RSVP HERE: https://lnkd.in/gruF9_Xh

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🌟 Monday Motivation: Exciting Times in Sydney's IT Job Market! 🌟 Happy Monday, everyone! As we kick off a new week, it's good to see some opportunities rising within the Sydney IT landscape. 🚀 With just 8 working weeks until Christmas, it's the perfect time to gear up for new opportunities! The demand for tech talent is soaring, and many companies are ramping up their recruitment efforts. From innovative startups to established enterprises, projects in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are flourishing! 🌐✨ Additionally, the recent announcement of 2024 CRN 50 fast-growing companies is a game-changer, paving the way for even more opportunities. {Link Below} Let’s embrace the possibilities that this week brings and support each other in our professional journeys! What projects are you currently working on, and what's coming up that you are excited about? 💼💡 #SydneyIT #JobMarket #MondayMotivation #TechInnovation #Networking https://lnkd.in/g7gUnYDn

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# Melbourne Compose - will it prove a worthy successor to Melbourne Scala? Many of you will know that I organised Melbourne Scala User Group meetings for about 12 years. We had some great times! This post is about Melbourne Compose, a successor group to Melbourne Scala that I have started with John Walker, who runs the Melbourne Haskell meetup [https://lnkd.in/gzAmbsH7]. Join the group at https://lnkd.in/gFmDh-nz I believe Melbourne Scala expired due to a combination of - Covid and the post-covid rise of WFH work culture which greatly reduced in-person meetup activity across the city - The lack of a sponsor to cover the steadily rising fees charged by Meetup.com. If you don't payup $300+ a year, they don't just disable new events, they delete the entire group! (er.. no thanks, we'll take our business elsewhere) - A decline in activity around Scala, and functional programming generally, in Australia, (eg the loss of Lambdajam conference :cry:). People asked me afterward whether there would be a future Melbourne Scala, and then John and I got into a fruitful conversation about merging our efforts. We talked about what motivated us to run a meetup/user group in the first place. And we looked at what has been working elsewhere, such as Brisbane's BFPG [https://lnkd.in/gWErd4di] and Sydney's SydFP [https://lnkd.in/gdwn4dqB]. And formed some opinions.. Firstly, the world has a surplus of online content. So much community and content have gone online that there's little demand for more. And do people really want to be on zoom after hours when they already spent the workday online? However, the online experience is not the same as in person (IRL). While online is convenient, it is also lacking the spontaneity and social connection that physical company offers. I find communication via zoom etc plain exhausting, even after much practice. It is suited to broadcast model where one presents and others listen. But spontaneous conversation & collaboration feels stunted. Secondly, it seems that multi -language and-technology user-groups prove more resilient than narrower, focused groups. As well as drawing from a wider base, they can better adapt to evolving technology trends. And so, John and I decided we wanted to focus on a group whose charter spanned the breadth of "Typed Functional Programming" and which includes regular in-person gatherings. We realise that in this post-Covid world, IRL gatherings will likely be small. It's more effort to head out from home, than coming on to a city meetup after the office. But when I think back to some of the early meetings of Melbourne Scala, how awesome they were, and how much I learned and grew from those experiences, I do hope "Small is beautiful". (Cut due to word limit. Continued in Part 2)

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💫 NFY Update - Software Engineering 💫 As we begin the new financial year here in Australia, it's a perfect time to reflect on the current market and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead! For Clients: Preparing for the New Financial Year 📈 Budget and Planning: The end of the financial year is a critical period for setting new budgets and planning headcounts. With new projects on the horizon, this is the perfect time to start strategizing your hiring needs to ensure you're ready to hit the ground running. 🚀 Upcoming Projects: As those budgets get the green light, many exciting projects are expected to kick off. This will create a surge in demand for top-tier software engineers, making it crucial to start your recruitment process early to secure the best talent. 🤝 Partner with Us: At Nuage, we are here to support your recruitment needs. Whether it's finding the perfect candidate or providing market insights, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your hiring goals. For Candidates: Navigating the Job Market 📈 Positive Market Trends: The job market is showing promising growth, with Full Stack Developer job postings on SEEK increasing by 12.5% from May 2023 to May 2024. This indicates a healthy demand for skilled professionals. 🌐 Exciting Opportunities Ahead: With the new financial year, budgets will be refreshed, and many companies will kick off new projects, leading to a surge of exciting job opportunities! 📅 Stay Prepared: Now is the time to polish your resume, upskill, and stay prepared. When the market picks up, you’ll be ready to jump on the opportunities that come your way. 🔍 Reach Out: If you’re feeling frustrated with the slow processes or indecisiveness, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Nuage. We can offer guidance, and support, and keep you in the loop about upcoming opportunities. #SoftwareEngineering #Recruitment #EOFY #NFY #TechJobs #Hiring #CareerGrowth #Nuage

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