whatTheFunc()?!

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. Hosted by Ben Marks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhmarks/] Find us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkuYDvTv6KzZJIaXkfqPESug_XqzdlYiR&si=0KbKK0hqcdDN6rEb] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/whatthafunc]

* 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. Hosted by Ben Marks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhmarks/] Find us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkuYDvTv6KzZJIaXkfqPESug_XqzdlYiR&si=0KbKK0hqcdDN6rEb] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/whatthafunc]

* 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 * Security issues arise from outdated technology.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. Hosted by Ben Marks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhmarks/] Find us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkuYDvTv6KzZJIaXkfqPESug_XqzdlYiR&si=0KbKK0hqcdDN6rEb] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/whatthafunc]

* 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. Hosted by Ben Marks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhmarks/] Find us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkuYDvTv6KzZJIaXkfqPESug_XqzdlYiR&si=0KbKK0hqcdDN6rEb] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/whatthafunc]

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 Hosted by Ben Marks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhmarks/] Find us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkuYDvTv6KzZJIaXkfqPESug_XqzdlYiR&si=0KbKK0hqcdDN6rEb] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/whatthafunc]