Let’s talk about C++

It’s almost time for the holidays again. A time to reminisce. A time for family. A time for community.

Us software developers seem like an odd folk. We spend endless hours tinkering with our machines and gadgets. It appears like a lonely profession to outsiders. And it can be. Sometimes we have to get in The Zone to solve our tasks and problems. Other times we need to have sword fights. But sometimes we just have to meet other developers.

I’m not talking about your 10 o’clock daily standup or agile flavor-of-the-month meeting with other departments. Those are great. But sometimes it just has to be us programmers, as tech people.

Let’s talk about cool and tricky algorithms. Let’s talk about the latest and greatest language features that make all code some much cooler. Let’s talk which editor is the greatest. All the technical details.
It’s not necessarily the most important and essential aspect of our craft, no. But it’s kind of like the seasoning to a well cooked meal. It’s flavor and character. It’s fun.

I’m the C++ guy. It’s not the only one of my specialties, but kind of what I got a bit of a reputation for. And I like to talk about it. So far, this was either limited to colleagues and friends or “out there” on IRC, stackoverflow or other online communities. But I want to extend that and be a more active member of the local community.
David Farago had the great idea to create a platform for this in Karlsruhe: The C++ User Group Karlsruhe. He asked me to kindly extend an invitation. The kick-off is next month, right at the start of the new year, on the 11th of January, with one meeting scheduled every month. I think this is a perfect time to do this. C++ is in a great place right now. The language is evolving in a very positive way and the ecosystem is looking better and better.
So if you’re in any way interested meeting other local C++ people, please join us. I’m very much looking forward to meeting you guys!