Im lockeren Kurzinterview hat der erneute Top-Speaker uns außerdem einige Fragen rund um seine Leidenschaft für die IT und Java sowie seine Erwartungen zur kommenden JavaLand beantwortet. Wer noch mehr von Ed lesen möchte, dem empfehlen wir auch das beliebte Interviewformat "Drei Fragen, drei Antworten" unseres Eventpartners Heise Medien: Ed Burns: Java kann jede andere aktuelle Sprache in den Schatten stellen.
When did you discover your passion for IT and how did you first get in touch with Java?
Like many fellow developers in my age cohort, it started with Tron (1982). It also started with Atari, C64, TI-99/4a and Apple ][. We were historically lucky to be at the intersection of several generationally unique trends: availability of affordable home computers, sufficiently widespread prosperity to be able to afford them, and societally reinforced stereotypes that encouraged hacking on them. I also lucked into Java back in 1997 when I joined Lighthouse Design, recently acquired by Sun. I had Objective-C on my resume thanks to using NeXTstep Music Kit for an undergrad project. This helped me stand out.
Please tell us something about the lectures you will give at JavaLand. Why are these topic especially important to you and what can people learn by attending your lectures?
I am fortunate to be giving three talks this year, and I have a deep personal connection to all of them.
Developer Career Masterplan is a talk about how to have the best developer career you can. This has been an interest of mine since my 2008 book, Secrets of the Rock Star programmers. This talk is an update on that idea. Jakarta EE 11 is about the newest iteration of the foundation for enterprise Java. I am very fortunate to be in the role of release coordinator for Jakarta EE 11, thanks to Microsoft's participation in Jakarta EE. Ist deine Webanwendung bereit für die Cloud? This one explores the factors of making your app ready for the cloud, and Azure in particular.
What are some of your favourite sources to stay up-to-date on important matters about Java?
Honestly, the best thing is the platform release notes! A lot of time is put into them and they are very easy to read.
What recent topic in tech are you most interested in right now and why?
AI, of course!
Where do you live and how do you travel to JavaLand? How long will your journey take?
I live in Orlando, Florida, USA. There is a non-stop from MCO to Frankfurt and it takes about 8.5 hours.
What does JavaLand mean to you and what are your favourite memories?
I have been to every JavaLand. I would not miss it! There are so many fond memories. It really is a special place. I am very excited about this 10th anniversary edition.
What are your thoughts about the location switch to Nürburgring?
Well, I'm not really a car person but car people I know are very excited for me. Perhaps I'll get to take a spin around the track!
