"JavaLand is like a big class reunion" – Interview on JavaLand 2024 with Ralf D. Müller

When and how did you discover yourpassion for ITand how didyou end upin Java?

My passion for IT was ignited early on, when 8-bit computers were still en vogue. My first computers were a C16 and then an Atari 800 XL. Soon the interest in game programming was there and the course for my computer science studies was set. During my studies, it turned out that I was able to co-found the Java-User-Group Frankfurt. I just took the opportunity and came to Java. However, the activities around the JUG quickly fell asleep again, so that the current JUG Frankfurt did not even know that there was another one before :-).

How did you first become aware of JavaLand and what memories do you have of your first JavaLand?

How exactly I became aware of my first JavaLand and in which year it was, I do not remember. What quickly became clear, however, was the fact that JavaLand stands out from all other conferences with its community approach and organization by the JUGs. The community is in the foreground and you can feel it through and through.  

At this year's JavaLand, you'll be dedicated to prompt engineering for developers. Can you give us a brief impression of what the attendees of your session expect? Why did you choose this topic specifically?

ChatGPT and similar systems are on everyone's lips. And even if it is not yet possible to use it every where – for various reasons – it is a technology that remains. And accordingly, I think it is important to prepare for and deal with this right now. Finding the right input (prompt) for the machine to get the maximum benefit is called prompt engineering. In my talk I will go into the basics and show some tips and tricks that I have learned in working with the machine. I am sure that most participants can expect an aha effect.  

What are the most exciting developments in Java for you at the moment?

Java is developing very fast at the moment. On the one hand this is good, on the other hand it is not so easy to keep up with all the innovations. Therefore, when it comes to developments in the field of Java, I am more of a spectator.
But apart from Java as a programming language, the development of AI and how I can use it as a tool is extremely exciting. The machine is not yet able to create too complex code on its own. However, the development continues at a rapid pace and there are surprises in this area almost every week.
 

This year, JavaLand takes place for the first time at the Nürburgring. Do you already know the location? What are your expectations for the new venue?

No, I don't know the Nürburgring yet and I'm really looking forward to getting there. For the past two years we – Gerd Aschemann, Sebastian Rose, Falk Sippach and I – have been travelling together by bike. Until now, it was the Rhine downhill. This time there is a lot of slope. This will be a new challenge. Otherwise, I let myself be surprised by the new venue and hope that it will provide some new experiences. A bike ride across the ring would be great! :-D

What are you particularly looking forward to at JavaLand?  

JavaLand is like a big class reunion. Above all, I look forward to getting in touch with the community and hearing new ideas from outside the mainstream.  

Thank you very much for the interview, Ralf!