So I’m at Lotusphere now, my plans for this year are learning and being social. So what do I think will be important for XPages developers over the next year?
The first is Java. Server-Side JavaScript is powerful, but Java is something I’ve embraced over the last nine months because it offered me more. That’s why I developed the XPages Help Application, to really cut my teeth with Java. With the new design element in 8.5.3 I think Java code in XPages applications is going to be more prevalent (that is, code actually written in Java by developers, compared to code written by the developer that is compiled to Java).
The second is mobile. I’ve started doing some work with mobile, but 8.5.3 and the Extension Library controls make that even easier. I’m also looking forward to meeting some of the developers of the mobile code.
The third is social integration with Domino applications. I’m planning on adding social integration into the XPages Help Application during this year. I doubt that will be the only time I use social this year, though I expect business applications to implement that functionality, especially where those companies don’t use Lotus Connections.
I also plan on heading down to the labs. If you’re new to Lotusphere, make sure you check them out. If you have any questions, get along to the developers lab and ask the experts.
The other aspect of my Lotusphere life will be the social lounges and other social aspects. In the social lounge I’ll be talking about the mobile applications available for all the IBM collaboration solutions. The second half of 2011 has provided a host of them. If you don’t know them all, please stop by.
But a key aspect of Lotusphere is networking. If all you learn from Lotusphere is technical stuff, you’re missing a trick. Knowing where to get answers to your questions, finding out about new experts and bloggers is key. Making those network links helps get those answers quickly and effectively. So speak to people, follow them on twitter, find out where their blogs are, get business cards, and build your network. I’ve already met some people who were in my virtual network but also met new people. I expect to meet more over the next few days.
