So streaming, in general, got very popular.
E-Sports and gaming streams are usually the most popular.
You can also find people just talking or answering questions.
But since streams go both ways, it is almost like pair programming.
Pair programming for me is one of the best things you can do to become a better coder. Also, you learn how other developers think!
Why do you think streaming for coding is not so popular?
Would you watch it?
How should it look?
General thoughts about this topic?
Please comment down below!
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Latest comments (73)
I just think that with programming there is too much downtime. Programming is so mentally taxing that I doubt you're going to be able to talk about what your doing without long pauses of just staring at code.
For coding, tutorials > streaming in my opinion as everything is a lot more direct and to the point.
I worry mostly about security
Can you explain a little bit more?
If you're going to live stream your process, which can be very beneficial, especially to set realistic expectations for what experienced coders go through, you should write it up afterward!
Writing a post that consolidates what you worked onto into quick hits is the best of both worlds.
I actually just did this with the live stream I participated in if you're curious.
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This is what I'm planning. Currently I'm writing a blog in svelte and when I'm finished I want to write a blogoost and create a tutorial for YouTube ππ
I've actually streamed coding once, doing coding challenges on Codewars. I had a small but supportive group of viewers and learned some good stuff in the process. I'd like to do it some more.
I've also streamed video games, mostly Starcraft. It's definitely a different experience and maybe I'll get into the differences in a future post.
I do think watching coding on stream takes more effort on the part of the viewer than with video games. This would especially be true on a complex development project, but it's true even on a relatively basic Codewars challenge.
I'll probably be streaming again in the near future here; I may even develop a schedule.
You got a new follower ;)
I'm usually streaming here
Have you joined a coding stream with some of the more popular coding streamers?
I think your opinion would change if you saw how we do it... because coding then becomes an educational show.
I'm following some people on twitch :)
And now I'm also following you!
Personally I think it'd be watching someone Google a lot π€£. I don't think I could code for hours without doing that. Additionally code is rarely something you could just hop in on. If you're half way through a project that's pretty off putting to someone who comes in late and wanted to learn from scratch. I think what works better is a tutorial for something specific that someone can search later.
Yeah if you want to learn then it is not the right tool.
If you just want to see someone have fun then it is and has a nice chat with someone.
It is no scenario for learning or being super productive :)
Yeah I guess you're right. The same applies to technical gaming. If some is trying to learn how to do something very specific they'll watch a tutorial as well. But a lot of people watch mostly for enjoyment. I think programming interview questions would probably be a good thing to stream. Talking out loud and doing it like a live interview
That's an cool idea :)
I will think about it
For me, it would be the least interesting thing to see being streamed. I'd much rather see a short edited video with the content I want.
So yeah easy your not the target audience ππ
And that totally fine!
Sorry if it sounded too Debbie Downer there. My interests have shifted quite a bit from the last years
Nothing to be sorry for.
My interests also shift a lot of times!
Very high barrier of entry to understand whatβs going on.
There are streamer out there that have 10.000+ or 30.0000+ subs.
So this is kind of true but it looks like some people can do it.
because coding is not equal to the Software Development
What? Can you explain your point a little bit?
I mean yeah these are two different terms...
Coding is the act of typing on the keyboard and producing
software.Software Development can be more, as the architecture of systems on a whiteboard.
I give you this point.
But in what way is this comment in any way helpful?
This makes developers just looks like some elite groups that fight over every nonsense thing...
my point is: developer can stream his 'coding' process which is not equal to 'developing' process because (you are right) 'coding' is about typing code in editor when you already have fully understandable requirements, architecture, algorithms, specifications, mockups and implementation approach
Yeah and you can stream both?
I think in general we teach people in Tutorials on how to use technologies but not how to think.
and yeah streaming and thinking together with the community about requirements, architecture, algorithms, specifications, mockups, and implementation. Would be pretty nice!
See other perspectives and how other people go about a problem. I would watch that!
sure :) but in case to show full process of development developer-presenter need some soft skills (how to tell stories, be extrovert, do not afraid to make mistakes etc.)
not all devs are extroverts ;)
Yeah, that's true!
If everybody streams there will be nobody to watch ;)
:) yep
BTW, one working case with streaming dev process I practice: when I work as mentor with newcomer (trainee) dev on same project
Yeah, I practice that with my Junior's too.
In German, we call this "sprechendes denken".
I don't know how to translate that correctly. Maybe "spoken thinking".
It means that you just say what you are thinking without first thinking and then speaking.
hm... think this practice is.. COOL! :)
Yeah and I think this is something nobody is talking about.
Maybe live-streaming that would be nice :)
I think the main reason why live coding streams are not popular is not because of coding, is mainly because some topics are too advanced for people watching and obviously loose interest quickly.
Also the coder personality tends to play a lot, if you are a straight serious coder the stream probably won't do very good. Case in point noopkat streams are very entertaining to me, she makes things fun, and not monotone at all.
Also stream platforms are really not setup at all for coding, well why you ask, because gamers bring the largest revenue.
When I watch a coding stream, I want to see the code editor front and center when coding, and not see the editor when the streamer is explaining things or doing something else other than coding. Also I do not want to see a chat, and preferable when the text editor is shown maybe the streamer on a small corner. Anyways so many youtube videos go on a tangent, and make things very hard to follow. In my personal opinion I don't think I would do a good and interesting stream lol is too much going on chat, people subscribing, asking questions, etc. I am amazed at how well some people manage to stay afloat while streaming, I have a lot of respect for live coding streamers.
Yeah, I think your right.
I mean most of that skills you can learn ;)
If you really really have to focus then, of course, don't stream.
I rather think that if you try to learn something new then you will see people who maybe know more then you and are will try to help you.
Yeah the ide thing would be nice! Also you could then go back as a viewer to a state of the stream where you could check out that file
I'm actually part of a team on Twitch called the Live Coders where there's over 60 developers on Twitch who work on various projects. I think the main things that drove me into this community and now am part of it directly as a streamer is that:
We're doing it live. It is a authentic situation that rather than completely prep everything before like a YouTube tutorial, we run into errors, we get stuck, and we try to get through it
Interaction between the streamer and community. You can connect with the streamer on a very personal level. One of our community members, Suz Hinton (Noopkat), has avg 200-300 viewers, and yet the community is extremely welcoming and personal. you get to know the person behind the camera, and the people watching along with you.
Work at a relaxed pace. For most projects, there are ongoing and don't really have deadlines, so you don't need to fret about getting a project done, so with that, if you tangent off to another discussion during the stream, it doesn't matter as much as if there was a deadline.
I was watching the programming community on twitch for a few years before I decided to start streaming myself, and it has opened a lot of things for me both professionally, as well as personally. Whether you are a viewer of a stream, or a streamer yourself, both scenarios can bring a lot of benefit to a dev's life.
I'll check u guys out as well! sounds really cool!!
I will have to check you folks out. For obvious legal reasons I couldn't stream most of my coding (because intellectual property of my employer) but I stream on Twitch already. Gaming, not development, but still.
Oh, I think I have a new goal ;)
I want to join that community!
This sounds awesome :)
Thanks for the info!
Somehow I missed that completely
IMHO, 2 most important things limit the audience:
I do however think that content which works around the above issues does have great potential. I remember paying for pluralsight to see what was basically a steam (not much editing) of someone building and application in a framework or language that I wanted to learn. Would be a much better experience if it was interactive (new business idea).
Furthermore, I think it would have great potential in OSS. If project maintainers would stream their work, it would be easier for people to get into projects and contribute.
Yeah i agree here.
For OSS it could also be a source of making money
I've considered it, but there are so many times I just stare at the screen thinking, or switch off to paper to plan something out, I'm not sure if I'd bore my viewers.
you could try to speak out what you are thinking and share your thought process with other people!
I used to stream whilst coding but I'd never pull in a huge number of views. I think it's still a really new concept with only a few people really nailing it on the head.
Daniel Shiffman, in particular, has got it spot on, his streams are perfect for it. He usually does quite short coding challenges which at the same time are visual; people like to see stuff move on the screen. Because his challenges are usually quite short people can jump in at any time, whereas streamers who work on one project in every stream (Which I did) are likely not as captivating.
But yeah, that's just my observation, I'm sure it'll gain in popularity in the years to come!
+1 for Daniel Shiffman, he also has an unparalleled enthusiasm that makes learning even more fun.
I would for coding streaming to be more popular in general although; not everyone needs a train whistle!
Hmm, that's a very good tip!
What I mean:
Making the challenges very short!
I will write that down!
Thanks for the comment!