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Peter Jausovec
Peter Jausovec

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Frontend devs: how interested are you in backend APIs and services?

Only yesterday I noticed that ReactRally CFP is open and that it closes in a couple of days.

I've spoken at conferences before, done workshops, but it was never on React or frontend development. In my day job, I am mostly working with backends with things like Docker, Kubernetes, Golang, service meshes, serverless functions, etc.

However, in my free time I've done Javascript, React, and I like it. Coming from the backend world, I always wondered how much interested is there from the frontend devs to learn about Docker, Kubernetes, and service meshes?

Would a conference session that gives you a basic overview of these technologies interest people, especially if it demonstrates with practical examples of how to use these things? For example, a React app with a couple of backend APIs, perhaps GraphQL and a database? What do you think?

This is the short abstract I came up with:

Have you heard about Docker, Kubernetes, and Service Meshes? Ever wondered what the fuss is all about and how can you use it as a React developer? This session will be a quick and practical tour of Docker, Kubernetes, and service meshes that will give you, and hopefully spark, ideas on how to use these technologies as a React developer.

What do you think? Only a couple of days left ... ⏰

Top comments (6)

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lennythedev profile image
Lenmor Ld • Edited

I think it would be very useful for frontend devs to at least understand some of the backend workings, like setting up and troubleshooting frontend tooling (webpack, jest, etc) in Docker.

I also started my career on Ops/Cloud/Network side, I identify more as fullstack and I love Node and React equally, so I might be biased on this 😊

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johnnycricket profile image
John Vorwald

I've been primarily front end through my career. It's always interested me to know more about the backend. I have tried to do little toy projects to learn, especially after our ops and backend were particularly guarded/off limits (for a time). Nothing going to get me more curious than telling me I shouldn't worry about them, someone else can do it for me...

That's something that's passed for me thankfully, and there's more willingness to let devs poke around and work together (Yay teamwork!) where we didn't used to. I'm still not even remotely close to being an expert, but I at least don't feel like a fish out of water when dealing with some of our ops or backend.

Long story short: yes, I'm interested and think it's good to know even a little something.

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sintomaticonegativo profile image
Gianluca Tuscano

I'm a frontend developer, but this has come after my personal interest for DevOps operation, for me frontend developer is my job and i like it so much, but i love to deploy application, play with kubernetes and docker, mainly because i'm also a webmaster and i'm in love with the sysadmin/DevOps from before i've started frontend dev.

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xngwng profile image
Xing Wang

Yes, for front end engineers, it is always helpful to know what the technology does. So yes, you don't have to be an expert in that field, but a little bit of understanding helps a lot.

This is actually true for many disciplines. It is often helpful for Devs to understand testor's job or product manager's job, even to understand the process, tool and pains of customer support.

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peterj profile image
Peter Jausovec

I agree - having your expertise in your field is good, but having a general knowledge and understanding of things you depend on is always helpful!

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peterj profile image
Peter Jausovec

Thanks all for your comments! I submitted the proposal and we shall see what happens :)