JSConf EU 2018 Recap and Call to All JavaScript Developers

JSConf EU 2018 Recap

Lightcurve, the consultancy behind Lisk, recently attended and sponsored major JavaScript conference JSConf EU 2018 in Berlin. Major companies, startups and influential figures were present, including giants like Google, Facebook and Microsoft.

With six team members in attendance, a big booth and eye-catching banners, Lisk made a real splash at the event. Many of the visitors to our booth wanted to know what a blockchain company was doing at a JavaScript conference — we took such questions as opportunities to explain blockchain (many of the developers were unaware of the technology), why Lisk chose to use JavaScript, as well as how JavaScript enables us to make blockchain accessible for people just like them. We also told them about the Lisk Academy as a means to learn all about blockchain.

The greatest part about the conference was the energy — to see just how engaged developers in the JavaScript community are, coming from all corners of the world to connect over JavaScript and discuss ideas and goals that will shape the future. We even had the chance to meet many influential people, including Redux creator Dan Abramov.

As one would expect from a developer conference, it was very focused on education and knowledge-sharing. In fact, about 15% of the attendees at the conference attended through a scholarship program. There was even a Community Lounge, which served as a spotlight for incredible community initiatives, including lightning talks, VR installments, as well as meet and greets with presenters.

Many presentations at the conference had a focus on ethics and how to effectively find solutions to errors, as errors and debugging are part of everyday work life for a programmer. There were also a number of deep dives; for example, GitHub software engineer Shelley Vohr held a talk about asynchronous programming, while web developer Marcy Sutton’s presentation focused on the promotion of accessibility - something that Lisk is all about. We also learned about the next JavaScript features that are expected to change the way we write code — Array.prototype.flatMap, pipeline operator, partial application and bind operator in a talk led by frontend developer William Martins.

Charlie Gerard, a software developer at ThoughtWorks, gave a presentation and demonstration of brain-controlled JavaScript that was very fascinating — she has been developing an open source JavaScript framework for a brain sensor she has been working on that allows for the control of interfaces or robots with the use of facial expressions and mental commands. Tara Vancil, co-founder of Blue Link Labs, also gave a presentation on the peer-to-peer web — an experiment to re-imagine web publishing without servers. She even built and deployed a website on-stage with only the use of a browser and text editor. It was incredible to hear about the most up-to-date industry trends and happenings from the most influential minds in JavaScript.

Calling All JavaScript Developers

One of the biggest reasons we attended JSConf Eu 2018 was to scout talent — particularly, passionate JavaScript developers who want to help disrupt the world through blockchain. We met with at least dozens and dozens of individuals who are interested in applying to work at Lightcurve for Lisk. However, we’d like to take this opportunity to let our community know — and hopefully spread the word — that we are actively hiring developers. The positions currently open that are looking to be filled immediately are:

• Frontend Developers— We are seeking talented frontend developers with a wide variety of skills to help develop and maintain our blockchain applications platform. As a frontend developer, you will be responsible for developing our client user interface using modern practices, maintaining our website, and optimizing a fast, simple and enjoyable experience across the Lisk platform. Learn more about this position and apply here.
• Backend Developers — We’re looking for experienced backend developers with a passion for delivering high assurance code, who have a strong background in building complex mission critical database-powered distributed applications. As backend developer, your primary role would be to help develop and maintain the Lisk Core and Lisk SDK product lines. Learn more about this position and apply here.
• Backend QA Engineer — We’re looking for a backend QA engineer with advanced knowledge of Node.js and PostgreSQL, who can help the Lisk project achieve the very highest standards in code quality, performance and security. Learn more about this position and apply here.
• DevOps Engineer — We’re looking for a DevOps engineer who can assist the Lisk project in configuring and orchestrating its entire development infrastructure. Learn more about this position and apply here.
• Cryptographers — We’re looking for cryptographers with expertise in applied mathematics and blockchain technology, who can help the Lisk project achieve a cryptographically secure and mathematically scalable protocol/solution. Learn more about this position and apply here.

In addition, we’re still hiring for we’re also looking to fill roles in our design, marketing and operations teams. To learn more, please take a look at AngelList.

We will attend many more conferences over the next few months, so be sure to check out our upcoming conference recaps to hear all about them!

-The Lisk Team