Staying on top of the game - web development

Staying on top in the web development industry can be quite difficult due to things like time, which as we know equals money. So while we're busy creating new and exciting web sites, how do we know what's going on out there at the cutting edge of the industry. There is just so much information out there so how do you begin to find out what is important? Well in this article I'll go over my top 5 methods of staying on the cutting edge of web development.

1. Software Website Headquarters

Web sites like drupal.org, joomla.com, or magentocommerce.com offer all sorts of documentation and the latest news about what is going on their world. A daily visit to these sites to find any new content or updates is a must in order to stay fresh on what's going on in these vast community based worlds.

2. Podcasts

If you just sit back and listen to others share their thoughts or experiences in the community you will usually find that there is a whole other world of possibility and opportunity that you didn't even know about! As web developers we all have our tried and true secrets and this is just the place to find them. Some very insightful podcasts can be found at webdevradio.com, lullabot.com, yousuckatwebdesign.com, and therissingtonpodcast.co.uk .

3. Collaborative News Sites

Being in the know about the latest happenings in the industry is always important. Whether you be at a networking function or even just jawing at the office with your co-workers it not only looks good to know about current events but it again helps you become aware of what's new and upcoming out there. Collaborative news sites such as techdirt.com or slashdot.com offer a wide range of news all over the technology/geekdom sector and often have great writeups about the latest happenings such as new software releases, CEO's losing their jobs, or whatever else you never thought would interest you - but does.

4. Magazines

There are some great magazines that run great articles on web development. Some magazines (although not many here in Canada) are in print, while a lot are actually e-zines which require your subscription but only stay online. There are many choices out there but you can browse through most of theml by going to this link http://www.webreference.com/internet/magazines/webdev.html . Sometimes taking your eyes away from the monitor and to the wonderful resolution of a printed page is a welcome sight.

5. Colleagues

Some of the best resources I've ever had are the people that I went to school with at BCIT. Staying in touch with them and what they are doing can sometimes be quite resourceful. There may be many web development companies out there but ever one has different ways of doing things.

Staying on top of new and upcoming trends, news, or whatever it is has helped me become a better developer and I wouldn't be anywhere if I didn't keep on finding new and fresh resources to absorb. So keep on looking because I'm sure I haven't found them all. And if you have any you'd like to share, post them below in the comments! See you next week.