Things to be discovered and discussed will include:

• The Object
• The Function
• The Prototype
• The Arguments
• The this Scope
• The Module
• JSON
• ECMAScript 5

The host will help moderate the timeline and the discussions, but it is intended to be an interactive session with everyone bringing an equal voice so that we can all learn together.

You are encouraged to bring your own code, and be prepared to share it and discuss it.

Topic: Introduction to Node.js

Node.js is the hot topic du jour because it is a completely event-driven non-blocking I/O model. No thread synchronization needed, or massive memory needed because it only uses a single thread per CPU.

I’ll be giving a presentation on how to set up Node.js on your development box, and install some basic tools. Next, I’ll give a quick interactive demonstration on what event-driven non-blocking I/O means. Then I’ll show some of the cool things that you can do with Node.js such as:

• Build your own basic web server.
• Serve database-driven, dynamic content by writing JavaScript!
• Write and execute test cases for your JavaScript UI.
• And any other tasy bits I have time to write a demo for….

I’m so excited about how JavaScript is going to be powering the tools, services and software for the next decade’s migration to mobile devices and the cloud. It’s the main reason that I accepted my newest job at Smith Micro as their Senior Web Engineer. I’ll be architecting and eventually building the Javascript-based, cross-browser, cross-device technology presentation platform for many of their products. For me, it’s the most exciting field of technology to be in at the moment.

Whomever reads this and is interested in discussing, learning, or presenting JavaScript based tools – or even know someone who is – and is in or near the Greater Pittsburgh area, I’d love to have you join and talk about what you would want out of a group like this.

The event is on Thursday, June 9, 2011 and will run from 7pm – 9pm in the first floor event meeting hall.

Here is what you can expect to learn at the Meetup:

An Appcelerator Senior Systems Engineer will be there and…

• Provide a high-level overview of the Titanium Architecture
• Run through the major APIs for both mobile apps, and mobile web application development
• Provide lots of demos on creating mobile apps with Titanium
• Answer your questions

On the south side of the building, I can see all the way down to Mad Mex and on the north side I can see LaRoche College, Passavant Hospital and a few miles past. It really shows off how forested and beautiful this area still is even with the blight of McKnight Road passing through it.

While my house is on the market, I’m going to be staying with my folks – who live in Glenshaw – and so I have a 7 mile, 13 minute drive to work. It’s pretty damn sweet. The only downside is that their house has no central air, and with the current muggy heat wave that is passing through this area, it’s like being inside a sauna. The only reprieve is to go down into their basement for an hour to cool down.

Michelle and the girls are staying in Tennessee while the house is listed. We’ve had a couple bites, and one not-so-serious offer on it so far. Considering that it’s only been listed for about 9 days, having an offer already is encouraging progress.

Anyway, I’m looking forward to getting back in tough with all the folks I used to hang out with at Geek Night, and get to know all the new playas in town.

To that end, I’m going to be establishing a new development group in Pittsburgh. I’m calling it the Pittsburgh JavaScript Developers, and I’ve already started a LinkedIn group. Since JavaScript is a major tool that will be driving the next decade’s transition from the desktop to the cloud and mobile solutions, I think getting people together to talk about the exciting shit that’s happening with the language will be exhilarating, interesting, and just plain fun.

If you, or a friend, is a lover (or even hater, I’d love to convert you) of JavaScript, let me know.

Unprecedented in my experience, and a good sign for the company.

Anyone who is willing to take community feedback in how it’s approaching its own candidates needs to be taken seriously. Also, if the company is this interested in how the job listing is authored and perceived by the technical community, chances are that they really are looking for qualified, talented, and rock-solid people that can make a difference. I could be wrong, but my gut tells me otherwise.

Please take a moment to look at the new job listing, and see how quick feedback allowed this company to refine it, and focus on what their core needs are.

From what I hear over and over again, the one opportunity that companies miss out on is putting a teaser in a job posting. Some tidbit of the work a candidate would be doing to really entice the passionate ones to contact them.

Let’s try an experiment. Two job postings describing the same job. Which one sounds more interesting?

Software Engineer / User Interface Designer

Widgets Conglomerate is a Fortune 100 company in need of an experienced, self-starting software engineer for our corporate billing department. Qualified candidates must have at least 4 years of experience developing enterprise class software solutions, and have a Computer Science degree, or equivalent.

We are an equal opportunity employer, offer great benefits, and competitive compensation.

Target skills include, but are not limited to:
- .NET framework technologies such as C#, ASP.NET and SQL Server
- HTML and Javascript experience is also highly preferred
- SOAP/REST web service experience
- Experience in full SDLC and comfortable working with multiple teams to ensure specifications and end product are correct
- Must be a self-starter who is capable of running a project with minimal supervision
- Some experience doing mobile phone development is a bonus

Software Engineer / User Interface Designer

Widgets Conglomerate is a large, pioneering company who needs to enhance its cutting edge development team with a solid, talented and well rounded software engineer. If you have at least 4 years under your belt designing and developing high quality, enterprise software, and can identify issues, opportunities, and pitfalls at that level, we want to talk to you.

We’re looking for someone to help us build the next generation of responsive, social billing applications that engage employees and customers by providing real-time messaging and data. You can expect to work with the latest technology, lots of creative input and a challenging project.

Here’s what you’ll need to be considered:
- At least 2 years doing C# and/or ASP.NET development for developing efficient and attractive user interfaces.
- Full understanding of SQL Server and can do your own table modeling and can write your own stored procedures.
- Advanced experiences working with HTML/Javascript frameworks to create lightning fast and responseful Intranet pages. Knowing SOAP and/or REST will get us even more excited.
- iPhone development would be ideal. Part of this application will be used by our field personnel on their iPhones every day.
- You need to be able to communicate with business users, and be able to produce technical and functional specifications before you start designing or writing a single line of code.
- You need to know how to write efficient, scalable code that won’t break in a year and can be enhanced as more features are implemented without breaking the whole thing.
- Have you ever led a team, or been a supervisor, or want to be in a leadership role? We need someone who is a leader with vision, and has the ability to share that vision with a team and lead them towards it.

One of the things that all the recruiters agreed upon is the fact that most of their clients are putting up job requirements that are a bit… unrealistic. It’s understandable that companies want the most for their money and are trying to get people who are capable of performing the duties multiple, former employees.

However, these people are rare, justifiably want to be well compensated, and aren’t on the market as the companies they are currently working for want to retain them.

That said, I just read a job listing for a new startup in Pittsburgh. Here’s the list of credentials that they want in a User Interface Designer.

1. Understanding, Knowledge, and Experience with All (yes, indeedy, they said ALL) Common Programming Languages (Java, C#, SQL, Visual Basic, HTML C++, Etc.) (Portfolio of Work Required)
2. iPhone SDK 3.0+ Knowledge and Experience (Portfolio of Work Desired)
3. Android Platform SDK Knowledge and Experience
4. Front-End and Back-End Database Knowledge
5. Website Design and Development (Portfolio of Work Required)
6. Excellent User Interface Development Experience and Knowledge
7. Adobe Flash
8. Adobe Dreamweaver
9. Strong Graphic Design Understanding: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
10. eCommerce Knowledge and Experience
11. SMS & MMS Knowledge and Experience
12. Experience and Knowledge in Search Engine Optimization

Ok, whoever this person (if he/she exists) is, is a rockstar among rockstars. Most likely less than 100 people in the entire United States of America could confidently have all of this on their resume – and back it up.

Here’s the kicker, in the job posting, there’s the text “The successful candidate will have 2 to 4 years of experience as a software engineer/UI designer…”

Um, yeah. A 4-year professional will have all that experience.

Considering that, which one of them would give up whatever highly paid, secure job they have now to go work for a startup in Pittsburgh, get paid in promises and stock-options, work 18 hour days, be unappreciated, and then – most likely – be discarded when the company fails?

That’s my new, favorite job description. Also, if you are reading this, and you land that job, please take a moment to leave a comment here and let me know you exist.

Link to job description:
http://pghcareerconnector.com/jobs/JobDetails.aspx?id=11114