2025-05-01T12:34:58Z

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In a candid reflection on the life of a developer, a recent article posed a provocative question: is coding really the most interesting part of our lives? The author expressed a sentiment that resonates with many in the tech community: the thrill of personal connections often surpasses the excitement of programming. In fact, the last time the author felt genuinely exhilarated at a conference was over shared interests in bouldering, rather than in coding languages like React. This observation highlights a common truththe human experience often transcends technical skills, and even cinematic portrayals, such as the Oscar-winning film The Social Network, focused more on interpersonal relationships than the intricacies of Mark Zuckerberg's PHP code.

Recognizing this broader perspective, the author has launched a new initiativea survey called the State of Devs. Unlike previous surveys that primarily focused on coding languages and technical skills, this new survey aims to encompass a much wider array of topics, including career satisfaction, workplace culture, health, hobbies, and personal interests. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of the developer community, considering factors that influence their overall well-being and professional lives.

Among the intriguing questions posed in the survey are inquiries into developers favorite movies and video games, their physical activities, and even the quality of their sleep. However, the survey does not shy away from addressing more serious issues as well. Topics like workplace discrimination, the factors contributing to it, and the global issues that concern developers are also included. This dual focus on both light-hearted and serious topics is intended to foster a more holistic understanding of developers as individuals.

By broadening the scope of the survey, the author hopes to reach a more diverse audience. There's a well-documented disparity in the representation of different demographics within the tech community, often making it difficult for underrepresented groupsbe it due to gender, race, age, or abilityto engage fully. Past outreach efforts to improve survey participation have yielded mixed results, prompting the author to adopt a new strategy this time around. The survey has been designed with specific questions aimed at addressing the experiences of marginalized groups, including inquiries about workplace dynamics and instances of discrimination.

The importance of this approach cannot be overstated. Historically, those who are most vulnerable in the tech community often serve as the first indicators of systemic issues. Their challenges may eventually cascade to affect the entire community if not addressed promptly. This is particularly crucial in the current climate, where discussions around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become increasingly contentious and, in some circles, even taboo. The progress made in the past decade to improve inclusivity is at risk of being reversed, making it all the more vital to confront these issues directly.

The survey also aims to explore broader societal questions that weigh heavily on many minds today. In recent years, there has been a growing discourse regarding politics in the workplace. While some advocate for a separation between work and political ideology, the author argues that in 2025, this ideal is increasingly hard to attain. With rising authoritarianism and the erosion of rights, the tech community, now a significant political player, cannot simply ignore the surrounding socio-political climate.

As the author looks to the future of this survey, one ambition includes gaining insight into the ideological and worldview stances of developers. This could spark discussions on whether its prudent to engage with controversial topics or if its better to maintain a distance from them. Feedback from participants will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the next phases of the survey.

For those interested in contributing to this important dialogue, the author encourages participation in the survey, emphasizing the collective need to better understand the diverse fabric that makes up the developer community.