Software developers hoping to brush up on their coding skills can practice with colleagues in 160 cities when Pittsburgh Technical Institute hosts the 2nd Annual Global Day of Coderetreat.
Coderetreat, a global initiative that started in 2009 in Ann Arbor, Mich., will feature more than 3,000 software developers from as far as Tokyo and Buenos Aries taking part in a coding exercise. Jim Hurne, an IBM software developer who coordinates Pittsburgh's Coderetreat, said the event will help students and seasoned professionals alike stay on top of their games. Mr. Hurne noted that the global event happens annually, but Pittsburgh hosts a Coderetreat at least once every three months.
"Practice is essential for musicians, athletes, artists and all other types of craftspeople to remain on the cutting edge of their game," he said in a press release. "Global Day of Coderetreat is a way to set aside time to practice and evolve as software developers."
Mr. Hurne said the event also gives students firsthand experience working in an environment similar to what they will face after graduation.
"Coderetreat is a perfect match for PTI's computer programming and IT students because our programs emphasize experiential learning and workplace skills such as communications, planning, delegating and project management," he said in the release.
"Developers from companies like IBM, Highmark and FedEX attend Coderetreat and they tend to be some of the best in the industry, so we hope that students will make the type of connections that will expedite great employment opportunities.
Pittsburgh's 2nd Annual Global Day of Code Retreat kicks off Saturday at the PTI Gallery in Pittsburgh Technical Institute's Oakdale campus. For more information, visit http://globalday.coderetreat.org/
First Published: December 7, 2012, 5:00 a.m.