Let's wander around the lake and chat about tech &amp; life! Come rain or shine, and we'll be walking at 7pm! Bring a dog, your significant others, kids, a friend and your face! Join our friendly group for some healthy activities! Our current walk is Whitlingham Lake, a 2.5-mile walk at an all-inclusive pace!

Norfolk Developers - nor(DEV):

nor(DEV): Wander


# Community Recommends: VSCode Extensions

Recently, I reached out to our community on the [NorDev Discord Server](https://nor.dev/discord) to get some recommendations on extensions for VSCode. I already had a few in mind but I figured there's no better place to get some solid opions so here are the community recommendations.

## Prettier
![Prettier](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Prettier.jpg)
[Prettier](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=esbenp.prettier-vscode) is a code formatter, and a very popular one too!  
In their own words: 
> Prettier is an opinionated code formatter. It enforces a consistent style by parsing your code and re-printing it with its own rules that take the maximum line length into account, wrapping code when necessary.   

Now if you are new to coding and just starting out it may be worth skipping this one for a little while, just to ensure you learn best practices and don't become entirely reliant on a code formatter to keep your work legible.   
That said, the main reason this was chosen as a popular option by the community is the fact it allows you to worry less on the legibility of your code and instead focus more on the code itself.   
If you need to get in the zone and simply write the code without little worry or regard to formatting and other nuances then this is a great recommendation.  

## Live Server
![Live Server](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Live_Server_Logo.jpg)
[Live Server](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ritwickdey.LiveServer) is a fanstatic tool when you are working on sites that are comprised of nothing more than HTML, CSS and Javascript.   
Live Server provides you with a way to view your code as you would on, well, a live server. It auto updates as you save your code and is a great companion for a second screen (or split screen) set up so you can see the changes as you make them.   
As a new coder I found this to be really useful, I knew almost instantly that the changes I were making were either working or not. It's great for experimental learning.   

## Live Share
![Live Share](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Live_Share.jpg)
[Live Share](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=MS-vsliveshare.vsliveshare-pack) is the definitive extension for sharing your projects and pair programming and working collaboratively remotely, all provided by Microsoft themselves.   
In their own words:
> This extension pack includes everything you need to start collaboratively editing and debugging in real time, including integrated audio and text chat. This provides you and your team/class with a one-click installation, in order to begin pair programming, performing remote code reviews, driving interactive lectures, and more, without needing to leave Visual Studio Code.   

I can't put it much better than that really, long story short, if you need a friend to help you with your code or you intend to pair programme, work collaboratively and want to work in real time then this the one for you.  
A strong choice from the community.   

## GitLens
![GitLens](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/GitLens.jpg)
[GitLens](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=eamodio.gitlens) is an extension that adds extra features to Git.   
To quote the experts:
> Supercharge Git within VS Code — Visualize code authorship at a glance via Git blame annotations and CodeLens, seamlessly navigate and explore Git repositories, gain valuable insights via rich visualizations and powerful comparison commands, and so much more.   

Pretty self explanatory, not sure how else I can elaborate on that other than saying that it sure is a popular option and it comes from the trusty people at GitKraken, a little more from them below.

> GitLens supercharges Git inside VS Code and unlocks untapped knowledge within each repository. It helps you to visualize code authorship at a glance via Git blame annotations and CodeLens, seamlessly navigate and explore Git repositories, gain valuable insights via rich visualizations and powerful comparison commands, and so much more.   

That's all I'm saying other than check it out!   

## CSS Peek
![CSS Peek](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/CSS_Peek.jpg)
[CSS Peek](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=pranaygp.vscode-css-peek) is a favourite of mine beacuse I am a very ~~lazy~~ efficient person.   
CSS Peek allows you to, well, peek at your CSS. You can use it one a `class` in your HTML to see the CSS that it is appying. It does go one step further though and will allow you to edit the CSS from your peek without even opening your CSS file.   
When you're first applying classes it's great if you can remember exactly what your class does, when editing in future it's fantastic for those quick edits. It also lets you jump straight to the relevant part in the CSS file from your HTML document too.   

## JavaScript (ES6) code snippets
![JS Snippets](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/JS_Snippets.jpg)
[JS Snippets](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=xabikos.JavaScriptSnippets) does exactly what it says on the tin.   
This extension providers you with snippets of ES6 code, it also supports Typescript as well as Javascript and React too.  
A very handy little morsel!   

## Power Mode
![Power Mode](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-08-20-community-recommends-vscode-extensions/Power_Mode.jpg)
[Power Mode](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=hoovercj.vscode-power-mode) is the point at which we remember that the NorDev community has a good sense of humour.   
Power Mode has a number of features to add flair and meme's to your coding experience.   
There is a combo meter (keep those fingers tapping) as well as a variety of built-in effects including explosions, interdeminsional portals, and clippy (for the meme's) and over 20 customisable settings.   
I can't do it justice in text along, just click the link and prepare to have your mind blown!   

## And that's a wrap!
That is the list of all extensions that were recommended to me by the NorDev community.   
We'd love to hear any suggestions you have to please feel free to drop in, say Hi and let us know your favourites on the [NorDev Discord Server](https://nor.dev/discord)!


Community Recommends: VSCode Extensions

## What a conference! We're grateful to the sponsors & speakers. They make the conference possible and our thanks to all who attended for making it a welcoming, engaging, and rewarding event…

As you might expect, organising a conference the same year as we emerge from restrictions on events and gatherings has proved challenging with many uncertainties in the run-up. A shuffling of dates knocked around our timeline and added to those challenges until we settled on June. Rest assured we will be back in February for a cooler venue from next year.


In the post-conference haze, we recognised how energising and rewarding the conference has been for all. The feedback and excitement over the two days was fantastic. Whilst it can feel chaotic behind the scenes, we heard many commenting on the event being well organised, friendly and welcoming to those that are usually intimidated by crowds. It shows that the hard work is always worth it 🤗

>>> I am perpetually proud that Norwich has such a friendly and supportive tech scene.
@MattB

## Two days for the community!

So many connections were made! Many in our community formed friendships over lockdown on our Discord, online socials, and events. This was the first time they met IRL and made the link between avatar and face!

>>> The learning to be gained from the talks is interesting, but you can watch most of those on the internet. It’s the corridor conference which is the best part!
Dom Davis

People were making that important first step into the industry. Our scholarship program saw its most use in several years, with 32 tickets bought through the scheme. It enables students, and those with a low income to get either a free ticket or pay just £7 to attend both days and the social events surrounding the conference too! This program is operated on an honour basis, you need not apply and in 2023 we’re making it even easier too!

![A packed Conference Room 2](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-06-25-nordevcon-2022-retrospective/conference-room-2.jpg)

## Insights

We were overwhelmed with incredible tips & useful feedback in 2020, we listened, and in 2022 we used them. The speaker warning boards, the large signage, the smaller programme, and many many more...

This year, again, we’ve had some great advice and you can [submit your own](https://forms.gle/4HUMDQrTAwT3Cds19). It will guide some considerable changes next year, a priority is to enable more time to socialise and to give more time between talks and the schedule will be refreshed accordingly.

## The plans for 2023

We’re excited and are already planning for 2023. Many of this year’s amazing sponsors have already confirmed their support for next year and we’ve some great ideas (more on that soon)! ❤️

In 2023, we return to our regular schedule, at the Kings Centre again. February, the 23rd & 24th. For a limited time, we're offering ["Super" Super Early Bird tickets](https://nordevcon.com/tickets) at **80% off** the standard price.

We invite you to submit your talk on our [Call for Papers](https://forms.gle/utZHU63XZRiuvJPs9). As a speaker; you get a **free conference t-shirt** featuring your name in the credits adorning the back, **free tickets for you and a friend** (which can be used to refund existing tickets), and your **travel & accommodation expenses covered**!

Thank you!

![The Norfolk Developer's 2022 Conference Team](/static/images/pages/posts/2022-06-25-nordevcon-2022-retrospective/conference-team.jpg)

nor(DEV): con 2022 Retrospective


All conference speakers, regardless of, well anything really, share one thing in common. They all had to deliver their first talk. The first time they stood up in front of a group of people and imparted something. I cannot be more specific, because each and every one of those experiences would have been unique, but I can be reasonably sure about one thing: those speakers  would have been scared. Probably terrified. 
 
## Stage nerves

Talking to a large group of people is scary. That fear lessens the more you do it, but it never quite goes away. Recently, a well respected keynote speaker at a large conference told us their heart rate was over 140bpm before starting. The talk was excellent, so arguably they had nothing to worry about. And yet, there was The Fear. Fear, the talk won’t go well. Fear people won’t find it interesting, or useful. Fear that you will somehow fail.
 
I mention this because, great as it is to see the same old faces [quite literally in some cases,] I also love hearing from new people. What may seem blindingly obvious to you, like doing something in Blender or coding a little electronics project on an Arduino, are actually fascinating to people like me whose experience doesn’t encompass these fields.
 
“But,” I hear you say, “The Fear!”
 
To which I say Tish and Pish. Provided you can tell a story, you can give a talk. Granted, not everyone can tell a good story, but you may surprise yourself if you tried. 
 
## Adrenaline rush

The Fear is very real. As is the stress. But then so is the rush when you’re done. And the discourse after the event. Which is why, time after time, I willingly put myself in the situation of standing up in front of a whole bunch of people who know a lot more about a whole bunch of stuff than I do, and open my gob. And then I tell a story. Usually about tech.
 
Despite coming across as a colossal extrovert, I am actually very introverted. Going up to strangers and talking to them is incredibly difficult for me. Standing in front of them and talking at them is somehow easier. And, once it’s all over, they come and speak to me. A ready made gaggle of people to talk to and interact with while at a conference.

## Conference gains

Ultimately, for me, that’s what conferences are about. Yes, the learning to be gained from the talks is interesting, but you can watch most of those on the internet. **It’s the corridor conference which is the best part**. So despite everything, I will submit talks to conferences I want to go to, because if I don’t I will just passively attend the conference, rather than taking part in it. So this year, listen to the stories being told at [NorDevCon](https://nordevcon.com), and have a think about what story you might tell next year. You never know, you might even enjoy telling it.

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