Nothing ventured, nothing gained

If you’re a software professional in Phoenix, Arizona, here are several active developer groups that I recommend. This list isn’t comprehensive, but it is a summary meet ups that I think are worth checking out.

1. Phoenix Java User’s Group. The PhxJUG is the largest gathering of Java developers in Phoenix. Past topics have covered a broad range of JVM related technologies including Grails, Scala, JRuby GWT, and other real world applications of the Java programming language. The PhxJUG is one of the oldest and longest successfully run developer groups in Tempe, AZ.

2. Phoenix Ruby User Group and Phoenix Rails User Group. The Phoenix metro has two Ruby-centric user groups, RubyAZ and PhxRails. The former focuses on broader Ruby topics while the latter focuses on areas around Ruby on Rails. Both groups host monthly presentations and have strong community participation. Occasionally, the groups hold a demo-night, where developers can showcase their latest tech, and a hacknight where developers can collaborate with each other.

3. Phoenix Android Developer Group. The Phoenix Android developer group has grown into the place to meet other Android software developers, hardware hackers, and mobile enthusiasts in Phoenix and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The current set of monthly presentations are aimed at novices. There’s also a monthly hacknight where developers can collaborate with each other. Disclaimer: I organize the Phoenix Android Developer Group.

4. For OS X, iPad and iPhone developers. There’s a lot going for OS X and Cocoa developers. For iPhone and iPad developers, the iPhone Developer Group hosts a monthly presentation. For general OS X and Cocoa development, the Phoenix CocoaHeads host a monthly meeting. And if you want to collaborate with other developers, there’s also weekly NSCoderNight.

5. Phoenix Scrum User Group. Practice Agile? That’s great, because Phoenix also has a very well organized Scrum user group, PhxSUG. Past topics have included presentations on Agile techniques, featured speakers, and role playing games involving audience participation.

6. HeatSync Labs. If you enjoy working with both hardware and software, own a subscription to Make magazine, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, then you may want to join HeatSync Labs. HSL hosts weekly meet ups as well as a monthly Arduino meeting.

7. Various lunch meet ups. The best part of a meet up, is after hour dinner and drinks. Developers in Phoenix have three meet ups aimed at lunch time nerding: Tempe Nerds, Tech South Lunch, and Geek and Eat.

In addition to the monthly and weekly meet ups, there are several local conferences put on by our local developer community.

1. Developer Ignite Phoenix. Developer Ignite is based on the Ignite model of presentation delivery, where speakers have 5 minutes and 20 slides automatically transitioning. Though the presentations are brief, it’s a great way to hear about technologies from software developers around Phoenix.

2. Desert Code Camp. Desert Code Camp is the longest running camps organized by developers and for developers. I’ve been attending Desert Code Camp since 2006. Even though the talks are dominated by Microsoft technologies, it’s still a great way to network and meet other passionate developers in the community.

This year also saw the creation of two new developer groups.

1. PhxData. PhxData grew out of the Great American Hackathon which I organized last year. After the hackathon, we realized that mixing journalists and technologists produced remarkable ideas. I co-founded PhxData to unite technologists in the Phoenix area who are engaged in data mining, parsing, visualization, etc. It also serves as a platform for journalists and government officials to connect with technologists who want to take public data and make it useful.

2. JavaScript-AZ. The JavaScript group is just starting out, but I expect it’s popularity to grow over the next few months.

You can learn a lot by meeting and connecting with other developers. I highly recommend taking the time out of your week to connect up with a group and even offer to give a presentation.