In the keynote titled "Seven things I know after 25 years of development," the author reflects on their extensive experience in software development, primarily in Ruby, and shares key insights that have shaped their understanding of the field. The main thesis focuses on the evolving challenges developers face as they outgrow frameworks and methodologies, the importance of narrative in coding, and the pursuit of truth in software development. They stress that as projects grow, old practices may become obsolete, and developers must adapt by valuing singular stories over rigid architectural paradigms. The talk emphasizes the significance of effective communication in code and the often lonely journey of seeking clarity and truth amidst industry norms.

Key Points:

• Developers inevitably outgrow frameworks, requiring a shift towards independent architectural decisions.
• Patterns and methodologies may fail due to their vague definitions and evolving industry standards.
• Project scale increases over time, necessitating new approaches to manage complexity effectively.
• Focus on singular stories in development helps maintain clarity and understanding of the code.
• The pursuit of truth and clarity in code is critical, often leading to pushback from established practices.
• The journey of seeking truth in development can feel isolating, especially against a backdrop of resistance to change.
• A constant effort to question one's mental models and express ideas clearly is vital for long-term success.
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