Most people SUCK at talking to developers. 🤷♂️
I was lucky growing up with a bunch of smart people who ended up being software engineers, and I've spent a fuckton of time at the chaotic intersection of engineering, marketing, and product, learning to decipher the language of engineers for those less fluent in their 'technobabble'.
The number of times I was in a meeting when the engineering team starts throwing around terms like "API," "CI/CD," and "microservices." and people's eyes just glaze over... wooof!
But, what are those? REALLY?
"API" stands for Application Programming Interface. In simple terms, it's like a waiter at a restaurant: it takes your order (the request) and brings you the food (the data). It helps two systems communicate and share information.
"CI/CD" is short for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment. Imagine building a LEGO castle with a bunch of people working on different sections. CI/CD is like an automated system that checks if the pieces fit together properly and assembles the castle without anyone tripping over each other.
"Microservices" refers to breaking down a complex software application into smaller, more manageable parts. Think of it as slicing an enormous pizza into pieces so everyone can enjoy a manageable portion without getting overwhelmed.
Nobody ever explained it to me like that...
But - Don't let engineering jargon intimidate you! Empower yourself and others by understanding and translating the language of engineers.
Effective communication is key to successful collaboration. If you're unsure about something, don't be afraid to ask questions. No one should feel stupid for seeking clarification. After all, it's better to ask and learn than to stay silent and remain in the dark.
