The Backstory: Why MLH and DEV?

The Birth of DEV

Almost a decade ago, Ben Halpern, Jess Lee, and Peter Frank founded DEV with a vision: to build a developer community that thrives on generosity and collaboration. Unlike many other platforms, DEV wasn’t built on gatekeeping; instead, it was designed to be a space where developers could learn, share, and grow together. Over the years, DEV has grown into a community of over 3 million developers, making it one of the most trusted spaces in the tech industry. The platform’s success lies in its culture of support and mutual learning, which has become a beacon for developers worldwide.

MLH: The Lab for Developers

MLH, on the other hand, has been focused on providing hands-on learning experiences for developers. Through programs like the Hackathon League, MLH Fellowship, and various in-person events, MLH has served over 1.5 million developers across nearly 100 countries. MLH’s approach is all about learning by doing, where developers pick up tools, build real projects, and iterate based on feedback. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the judgment and architectural thinking that AI can’t replicate.

Why Now Is the Right Time for This Merger

The Expanding Role of Developers

The value of a developer’s skills has never been higher. As AI takes over the boilerplate tasks, the skills that truly matter—judgment, taste, and architectural thinking—have become even more critical. The ceiling on what developers can build has never been higher. At the same time, the floor is rising. More people than ever are building software, thanks to AI tools that make it easier than ever to create real applications. This expansion of the developer community is a testament to the democratization of technology.

The Shift in Developer Needs

Traditional institutions struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change. By the time a curriculum is approved, the technology is already outdated. The old model of developer communities, which focused on answering technical questions, is no longer sufficient. Today’s developers need a space to develop judgment, learn from peers, and build real projects in a trusted environment. This is where MLH and DEV come in, offering a comprehensive solution that addresses the evolving needs of the developer community.

What’s Changing (And What’s Not) for Both Communities

DEV: Continuing the Legacy

DEV will continue to be the community its members know and trust. The culture that Ben, Jess, and Peter built is exactly why this merger makes sense. DEV’s focus on learning in public, sharing expert advice, and supporting one another will remain at the core of the platform. The addition of MLH’s resources will enhance DEV’s offerings, providing developers with even more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow.

MLH: Enhancing the Learning Experience

For MLH, this acquisition opens up new possibilities for enhancing the learning experience. By integrating DEV’s community into MLH’s programs, developers will have access to a wealth of knowledge and support. This merger will allow MLH to create more immersive and collaborative learning environments, where developers can build real projects and receive feedback from a diverse community of peers and experts.

The Future of Developer Communities

The merger of MLH and DEV is more than just a business move; it’s a vision for the future of developer communities. By combining the best of both worlds, MLH and DEV are creating a platform that fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. This new era of developer communities will be characterized by inclusivity, real-world experience, and a strong sense of community.

The Impact on Developers

For developers, this merger means access to a more comprehensive and supportive ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your coding journey, MLH and DEV will provide the resources, community, and opportunities you need to succeed. The future of software development is bright, and with MLH and DEV leading the way, developers will have the tools and support they need to build the next generation of innovative applications.

The Impact on the Tech Industry

The tech industry is evolving rapidly, and developer communities play a crucial role in shaping this evolution. By coming together, MLH and DEV are setting a new standard for what developer communities can achieve. This merger sends a powerful message: the future of technology is built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to supporting each other.

Conclusion

The acquisition of DEV by MLH is a significant milestone in the history of developer communities. This merger combines the strengths of both platforms to create a more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative space for developers. As we move into the next era of technology, MLH and DEV will continue to be at the forefront, providing the resources, community, and opportunities developers need to succeed. The future of software development is bright, and with MLH and DEV leading the way, we can look forward to a future filled with innovation, collaboration, and endless possibilities.

FAQ

What does the merger of MLH and DEV mean for developers?

The merger of MLH and DEV means that developers will have access to a more comprehensive and supportive ecosystem. DEV’s community will enhance MLH’s learning programs, providing developers with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow. Conversely, MLH’s resources will enrich DEV’s offerings, creating a more immersive and collaborative learning environment.

How will DEV’s culture be preserved under the new ownership?

DEV’s culture, which is built on generosity, mutual learning, and support, will remain at the core of the platform. The merger with MLH will enhance DEV’s offerings, but the platform’s commitment to its community and culture will remain unchanged. Ben Halpern, Jess Lee, and Peter Frank’s vision for DEV will continue to guide the platform’s development.

What new opportunities will developers have access to?

Developers will have access to a wider range of learning opportunities, including hands-on projects, mentorship, and a supportive community. The merger of MLH and DEV will create a more immersive and collaborative learning environment, where developers can build real projects and receive feedback from a diverse community of peers and experts.

How will the merger impact the tech industry?

The merger of MLH and DEV will set a new standard for developer communities, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. This merger sends a powerful message about the importance of community and support in the tech industry, shaping the future of technology and the developers who build it.

What can we expect from MLH and DEV in the future?

In the future, MLH and DEV will continue to be at the forefront of developer communities, providing the resources, community, and opportunities developers need to succeed. The merger of these two powerhouses will create a more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative space for developers, shaping the future of technology and the developers who build it.