The Empathetic Developer by Markus Westergren

Newsletters

#31 Sep 14, 2026

Two experts, opposite advice, both right

A broken 1935 window pane, two experts who disagreed, and the part no framework does for you.

Read issue →
#30 Apr 25, 2026

After JCON: a thank you, the slides, and something new I've been writing

The slides from our session, plus a new piece on the AI Shepherd

Read issue →
#29 Mar 23, 2026

What your AI coding assistant actually is (and why it matters)

Hi , If you've spent any time on LinkedIn lately, you've probably run into two camps: the ones who think AI will make…

Read issue →
#28 Jan 29, 2026

JFokus Mentorship Hub: Your chance to have the conversation that changes everything

Hi , JFokus is just a few days away, and I wanted to tell you about something new this year that I think could be…

Read issue →
#27 Oct 23, 2025

A Developer's Search for Meaning

Hi , Missed our session at Devoxx Belgium? Watch the complete presentation here: https://youtu.be/Jo5mOBRr2b4 After 25…

Read issue →
#26 Oct 16, 2025

Report from survey Exploring occupational identity in the age of AI

Hi, First of all, thanks for filling out the survey about developers occupational identity in the age of AI. We got some…

Read issue →
#25 Aug 13, 2025

Gift and a favour

Hi , I have some exciting news to share! Our proposal "A Developer's Search for Meaning: Thriving as AI Transforms Our…

Read issue →
#24 Jul 20, 2025

Why Java is Still Worth Learning in 2025

Hi , Picture this: It's 1999, and I'm staring at my first Java assignment with the enthusiasm of root canal surgery.…

Read issue →