Willem van den Ende: What would I need to see to make a better decision?

What would I need to see to make a better decision?
Sponsored by RWE Supply & Trading
We like working in small steps. We can see progress for ourselves, and explain to others what we have done. This is non-trivial in existing software-intensive systems, or with large language models that can quickly generate large amounts of code.

The question that we are trying to answer is:
"What would I need to see to make a better decision?"

In this session we will use Glamorous Toolkit to iteratively create smalll tools that will help us make decisions. Often these tools analyse existing code or running production systems, and produce visualisations that show us condensed patterns. Visualisations make it easier to share our understanding with outsiders, and for everyone to to make a good enough decision for the next step.

Creating these tools, for the answer we need right now is called moldable development. They help us, collectively, build a theory about our system, based on facts.

In this session, Willem will discuss a tiny tool he made to find a seam in C++ legacy code for a measurement device, so that his client could safely add a new feature, with tests. He will also show tools he is making to make decisions in codebases made with AI augmentation for new product development, and discuss how they are made. We might even do some live coding.

Note: If you would like to participate in live coding, please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled start, bringing with you a device on which you have permission to install software.

About Willem van den Ende:
Willem is a partner in QWAN, and works as a developer with a systems perspective. He enjoys working on the parts and the whole. He often works on 'vintage systems'. Systems that deliver real value, and may or may not have tests, but others find too scary to work on. He loves learning by doing, teaching and consulting. He loves variety, and finds clients in from chip manufacturing to retail, energy, research to medical devices.

Agenda:
6.00pm - Arrival, Food & Drink, and networking
6.30pm - Presentation
8:00pm - Drinks and networking
8:30pm - Event concludes

We're excited to bring you another session and remain grateful to our generous sponsor, RWE Supply & Trading, for providing us with the fantastic venue and supporting our event.

We look forward to welcoming you to this engaging and enlightening event. If you have any questions or would like to propose future events or speaking opportunities, please contact us through Meetup or email us at [swindonsoftware@gmail.com](http://mailto:swindonsoftware@gmail.com).

Our sponsor, RWE Supply & Trading
RWE Supply & Trading is the interface between RWE and energy markets around the world. A total of 1,800 employees from over 70 different countries are engaged in the trade of (renewable) electricity, (green) gas, commodities and carbon emission certificates. We are active not only in Essen, which is home to one of the world’s largest trading floors, but also in major cities like London and New York and in key growth markets - particularly in Asia, where we are represented in Singapore and China. With precise market analysis and a strong customer focus, we create innovative energy supply solutions and risk management concepts for industrial companies.

Now that all of our renewable activities are integrated within RWE, RWE Supply & Trading can increasingly offer customised products and services from a single source, such as a combination of renewables plus control energy or conventional electricity. We are also able to draw on our considerable experience in the marketing of electricity from renewables. Deutsche Bahn (German Rail), for instance, is one of the key accounts choosing to purchase green power from RWE Supply & Trading.