Our peer-to-peer learning program that’s accelerating the growth of mobile engineering
Overview
The article discusses Airbnb's peer-to-peer learning program, 'Code Like a Mobile Engineer,' aimed at enhancing the mobile engineering skills of team members. It highlights the program's structure, participant demographics, mentorship, and the significant impact it has had on engineers' confidence and contributions to mobile development.
What You'll Learn
1
How to leverage Airbnb's mobile tech stack for app development
2
Why understanding platform fundamentals is crucial for mobile engineering
3
How to build a mobile application using Airbnb's open-source projects
4
When to apply best practices in mobile workflow at Airbnb
Prerequisites & Requirements
- Familiarity with Java, Kotlin, TypeScript, or Ruby
Key Questions Answered
What is the purpose of the Code Like a Mobile Engineer program?
The Code Like a Mobile Engineer program aims to accelerate the growth of mobile engineering skills among Airbnb team members by providing structured learning opportunities focused on platform fundamentals and Airbnb-specific workflows. It addresses the increasing demand for mobile features and enhances the overall user experience.
How many engineers have completed the program and what impact has it had?
Since its inception in July 2020, 45 engineers have completed the program, collectively merging over 180 pull requests to the mobile codebase. This has significantly boosted their confidence, with 90% reporting increased confidence in shipping code after the program.
What does the curriculum of the program include?
The curriculum consists of two stages: platform fundamentals and Airbnb-specific mobile development. Participants spend 5 days on basics followed by 1.5 weeks of project-based learning, focusing on building applications relevant to Airbnb's tech stack.
Who can participate in the Code Like a Mobile Engineer program?
Full-time engineers at Airbnb are nominated by their managers based on their interest in personal or business growth. The program typically includes a mix of backend and web engineers, with some native engineers learning the other platform.
Key Statistics & Figures
Percentage of daily active hosts using mobile devices
83%
As of 2019, this statistic highlights the increasing importance of mobile platforms for Airbnb.
Number of engineers who completed the program
45
These engineers have collectively merged more than 180 pull requests to the mobile codebase.
Confidence increase in shipping code
90%
After completing the program, 90% of participants reported feeling confident in shipping code to the mobile codebase.
Initial confidence level of participants
15%
Only 15% of participants felt confident in shipping safe, reliable code before starting the program.
Technologies & Tools
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Programming Language
Kotlin
Used for Android app development in the program.
Programming Language
Swift
Used for iOS app development in the program.
Key Actionable Insights
1Encourage team members to participate in the Code Like a Mobile Engineer program to enhance their mobile development skills.Participation not only boosts individual confidence but also contributes to the overall capacity of the mobile engineering team, addressing the growing demand for mobile features.
2Utilize mentorship opportunities within the program to foster a collaborative learning environment.Mentorship from experienced engineers can significantly accelerate the learning process and provide valuable insights into best practices and code quality.
3Implement project-based learning to make the curriculum more relevant and engaging for participants.Building applications inspired by Airbnb's products allows engineers to apply their learning in a practical context, enhancing retention and skill acquisition.
Common Pitfalls
1
Underestimating the time commitment required for the program.
Participants need to invest significant time in learning both platform fundamentals and Airbnb-specific workflows, which can be challenging for those with tight schedules.
Related Concepts
Mobile Development Best Practices
Peer-to-peer Learning In Engineering
Open-source Project Contributions