On 8 October 2024, we're celebrating Ada Lovelace Day - a day dedicated to recognising the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) around the world. Naturally, we're joining in the celebrations and took this as an opportunity to ask some of our female developers a few questions to find out more about their personal experiences and challenges in the industry.
Back in the 19th century, Ada Lovelace made history as a pioneer of modern computer science. She worked with Charles Babbage on his "Analytical Engine", a mechanical calculating machine, and wrote the first known algorithm developed specifically for a machine. In her notes, she described how the machine could automatically perform complex tasks, such as calculating Bernoulli numbers.
This is considered by many to be the first computer programme in history and laid the foundations for what we know today as computer science and software development. Particularly remarkable was her understanding that such machines could process not only numbers, but also music, text and other data - a vision that was far ahead of its time. Ada Lovelace Day was established in 2009 not only to honour her pioneering work, but also to celebrate the many women who are doing innovative and forward-looking work in the technology sector. The aim is to make role models visible, inspire the next generations of women and emphasise the importance of female contributions in technology.
Women also play a central role in software development at IT Sonix. With their expertise and passion, they are instrumental in the development of our products, driving innovation and shaping the technologies of tomorrow.
To gain an insight into the activities of our female developers, we asked them a few questions: What are their favourite technologies to work with? Which aspects of software development are particularly close to their hearts? The answers show the diverse interests and focal points they pursue in their day-to-day work.
Carolin (Circle Lead & Software Engineer)
Implementing tests is usually my favourite thing to do. I've written quite a few Cypress tests, but have been supporting the team mostly with Pytests lately.
Christin (Software Engineer)
My favourite thing to do is work with full-stack web applications. I like to use Java in the backend and JavaScript in the frontend.
Klara (Working Student Junior Software Engineer)
I actually prefer working with shaders and C#. Anything that can be visualised mathematically and type-safe programming languages where I can easily write extensible components is what I enjoy the most.
Tuğçe (Software Engineer)
I particularly like communication, it's essential in software development. Communication within the team is often the key to realising a clear product vision. I am currently working with a variety of technologies. Operations in particular appeals to me, as it requires a broad understanding and overview of different systems, which many people shy away from. In this area, I use tools such as Helm, OpenShift, Jenkins and Grafana. They give me the opportunity to optimise infrastructure and ensure continuous integration. However, I work in a variety of areas, including backend development with Java Spring and occasionally frontend with Angular.
We are particularly interested in where the greatest potential lies for women in the IT sector. In a technology industry that is constantly evolving and influences almost all areas of life, a variety of perspectives is essential. And who better to answer this question than those who work in this industry on a daily basis? Our female developers shed light not only on their own experiences, but also on the many ways in which women can help shape the future of technology through their unique approaches and skills.
Carolin (Circle Lead & Software Engineer)
Women can and should be involved in all areas of IT. They bring diverse perspectives and problem-solving skills; they are often organised and structured. I believe that AI is a field that needs a lot of diversity to drive the development of ethical and fair algorithms, minimise biases and create solutions that are accessible and equitable for all people. Women can bring more diversity to all areas of IT to drive innovation and inclusion.
Christin (Software Engineer)
As the foundation of digital transformation, this field offers diverse career opportunities. Women can develop user-centred solutions through their often holistic approach.
Klara (Working Student Junior Software Engineer)
I actually see the greatest potential in women in IT everywhere. The areas of management, controlling and organisation, for example, have already managed to establish a high proportion of women.
Tuğçe (Software Engineer)
Each person has different experiences and approaches that they bring to the job. Especially in IT, where the work involves problem solving and innovation, it's crucial to have many different approaches and ideas. That's why I think it's hugely important, both in IT and in all other areas of society, to promote diversity - be it in terms of gender, culture or other backgrounds. There is still enormous potential for more diversity. Teams benefit from diverse perspectives, especially when developing new product ideas and implementing them.
We recently asked our developers what technological achievement they would show Ada Lovelace today if she were still with us. What would impress a pioneer of programming, who once realised that machines can process far more than just numbers, most about the innovations of our time?
Carolin (Circle Lead & Software Engineer)
I think the most impressive thing today is AI and ML. Apart from that, you could show how the role of women in IT has developed.
Christin (Software Engineer)
Artificial intelligence and machine learning: these technologies epitomise Lovelaces' idea that computers can do more than just process numbers and are capable of creative tasks.
Klara (Working Student Junior Software Engineer)
I would show her that she was right in surmising that computers can be used for more than just numbers. The achievements of flying and the possibilities of performing brain scans with MRI/CT would certainly please her as well.
Tuğçe (Software Engineer)
Ada Lovelace saw the potential of creative technology applications early on. She would be fascinated by what is currently possible with machine learning and artificial intelligence, for example in the generation of music. Image processing would also be exciting for her. I would have liked to show her the various areas of application in medicine, research and art in which images can be recognised, interpreted or even newly generated.
Ada Lovelace Day not only reminds us of the historical achievements of pioneering women like Lovelace, but also inspires us to continue creating spaces where women can realise their full potential in the technology industry. Every day, our female software developers show that they are not only helping to shape, but also driving the innovations of tomorrow. Every new line of code, every creative solution they develop is a step towards a future in which diversity and inclusion are taken for granted. Together, we look forward with excitement to the groundbreaking technologies they will develop - technologies that may one day be as groundbreaking as Ada Lovelace's visions were for the world of computer science.