Michael Baker

Software Craftsman

Michael is from Wichita, Kansas. He first began programming in junior high by writing games in QBASIC and C. He went on to study computer science at Wichita State University. In college he organized AI competitions, designed a website for the school's Computer Science department, and taught himself Python and Javascript.

This internal drive to learn the art of programming led him to an apprenticeship with Craig Demyanovich, and the eventually a position as a software craftsman. While proficient in several languages, Michael most enjoys Ruby, Javascript, and Clojure.

It is the intellectually stimulating atmosphere of 8th Light that allows Michael to practice his craftsmanship. Good software needs to be crafted in an environment where a team can freely question each other. He sees value in forcing himself and others to think about each decision they make while they work on a project. The more questioning done during the writing of software, the better conceived the final product.