Introduce the concept of api rounds and how they work
API rounds is a software development methodology which uses a group of people to brainstorm, prototype, and build software applications. It has been designed for companies that want to decide where their next products should be focused on. The people who participate in API rounds are usually software developers, but also include designers, project managers. The group is divided into teams within the company, each responsible for developing a specific set of features for that product.
Share some examples of successful api rounds and what made them successful
PayPal once had a team called the PayPal Mafia that consisted of many talented developers from the company. This team went on to become part of several successful companies. Many entrepreneurs and venture capitalists have made investments based on people who participated in these rounds. These rounds are held by a variety of companies, including Google, LinkedIn, Facebook and Y-combinator. Microsoft also uses this methodology for new product releases.
In a typical API round, the company that is hosting the round will set a deadline for when they would like to have the program and then they announce it as open to everybody. This is sometimes marketed as an “api hack day”, where developers will be able to come up with ideas, start working on them and then demo them. This day is not all work and no play, though. Usually there will be some food and drinks, as well as an optional dinner party after the program.
