For ICON UK I updated the XPages Developer Roadmap I put together last year. This was done to reflect how many Domino developers are starting to move beyond XPages to embrace open source web development options, whether JavaScript or Java.As a result, by the time XPages developers have moved towards the right-hand side of the roadmap, they will usually have a preference for JavaScript or Java development, so not all aspects will be of relevance. It also reflects how OpenNTF Domino API has moved beyond XPages with the work Daniele Vistalli has done with CrossWorlds and Nathan has started doing on a REST servlet for Graph. The latter can provide a starting point for custom REST servlet implementations using OpenNTF Domino API.
There is no mention of Bluemix, but that is because Bluemix is not something XPages developers progress towards using, it is a delivery method for XPages applications whether the developer is a beginner, intermediate or advanced. It’s no more part of a roadmap for XPages development than SoftLayer or different Domino platforms.
Also, it’s worth noting this roadmap is designed for those who choose XPages. It’s not the only option from more traditional Domino development and some would argue that moving directly to open source web development is a more valid approach.
And in case anyone thinks I’m suggesting this as a route to migrating off of Domino, I’m definitely not. I’m still a fan of Domino and I strongly believe that migrating all the data a customer has from Domino is a costly exercise. What this last year has shown me is that if you want a non-XPages, non-Notes-Client UI, that’s fine. But that does not mean you have to move the data as well. Domino, Websphere Liberty Profile, and other web servers can still access the data. And if you want XPages, that’s still also possible. “Domino” developers have realised there is choice about the front-end and that XPages has brought developers to a position where they have the skills to leverage that choice more easily than before XPages. It has empowered us all to be able to choose with less fear and anxiety.
The new roadmaps are on the Quickstarts and Training page.
So is there any bottleneck in this roadmap?
Not that I’m aware of, it really just comes down to how soon you feel familiar with each new bit of learning. Personally I prefer to minimise what’s new, so that if things don’t work, it’s easier to troubleshoot.