70 Inspiring Developers to Follow for Career Growth

Want to supercharge your tech career and stay ahead in 2025? Discover 70 inspiring developers whose insights, projects, and career journeys can help you grow, learn new skills, and find your place in the global coding community. Following these thought leaders will open doors to mentorship, innovation, and the latest trends in software development no matter your experience level.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples. In this article, I’ll introduce you to 70 developers and influencers who are shaping the future of tech. From open-source champions and engineering leaders to content creators and community builders, these voices offer practical advice, project ideas, and daily inspiration for your career. Remember, your growth is not just about coding—it’s about learning from others and sharing your journey.

Why Follow Inspiring Developers?

• Stay updated with the latest technologies, frameworks, and best practices.
• Learn from real-world experiences mistakes, wins, and everything in between.
• Expand your network by connecting with mentors, collaborators, and hiring managers.
• Find motivation through stories of resilience, creativity, and continuous learning.

1. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)

Marques Brownlee is a leading tech YouTuber known for his deep-dive reviews of gadgets, software, and emerging tech trends. His clear explanations and honest opinions make complex topics accessible. Following him keeps you updated on the latest consumer technology and inspires a passion for quality and innovation in tech content creation.

2. Linus Sebastian (Linus Tech Tips)

Linus Sebastian leads the Linus Tech Tips YouTube channel, where he and his team explore computer hardware, DIY builds, and tech experiments. Their hands-on approach and entertaining style make learning about technology fun and approachable, while their transparency about successes and failures offers valuable lessons for aspiring developers and tech enthusiasts.

3. Sara Dietschy

Sara Dietschy combines tech, creativity, and entrepreneurship in her engaging YouTube and Instagram content. She reviews gadgets, shares her journey as a creator, and breaks down complex tech topics into easy-to-understand insights. Her positive energy and practical advice motivate young developers to blend creativity with technical skills for career growth.

4. Kent Beck

Kent Beck is a software engineering legend and the creator of Extreme Programming (XP) and Test-Driven Development (TDD). His books, talks, and social posts offer practical guidance on writing clean, maintainable code and fostering collaborative teams. Following Kent helps you build a strong foundation in agile practices and software craftsmanship.

5. Martin Fowler

Martin Fowler is a renowned author and software architect, best known for his work on refactoring, microservices, and enterprise patterns. His blog and books provide deep insights into software design, architecture, and agile methodologies. Developers follow Martin to learn best practices and stay ahead in software engineering trends.

6. Hitesh Choudhary

Hitesh Choudhary is an Indian educator and YouTuber who simplifies programming, web development, and career advice for millions of learners. His tutorials, live streams, and mentorship empower developers to master new technologies, crack interviews, and grow their careers with confidence and clarity.

7. Makinde Adeagbo

Makinde Adeagbo is the founder of /dev/color, a community supporting Black software engineers. Through talks, articles, and advocacy, he champions diversity and inclusion in tech. His journey from engineer to leader inspires developers to build supportive networks and drive positive change in the industry.

8. Vaughn Vernon

Vaughn Vernon is an expert in Domain-Driven Design (DDD) and distributed systems. His books, workshops, and online presence help developers tackle complex business problems with practical, scalable solutions. Following Vaughn offers deep dives into architecture and design thinking for ambitious engineers.

9. Angie Jones

Angie Jones is a Senior Developer Advocate and Java Champion, known for her expertise in test automation and inclusive tech education. She shares tutorials, conference talks, and career tips that empower developers to level up their testing skills and break barriers in the tech world.

10. Kelsey Hightower

Kelsey Hightower is a Google engineer and Kubernetes expert who demystifies cloud computing, DevOps, and open source through talks, tutorials, and social media. His approachable style and willingness to answer questions make him a favorite mentor for developers exploring cloud-native technologies.

11. Cassidy Williams

Cassidy Williams is a developer, educator, and content creator who shares coding tutorials, memes, and career advice with a fun, relatable twist. She’s known for making tech approachable and fostering inclusive communities, inspiring developers to keep learning and enjoy the journey.

12. Dan Abramov

Dan Abramov is a co-author of Redux and a key member of the React core team at Meta. He shares deep insights into JavaScript, React, and modern frontend development through blogs, talks, and Twitter threads. Following Dan helps you stay at the forefront of UI engineering.

13. Tanya Reilly

Tanya Reilly is a staff engineer and writer known for her work on infrastructure, reliability, and team dynamics. Her talks and essays, like “Being Glue,” offer practical advice for engineers who want to make a big impact beyond code, emphasizing mentorship and collaboration.

14. Cindy Sridharan

Cindy Sridharan is a systems engineer and author who writes extensively about distributed systems, testing in production, and software reliability. Her technical blog and social media presence provide in-depth, real-world lessons for developers aiming to master backend and infrastructure engineering.

15. Dan Luu

Dan Luu is a software engineer and blogger who explores topics like hiring, performance, and industry trends. His detailed, data-driven articles challenge assumptions and encourage developers to think critically about their careers and the tech industry as a whole.

16. Anjali Verma

Anjali Verma is a trailblazing Indian tech influencer who blends fashion and technology on her YouTube channel. She shares innovative tech hacks, tutorials, and career stories, motivating young women to explore and excel in the world of technology.

17. Priya Sharma

Priya Sharma, a tech influencer from Mumbai, lights up Instagram with energetic gadget reviews and software tutorials. She focuses on empowering young women to pursue tech careers, making her content both educational and inspiring for the next generation of developers.

18. Scott Hanselman

Scott Hanselman is a Microsoft developer, podcaster, and prolific blogger. He covers topics ranging from .NET and open source to productivity and work-life balance. Scott’s approachable style and practical advice make him a must-follow for developers at any stage.

19. Wes Bos

Wes Bos is a full-stack developer and educator who creates popular courses on JavaScript, React, and Node.js. His clear, hands-on teaching style helps developers quickly grasp new skills and apply them to real-world projects, making him a favorite among learners.

20. Tracy Chou

Tracy Chou is a software engineer and diversity advocate who founded Project Include. She shares insights on engineering, ethics, and inclusion, encouraging developers to build fairer, more representative tech communities.

21. Ben Awad

Ben Awad is a software engineer and YouTuber known for his advanced tutorials on GraphQL, React, and full-stack development. His deep dives into real-world coding challenges help developers tackle complex problems and stay ahead in web technologies.

22. Swyx (Shawn Wang)

Shawn Wang, known as Swyx, is a developer, writer, and educator focused on learning in public. He shares lessons on JavaScript, career growth, and open source, inspiring developers to document their journeys and embrace continuous learning.

23. Ali Spittel

Ali Spittel is a developer advocate and educator who specializes in Python, web development, and career advice. Her approachable content and community involvement help new developers gain confidence and find their place in tech.

24. Gergely Orosz

Gergely Orosz is an engineering leader and author of “The Pragmatic Engineer.” He writes detailed articles on software careers, engineering management, and industry trends, providing actionable advice for developers aiming to move into leadership roles.

25. Sunil Pai

Sunil Pai is a developer and open-source contributor known for his work on React, JavaScript tooling, and web performance. He shares technical insights and encourages experimentation, helping developers push the boundaries of frontend engineering.

26. Ire Aderinokun

Ire Aderinokun is a frontend developer and Google Developer Expert who advocates for web accessibility and performance. Her blog and talks offer practical tips for building inclusive, high-quality web experiences.

27. Addy Osmani

Addy Osmani is a Google Chrome engineer specializing in web performance and tooling. He shares best practices, guides, and tools to help developers optimize their websites and deliver fast, user-friendly experiences.

28. ThePrimeagen

ThePrimeagen is a software engineer and Twitch streamer who teaches algorithms, Vim, and systems programming live. His energetic streams and deep technical dives make learning complex topics engaging and interactive.

29. Ben Halpern

Ben Halpern is the co-founder of DEV Community, a platform for developers to share knowledge and grow together. He advocates for open learning, community building, and making tech accessible to everyone.

30. Saron Yitbarek

Saron Yitbarek is the founder of CodeNewbie, a supportive community for people learning to code. She hosts podcasts, events, and shares resources that empower beginners to enter and thrive in the tech industry.

31. Quincy Larson

Quincy Larson is the founder of freeCodeCamp, a global nonprofit that helps people learn to code for free. His mission-driven work and educational content have launched thousands of tech careers and fostered a welcoming learning environment.

32. Ania Kubów

Ania Kubów is a software developer and YouTuber who creates beginner-friendly coding tutorials and project walkthroughs. Her engaging teaching style helps new developers build confidence and practical skills.

33. Florin Pop

Florin Pop is a developer and content creator known for his coding challenges, live streams, and motivational posts. He encourages developers to build projects, overcome self-doubt, and stay consistent in their learning.

34. The Net Ninja (Shaun Pelling)

Shaun Pelling, known as The Net Ninja, produces high-quality tutorials on web development, JavaScript, and frameworks like React and Vue. His clear, structured lessons make complex topics easy to grasp for learners at all levels.

35. Jessica Chan (Coder Coder)

Jessica Chan is a YouTuber and educator who simplifies web development concepts for beginners. Her approachable tutorials and real-world project guides make her a go-to resource for aspiring frontend developers.

36. Kevin Powell

Kevin Powell is a CSS educator who helps developers master styling and layout through YouTube tutorials and articles. His practical tips and deep dives into CSS techniques empower developers to create visually stunning, responsive websites.

37. Fireship (Jeff Delaney)

Jeff Delaney, creator of Fireship, delivers fast-paced, high-quality videos on web development, frameworks, and cloud technologies. His concise, entertaining style makes learning new tools and concepts efficient and enjoyable.

38. The Coding Train (Daniel Shiffman)

Daniel Shiffman is a professor and YouTuber who brings creative coding to life through fun, interactive tutorials on JavaScript, p5.js, and generative art. His enthusiasm and clear explanations inspire developers to experiment and explore the artistic side of programming.

39. Amjad Masad

Amjad Masad is the founder of Replit, an online coding platform. He shares insights on building developer tools, entrepreneurship, and the future of coding education, motivating developers to innovate and collaborate globally.

40. Jen Simmons

Jen Simmons is a web designer, developer advocate at Apple, and expert in CSS and web standards. She shares modern layout techniques, browser updates, and design inspiration, helping developers build cutting-edge, accessible web experiences.

41. Una Kravets

Una Kravets is a developer advocate at Google, specializing in CSS, design systems, and web performance. Her talks, articles, and demos help developers stay updated with the latest web technologies and best practices.

42. Debbie O'Brien

Debbie O'Brien is a developer advocate and educator focused on frontend frameworks like Nuxt.js and Vue. She shares tutorials, conference talks, and career advice, making complex topics approachable for developers at all levels.

43. Jason Lengstorf

Jason Lengstorf is a developer, educator, and host of “Learn With Jason,” a live show where he builds projects with experts from across the tech world. His approachable style and focus on practical learning help developers expand their skills and network.

44. Monica Lent

Monica Lent is a software engineer, writer, and founder of Blogging for Devs. She shares actionable advice on technical writing, career growth, and building an online presence, empowering developers to share their knowledge and grow their influence.

45. Emma Bostian

Emma Bostian is a frontend developer, author, and podcast host who shares career advice, coding tutorials, and personal stories. Her honest discussions about challenges in tech help developers navigate their own journeys with confidence.

46. Josh Comeau

Josh Comeau is a developer and educator known for his interactive tutorials on React, CSS, and animation. His website offers in-depth guides and playful learning experiences that make complex frontend topics enjoyable and accessible.

47. Theo Browne (t3.gg)

Theo Browne is a full-stack developer and content creator who shares insights on building scalable applications, TypeScript, and startup life. His practical advice and open-source contributions help developers level up their skills and confidence.

48. Shama Hoque

Shama Hoque is a software engineer, author, and educator who creates content on web development, JavaScript, and career growth. Her clear teaching style and real-world examples make learning new skills approachable for aspiring developers.

49. Eddie Jaoude

Eddie Jaoude is an open-source advocate and community builder who encourages developers to contribute to open projects. His YouTube channel and Discord community provide mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and practical tips for growing as a developer.

50. Sweta Panigrahy

Sweta Panigrahy is a machine learning engineer and educator who shares tutorials, project ideas, and career advice in AI and data science. Her approachable content helps demystify complex topics and inspires more women to pursue tech careers.

51. The Real Casadaro (Daryll Perry)

Daryll Perry, known as The Real Casadaro, is a developer, veteran, and motivational speaker. He shares coding tutorials, life lessons, and career advice, encouraging developers to overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward.

52. April Speight

April Speight is a cloud advocate at Microsoft and author who specializes in spatial computing, AI, and XR development. Her content helps developers explore emerging technologies and build innovative, future-ready applications.

53. John Papa

John Papa is a developer advocate, author, and expert in Angular and web development. He shares tutorials, conference talks, and best practices, helping developers master modern JavaScript frameworks and build scalable applications.

54. Mosh Hamedani

Mosh Hamedani is a software engineer and educator who creates high-quality courses on programming, web development, and software design. His clear explanations and practical projects help developers build strong technical foundations and advance their careers.

55. Kyle Simpson

Kyle Simpson is a JavaScript educator and author of the “You Don’t Know JS” book series. He shares deep dives into JavaScript concepts, helping developers truly understand the language and write better code.

56. Rachel Andrew

Rachel Andrew is a web developer, writer, and CSS Grid expert. She shares tutorials, articles, and conference talks on modern web layout techniques, empowering developers to create flexible, responsive designs.

57. Arvid Kahl

Arvid Kahl is a developer, entrepreneur, and author who shares insights on bootstrapping SaaS businesses, indie hacking, and building in public. His transparent journey offers valuable lessons for developers interested in startups and product development.

58. Charity Majors

Charity Majors is an engineer and co-founder of Honeycomb.io, specializing in observability and DevOps. She shares practical advice on debugging, scaling systems, and building resilient teams, making her a go-to resource for backend and infrastructure engineers.

59. Gergely Nemeth

Gergely Nemeth is a developer, writer, and founder of TechResume.io. He provides actionable tips on resume writing, job hunting, and career growth, helping developers land their dream roles in tech.

60. Anjana Vakil

Anjana Vakil is a developer advocate and educator known for her engaging talks on functional programming, JavaScript, and language learning. Her approachable style and passion for teaching inspire developers to explore new paradigms and keep learning.

61. Tim Benniks

Tim Benniks is a developer advocate and speaker who specializes in frontend development and developer experience. He shares tutorials, conference talks, and career advice, helping developers stay updated and motivated in their tech journeys.

62. Ben Lesh

Ben Lesh is a software engineer and core team member of RxJS. He shares insights on reactive programming, JavaScript, and open source, helping developers master advanced concepts and build scalable, event-driven applications.

63. Tracy Lee

Tracy Lee is a developer, entrepreneur, and community leader who organizes conferences and advocates for diversity in tech. She shares resources, career advice, and event highlights, inspiring developers to connect, learn, and grow together.

64. Sunil Sandhu

Sunil Sandhu is a developer and educator who creates content on web development, accessibility, and career growth. His approachable tutorials and real-world advice help developers build inclusive, user-friendly applications.

65. Sam Julien

Sam Julien is a developer advocate and educator who specializes in Angular, authentication, and career development. He shares tutorials, talks, and personal stories, helping developers navigate technical challenges and career transitions.

66. Sarah Drasner

Sarah Drasner is a VP at Google, author, and expert in SVG, animation, and frontend engineering. Her talks, articles, and open-source work inspire developers to push creative boundaries and master modern web technologies.

67. Jen Looper

Jen Looper is a developer advocate, educator, and founder of Front-End Foxes, a community for women in frontend development. She shares resources, tutorials, and mentorship, empowering more women to succeed in tech.

68. Shawn Swyx Wang

Shawn Swyx Wang is a developer, writer, and educator who promotes learning in public and open-source contributions. His transparent approach to sharing successes and failures motivates developers to embrace continuous growth.

69. Quincy Larson

Quincy Larson is the founder of freeCodeCamp, a global nonprofit that helps people learn to code for free. His mission-driven work and educational content have launched thousands of tech careers and fostered a welcoming learning environment.

70. Ania Kubów

Ania Kubów is a software developer and YouTuber who creates beginner-friendly coding tutorials and project walkthroughs. Her engaging teaching style helps new developers build confidence and practical skills.

Final Thought

Following inspiring developers isn’t just about learning code it’s about connecting with people who motivate you, challenge your thinking, and help you grow. Let their stories, advice, and community spirit fuel your journey. Stay curious, keep sharing, and remember: your network is a powerful tool for career growth.

FAQs

1. How do I find and follow these developers?

Most are active on Twitter, YouTube, GitHub, LinkedIn, and personal blogs. Search their names on these platforms and subscribe or follow for regular updates.

2. Why should I follow developers outside my tech stack?

Exposure to different perspectives, tools, and workflows broadens your knowledge and sparks creativity, making you a more versatile and innovative developer.

3. How can I engage with these developers?

Comment on their posts, contribute to their open-source projects, attend their talks, or join their communities. Meaningful engagement can lead to mentorship and collaboration.

4. What should I look for in a developer role model?

Look for authenticity, a willingness to share knowledge, and a track record of helping others grow. Choose those whose values and career paths resonate with your own goals.

5. How can following influencers help my career?

You’ll stay updated on trends, discover new learning resources, get career advice, and find motivation to overcome challenges all essential for long-term growth in tech.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work.

You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.