J
Jessica Malakian
Guest
Griffin Davies grew from a curious gamer into a real-world problem solver after learning the Progress OpenEdge programming language, building practical, mission-critical applications.
In this Developer Spotlight, we focus on Griffin Davies, a 23-year-old software engineer from Warren, MI, whose journey with OpenEdge development is an inspiring story of discovery, learning and growth. It also offers valuable insights into how new developers can find their place in the OpenEdge ecosystem.
Griffin’s passion for technology sparked as early as eighth grade, ignited by a familiar and relatable gateway—video games. What began as a hobby running Minecraft servers quickly turned into a fascination with the technical side of computing, from configuring servers to managing performance and writing simple scripts. That curiosity evolved into a deeper interest in programming, starting with Java. It was his first language, which he learned in his senior year of high school. He then began picking up smaller languages along the way, continuing to expand his skill set.
This growing interest ultimately led Griffin to pursue a degree in computer science. “It’s been a crazy, crazy journey,” he says—one fueled by curiosity, hands-on learning and a passion for solving real-world problems through technology.
Griffin’s passion for programming took an early, impactful detour through teaching. In 2021, he joined iCode, a nationwide franchise focused on teaching children how to code. The location in his area had just opened, and Griffin was part of the foundational team of instructors helping get the program off the ground.
“We kind of figured it all out together—how to teach, what worked best, and how to keep kids engaged,” Griffin says. “It was a lot of fun and really rewarding.”
At iCode , Griffin taught students ranging from as young as three years old up to high schoolers. From basic programming fundamentals to more advanced logic, the role helped him deepen his own understanding of code while learning how to explain technical concepts in simple, clear ways. Even as he transitioned into his next chapter, he continued working part-time at iCode while starting a new journey with Progress.
“I actually got to tell some of my coworkers at iCode about Progress when I first started learning about it,” he says. “I remember thinking, ‘This is a really approachable language.’ I hadn’t seen anything like it before. I was able to pick it up within about three months.”
It was during an internship that Griffin was first introduced to the Progress OpenEdge platform . He hadn’t encountered ABL (Advanced Business Language) in his coursework but quickly grew to appreciate it. The experience opened his eyes to how the platform supports real-world application development and provides the tools developers need to solve complex business problems.
Today, with two years of OpenEdge experience, Griffin continues to build on his knowledge, working with systems that impact real users and businesses. This learning opportunity eventually grew into a full-time job with Prestige Stamping. Currently a software engineer with the company, his story is a powerful example of how the right tools, mentorship and opportunities can empower the next generation of developers to thrive in the enterprise world.
Griffin wears many hats in his role—as the sole IT person at his company, every day brings a mix of responsibilities that go far beyond coding. From troubleshooting connectivity issues to ensuring systems run smoothly, he’s the go-to tech resource for the entire organization. But his real passion lies in how he uses Progress OpenEdge capabilities to drive efficiency and make life easier for his coworkers.
A significant part of Griffin’s day is focused on reporting. He builds, customizes and maintains reports that help departments across the company stay informed and operate effectively. “I sit down with coworkers and figure out how I can streamline what they’re doing,” he says.
Outside of daily IT and reporting duties, Griffin also takes on larger development projects—like designing new menus, building backend systems or optimizing existing tools. Right now, he and his team are in a bit of a holding pattern as they prepare for their next big goal: modernizing their OpenEdge environment and upgrading to the latest Progress technologies. Griffin is eager for what’s next. “I finally have the tools to make meaningful changes—and I’m excited to use them.”
Griffin used the OpenEdge platform to create an asset management system for his school. The project involved tracking assets, assigning them to locations and managing checkouts. “I created a system where I could input different assets, including serial numbers and MAC addresses, and then set up a checkout system,” Griffin explains.
Using OpenEdge ABL (Advanced Business Language), Griffin developed a system that didn’t just track assets but also generated PDF forms and facilitated check-in and check-out workflows. “I was able to create a full interactive system for checking in and out assets” he adds.
Griffin highlights how the OpenEdge platform streamlines database management, which was one of the key aspects he appreciated: “I have yet to come across a language that I enjoy that gives me such ease of connection to the database. I struggle with connecting to databases through other languages because I must specifically use the database’s language rather than it just being there. And one of the biggest things I really enjoy about OpenEdge is that I can just write up a script and it handles the database. And I don’t need to do any extra steps; ‘Oh well, I need to pull in this library and do all these other steps.’ It’s just there.”
He also values how the platform enables developers to work within an all-in-one interface. “I can make a script and it can handle the database, the visual elements and some of the back end all in one interaction, without having to pull in all these different files and systems. That’s my number one feature,” Griffin explains.
The hands-on project not only reinforced Griffin’s technical skills but also showcased how the platform can be leveraged to build mission-critical applications that businesses rely on for high availability, scalability and performance.
Griffin also values OpenEdge flexibility, offered through different interfaces: “I do really appreciate how I can have multiple ways of accessing it.” This capability, along with its integration of database management and backend processes, has further cemented his positive view of the tool as one that supports efficient, scalable solutions.
By taking on such a project, Griffin not only solidified his understanding of OpenEdge capabilities but also experienced firsthand how the platform can empower developers to create meaningful solutions.
As Griffin’s experience demonstrates, one of the most valuable aspects of working with the OpenEdge platform: learning by doing. This means not being afraid to break things. “Don’t be afraid to break it,” Griffin advises. “I’ve broken a multitude of things, but the important part is that I learned how to put it back together.” This kind of approach is crucial for developers at all stages of their careers. In a constantly changing technological landscape, failure is an inevitable part of the learning process.
For younger developers, the key is to create an environment where they can experiment, make mistakes and learn from them without fear of judgment. In many educational settings, failure is often seen as something to avoid, but in the world of development, it’s an essential part of the journey. As Griffin puts it, “The important part is that I learned how to put it back together,” highlighting the value of perseverance and problem-solving when things don’t go as planned.
Now, to help Griffin get more insight and education with OpenEdge functionality, he is currently taking our Basic OpenEdge Developer Learning Path and Certification Exam bundle, which includes eight self-paced training courses and five assessment exams. This content is helping Griffin expand his OpenEdge Developer skills.
Griffin is making his way through the training, and he can fill in any remaining gaps with ABL , fix misconceptions and learn the language’s best practices and new features.
As Griffin himself says, “I’m excited to continue to try and learn more as I progress.” The journey of a developer is never truly finished. There’s always something new to learn and new challenges to tackle. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to expand your knowledge, OpenEdge development offers a world of opportunities for developers who are willing to dive in and explore.
Thinking of becoming a backend developer to work for impactful businesses? Looking to create your own business applications? Follow our free training and get certified! Get more on our developer page .
Continue reading...
In this Developer Spotlight, we focus on Griffin Davies, a 23-year-old software engineer from Warren, MI, whose journey with OpenEdge development is an inspiring story of discovery, learning and growth. It also offers valuable insights into how new developers can find their place in the OpenEdge ecosystem.
A Passion Sparked by Play
Griffin’s passion for technology sparked as early as eighth grade, ignited by a familiar and relatable gateway—video games. What began as a hobby running Minecraft servers quickly turned into a fascination with the technical side of computing, from configuring servers to managing performance and writing simple scripts. That curiosity evolved into a deeper interest in programming, starting with Java. It was his first language, which he learned in his senior year of high school. He then began picking up smaller languages along the way, continuing to expand his skill set.
This growing interest ultimately led Griffin to pursue a degree in computer science. “It’s been a crazy, crazy journey,” he says—one fueled by curiosity, hands-on learning and a passion for solving real-world problems through technology.
From Learning to Leading
Griffin’s passion for programming took an early, impactful detour through teaching. In 2021, he joined iCode, a nationwide franchise focused on teaching children how to code. The location in his area had just opened, and Griffin was part of the foundational team of instructors helping get the program off the ground.
“We kind of figured it all out together—how to teach, what worked best, and how to keep kids engaged,” Griffin says. “It was a lot of fun and really rewarding.”
At iCode , Griffin taught students ranging from as young as three years old up to high schoolers. From basic programming fundamentals to more advanced logic, the role helped him deepen his own understanding of code while learning how to explain technical concepts in simple, clear ways. Even as he transitioned into his next chapter, he continued working part-time at iCode while starting a new journey with Progress.
“I actually got to tell some of my coworkers at iCode about Progress when I first started learning about it,” he says. “I remember thinking, ‘This is a really approachable language.’ I hadn’t seen anything like it before. I was able to pick it up within about three months.”
Discovering Progress OpenEdge
It was during an internship that Griffin was first introduced to the Progress OpenEdge platform . He hadn’t encountered ABL (Advanced Business Language) in his coursework but quickly grew to appreciate it. The experience opened his eyes to how the platform supports real-world application development and provides the tools developers need to solve complex business problems.
Today, with two years of OpenEdge experience, Griffin continues to build on his knowledge, working with systems that impact real users and businesses. This learning opportunity eventually grew into a full-time job with Prestige Stamping. Currently a software engineer with the company, his story is a powerful example of how the right tools, mentorship and opportunities can empower the next generation of developers to thrive in the enterprise world.
A Day in the Life of an OpenEdge Developer
Griffin wears many hats in his role—as the sole IT person at his company, every day brings a mix of responsibilities that go far beyond coding. From troubleshooting connectivity issues to ensuring systems run smoothly, he’s the go-to tech resource for the entire organization. But his real passion lies in how he uses Progress OpenEdge capabilities to drive efficiency and make life easier for his coworkers.
A significant part of Griffin’s day is focused on reporting. He builds, customizes and maintains reports that help departments across the company stay informed and operate effectively. “I sit down with coworkers and figure out how I can streamline what they’re doing,” he says.
Outside of daily IT and reporting duties, Griffin also takes on larger development projects—like designing new menus, building backend systems or optimizing existing tools. Right now, he and his team are in a bit of a holding pattern as they prepare for their next big goal: modernizing their OpenEdge environment and upgrading to the latest Progress technologies. Griffin is eager for what’s next. “I finally have the tools to make meaningful changes—and I’m excited to use them.”
Real-World Projects: Griffin’s OpenEdge Experience
Griffin used the OpenEdge platform to create an asset management system for his school. The project involved tracking assets, assigning them to locations and managing checkouts. “I created a system where I could input different assets, including serial numbers and MAC addresses, and then set up a checkout system,” Griffin explains.
Using OpenEdge ABL (Advanced Business Language), Griffin developed a system that didn’t just track assets but also generated PDF forms and facilitated check-in and check-out workflows. “I was able to create a full interactive system for checking in and out assets” he adds.
Griffin highlights how the OpenEdge platform streamlines database management, which was one of the key aspects he appreciated: “I have yet to come across a language that I enjoy that gives me such ease of connection to the database. I struggle with connecting to databases through other languages because I must specifically use the database’s language rather than it just being there. And one of the biggest things I really enjoy about OpenEdge is that I can just write up a script and it handles the database. And I don’t need to do any extra steps; ‘Oh well, I need to pull in this library and do all these other steps.’ It’s just there.”
He also values how the platform enables developers to work within an all-in-one interface. “I can make a script and it can handle the database, the visual elements and some of the back end all in one interaction, without having to pull in all these different files and systems. That’s my number one feature,” Griffin explains.
The hands-on project not only reinforced Griffin’s technical skills but also showcased how the platform can be leveraged to build mission-critical applications that businesses rely on for high availability, scalability and performance.
Griffin also values OpenEdge flexibility, offered through different interfaces: “I do really appreciate how I can have multiple ways of accessing it.” This capability, along with its integration of database management and backend processes, has further cemented his positive view of the tool as one that supports efficient, scalable solutions.
By taking on such a project, Griffin not only solidified his understanding of OpenEdge capabilities but also experienced firsthand how the platform can empower developers to create meaningful solutions.
Embracing the Learning Process: Breaking Things and Learning from Mistakes
As Griffin’s experience demonstrates, one of the most valuable aspects of working with the OpenEdge platform: learning by doing. This means not being afraid to break things. “Don’t be afraid to break it,” Griffin advises. “I’ve broken a multitude of things, but the important part is that I learned how to put it back together.” This kind of approach is crucial for developers at all stages of their careers. In a constantly changing technological landscape, failure is an inevitable part of the learning process.
For younger developers, the key is to create an environment where they can experiment, make mistakes and learn from them without fear of judgment. In many educational settings, failure is often seen as something to avoid, but in the world of development, it’s an essential part of the journey. As Griffin puts it, “The important part is that I learned how to put it back together,” highlighting the value of perseverance and problem-solving when things don’t go as planned.
Expanding OpenEdge Skills Through Training and Certification
Now, to help Griffin get more insight and education with OpenEdge functionality, he is currently taking our Basic OpenEdge Developer Learning Path and Certification Exam bundle, which includes eight self-paced training courses and five assessment exams. This content is helping Griffin expand his OpenEdge Developer skills.
Griffin is making his way through the training, and he can fill in any remaining gaps with ABL , fix misconceptions and learn the language’s best practices and new features.
As Griffin himself says, “I’m excited to continue to try and learn more as I progress.” The journey of a developer is never truly finished. There’s always something new to learn and new challenges to tackle. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to expand your knowledge, OpenEdge development offers a world of opportunities for developers who are willing to dive in and explore.
Thinking of becoming a backend developer to work for impactful businesses? Looking to create your own business applications? Follow our free training and get certified! Get more on our developer page .
Continue reading...