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New and seasoned programmers can use Stack Overflow to tap into an entire community of knowledge. The site is dedicated to giving programmers a resource to ask questions and find answers. The format is entirely user run. The Stack Overflow community posts questions and responses. Other features allow users to vote on questions, tag their questions, and earn badges for participation on the website. The site offers a simple service in a way that is well organized, with tabs that allow the user to check out unanswered questions, those with answers, or review other users. Stack Overflow has created a community of programmers that help each other expand their understanding of the trade.

Stack Overflow was founded in July of 2008. Based out of New York City, the site was designed to bring together a community of programmers as a way to exchange knowledge. The site has grown significantly since it was first launched, including almost 25 employees. Financial backing has also been paid out to help Stack Overflow improve and continue to grow its user base through a helpful question and answer system.

There are many resources online, however most of these come in the form of articles and how to guides. For a programmer that is looking to learn, it may be hard to get a very specific question answered. StackOverflow gives programmers an easy to use resource that allows them to ask any questions they have, and get direct answers.

The Stack Overflow website offers a fun, orange and white color scheme with a well organized layout. The homepage gives new visitors a preview of questions by listing top questions, which are prominently displayed across most of the page. At first glance, the site may seem a little disorganized but after a short period of reviewing questions and features, new users can quickly adapt. Overall, the layout keeps things simple so the focus remains on asking and answering questions.

A new user can click the blue “Login” link at the top right hand corner of the homepage. This takes the user to the login page, which includes a link for creating a new account (which reads “click here to sign up”). Users are also given the choice of signing in using one of many other accounts, including Google, Yahoo, MyOpenID, AOL, Facebook, Blogger, WordPress, LiveJournal, VeriSign, ClaimID, and ClickPass. Users can also choose the traditional registration process, which asks for a username, OpenID URL, password, email address, and terms of service agreement.

Stack Overflow is a website that benefits from having more knowledgeable users in its community. The site offers users an account at no cost. There are no subscription fees or premium paid membership options. Anyone can access Stack Overflow, ask questions or provide answers for free. This is definitely a good thing to encourage more users to share what they know and get help with their programming questions. There is no word on whether or not this will change in the future, so for now, anyone can enjoy the benefits of using Stack Overflow at no cost.

Stack Overflow is a site that caters to programmers. The free price tag makes it easily accessible to anyone, the seasoned programmer skilled in their profession as well as the budding newcomer just learning the trade. The simple design makes it easy for new visitors to adjust and learn how to ask and answer questions on Stack Overflow.

• Login using many popular profiles, including Google, Blogger, WordPress, and Facebook
• Ask a specific question
• Share knowledge by providing answers
• Earn badges and reputation on the site
• Tap into the collective knowledge of a community of programmers

Stack Overflow video

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