In 2019, LinkedIn announced its acquisition of GitHub, the world's largest platform for hosting and sharing code. The $7.5 billion acquisition raised questions about why a social media company would invest so heavily in a coding platform. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this acquisition was a strategic move that has the potential to transform the way developers collaborate and work together.
One of the main reasons LinkedIn invested in GitHub is the platform's massive user base. With over 40 million users and 100 million repositories, GitHub is the go-to platform for developers all over the world. By acquiring GitHub, LinkedIn gained access to this massive user base, which it can leverage to create new business opportunities and strengthen its own platform.
Another reason for LinkedIn's investment in GitHub is the platform's focus on collaboration. GitHub has built a strong community of developers who share their code and work together to solve problems. This collaborative environment aligns with LinkedIn's mission of connecting professionals and creating economic opportunity for all. By bringing together these two communities, LinkedIn and GitHub can create new opportunities for developers to find work and build their careers.
Moreover, LinkedIn has been investing heavily in its own learning platform, LinkedIn Learning, which provides courses and tutorials on a wide range of subjects. By integrating GitHub into LinkedIn Learning, developers can access a wealth of code examples and tutorials, making it easier for them to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest coding practices.
Finally, LinkedIn's investment in GitHub is a strategic move to stay ahead of the competition. In recent years, Microsoft has made significant investments in GitHub, which has helped the platform to grow and expand its user base. By acquiring GitHub, LinkedIn can stay ahead of its rivals and ensure that it remains the go-to platform for professionals.
In conclusion, LinkedIn's investment in GitHub is a strategic move that has the potential to transform the way developers collaborate and work together. With its massive user base, focus on collaboration, and integration with LinkedIn Learning, GitHub is poised to become an even more valuable resource for developers and companies alike. By acquiring GitHub, LinkedIn has positioned itself to take advantage of these opportunities and continue to grow its platform in the years to come.