Celebrating a Pioneer Voice in the Developer Community

Among the many contributors shaping the InterSystems Developer Community, some bring not only deep technical knowledge but a long-term vision and passion for empowering others. One of these exceptional voices belongs to @John Murray, a veteran of InterSystems technologies, an open-source advocate, and a founding member of the Developer Community.

👏 Let’s take a closer look at John’s remarkable journey and his continuing legacy in the InterSystems ecosystem.

John began working with InterSystems products in 1998, right when Caché first launched. At that time, he transitioned from Micronetics — a former M/MUMPS competitor — to InterSystems technologies after MSM was discontinued. It was a pivotal moment. Rather than walk away, John pivoted. He joined George James Software (GJS), bringing with him a dedication to developer tooling that would define his career.

When the InterSystems Developer Community was launched in 2015, John didn’t hesitate to get involved, contributing from day one, helping shape the space into what it is today. His ongoing role as a community moderator ensures the platform remains open, supportive, and valuable for developers of all levels.

John’s professional focus has always been developer experience. From early contributions to tools like Serenji and Umlanji, to helping MSM users migrate to Caché, his impact has been widespread. However, one of his most notable contributions was the rise of VS Code.

Back in March 2016, John published a post titled "Anyone using Visual Studio Code?" - a vision far ahead of its time. That early insight led to the development of custom extensions by GJS, launching John into the world of TypeScript and open source. Since 2019, John has contributed over 150 pull requests to the official VS Code codebase, helping shape the editor used by millions of developers worldwide.

From day one, John has believed in the value of real people helping real people. He encourages newcomers to seek answers through existing articles or by asking questions, emphasizing that while AI has its uses, genuine human interaction is often the most powerful way to learn.

As the Community has grown, John has remained active, ensuring it remains a place for constructive collaboration and knowledge sharing. Whether through writing articles, moderating discussions, or developing tools, his impact is woven throughout our platform.

Outside of his professional pursuits, John finds joy and purpose in his local community and his photography — a hobby that provides balance and creative inspiration alongside his technical work.

John Murray’s contributions — past, present, and ongoing — exemplify what it means to be a cornerstone of the Developer Community. Through technical excellence, mentorship, and a commitment to progress, he continues to make InterSystems better for everyone.

🙏 Join us in thanking John for his enduring dedication, insight, and leadership within the Developer Community.