Many developers today feel the pressure of AI, the overabundance of tutorials and isolation. Creating a small space, of maximum five people, where you can progress, share your fears, your technical doubts or simply “vent”, can make the difference. Here is what to look for in that space.

What does a good circle need?

An effective circle is not simply another channel on Discord or Twitter, but an environment with these characteristics:

• Person-to-person (peer-to-peer), without a mandatory mediator-teacher.
• Small group, so that every voice counts.
• Technical space + emotional space.
• Chat tools, audio and simple commitment tracking
• Relative privacy.

1. Exercism

Exercism is a code practice + mentoring platform in 74 languages. Why it can work: although it is not exclusively focused on groups of five, its mentoring and peer review model allows forming mini-circles where participants give each other mutual feedback. Limitation: it is not originally intended as a “venting circle” (My favorite), but more technical-practical.

2. Slack (or similar chat-group)

Although it is not a “development study platform” by itself, many dev communities run on Slack/Discord. For example, in collaborative learning studies it is mentioned that chat platforms facilitate group learning. How to use it: create a private channel of maximum 5 people with rules: a weekly session of technical + emotional conversation. Advantage: already known, easy to use. Caution: it can become noisy if not limited.

3. Circle

Circle.so is a platform designed for online communities, with sub-groups, private spaces, etc. Ideal for creating private circles: you could set up an “Angular/React/AI circle” of 5 people and use Circle’s functionalities to schedule meetings, chats, shared files. Advantage: more structured, ideal for your 5-person model. Limitation: may have a cost or require configuration.

4. StudyTogether

StudyTogether is a “focus rooms” platform where people join to study together live. For your context: although it is geared towards students in general, it can be adapted for devs who want a “1h progress block” with others. Advantage: it already has the dynamic of support. Limit: it can be more impersonal, not as focused on devs.

5. Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU)

P2PU is an open learning community, where anyone can create or join groups and challenges. Use for circles: you could use the platform as a structure to create a “course”/private circle of 5 devs, with mutual commitment. Advantage: pedagogical approach, open community. Limit: may require more management.

6. GoConnectDev

GoConnectDev described as: “A system for progress: stop building alone. Find your circle. Get circles of 5 people with chat, audio and focus tools you need to launch.” This is the perfect model: circle of 5, chat + audio + focus tools, private and secure. Your differentiating advantage: it is oriented exactly to small groups, peers, without a mandatory teacher. To enhance it: clearly define the “circles” (by stack or purpose: front-end, AI, venting), establish operating rules.