How do you actually become a really skilled programmer? And what are the most common mistakes people often make at the start of their careers?
We took the opportunity to ask three experienced developers for their best tips for those who are new to the industry.
What was the best advice you received when you started your career?
Be patient. It will feel difficult, but you’ll figure it out. Accept that it takes time to learn everything, and understand that your colleagues are there to help. Ask for help when you need it, and don’t be afraid to speak up.
Code is your tool for delivering value to the company. If you don’t know what the company needs, it doesn’t matter how good your code is. Explore the problem and the existing code, and again—don’t be afraid to ask!
How can you stay up to date without getting lost in the tech jungle?
Find your perfect coding match! Follow developers and others who match your coding personality. Avoid getting bogged down in every new trend to prevent an overcrowded tech wardrobe. Find content creators you like—a couple of recommendations are ThePrimagen and Theo Browne on YouTube.
It’s beneficial to have seen a lot of code, so participating in open-source projects can also be a good idea. That way, you’ll also have the chance to stand out a bit among other junior developers.
Do you see any common mistakes made by new developers?
Scope creep. You set out to fix one thing, and then the scope expands. Try to narrow down the problem and work in stages, where each stage is a working implementation.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge assumptions, whether from other developers or clients. Being a good developer involves much more than just writing code.
Last but not least, what’s the best thing about being a developer right now?
The fact that there are always new things to explore and the feeling that anything is possible.
