My first job as a software “developer”, I was the computer guy

I did the programming, graphics design 😂

What lessons have I learned in that time?

Learn to code to the lowest common denominator.

As a solo developer you can get away with a lot of crazy, “clever” stuff.

But when you are part of a team, everyone needs to be able to understand your code and the architecture as a whole.

At some point someone is going to have to maintain your code.

Keep it simple, stupid. Everyone is more likely to understand that, and future you will thank you.

If you are part of a team you may have code reviews.

Those reviews can sound harsh. People may ask you to do things you do not agree with.

If you feel your hackles rising, take a breath, get up, grab a snack, or switch to another task.

Sleep on it, if you have to.

Do not respond in frustration or anger. Let the feedback sink in.

Then ask yourself “are they right”? Or even if they are not right, is the suggestion valid from their point of view? What may be obvious to you may not be to other people.

Learn to communicate.

This is the hardest skill as a developer to learn. When you are the sole developer you do not have to communicate.

You just have to listen.

To understand what the users want and ask probing questions.

But when you are part of a team, you have to be able to communicate as well. I am still struggling with this one today.

Do the best you can

Adeweb Developer Africa

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