The other day, I found a discussion about the most underrated skill that makes a developer truly effective. I didn't want to bury my answer on a comment. So I'm expanding it here as a post.
As a junior coder, my biggest mistake was only focusing on mastering syntax.
I thought we were artists writing code to frame in a museum. But we write code to solve problems. Even the code you write for fun solves a problem: boredom and curiosity.
A sense of curiosity, desire to learn, and inspiring mentors helped me grow. But nothing compares to product thinking.
Mastering languages didn't help me as much as imagining being a product owner who codes.
Here’s how to build your product thinking
If you don't experience your code firsthand:
Put yourself into your end user's shoes. Think (or simply ask) about their problem, why they'd pay, and how your code solves it.
Answering those questions will make you:
- Write the right solutions and simplify the code you write.
- Shift technical discussions to the right direction.
- Win a sit and a voice in the table.
- Stand out as a coder.
That's the most valuable skill.
I wish someone had told me that earlier. As a junior coder, I ignored product thinking, teamwork, and clear communication. Those skills make us stand out as coders.
And that's why I wrote Street-Smart Coding, the guide to the lessons I wish I'd known from day one to grow as a coder.
Top comments (2)
Dealing with costumers is part of what nowadays is considered peopleware. This is a very hard to achieve skill.
And that's what really makes us stand out, IME