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Discussion on: Advice for a solo developer?

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Dan Fockler

I've been in this situation a few times, where I'm the only dev on a project. A few tips,

Be honest. You only have yourself to fool if you pretend that you know something when you don't. Instead be willing to learn and get comfortable reading a LOT! It might not feel productive but it's an important part of your job.

Congrats you are now the foremost expert on the project you are working on. Start to learn the pieces on a conceptual level so you can talk to people who don't know how it works. This will make things easier for you because you'll be able to speak intelligently about what you are working on and why code should or shouldn't change.

Ask for feedback. It's likely that you won't get any, but just asking is a signal to other people that you are open to communication and actively involved. Often when you are working on something alone it feels like other people don't care about what you are doing, combat that by speaking up for what you might need. Whether that's time or learning resources.

Have clear goals. It's easy to get sidetracked when you aren't working with another person. If you have a clear goal to shoot for it makes it much easier to focus and know what you are working for.

Good Luck! 😀