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Discussion on: What should I know to be a software architect?

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joshualjohnson profile image
Joshua Johnson

Build stuff is how to gain experience. Read articles and observe the opinion of others. You will become a architect when others recognize you as one.

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stereobooster profile image
stereobooster

Sounds like a lottery - buy a ticket every day and eventually you will win.

I'm not blaming, I did it myself in the past (and maybe doing it right now), but this is not the most effective way from my POV. If I have no idea how to achieve something I would ask for advice, search mentor, try to do something else to "reset" my brain and maybe then I can come up with a plan.

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joshualjohnson profile image
Joshua Johnson

Honestly, I think achieving architect status means that you've earned the right amongst your peers. Or you've earned the title by proving yourself within a job interview.

I don't think its winning the lottery. And to be honest, I don't think having the title "architect" really means anything either. I think as a developer,

  • you should be doing the best work you can do.
  • always try to achieve getting better.
  • Stay humble and realize you can always learn something new even from someone who has way less experience than you.

Let me ask you this, why is it important for you to be an architect?

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stereobooster profile image
stereobooster

I guess we get confused somewhere in the middle. My question never was about a title. I asked how to gain knowledge (or experience) in most effective way and what kind of knowledge people consider to be most valuable (in sense of giving most insight).

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joshualjohnson profile image
Joshua Johnson

Build stuff my friend. That’s it. Gain the knowledge by building stuff and leading teams. See what works and what doesn’t.

Seems like you want a simple answer like, if you read book X or blog post Y, it will tell you how to be a software architect. It takes real experience in the field of software development. You cannot skip all the hard work it takes to earn the badge.