DEV Community

Cover image for When are you a developer?
Kevin Hicks
Kevin Hicks

Posted on β€’ Originally published at kevinhicks.software

6 2

When are you a developer?

Once you write any code to solve a problem

The answer really is that simple.

It doesn't matter what programming language you used. Or if you wrote code for mobile phones, a website, or a desktop application.

Even if you wrote the tiniest amount of code, as long as you solved something with code, you are a developer. Any experienced developer knows we spend way more time thinking about how to solve problems than actually writing code.

You don't need to solve hundreds of problems to call yourself a developer either. The first time you write code, you are a developer. Sure, you are a beginner developer, but you aren't any less a developer than anyone else.

Whether you wrote code for yourself or were paid also doesn't matter.

Ignore the trolls that say you aren't a developer if you didn't use X language or work on Y platform. These people are insecure and trying to validate that their work is better than everyone else's. They forget what makes someone a developer.

If you wrote code to solve a problem, go ahead and call yourself a developer.

Speedy emails, satisfied customers

Postmark Image

Are delayed transactional emails costing you user satisfaction? Postmark delivers your emails almost instantly, keeping your customers happy and connected.

Sign up

Top comments (4)

Collapse
 
jonrandy profile image
Jon Randy πŸŽ–οΈ β€’

I disagree. You don't even need to solve a problem

Collapse
 
kevinhickssw profile image
Kevin Hicks β€’

True, but all code solves some type of problem. It doesn't always have to be some business or other complicated problem. The problem the code could be solving is providing entertainment, learning how to do something in code, etc.. In that sense both statements are true.

Collapse
 
jonrandy profile image
Jon Randy πŸŽ–οΈ β€’

With that expanded definition of 'problem' - indeed it does :)

Collapse
 
tylerlwsmith profile image
Tyler Smith β€’

I'm into it.

Image of Timescale

Timescale – the developer's data platform for modern apps, built on PostgreSQL

Timescale Cloud is PostgreSQL optimized for speed, scale, and performance. Over 3 million IoT, AI, crypto, and dev tool apps are powered by Timescale. Try it free today! No credit card required.

Try free

πŸ‘‹ Kindness is contagious

Explore a sea of insights with this enlightening post, highly esteemed within the nurturing DEV Community. Coders of all stripes are invited to participate and contribute to our shared knowledge.

Expressing gratitude with a simple "thank you" can make a big impact. Leave your thanks in the comments!

On DEV, exchanging ideas smooths our way and strengthens our community bonds. Found this useful? A quick note of thanks to the author can mean a lot.

Okay