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Discussion on: Am I a good developer?

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murrayvarey profile image
MurrayVarey

You are not alone with this problem! Be kind to yourself. There are so many ways to be a good developer.

I'm terrible at keeping up with the latest frameworks. However, I see that as a personal strength -- it allows me to focus on the user and communicating ideas and solving problems. Things that I would consider timeless.

Other developers enjoy keeping up with the latest and greatest technologies. That's awesome. They can help me, and I can help them.

Is there one part of development that you really enjoy? Or that you're strong at? If so, try building around that.

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jefferson227 profile image
Jefferson Matheus

I like when you mention about "focus on the user", there is another comment here about focusing in the user and it makes me think that sometimes it's like we're creating software for other developers and not for the users, whose should be the main focus.

A couple of years ago I was in a meetup which the speaker told us something like: "If you're more concerned about creating the next JS framework than making the people's lives easier, you're like a Civil Engineer that builds houses only for other Engineers to live. Programming is much more powerful than you think, use this power!".

Currently I'm working as .Net developer, but I like Frontend more. While I can't switch my position I like to give some shots on GitHub, building silly stuff for practicing my Frontend skills.

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murrayvarey profile image
MurrayVarey

So true. Programmers who can put themselves in the users' shoes are extremely valuable. It's just as valuable as knowing all the frameworks off the top of your head. After all, Google can find you frameworks. It can't find you empathy.

Also, don't be too put off by job descriptions. Often they're thrown together by recruiters, who ask for all technologies under the sun.