0“There is more to know for career advancement rather than focusing on codes and its challenges to become a successful developer”.
A developer is the one who creates software application by writing, debugging and executing the source code. He may be also referred as the computer programmer, software developer, software coder, engineer, or the programmer.
The programs created by him is bound to help the business to become more efficient and also provide a better service.
If we consider the field expertise, generally, a developer carries a relevant bachelors/masters degree in fields like information technology, programming, computer science, or other IT related studies.
A self-motivated professional possess a dynamic experience on key programming languages like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Php, Linux, Python, Smalltalk, UNIX, HTTP, XML, and other software testing tools.
In brief, it is agreed that a developer’s main focus lies in the coding and its related challenges. Still, coding, coding, and nothing but coding will not make a successful developer. It demands lateral knowledge and capability from a multitude of similar and ancillary disciplines.
Let us investigate further, and know how one can become a successful developer.
Understanding Codes as a Business Language
The successful developers understand the company work at the business level. They are able to translate the business language to the technology and the other way round. The code’s contribution must be targeted to the user or the customer and not the repository.
An overview of the goals, objectives, and impact of the project helps to code better. And it is true that codes drive the business.
And, mention not to say, necessary skills for coding like the programming, backend, non-technical, functional programming skills, and, etc., are the part of the market scenario.
Logical Thought:
A logical mindset, knowledge of statistics/mathematics, algorithms, attention to details is appreciated and anticipated by the employer. It is a surprising factor that programming is about thinking and not writing codes. One function one purpose thumb rule has to be followed so that anyone or the developer himself when come back to read, it is easier to follow.
In this scenario, personal research and education are highly recommended. A strong developer is one who is logical and implements a methodological approach to resolve an issue[s].
Discipline is NOT the Other Part, but The Part:
A Disciplined developer has the following qualities:
- Listens first and then speaks.
- Admits and acknowledges the unknown part.
- Aware of the technical debt when speed matters.
- Joins the code review session and embrace processes.
- Acknowledge the focused time for development.
- Ability to focus on the shared goal of a project.
- Research to solve a hard problem.
- Alert about ‘ego’ that turns a programming problem as a productivity drain.
- Ready to take online help to solve the problem rather than copy-paste a code.
- Understands that development is a continuous learning and none is a master but an expertise.
- Acknowledges that learning does not stop and is open to learning.
- Deliberately is ready to stretch the boundary of skills.
Marketing is a part of Success:
A few of the marketing tips to become a successful developer are jotted down below.
- Setting up a blog and writing regularly is highly appreciated.
- Though there are developers who have not seen a day unemployed, it is recommended to go open source.
- Change of job every six months or staying in the same job for more than six-seven years is not recommended.
- Understand the market trend and update programming skills accordingly.
- Able to write documentation or presentation.
- Command a high salary by being able to give the presentation in public.
- Recommended to learn more than one language instead of being a narrowly focused expert.
- Use the tools to solve coding problems.
Security:
The organizations are adopting the cloud, big data, machine learning tools, and other feasible solutions. This calls for security, compliance, and governance for a proper and secure administration. At this stage, the developers need to safeguard their codes. They are expected to possess knowledge in business intelligence, analytics, and other solutions.
Understanding Different Types of Development:
Moving further, there are different types of development. Depending on the interest, one can take up the career in various development fields like the Web Development, Mobile, Desktop, Games, Embedded Systems, Cloud, Automation, and more.
1. Web Developer: We find several web development roles such as the Full stack developer; Front-end developer; Back-end developer; UI developer and more.
Furthering the specialization, they are specified as eCommerce developer. Based on different eCommerce platforms/programming language, they may be called as Magento developer, PHP developer, WordPress developer, PrestaShop developer, Java developer, HTML developer, Drupal developer, and, the list goes on.
2. Mobile app developer: Working on the different operating system, they are called as the iOS app developer, Android app developer, Augmented Virtuality- AR app developer, Windows app developer, Virtual Reality- VR apps developer, and more as specified to the field.
3. Desktop Developer: Desktop development involves the user experience part of the solutions. This implies the guidance level provided for developing client-side applications, web applications, rich internet applications, or the mobile device applications. The developer is mainly involved in creating composite desktop and mobile applications, web client application development, offline-capable applications, and more.
4. Games developer: Game developers are specifically known as video game developers/designers. They are involved in creating varied aspects of the game that starts from concept ideation to story writing. It includes the programming and the coding as well.
5. Embedded System Developer: The main responsibilities of an embedded systems developer include designing and implementing software for embedded systems and devices; design, develop, code, test and debug the system software, and so forth.
6. Cloud developer: The cloud developer is subject experts on architecture for team development, project management, software tools, and also the subsystems designer. They manage the data storage and data warehouse system.
7. Automation developer: They are the software developers who can design and write the programs for running tests on the existing or the new software. It forms an integral part of the software development cycle.
Career Path in Development:
The career path in development is schematically represented as below.
Junior Developer→Senior Developer→Lead Developer/Architect→Developer Manager/Project Manager/Project Manager→Senior Leadership like CTO, VP or the CEO.
It is noted that the finding and keeping up a job as a programmer is difficult. One can expect a peak and also an inevitable decline. In brief, the effective period of being a successful developer is limited unless and until there are self-promotion and self-learning.
Mention not to say, the developers must understand the possible slip in their career role on a long-term basis, and actively climb up the ladder to stay ahead in the field.
Conclusion:
The Darwinian principle ‘Survival of the fittest’ holds good here too.
It is recommended to update oneself by learning more programming languages and possess non-technical skills as well to thrive in the industry. Self-promotion and self-learning is a necessity in this competitive world and one has to uplift oneself and stay on pace with the existing culture.
