My 7 Unconventional Lessons from 7 Years Working as a Software Engineer

it's year 2016, and I'm fresh out of college, armed with a Master of Science - MS, Computer Engineering degree and dreams of changing the world through code.

Fast forward 7 years, and boy, do I have some stories to tell. But forget the standard advice about clean code and agile methodologies.?

Today, I'm dishing out the unconventional wisdom that no bootcamp or textbook ever prepared me for.

Buckle up, fellow code warriors, because these lessons might just flip your perspective on its head.

1. The Art of Strategic Laziness

Let's kick things off with a confession: I'm lazy. But here's the kicker – it's been my secret weapon. In the world of software development, laziness can be a virtue. How? It drives you to find the most efficient solutions. Why write 100 lines of code when 10 will do? This "strategic laziness" has led me to discover automation tools, create reusable components, and ultimately, write more maintainable code. Remember, it's not about working hard; it's about working smart.

2. Embrace the "Rubber Duck" – It's Your New Best Friend

You've probably heard of rubber duck debugging, but have you truly embraced it? I mean, really embraced it? I once spent three hours explaining a complex algorithm to a stuffed penguin on my desk. Ridiculous? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. The act of verbalizing your problem often leads to solving it. So, next time you're stuck, grab the nearest inanimate object and start talking. Your colleagues might think you're crazy, but your code will thank you.

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3. The Coffee Machine: Your Real MVP

"But wait," I hear you say, "what does a coffee machine have to do with coding?" Everything, my caffeinated friend. Some of the best solutions I've ever devised came to me while waiting for my double espresso. There's something magical about that brief respite from your screen. It's where random connections happen, and solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems suddenly become clear. So, next time your boss catches you lingering by the coffee machine, just tell them you're in the middle of some high-level problem-solving.

4. The Power of Saying "I Don't Know"

In an industry that often conflates knowledge with worth, admitting ignorance feels like career suicide. But here's the truth bomb: saying "I don't know" can be incredibly powerful. It opens the door to learning, fosters collaboration, and builds trust. I once admitted to not understanding a crucial part of our system architecture in a big meeting. Instead of ridicule, I received an impromptu knowledge-sharing session that benefited the entire team. Embrace your knowledge gaps – they're opportunities in disguise.

5. Your Code is Not Your Baby

Oh, the countless hours I've wasted defending subpar code just because it was mine. Let me save you some grief: your code is not your baby. It's not even your teenage child. It's more like that IKEA furniture you assembled – functional, but probably not as elegant as you think, and definitely replaceable. Learning to detach emotionally from your code will make you a better team player and, ironically, a better coder. Be open to criticism, willing to refactor, and always ready to learn from others.

6. The Debugger is Your Therapist

Hear me out on this one. Much like therapy, debugging is all about digging deep, uncovering hidden issues, and making incremental improvements. I've spent more intimate time with my debugger than I care to admit, and it's taught me patience, persistence, and the art of asking the right questions. Next time you're knee-deep in a debugging session, take a moment to appreciate the life lessons hidden in those stack traces.

7. Sometimes, the Best Solution is No Code at All

Seven years in, and here's the most counterintuitive lesson I've learned: sometimes, the best software solution is no software at all. We're often so eager to flex our coding muscles that we overlook simpler, non-technical solutions. I once spent weeks optimizing an algorithm, only to realize that a simple process change made the entire feature unnecessary. Don't be afraid to step back and ask, "Do we really need to code this?" Your future self (and your project manager) will thank you.

The Compilation of Experience

So there you have it – seven unconventional lessons from seven years in the trenches of software engineering. From embracing strategic laziness to treating your debugger like a therapist, these insights have shaped my journey in ways I never expected. They've made me not just a better coder, but a more effective problem-solver and team player.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, it's these quirky, unconventional lessons that often make the difference between a good engineer and a great one. So, the next time you find yourself talking to a rubber duck or defending your extended coffee breaks, remember – you're not weird, you're just practicing some high-level software engineering.

Now, I'm curious – what unconventional wisdom has your coding journey taught you?

Drop a comment below and let's continue this conversation.?

After all, in the world of software, the learning never stops – it just gets weirder and more wonderful.