Honest advice to my younger self: must read for developers

Albert Einstein once said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." But who said that experience has to be yours alone? Imagine being able to fast-track your career growth by learning from the experiences of others. Doing so lets you discover new insights, learn new skills, and avoid costly mistakes.?

We've brought together some of the best advice from seasoned developers, sharing the lessons they wish they had known during their early years in coding.

1. "Try explaining it to someone else – it really helps you learn."

When you attempt to explain a programming concept in simple terms, you're forced to clarify your thoughts, identify any gaps in your understanding, and simplify complexities. This technique can be particularly effective when dealing with abstract programming paradigms or debugging complex code, as it requires you to break down the problem into its fundamental principles.

2. "Remember, it's okay not to get it perfect the first time."

Agile methodology emphasizes iterative development, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration. By adopting Agile, you learn to work in sprints, allowing for frequent reassessment and adaptation of plans. This approach is beneficial in software development, where client requirements can change rapidly, and early prototypes can lead to better end products.

3. "Got two minutes? Just do it now and get it over with."

Small tasks like renaming variables for clarity, commenting code, or refactoring a small block of code can often be postponed. Applying the Two-Minute Rule encourages immediate action on these tasks, leading to cleaner, more maintainable code and reducing technical debt over time.

4. "Optimize your efforts with an eye on the impact of the outcome."

In software development, focusing on the 20% of features that will satisfy 80% of the user base can lead to more efficient use of resources and quicker delivery times. This principle can also apply to debugging (focusing on the most critical bugs that impact user experience) and learning new skills (focusing on core concepts and tools that will give you the most value).

5. "Decide what's urgent and important – it makes life easier."

Distinguishing between tasks that are urgent and important can help developers prioritize features, bug fixes, and learning opportunities. This method ensures that critical path items are addressed first, improving project timelines and reducing stress.

6. "Organize your projects like a pro with a simple board."

Visualizing work with a Kanban board allows developers to see the progress of various tasks, from "To Do" to "Done." This can be particularly effective in managing parallel development streams and ensuring that work is evenly distributed among team members, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

7. "Plan your hours at work – trust me, it makes a difference.

Allocating specific time slots for different types of work (e.g., coding, meetings, learning) can help developers manage their energy and focus more effectively. For instance, scheduling deep work or focus periods for complex coding tasks during times of peak mental clarity can improve code quality and efficiency.

8. "Keep your code clean – a little extra effort goes a long way."

Applying Six Sigma to coding involves continuous quality improvement through the elimination of defects and variability in processes. Regular code reviews, automated testing, and refactoring are practices that align with Six Sigma, aiming to enhance the reliability and maintainability of software.

9. "Make checklists your best friend for keeping track of things."

Checklists ensure that all necessary steps are followed in software development processes, such as deployment, testing, and code reviews. This can prevent errors and oversights, making the development process smoother and more reliable.

10. "Small steps every day add up – you'll be amazed."

Consistently dedicating time to learn new technologies, programming languages, or development techniques can significantly enhance a developer's skill set over time. This approach is similar to compound interest in finance and results in exponential growth of knowledge and capabilities.

11. "Turn those doubts around – you're more capable than you think."

Changing your perspective on coding challenges from obstacles to opportunities can transform your problem-solving approach. This mindset shift can encourage persistence and creativity, essential traits for successful developers.

12. "Think big with your money – save, spend, and help others."

When you view your career and financial growth with a positive mindset, it encourages you to invest in learning and development. This can lead to higher earnings. It also encourages you to take calculated risks, like pursuing new projects or technologies, which can result in significant career advancements.

13. "Break down tough problems – start simple and build up."

Breaking down complex software problems to their most basic elements can uncover innovative solutions. This approach is crucial in algorithm design, system architecture, and debugging, where understanding the fundamental principles can lead to more efficient and effective solutions. You can use First Principles Thinking to better understand core computer science concepts.

14. "Don't follow the crowd – find your own tech niche."

Identifying less saturated niches within the tech industry, such as emerging technologies or specialized applications of common technologies, can offer unique opportunities for career growth and development. This strategy can lead to leadership positions in new fields and the chance to define best practices and standards.