Improving the non-tech aspects of software development

Introduction??

In the previous issue of Digital Empowerment 101, GEM discussed the arrival of next-generation development and its associated impact.?

In such a rapidly changing IT landscape, software developers are under high pressure to enhance their skills and strengthen their competency. The key to unlocking their potential may be rather unexpected – catering to the non-tech aspects of their work.??

In contrast to traditional beliefs, software developers need more than IT expertise. Their technical profile is complemented by the addition of soft skills, which cover a wide range of categories, from time management and progress management to communication. These skills create a solid foundation on which developers’ tech expertise grows and help them thrive in a fast-changing world, especially with the accelerating ubiquity of AI technologies?

Software development is often seen as a technical field that requires knowledge of programming, algorithms, data structures, and whatnot. However, software development is also a creative endeavor that involves solving problems, communicating ideas, collaborating with others, and designing products that are user-friendly and meaningful. Therefore, software developers benefit greatly from enriching the non-technical aspects of their work, including problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.?

Improving critical thinking to achieve fact-based decision-making?

To think critically means to not take things for granted or at face value. Issues are interpreted through various perspectives and people analyze their primary sources to validate the information and find sufficient solutions. A critical approach to analyzing and solving problems helps software developers pinpoint the best method and tech tool for the current challenge.??

Now let’s take a real-life example to see how a critical mindset works in the realm of software development. When you look at a task from a critical mindset, it means you look at its different facets, break it down into smaller questions, and validate the information you have received with stakeholders to have a suitable action plan.??

When your client requires your team to add a number of new features, as a software developer, what can you do? To think critically about the matter, there will be a myriad of questions popping up before you start the task:??

• Does the extra workload resulting from these new requirements impact on your overall progress? Does it interfere with your current progress? Is there a chance it slows down your team’s overall progress???
• How urgent is this task? Is it necessary to prioritize it? Should you reduce its priority level to make space for other assignments???
• Is there a risk of disrupting the current system/software if these features are added???
• Have you had a step-by-step plan to execute it? Are there any methods to speed it up such as generative AI tools???

• Is the newly added task within your agreed scope of work??

Reaching out to those involved to express your concerns and inquire about these matters helps you clear up any doubt and grasp necessary information. The preparation step helps you start your work with confidence and clarity.??

Critical thinking becomes vital in the context of Generative AI tools’ increasing presence in software development. For example, while software developers cut down on work time with automatically generated codes and answers, they also need to question the quality of the output. On which source does the tool base its answer? Is the dataset affected by any bias??

Enhancing communication skills to resolve confusion and thrive?

Communication is a vital skill for software developers, as they need to express their ideas clearly and effectively to various audiences, such as clients, users, colleagues, managers, and stakeholders. As a result, software developers need to improve how well they communicate their ideas in different modes and methods, namely writing, speaking, listening, and reading.?

Writing?

Believe it or not, developers’ writing activities go beyond their codes. They also use written texts to exchange information and discuss with team members and managers. To have adequate writing outputs, one must learn how to organize their thoughts, structure their arguments, use appropriate language and tone, and cite their sources.?

Speaking?

Speaking is another important skill for software developers. There are various contexts (direct meetings, online meetings, calls, and webinars) in which developers need to convey their ideas and suggestions vocally.?

Learning to speak means placing oneself in different forms and contexts of spoken language, such as debates, discussions, and interviews. As a result, by learning how to deliver effective remarks, and presentations in these contexts, not only can developers do their jobs better, but they can also communicate what they have achieved in a clear and confident manner.??

Listening and reading?

Compared to speaking, listening and reading is of no less importance for software developers, as they constantly receive feedback, proposal, suggestions, and comments from managers and clients. To get better at their job, developers also need to keep up with the latest best practices and trends in the field.??

When dealing with such a large volume of information, software developers must know how to process what they are reading or listening to, ask questions to clarify issues, and note down the key takeaways. These skills can be achieved by exposing themselves to learning via different mediums – books, articles, podcasts, and websites.??

Closing remarks?

Software developers need more than their IT expertise to succeed. Non-tech skills are vital components of their competency and resilience in the ever-changing world of technology. Therefore, by enhancing this aspect of their skillset, they can achieve better outputs in their workflow and collaboration with other stakeholders. Consequently, they are empowered to create more impactful and meaningful products.??