10 Habits of Highly Successful Software Developers
A highly successful software developer needs am extra mile when it comes to creating his position strong in the market. Well, a software developer may be very much identical in his/her skills, to another software developer, who is likely to possess same skills and uses same methodologies as the former one. What exactly would ensure that extra mile for a successful software developer are actually the behavioral attributes and persona that he/she cultivates along with the technical skills.
Now, there are some specific habits, which distinguish the successful developers. More often, a developer may assume that conquering skills, languages, methodologies, platforms and frameworks etc. must be enough for leaving a footprint in the respective field. Bus as you see, this is exactly the Achilles heel which an aspirant should consider. After inquiring various software developers regarding their habits and attitudes, we are able to create a list of 10 habits, that really seal the deal for successful software developers.
Let’s take a look into these 10 habits !
1) Successful software developers speaks the business language while writing the code
There are software developer, who write a code needed for a company’s website or an app. Then there are software developers who see the bigger version of the project they are working on. That is, they acknowledges the purpose of the code they are working on, and relate it to bigger prospects of how these codes will help the business grow further. The master the business language, and translate it in their technological skills. Also, their codes are understood by the company itself.
Successful developers thinks of the goals, the company would achieve through their projects. They are considerate of the impact their projects will leave on the company itself. It’s never about completing their projects within deadline. They align themselves with the software development company they work with. This way, they recognizes the consequences of their project on the user experience. Successful developers in this way are not only about their technological skills, which they will contribute to their clients, but as well as, their empathetic behavioral attitude which makes them shine in the crowd.
2) Successful software developers writes codes that are clean and reusable
Each function has only one purpose assigned to it. The successful developers makes sure that the code they write are clean, and also testable. Well there are plenty of ways to do that. However, normally a developer would start coding, working on it line after line. At beginning it seems simple and plain. But that would jumble up as the coding gets bigger and bigger. Here, the point of consideration lies in that single function should be assigned with just one purpose only. This way, it never loses its focus.
The variables and function are assigned with clear names. Such names will help the developer to in reading the codes, once they have written them, and comes back to read the code after days. The simpler names make the developers to avoid the chaos that usually persist at the end of coding. Which have serious consequences on the simplicity and testing of the codes.
3) Successful software developer is Disciplined
Yes, as simple as that, discipline is an essential ingredient to the mix of a successful software developer. What is a sailor without a map even of the sailor is good at steering? He is probably a lost sailor. The same analogy applies on a software developer. He/she might have excellent skills in their fields, but lacking discipline is lacking everything.
Discipline means that each step of the project is clearly outlined, and given realistic deadlines. The hast of work never drowns them into a load, where they would compromise on the quality of the project. They recognizes the future impact of their work, so preference would be given to the quality of their work. Which only comes from adhering to a good schedule.
Also, the time they spend on the development projects, is ensured to be hustle free, and create an environment for themselves where they stay focus throughout the project. This can be done through making the work corner void of distractions.
4) Successful developers are great listeners
As simple as it sounds, it may not be as usual. A successful developer ensures that he listens to whatever the other developers have to say. At least, the collect others opinions, before they state theirs. This way they learn a good deal of knowledge. They are not afraid of revealing their lack of knowledge regarding something. Rather, they prefers to strengthen their wisdom by listening to others.
Humility is a major requirement here. Normally, over efficient developers have the trait that they neglect their weaknesses in understanding some questions or requirements, and covers them up with uttering technological jargons without embracing the reality.
5) Successful software developer are tough against problems
Software development is a job, where one would encounter a lot of problems on the way. The problems are inevitable. However, what makes a successful developer stands out, that he/she is persistent problem solver. That means they don’t quit easily. Needless to say, at times solving a problem requires time, but they are not shy at conveying the situation. With good research and a good amount of time, any problem can be solved.
Also, only a software developer who is true to his work, and the company he/she is working for would go so far as to convince the supervisors of the time needed in solving such problems. Anyways, in the end solving hard problems also adds into the knowledge and skills of the developers themselves, and becomes a source of satisfaction derived out of the work.
6) Successful software developers builds expertise on the project they work on
That means, they insert their complete dedication into the job. Which shows in their completed development projects. When they work on a project, they don’t shy away from learning on the way, and enhance the their skills, deliver quality work. Mostly, the clients are more keen on checking the fact that the previous projects have been completed with an expertise. This expertise doesn’t mean that the software developer have mastered everything. Rather, it only provides an insight into the dedication of the software developer. This convinces the client with the expectation that the developer will show same level of dedication in the upcoming project, and complete it with the same expertise.
7) Successful software developers don’t let their pride in the way of getting help from others
Getting help online is the most effective way of avoiding the coding blunders, and unnecessary productivity drains. At times, developers would pretend to be ‘Mr/Miss know it all’. Well that could ruin your chances to be a successful developer. Online help can mostly be achieved through Google. Most of the solutions are already provides for the problems, a developer may encounter on the way, but some problems are new, and there are chances that any other developers would have the same problems. So, sharing it on Google platforms, one can gain so many answers, and can discuss the problems in details.
However, copy and paste is never meant when getting help is advised. Successful developers takes time in reaching the answers to all of their problems. Simply copying and pasting will never lead anyone anywhere.
8) Successful software developers are focused on the right things
Focus. Focus. Focus. But wait! At times, a developer can get detract from the right thing to focused upon. What does it imply? Well, during the process, a developer may gets inclined towards some nice-to-haves thinking. This mindset is probably dangerous in achieving your target. Focusing on the wrong things can highly disturb your goals.
When the requirements of the project is A, B,C , it is never wise to go with implementing X,Y,Z. Putting a lot of effort into something, which will leads you far away from your actual goals is a big time fallacy to be avoided at all costs. At times, step back and analyze if you’re going in the right direction. Looking forward is good, but as long as you keep a check on your track. Also, highly imperative is to check yourself up with the other team members. Whether your wavelength is in coherence with them.
9) Successful software developers manages to avoid blocks of time
Development is not an easy job, and there are tima when the mind would linger somewhere else, while you’re busy in the research. Such are the times, when one can keep his/her mind in check. Say for example, you’re in middle of reading a blog post, but your mind would be distracted by certain words or lines, the next moment you’ll find yourself in clicking unnecessary links.
The key is to set aside those blocks of time through meditative practice. While you’re on your task, keep on asking questions from yourself whether what you’re doing relates to your task? And if yes, then in what way? This way, you would be aware if you slightly gets sidetracked.
10) Successful software developer is always open to new stuff
Realize that you don’t know it all. Obviously, software development is an ever advancing field, with new technologies coming in every now ans then. So, a successful developer has an open minded approach towards his job, and they are constantly learning about the new trends of the industry. A stream of new methodologies, languages, frameworks etc. keeps on pouring in the field. To grab them all, a developer needs to mentally ready for it all the time.
Acquiring new skills demands an open mind which is always open to new possibilities. Focusing on one language or a tool is a foolish thing to commit. After all, everything will seem like a nail, if all yoi have is a hammer!