People end up as software developers from a variety of backgrounds. Regardless of how we became software developers, if we want to stay on the leading edge of the industry we must be constantly learning and growing as developers. Here are seven strategies for growing as a software developer.
1. Do your own project
Having a side project that you can do on your own time can give you the freedom to learn new technologies and approaches that may not be available to you on the job. Building something of your own can be highly satisfying and possibly provide you with an additional revenue stream. If your current job isn’t stretching you enough then ask yourself what your dream project would be and consider doing it on your own time. After all, you just need an idea and a laptop to get started.
2. Read the classics
Software development is in the midst of a mini-renaissance with new ideas and approaches. Unlike a few decades ago when there were relatively few must-read books on the shelves, today our shelves are filled with important works for developers. Some of my favorite books are listed on my online bookstore. These books provide new insights into building better software.
3. Follow thought leaders
New ideas are emerging so fast that many don’t wait to be incorporated into books for publication. Long before they publish, the thought leaders in our industry write articles, blog posts, tweets, and give seminars and workshops on their ideas. Follow the leaders in our industry to get new information years before it reaches the mainstream.
4. Expand your imagination
Software development requires diverse skills that go beyond mastery of a programming language. We actually spend a great deal of effort visualizing and imagining how we want things to be and so it is very valuable to draw from ideas outside our industry. Even basic visualization exercises can be helpful in expanding our capacity as developers.
5. Ask empowering questions
Very often the quality of the answers we get depend on the quality of questions we ask. This is true for working with others to unleash greater potential and it is also true when we work by ourselves. The way we frame questions to ourselves have a big impact on what we believe is possible. If you’re stuck try asking a “what if…” question to root out any limiting beliefs.
6. Find a mentor
Beyond formal knowledge there’s a great deal of conventions, patterns, and approaches that outstanding developers follow but aren’t written down anywhere. If you can find a mentor or someone with greater skills who is willing to help you then you’ll get the best education of all.
7. Be a mentor
One of the best ways of attracting a mentor is to be a mentor to others less experienced than you. Not only does it send the message that you’re a team player, it is also one of the most valuable ways to learn because when you explain something to someone else it’s solidifies that knowledge for you as well.
Being a software developer means constantly learning and growing. I love looking back at code I wrote a few years ago and thinking how much better I could write it today. It means I’m not stagnating and that’s a good thing in this ever changing industry we’re in.
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