10 things every software developer should know.

There is more to being a software developer than just writing codes and building softwares. After reading Soft Skills: the software developer's life manual, I had a mindset shift and I would like to share with you some of the important ideas from the book that you ought to know as a software developer.

These ideas will be very vital in your journey as a software developer and at different intervals you might need to implement one or more of them.

1. How you start is important

This is a definitive moment in your journey because it determines how well you familiarize and adapt to the world of software development. This gives you an headstart. Do you have an end in mind? Do you have goals or picture where your path in tech lies? It is necessary you do as it will help build focus and direct your energy to build efficient results. One more thing to make you stand out in how you start is how you see your career. Are you just a techie writing codes or a business? As a business, you are offering a service or a product that offers a service. You are building solutions to existing problems.

2. What you learn is important

As you try to discover where your path in tech (software development) lies, inline with your future goals as a solution provider, you will need to make informed decisions on what to learn and where to specialise ranging from programming language, frameworks, tools etc. A practical step that works is to learn one thing at a time and specialise with respect to your goals and interest.

3. How you learn is important

John Sonmez shares his effective 10-step process in learning how to teach yourself. Check it out and find what works for you. In addition, have mentors; they will make your growth experience richer (also intern). Then practice as you learn. Flex your muscles.

4. The code is important

This is very important. It is necessary that you understand how the language of choice works and know it well. Then write your codes well. Work like a professional. You don't have to be a whiz to be professional. You just need to ensure to present your work like a professional. A professional is more concerned about getting the job done - done rightly. It's about the efforts you put into the quality of your work.

5. People are more important

Don't be part of the developers who just love to code and ignore people. Your clients are humans. Your employers/employees are humans. Your team comprises of a group individuals with interest and emotions. You need people skills. As an advice: Be user-centred

6. How you present yourself is important

Remember you are a business. Your marketing is important. Where can you be found? What are you found doing? Create useful contents. You have options: blogs, books, post, vlogs, podcast, speaking, training etc. Be out there. Don't limit yourself.

7. How you work is important

Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work. —Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

This is the opening quote for the 36th chapter of the book and it has a lot of wisdom. You should read what John has to say on productivity. Just a little peek on the Pomodoro Technique. You place full concentration on each task for 25mins (1 pomodoro), then have 5mins break intervals. Then after every four 25minutes (4 pomodori) you get 10 mins extra to your 5mins ( that's 15mins). Sounds cool, right?

8. How your earn is important

If you are putting efforts in your marketing and developing your skill you are no doubt adding to your market worth. So be familiar with the equivalent the price range of your skills, role or product. This is necessary so during negotiation you are more confident of your worth.

9. How you spend is much more important

As you earn well, you should spend well. It's a maxim: buy experience not things. Another one: buy assets not liabilities. You'll have over hundreds of paychecks as a developer, how will you'll make them worth it?

10. How you live is most important

Don't forget you in all these. You are first, yourself before anything else. You have your body, mind and spirit. As a developer your personal development is your responsibility and should be your priority. Don't forget you have a family and loved ones. Tangibles and valuables can be replaced but the intangibles are invaluable.

Soft Skills: the software developer's manual is a book unlike any you've read. It is not limiting to code; don't be. I bet you wanna read cos what I have here is a tip of the tip of the iceberg.

Thanks for reading. Thanks a lot John Z. Sonmez!