The most valuable lesson you have learned in software development
Many lessons are being offered to each and every one of us along the way. We asked some of our colleagues to share the most valuable ones they’ve learned since diving into the depths of software development. You may recognize yourself by reading some of the below lessons or you may encounter a useful piece of information, especially if you are just starting your career in software development.
We hope this is as curious to you, as it was for us.
Lessons #1 and #2
Be open to collaboration and keep your focus on the task at hand
It’s not just you.
You are not the one-man show. Collaboration is the foundation of a good product and its essential ingredient. The lack of sense for teamwork leads to unnecessary, human-based, obstacles.
The conclusion: Depth knowledge is more valuable than broad knowledge when you act as a unit in a team.
Don’t overthink it.
If you have a specific task to perform, around which you see potential opportunities to expand functionality and improve it – now is not the time for the big code, no matter how much it is itching you to do something
The bottom line: Don’t put the cart before the horse.
Martin Metodiev, Senior Front End Developer
A book enthusiast, passionate about politics, Vue.js advocate
Lesson #3 – Communicate
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you can’t handle a task or when you are unsure about something. You are not alone.
Communication is the key. Even if you just share the problem and the ideas you have in mind – it’s always good to hear a second opinion.
Stefan Spasov, Software Developer
Warcraft fan, casual Udemy user, novice cloudspotter
Lesson #4 – Be brave
I learned that getting in deep waters, in addition to being somewhat scary, is also extremely exciting. Every moment I come across something unfamiliar to me is exciting because I am about to learn something new.
Stefan Romanov, Junior Software Developer
A heavy metal fan with a soft spot for Real Madrid
Lesson #5 – Don’t give up
The most valuable lesson I have learned since I started programming is that there is nothing is impossible to be done. If something doesn’t work out, I’ve either used the wrong technology or I just don’t have enough knowledge. The most valuable lesson I have learned since working in the IT field is how important teamwork is and how with a good team, the work becomes much easier and more enjoyable.
Atanas Dimitrov, Software Developer
AUBG Alumni, really into swimming, can’t wait to start on our new project with .NET
Lessons #6 and #7 – Don’t forget your social skills at home and be flexible when trying to find a solution to a problem
Programming is a technical representation of digital solutions to various problems. Unfortunately, technical knowledge alone is not enough to solve problems, and in general, building solutions involves more than one person. For a programmer to be successful and to develop in his career – in addition to the mandatory good technical training, good social and communication skills are required.
Almost always – a problem can have many solutions. It’s the same with programming. The most important lesson for me is that the first solution that comes to mind is not always the best and it is better to iterate and try different ideas in diverse phases of the process so that one can conclude that there is a better solution, does not require a start over and the amount of work that is ‘in vain’ is as little as possible.
Teodor Nikolov, Tech Lead
An IoT enthusiast and a salsa-dancing hobbyist
Lesson #8 – Take your time
I’ve learned that it’s much better to take enough time to do something right than to take the time to redo it later on.
Nikolay Manchev, Front End Developer
Casual gamer, novice Swift developer, claims to be a Front End impostor
Lessons #9, #10 and #11 – Don’t stop moving, don’t stop learning and don’t forget how powerful teamwork can be
1. “Life is like riding a bike: we have to move forward so we don’t lose our balance.” Albert Einstein
Develop constantly. This applies to all areas but is especially important in programming. A person who does not move forward is falling behind.
2.“Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is.” Isaac Asimov
Don’t just rely on school/university/courses, etc. to learn. Some of the most important things I know I have learned myself. Search, read, try and you will succeed.
3. “If you want to get fast, go alone. If you want to get far, go together.”
Do not underestimate teamwork. Do not underestimate personal qualities at the expense of professional ones. I would rather work with a person with little or no experience but serious and willing to learn than with a person who knows a lot but does not work in a team and does not try.
Georgi Todorov, Front End Developer
A newlywed man, somewhere in between fitness and philosophy
Lesson #12 – Diversity of opinions is what organizations should be striving for
Each company has its own culture and set of formal and non-formal rules and habits. The individuals an organization hires can share the same general mindset and same work ethic. But these people can come from different backgrounds, cultures, interests, leading them to their passion of working for given company. Thus, an organization can benefit from a richer perception of things and better products and services can emerge on the market.
Dinko Tanev, Managing Partner at Lab08
A.k.a. The Boss, enjoys Italian music and asking challenging questions on interviews
We look forward to the future and the many new lessons to come!