What Makes A Good Developer

Everyone aspires to be the best in their field, whether it’s a frontend or backend developer, data analyst, devOps engineer, etc. Does that imply that you know a particular language or framework at an expert level? Sure, knowing the ins and outs of a language helps. But there's much more to it.

It's difficult to tell what distinguishes top-tier coders from the rest. However, there is a recurring theme, and that is the ability to collaborate and communicate. Alright, I agree that ‘top-tier’ is a subjective term and I'm defining "best developer" as an individual with whom I'd mostly enjoy working with. However, you’ll soon understand the justification for my claims. There are a few mannerisms and skills that sets a great developer apart from his/her peers.

• Problem Solving

• Collaboration

• Consideration

• Documenting

• Communication

The ability to solve and fix bugs#

Working on the gleaming new feature is a lot of fun for everyone. People are generally less interested in getting their hands dirty and working on legacy code. Bugs are almost always bound to occur, and you'll be a lifesaver for the organization and amongst your peers if you are able to identify and resolve major issues. Let’s be honest, you would want to work with someone like this.

Be open to collaborate on projects and share your wisdom#

The finest of programmers don't work in solitude. They attempt to share their expertise as much as possible in order to help their peers advance. Encourage people to join you while you're working on something new and challenging. Their experience and perspective may aid you to construct a better solution.

Leave the code in a better condition than when you first found it#

Assume you're working on a new feature. You come to realize that the file you're adding to has some sort of code duplication. You notice an opportunity for a little refactoring to improve the file's readability for when the next person comes around, do you take it up?

While you're working on new features, try to have a crack at small portions of code debt. This does not imply that you refactor the entire codebase just to add in a new button. Aim to make it a better work environment for your future self or whoever is going to be working on it later.

Document your code#

Have you recently struggled with something that could have saved you hours if there were proper documentation of it? Or are you constructing something fresh that others may end up using? Create documentation that is clear and straightforward. Someone who is going through your code for the first time shouldn’t be stumped and require assistance, nor does a new employee have the need to seek several individuals for help when getting a project started. Document your steps in the README file.

Develop effective written and verbal communication skills#

Communication is at the heart of all we do in life. Your professional and personal lives are impacted by your communication skills. Use appropriate spelling and grammar, which goes without saying. Make it simple for people to comprehend what you're attempting to say, whether it’s online or in person. Developers are a key part of the entire production team. You need to do the maximum level of verbal as well as non-verbal coordination. Furthermore, developing your listening skills aids in building a strong foundation for your communication abilities.

As for customer-facing developer, it is more or less an obligation for you to be a good communicator as your features belong to customers and end users.