Contextual advice for new developers

Dear new developer,

A few months ago I asked Marie Chatfield, a front end developer and advice columnist, what her one best piece of advice for new developers was.

She wrote a great response. From the post:

For the self-taught programmer: I am amazed at your dedication and perseverance and ability to learn from different resources. Remember that other people have valuable things to teach you, too, and seek out trusted mentors or role models when you can. You will never stop learning in this industry, and you have shown already that you are ready and willing to put in the work. That’s going to take you far.

…

For the one who doesn’t see themself represented anywhere: I am so glad that you are here. I hope you can stay here for a long time. I hope you find communities that make you feel welcome and safe and included. You get to make the right choices for you and your health and safety, even if it makes others uncomfortable or disappointed. You don’t owe increasing the representation of a space with your presence to anyone. You belong here, and you should get to focus on doing the kind of work you want.

What I like most about this is that she gave contextual advice. New developers share many characteristics but are by no means a homogeneous group. The bootcamp grad who was a marketing guy previously is different than the computer science graduate who is starting her first job after college. They both differ from the kid who has been coding since they were twelve. I write these letters from a certain perspective, but know that everyone will read them from their own place.

I really also appreciated her advice to everyone:

 

• It’s okay to fail. Everyone makes mistakes.
• It’s okay to look things up. You don’t have to remember everything to be a good developer.
• Everyone is nervous about interviews. They’re kind of awful. But you get through them.

 

I asked Marie for one piece of advice, but she gave more than ten. I enjoyed reading her advice to new developers and I hope you will too.

Sincerely,

Dan

PS She also has written some other great posts.