Dear new developer, Sometimes, you just have to stop. Stop writing that code. If you've been banging your head on a problem, stop. If you've been thinking about a bug, stop. If you've been writing and writing code but you can't seem to get anywhere, stop. Go for a walk. Take a break. Talk to … Continue reading Know when to throw in the towel
Choose an employer who treats you well during an interview
Dear new developer, You may not realize it, but you have a lot of power during the interview. Sure, it doesn't feel like it, but right now a lot of companies are seeking developers, and you are desired. There are many many things to consider when taking a job, but one strong indicator of how … Continue reading Choose an employer who treats you well during an interview
Understand the business
Dear new developer, Your code is written to further some end. It could be for academia, government, or, more likely, for business purposes. In all the cases, having a greater understanding of these overarching purposes will allow you to make smarter decisions and write better systems. However, just like in software development, business uses a … Continue reading Understand the business
Deep vs wide experience
Dear new developer, You have only a finite amount of time, and the world is large. Technology changes so often and so fast that it can often feel like there is not enough time. Here are two strategies. The first is to focus on fundamentals. Yes, there's a new javascript framework. But it will still … Continue reading Deep vs wide experience
Strong convictions, loosely held
Dear new developer, When building a system, you're going to be confronted with lots of decisions. Unless you are operating in a total vacuum, you'll have to reach agreement with other people. This will lead to discussions and arguments, as all the people involved will bring their viewpoints and experience. You should definitely participate, and … Continue reading Strong convictions, loosely held
Interviewing is a two way street
Dear new developer, Interviewing is a two way street, and that means that you need to be evaluating your employer as much as they are evaluating you. Yes, you need a job, but your employer needs your skills. It's also important to note that you'll never have as much leverage with an employer as you … Continue reading Interviewing is a two way street
Pick a no B.S. employer
Dear new developer, You may or not may have the luxury of choosing where you work, but when you are looking for a job, steer away from employers that seem full of B.S. What exactly is B.S. will vary for you. Some people can't stand politics, while others can't stand shifting priorities, while others can't … Continue reading Pick a no B.S. employer
Businesses will spend money to make money
Dear new developer, Businesses will spend money to make money (or save money, which is essentially the same thing). This is what they are doing when they are hiring you, when they buy that shiny new office building, when they spend money on computers and other tools to help you do your job, and even … Continue reading Businesses will spend money to make money
Ask smart questions
Dear new developer, Asking questions well is one of the best ways to learn quickly. You can ask questions of the code, of other people or of search engines like Google. Here are excerpts of my two favorite posts about asking questions. First, How To Ask Questions The Smart Way: If you are trying to … Continue reading Ask smart questions
Don’t make the same mistake twice
Dear new developer, "To err is human". We all make mistakes. A few years ago I was working on a contracting project with a new version control system. I didn't take the time to understand all of the commands, but just dove in and started writing code. A few days in, my branch was weird … Continue reading Don’t make the same mistake twice
Letters To A New Developer 