Dear new developer, I was reviewing a book outline for a friend who is writing a book on software development. As I read over his (quite detailed) outline, I realized he was missing this concept, which I feel all devs should learn: It is far better to build the correct piece of software than it … Continue reading Ship the right thing
This is a guest post from Stephen. Enjoy! Dear new developer, I have been looking for a nice definition for mentoring, and I finally found one that was short and concise on oxforddictionaries.com: An experienced and trusted adviser. I like this quote because it does not go into details, nor does it mention higher qualification … Continue reading The power of mentoring
Dear new developer, I remember the first time I decompiled a java file to debug an issue. The first time I recorded a video. The first time I presented to a meetup. The first time I wrote professional code in a new language and had it reviewed. All of these are distant memories now, but … Continue reading The first time
This is a guest post from Rowell Belen. Enjoy. Dear New Developer, What I am about to say may be seen as controversial and somewhat unpopular, but I believe it is important. You are responsible for your career. No one else is. It doesn't matter if you have a great boss or work at a … Continue reading You are responsible for your career. No one else is.
This is a guest post from Caitlyn Greffly. Enjoy. Dear new developer, If you decide to go the coding bootcamp route, chances are you are going to have a few months of absolute madness. You are trying to change careers and pick up a mass of technical knowledge in a condensed amount of time. It's … Continue reading Changes from Bootcamp to a Real Dev Job
This is a guest post from Ben Greenberg. Enjoy. Dear New Developer, Welcome to the wonderful and exciting world of software development! You may have chosen this field for any combination of innumerable reasons. No matter the reasons that brought you into this space, I am so delighted you are here. You are embarking on … Continue reading Principles Over Syntax
Dear new developer, I heard this phrase on a podcast from a reporter and it struck home. I don't know how old you are. I don't know if software development is your first career or your fifth. I don't know if you have a family. But, I do know that work can be mighty fulfilling. … Continue reading “Work will never love you back”
This is a guest post from Joyce Park. Enjoy. To my newer colleagues: Welcome! I’m so excited to have you in the dev community, and honored to hopefully be able to contribute by sharing a few time-tested hints about entrepreneurship and early-stage startups. I’m a community-taught web developer who has enjoyed 22 years in high-profile … Continue reading How to prepare to be a startup founder
This is a guest post from Karl Hughes. Enjoy. Dear new developer, I was in your shoes in 2011. I was finishing up a degree in mechanical engineering that I would never use and looking for a way to join a startup as a software developer. Maybe it was the entrepreneur in me, and maybe … Continue reading Your network increases optionality
Dear new developer, Feedback loops are so important. (If you're not sure what that is, I'd recommend "Thinking in Systems".) These loops help systems improve. If you don't have feedback, you'll improve more slowly, in my experience. Why? Because you won't know what you are doing that is good and what is garbage. It's really … Continue reading Seek feedback loops
Letters To A New Developer 