Dear new developer, I was out for a run the other day. People walk dogs along my running route and I had noticed a few days before a bag of dog poop. I had run on by, assuming someone was planning to grab it on the way back from their walk. But then I saw … Continue reading Pick up the dog poop
This is a guest post from Rizel Scarlett. Enjoy. Dear Developer, If you're experiencing impostor syndrome, you're not alone. For some people, impostor syndrome will never "go away," but you can create a healthy relationship with it. Impostor syndrome in technology is pervasive. Part of the problem is that tech is rooted in elitism and … Continue reading Own Your Power
Dear new developer, Criticizing code (and software solutions in general) is an important skill. It helps transmit norms, increase team knowledge, and improve solutions. But it isn't something that comes naturally; at least, I had to learn how to do it. Similar to learning how to edit other's essays, you must learn how to critique … Continue reading How to criticize code
This is a guest post from Adam Leventhal. Enjoy. Dear new developer, I love software engineering. Even as excited as I was to start my first job, I didn’t imagine the deep and enduring joy it would bring. In my career, I’ve oscillated closer and farther from writing code, and while management and entrepreneurship are … Continue reading Writing great software isn’t all about the software you write
This is a guest post from Tae Kim. Enjoy. Heyo! So you’ve entered the world of… development? Software engineering? Programming? Coding? So many words for the same thing! I usually stick with “Software Engineering” for the resume because that sounds the fanciest, and fancy === money. But when my friends or family ask, I say … Continue reading Start the conversation
Dear new developer, There's an art to saying no. And there's power in doing so. I worked on a project that was creating a Yahoo clone early in my career. The lead developer got sick. I said "yes, I can help." I jumped in and helped out, a lot. I ended up working 96 hours … Continue reading The Art To And Power Of Saying No
Dear new developer, I have found gratitude to be an invaluable part of my software development career. First, being grateful makes me happier. It works for others too. When I get frustrated with someone at work, or some technology that is poorly documented or doesn't do just want I want, taking a step back and … Continue reading Show gratitude
Letters To A New Developer 