One of the most important characteristics a software developer needs is affability. You need to be a people person. You need to be a friendly all around good person. The days of being the stereo-typical nerd who just wants to code and who cannot socialize and is also socially ill-equipped is over. We are in the people business. Through the use of technology and our current skill set, our job is to satisfy our clients needs. We have to be able to feel their pain and get into their mindset.
Another important trait is passion. We have to have a passion for development. We need to be excited about learning something new. Whenever, I take a new job I always have to have the sense, it will teach me something. It has to be above my head, so I have something to reach for. I am a learning junkie and I like being exposed to new things. I am a professional student
Patience is another great attribute. You have to be able to slow down your mind and think about your solution. I like the 1:1 rule. 1 hour of thinking before 1 hour of doing. You will have people around you that will try and push you. Do not let them get to you. To get good at anything you need to find that comfort zone where you excel in. You need to find your style.
You also need to be excepting of failure. You will learn the most when you fail. I understand that there will be people who will lose their minds when something goes wrong or an application crashes. They are the chicken little types. You need to be able stay calm and relaxed. Don't get invited into their "stress fest". I know what it feels like when a system goes down or your teams great application takes a dump. People are looking for you to fix it. The clock is ticking. Everyone's counting on you. Learning how to remain calm in times of stress will not only make things go more smoothly immediately, it can also, over time, help you lead a healthier, happier life.
The best thing you can possess as a developer is a sense of humor and fun. Enjoy yourself. Find enjoyment and fun in helping others. Find that special feeling when you and your team create something that makes you say. "We did really good" . Take pride in your work but most of all find that "thing" that makes you smile and gives you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. When you feel like this, the quality of your work goes up, your teams work goes up and the projects chance for success will go up.
Another important trait is passion. We have to have a passion for development. We need to be excited about learning something new. Whenever, I take a new job I always have to have the sense, it will teach me something. It has to be above my head, so I have something to reach for. I am a learning junkie and I like being exposed to new things. I am a professional student
Patience is another great attribute. You have to be able to slow down your mind and think about your solution. I like the 1:1 rule. 1 hour of thinking before 1 hour of doing. You will have people around you that will try and push you. Do not let them get to you. To get good at anything you need to find that comfort zone where you excel in. You need to find your style.
You also need to be excepting of failure. You will learn the most when you fail. I understand that there will be people who will lose their minds when something goes wrong or an application crashes. They are the chicken little types. You need to be able stay calm and relaxed. Don't get invited into their "stress fest". I know what it feels like when a system goes down or your teams great application takes a dump. People are looking for you to fix it. The clock is ticking. Everyone's counting on you. Learning how to remain calm in times of stress will not only make things go more smoothly immediately, it can also, over time, help you lead a healthier, happier life.
The best thing you can possess as a developer is a sense of humor and fun. Enjoy yourself. Find enjoyment and fun in helping others. Find that special feeling when you and your team create something that makes you say. "We did really good" . Take pride in your work but most of all find that "thing" that makes you smile and gives you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. When you feel like this, the quality of your work goes up, your teams work goes up and the projects chance for success will go up.
