What EXACTLY does a Developer Do?

Summary

The video script emphasizes that being a developer is more than just coding; it's about problem-solving and decision-making. Developers must choose the right frameworks, languages, and technologies to build applications effectively. The speaker highlights the importance of learning to think like a developer and developing problem-solving skills, rather than just following tutorials. The video also touches on the reality of learning on the job, especially in the first few years of a developer's career, and the satisfaction derived from creating useful applications.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💻 Developers are problem solvers and architects who determine the best approach to accomplish tasks, often involving coding but also decision-making regarding frameworks and languages.
• 🏗️ Learning to code is foundational for developers, but it's crucial to develop problem-solving skills to think like a developer beyond just writing code.
• 📚 Following tutorials can be helpful but may not fully train one to think like a developer; it's akin to practicing pad work without becoming a real fighter.
• 🛠️ Developers break down problems and use coding, frameworks, libraries, and other technologies to achieve goals, with no single way to accomplish tasks.
• 📱 When building applications, developers must choose the right technology stack based on project needs, budget, and the specific requirements of the client.
• 🔍 Choosing the right technology stack involves considering factors like native code for games or cross-platform solutions for text-only applications.
• 🚀 As developers gain experience, they become more adept at quickly analyzing projects and selecting the most suitable technologies for execution.
• 📈 With experience, developers' efficiency and pay increase as they learn new technologies on the job, especially in the first three to four years.
• 🎓 The first job in development is often considered the final stage of learning, where one is paid to learn and improve their skills.
• 🌟 There's a significant satisfaction in building applications that provide utility to people, beyond just the financial gain.
• 🔗 The speaker's mentoring program aims to get people up to speed with key fundamentals to secure entry-level jobs and increase their skills and pay over time.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a developer according to the script?

The primary role of a developer is to be a problem solver and architect, looking at tasks and figuring out the optimal way to accomplish them, which often involves coding but also includes deciding on frameworks, languages, and how to implement the code effectively.

Why is coding considered the foundation of being a developer?

Coding is the foundation because it is the basic skill required to build and implement solutions. However, it is not the only aspect of being a developer; problem-solving and decision-making regarding technology choices are equally important.

What is the difference between following a tutorial and thinking like a developer?

Following a tutorial is like painting by numbers; it does not train you to think like a developer or develop problem-solving skills. Thinking like a developer involves breaking down problems and figuring out how to use coding and technologies to solve them effectively.

Why is it important for developers to build real things rather than just following tutorials?

Building real things helps developers to practice and develop their problem-solving skills and to understand how to apply coding and technologies in practical scenarios. It is a more effective way to learn and prepare for real-world development tasks.

What factors does a developer need to consider when choosing a technology stack for a project?

A developer needs to consider the specific needs of the project, the company's requirements, budget constraints, and what the application needs to do. The choice of technology can affect the performance, functionality, and suitability of the final product.

Can you provide an example of a project scenario mentioned in the script?

An example given is a mobile app for managing inventory in warehouses, allowing employees to update inventory in real-time using their phones. This scenario requires deciding on the best technology stack, such as native iOS development, PWA, Flutter, or React Native.

Why might a cross-platform solution be chosen over native development for certain projects?

A cross-platform solution might be chosen for projects like the warehouse inventory app because it can be a more cost-effective and time-efficient approach, especially when the application's requirements do not demand the full capabilities of native development.

What does the speaker suggest about learning new technologies as a developer?

The speaker suggests that developers should be prepared to learn new technologies on the fly, especially in the first few years of their career. The need to learn often arises based on the specific requirements of the projects they are working on.

How does the speaker describe the first job as a developer in terms of learning?

The speaker describes the first job as a developer as the final stage of the learning process where developers are paid to learn. It is an opportunity to apply foundational knowledge and gain practical experience.

What advice does the speaker give about focusing on tutorials versus learning fundamentals?

The speaker advises against getting caught up in tutorial learning, suggesting that developers should focus on learning key fundamentals to get their foot in the door. Most learning happens on the job, and developers should be prepared to learn as they work.

What satisfaction does the speaker mention developers can get from their work?

The speaker mentions that developers can get satisfaction from providing utility to people through the applications they build. There is a sense of accomplishment and excitement in seeing people use the software they have developed.