Building The PERFECT Software Developer With 10 SKILLS

Summary

In this video, Dave Farley discusses the essential qualities that distinguish great software developers beyond mere technical skills. Drawing from research conducted by Microsoft, he identifies ten key attributes, including a focus on outcomes, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. Farley emphasizes the importance of teamwork, creativity, and the ability to anticipate and mitigate potential failures. He argues that exceptional developers engage socially, collaborate effectively, and take pride in all aspects of their work, ultimately contributing to the success of their teams and projects.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Technical skills alone do not define a great software developer; personal traits and teamwork are crucial.
• 📊 Microsoft’s research identified 53 attributes of exceptional engineers, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills.
• 📚 Continuous learning and a drive for self-improvement are key characteristics of successful developers.
• ⚖️ Great developers excel in decision-making, balancing technical details with strategic thinking.
• 🤝 Effective communication and collaboration are essential for building trust and mentoring within teams.
• 🛠️ Software craftsmanship is reflected in elegantly simple and maintainable code.
• 🚶‍♂️ Great developers work iteratively, seeking feedback after each small change to improve their solutions.
• 💡 Creativity and innovative problem-solving are hallmarks of high-performing engineers.
• ✔️ Attention to detail and high standards are maintained in all aspects of a project, including less glamorous tasks.
• ⚠️ Proactive risk management involves anticipating failures and designing solutions to mitigate them.

Q & A

What is the primary focus when hiring a great software developer?

While technical skills are important, great software developers are distinguished by their communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement mindset.

What research did Microsoft conduct regarding great software engineers?

Microsoft, in collaboration with the University of Washington, studied nearly 60 experienced engineers and identified 53 attributes common among great engineers.

What are some personal characteristics of great software developers?

Great developers are passionate, curious, self-aware, adaptable, and demonstrate perseverance.

How do great developers approach problem-solving?

They work in small, iterative steps, gathering feedback after each change to ensure alignment with their goals.

Why is effective communication important for software developers?

Clear communication enables better collaboration, helps explain complex ideas, and ensures code is understandable and maintainable by others.

What role does creativity play in software development?

Creativity allows developers to find novel solutions to problems and design software that is simple and intuitive, while also considering future needs.

What distinguishes software development from software engineering?

Software engineering encompasses not only coding but also a systematic approach to problem-solving and process management.

How do great developers maintain a focus on outcomes?

They prioritize understanding the user's needs and design solutions accordingly, often employing test-driven development to refine their work.

What is the significance of social skills in software engineering?

Social skills are crucial for building trust, mentoring teammates, and fostering effective collaboration, which often outweigh technical expertise.

How do great developers demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning?

They actively seek out new techniques and ideas, remaining open to changing their perspectives when presented with better solutions.