The Rounded Developer

Lightning talk at Andela addressed to the junior to mid-level developers.

It contains tips that I wish I knew earlier in my career, and tips that can help one become a rounded developer.

I hope someone finds this useful.

Transcript

1. the rounded
   developer
   Segun Famisa
   Lightning talk with Fellows at Andela
   October, 2016
   segunfamisa.com
   @segunfamisa
   

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2. Here are a few
   tips I wish I
   had known
   earlier in my
   career.
   

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3. Improve your technical skills. Do your own homework.
   People will first rate you over your technical skills
   than anything else.
   This. Is. Your. Primary. Task.
   Improve your
   technical skills.
   

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4. * Static code analysis, Code reviews, testing.
   * Follow standards and conventions.
   * Modularise.
   * If you find yourself doing something over and over,
   you probably need to extract the logic and modularise
   it or even automate.
   * Immediate profit of this is that codes are
   maintainable
   * Manage technical debts efficiently
   Code quality & best
   practices matter.
   

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5. * Do you see yourself as a mobile dev? Front-end dev?
   'Web' dev? Full stack dev, devops?
   * That being said, it's good to have an idea of
   related things while specializing in something.
   * I have this favourite quote (I kind of have a
   feeling a came up with it, but I'm not 100% certain
   about that)
   "Learn something about everything, and learn
   Everything about something"
   Focus
   

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6. * Things change very fast these days, so much
   information, so much to learn, so much to do. It can
   become draining and can make you lose focus.
   * Pay closer attention to what you need
   Avoid information
   overload.
   

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7. * Local communities, GDG, forLoop, DevCenter
   * Online: Twitter is a great place.
   Be active in
   communities.
   

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8. * Writing has personally helped me improve a lot.
   * The way I learn, I learn more details if I write or
   try to write about a certain topic than just learning
   how to "use" it. I know I need to write and justify
   the "hows" and "whys", so I end up learning it in
   detail.
   Write
   

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9. * It forces you to write good code since you know
   people may read it.
   * Give back to the community.
   * Good for your profile.
   Contribute to open
   source.
   

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10. * The fast changing nature of the dev world means,
    you may not be able to do everything alone.
    * Meet and work with others.
    * Sometimes you think you're doing something right,
    while it's actually wrong. Easy to spot when working
    with others.
    * The network you build is as useful as you learning
    how to become a badass.
    Collaborate &
    network.
    

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11. * Life exists beyond your computer screen
    * Burnouts are real.
    * Take time off from time to time.
    Don’t forget to
    Live!
    

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12. Thank you!
    Questions?
    segunfamisa.com
    @segunfamisa
    

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