What Traits Make a Great Programmer?

There is a general perception that a highly skilled software engineer is someone with extensive experience and a diverse set of skills proficient in multiple tools, languages, and technologies. Nevertheless, this is not always the case. An exceptional software engineer should possess the ability to think critically and handle any given task with ease. It is the synergy between technical know-how and critical thinking that sets them apart from their peers.

Although becoming an exceptional engineer may appear to be an easy feat, it is far from it. We can attest to this given that you are reading this article while we are writing it. It is evident that possessing an impressive portfolio and extensive knowledge alone is not enough. In truth, there are other crucial factors that set these engineers apart from others.

Software Engineers: The Difference between Good and Great

If asked about the qualities they seek in an ideal team member, most seasoned software developers would probably mention several common attributes. Technical proficiency, mastery of programming best practices, and problem-solving abilities are generally considered most critical. Furthermore, employers seek engineers who exhibit a strong commitment towards their work and a willingness to collaborate with others.

Undoubtedly, the qualities mentioned earlier are instrumental in making any software engineer highly proficient at their trade. However, what distinguishes exceptional engineers from their peers is their ability to transcend the ordinary and achieve the extraordinary. It is this coveted quality that makes them highly sought-after and sets them apart from average programmers. They are even more productive than other skilled software developers, driven by their unwavering commitment to continuously enhance their skills.

It may appear that the most talented software engineers have an innate skill set that makes coding and maintaining clean code a breeze. Nonetheless, other engineers should not be deterred from pursuing excellence. With the appropriate dedication and focus, any software engineer can attain the same level of proficiency as their more naturally gifted counterparts. To assist in this pursuit, some recommendations are provided below.

Attaining Success and Living Successfully

The path to achieving success in any field demands unwavering commitment and diligence. Even the most gifted individuals will find it challenging to reach their goals without these two fundamental elements. The same applies to software engineering wherein attaining excellence necessitates greater effort than that of their peers. Apart from the more apparent attributes, such as technical expertise, exceptional developers also exhibit other essential qualities.

An Insatiable Hunger for Learning

The general perception of an esteemed authority is someone who possesses comprehensive knowledge. Emulating the iconic figure of Sherlock Holmes, who’s renowned for his vast knowledge, acute observation, and logical deduction, is an aspiration for many individuals. Who wouldn’t want to have the ability to examine a problem and resolve it with ease?

Undoubtedly, possessing a comprehensive knowledge base is an unattainable objective. With the constant emergence of cutting-edge technologies, tools, and techniques, the top professionals, including proficient coders, should develop an attitude that fosters constant learning. Continuous learning is indispensable as the information acquired may become outdated, necessitating updating in the future.

Exceptional software engineers are not overly confident in thinking that they have all the answers, or that their knowledge is incontrovertible. They are comfortable seeking assistance from their peers, whether it be through videos, books, conferences or even from team members in junior roles.

Meticulous Focus on Interactions

Have you ever played Pictionary with your friends and questioned why they seem incapable of decoding the picture you’ve sketched, despite it being clear to you? If so, you understand the difficulty of conveying a message without any possibility of misinterpretation. Even if you have never played Pictionary (are you kidding me?), you’re probably familiar with the exasperation of attempting to explain something to someone and failing to make them comprehend it.

Several aspects must be taken into account when communicating an idea or concept, either verbally or through visual mediums like Pictionary. As individuals, we interpret things from our perspective with historical context, making it challenging to assume the recipient will interpret it similarly. This exemplifies the intricacy of communication and underscores the importance of avoiding complacency.

Throughout all stages of software development, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significance of effective communication. Not only should input from psychologists, designers, and business professionals be considered, but also the intricate languages and procedures used. Making sense of this complexity and providing a functioning solution is an arduous task, but highly experienced developers are ideally positioned to fulfil these requirements.

Effective communication is crucial for successful project management. Competent project managers have the ability to communicate efficiently with all stakeholders, presenting ideas, objectives, and a proposed course of action. They have a comprehensive understanding of the customer’s requirements and can effectively communicate them to the rest of the team. They have the capability to explain complex technical topics in simple language for customers to comprehend, enabling all parties to work collaboratively and achieve optimal results.

A Holistic View of the Product

Two types of software developers exist. The first type are those who tenaciously strive to ensure that their programs are fully operational, irrespective of the need to rectify bugs frequently, reuse code, or explore alternative solutions. These developers’ main objective is to achieve full functionality in the end product, and they approach this goal pragmatically.

The second set of programmers are devoted to inventing groundbreaking technology. They are scrupulous in their approach, giving utmost attention to even the minutest details, and are dedicated to perfecting their product’s appearance. These individuals pursue excellence in their work.

Both a practical and perfectionist approach should be adopted when creating a product, as prioritising one over the other can adversely affect the final outcome. While a pragmatic approach can result in the creation of products that are cumbersome and challenging to maintain, a perfectionist outlook can lead to delays as every detail is scrutinized and never fully satisfactory. Neither strategy is commercially sustainable in the long run, so it’s essential to strike a balance between the two.

The most skilled developers can balance between relying on their expertise and seeking external guidance. They analytically approach their challenges and skillfully differentiate between constructive and unproductive feedback. Consequently, they can leverage both internal and external resources to their advantage when developing software.

Seasoned software developers possess the ability to recognize when to cease progress. They factor in customer needs, the intended audience, and technical components when assessing if the program is ready for release. In conclusion, their experience enables them to differentiate when implementing a quick solution will suffice to bring the product to market and when more intricate processes are necessary.

Have You Decided to Pursue the Path of an Outstanding Programmer?

Acquiring the abilities of a superb developer is crucial to making a significant impact in the industry. To achieve this, it’s essential to possess a strong learning mindset. This involves staying informed of the latest advancements and being receptive to learning from any source. Additionally, it’s beneficial to develop empathy by actively comprehending the viewpoints of others and attempting to see things from their perspective.

Devoting time and effort to improve your development skills will result in a more expansive professional journey. Remember that success is attainable for those who exhibit resilience and the ability to persevere. The route to triumph requires focus and commitment; as you’ve come to appreciate, achieving greatness necessitates hard work.

Join the Top 1% of Remote Developers and Designers

Works connects the top 1% of remote developers and designers with the leading brands and startups around the world. We focus on sophisticated, challenging tier-one projects which require highly skilled talent and problem solvers.
seasoned project manager reviewing remote software engineer's progress on software development project, hired from Works blog.join_marketplace.your_wayexperienced remote UI / UX designer working remotely at home while working on UI / UX & product design projects on Works blog.join_marketplace.freelance_jobs