With a few years of experience, while building Fueler.io, I’ve learned that it’s not just coding that matters.

As a developer, I used to think my only job was to code, but I was wrong.

While programming language proficiency, framework, or debugging expertise is important, developers need to excel at more than just coding.

🗣️ Communication

Software/Tool is built by a team composed of people with different experiences and knowledge. Building software is a team sport.

As per Conway’s Law, Poor communication between team members will result in poorly-designed products

😇 Empathy

Put yourself in the user’s shoes.

The best developers care about the purpose they’re building for, and they seek to understand the human first.

⏳ Time Management

When you have a lot to do, managing your time is very crucial. Managing your time efficiently allows you to focus on what’s most important and to get tasks done more efficiently.

Don’t just jump into writing code, prioritize the tasks 7 get things done.

How much time do you spend planning?

How much time do you spend actually writing code?

How much do you spend working with your team to come up with new ideas?

🤝 Teamwork and collaboration

As you already know building a product is a team sport, whichever designation you possess, you’ll be working with people.

While working in a need you need to interact with people more, hence you’ll need to rely on several soft skills that include patience, empathy, communication, and time management.

💡 Creativity

Do you ask enough questions?

Questions are an opportunity to improve yourself, your team, and your product.

As a developer, you are more than your technical skills.

Be communicative to express your ideas

Be empathetic to understand your purpose

Be creative to solve any problem

Be reliable to get the job done

Be curious to dig for more