Podcast summary and Notes on "effective development"

11 Habits of Highly Effective Developers

In this episode Wes and Scott discuss 11 habits that will make you a better developer - everything from understanding the business goals behind your projects to maintaining work-life balance, staying curious, and developing empathy.

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Show Notes

2:55 - You understand stakeholder and business goals

What is the website (or project) ultimately trying to accomplish?
How does the business make money?
Don’t get caught up in your own “mama drama” about frameworks, but instead focus on how a particular framework will help achieve the end goal of the business

5:13 - You’re curious and always learning

This industry is ever-changing and isn’t slowing down

7:36 - You have an open mind about new technology

Don’t “poopoo” something because it’s intimidating, new, scary or different
Like foods you’ve never tried, sometimes something unusual turns out to be game changing

9:57 - You ask for help

#LifeHack - most people know more than you
Be comfortable with NOT knowing
Be comfortable with failing and with how others might perceive that
Check your ego at the door

15:35 - You help others

Helping others solidifies your own knowledge
Answering questions
- Stack Overflow
- Quora
Blogging
YouTube videos
Mentoring co-workers
Not offering unwanted advice

19:12 - You have a “problem solver” mentality

General curiosity - figuring out why things aren’t working
Break things down into testable components to pinpoint an issue
Have a clear head under pressure (e.g. interviews)

24:37 - You have fun with what you do

Enjoying challenges
Even if something isn’t particularly fun, you find ways to make it fun and interesting

27:54 - You understand work-life balance

Burnout is huge in our industry
It can be difficult when you love what you do, but it’s so important to maintain balance

34:00 - You are empathetic to your co-workers and users

Be a team players while getting things done
Make everyone around you better at what they do
Be someone others want to work with by being inclusive and professional
- Don’t make inappropriate jokes, put co-workers in a tough position, etc.

37:08 - You pay attention to detail