What makes a good developer? 2.0

PHP, ColdFusion, C++, C#, MFC, Python, JavaScript, CSS, XML, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and the list goes on and on and on. One of the exciting aspects about being a developer is all of the different technologies we get to work with. One of the most challenging aspects about being a developer is all of the different technologies we have to work with. This brings
me to 3.0 of What makes a good developer: being diverse and the ability to adapt.

Be Diverse:

I know a lot of really good developers that limit themselves to one or two programming languages. I can not stress how bad this is. Sure everyone has their preferences, and that’s OK. However, to flat out refuse to develop in a particular language or refuse to port applications to another environment is extremely bad. You are not hurting anyone but yourself and your product. You hurt yourself by limiting the jobs that are available to you. You hurt your product and company by limiting the end users you have, which is the reason you have a job in the first place. Part of being diverse is to develop in languages that are foreign to you in your spare time, and to constantly improve your skills. You are limiting yourself by being an expert in one or two languages, because you have nothing else to learn. You have reached your peak.

The Ability to Adapt:

Another key part of being a good developer is to adapt to changes. Not only in programming languages, but in the technology as well. Too many companies still use 1.0 versions when 3.0 has been out for a year. You need to adapt to changes! Why? It’s simple, technology does not wait for those who are stubborn in their ways. Technology is going to morph and it’s going to change, and it’s your job to keep up with it.

For example: I no longer develop websites for 800×600 resolution. I know that I am limiting a very small percentage of end users in doing this. However, 800×600 is really outdated. Monitors and graphics cards, like most technology, have made leaps and bounds in the last ten years. I am no longer going to sacrifice new options, features, and the better of product for those who are stuck in the stone age of technology.

Take a look at not only the system requirements, but the graphics requirements alone for Windows Vista. More and more applications are becoming system resource intense. End users, developers, and companies: we all have to adapt. As a developer, be pro-active in beta testing of the languages and software you use. It benefits you because you know what is happening and the direction of the language. You need to be prepared for functions that have been discontinued and archived. Actively give feedback to the developer’s of the language or software, it is the key to progressing in technology.

It is much easier to modify your code to be compliant with the latest requirements over time, then it is when you manager comes to you and says that’s what you will be doing for this quarter.

What Can I Do?

Here are some things you can do to be pro-active as a developer:

• Most language communities and software companies have beta programs. You should sign up, become proactive. Compare your code with the changes that are soon to come. Submit feedback to the community or company, it will benefit everyone.
• Continue to develop in your spare time. Format that old computer that you are using for a foot rest, and make it into a development environment. That way if anything happens, it’s not the end of the world.
• Work with new languages, combine two languages, and never become stale in your craft.
• Whatever OS platform you use, start developing under another. Try to write an application that you can roll out for more than one OS.
• Join an open source community or project like PHP, MySQL, Perl, and the countless others out there.
• Join Google, Yahoo, MSN groups for a couple different programming languages.
• Encourage your company to update the technologies they use and rely on. Maybe schedule a demonstration to show all of the cool and exciting things that have been implemented.
• Go to seminars, certifications, and conferences. Encourage others from your company to do the same in the areas that their jobs pertain to.
• Go on a Geek Cruise.

I have only just brushed the surface here. There are so many ways you can become pro-active, and learn to be diverse. Just start now, before it’s too late.