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Writing Code Is One Thing, Learning to Be a Software Engineer Is Another
Software is for today. Learning to be a great software engineer is forever
School is one thing. Education is another — Austin Kleon — Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
Writing code is one thing, learning to be a software engineer is another.
You learn to drive a car once you have passed your test and drive regularly. Being a skilful driver is more than being able to steer the car without crashing, knowing the theory. It’s being able to navigate all the situations and scenarios you will encounter on the road and dealing with all the crazy lunatics on the road.
Being a software developer and creating software is like driving a car but thousand times more complex and with twice as many lunatics.
Software is what developers create, the skills, experience, and knowledge is what developers get. Software development skills are how you build quality software and deliver software projects.
Doing your job as a developer and creating software is one thing, but to progress your career, you need to learn the fundamentals of software development.
The education of developers is more than just writing code. The code you write, the technical skills are not a solid foundation for a career because in 5/10 years' time you will need different technical skills.
You create the software needed on the project because this is what the customer and the company you work for are paying for. A developer's value is based on their skills, knowledge and experience. A developer needs to make sure they are learning, improving and becoming a better software developer.
Ideally, you will do both simultaneously, but it’s not always possible, it’s the developer who needs to make sure this happens.
When you are feeling too comfortable as a developer, it's time to consider moving on to something new.
Mastering the craft
Software development is a skill you never master
