If you’re an early-career developer or someone curious about the tech industry, let me ask you: How do you imagine a developer’s job?
Perhaps you picture someone sitting at a desk, intensely staring at a screen and typing code nonstop, Matrix-style. That’s exactly how I used to imagine it, too. But here’s the secret: there’s so much more to being a developer than just programming, and programming isn’t even the hardest part.
Here is a glimpse of what this role might entail:
The many hats developers wear
Analyzing problems and proposing solutions, or what I call ‘head-scratching’. It’s like a brain workout, minus the sweat.
Defining risks and establishing clear goals, or ‘how long will this task take and what is the road head’, requires a bit of crystal ball magic 🔮.
Managing expectations and deadlines while balancing priorities, aka ‘juggling flaming torches of deadlines and to-dos’. Can you do this?
Collaborating with stakeholders to gather both functional and technical requirements. It’s like arranging a potluck where you make sure everyone brings their best dishes to the table.
Communicating effectively with non-technical stakeholders, or ‘explaining in plain language’, so that even your grandma could understand.
Understanding end-user needs and pains, or walking a mile in someone else’s shoes with the final goal of making their life easier.
Keeping user experience in mind. Make sure every click, scroll, and interaction feels as smooth as skipping stones.
Participating in stand-ups and other meetings where we you check in with your team up, share wins, and maybe sneak in a coffee sip or two.
Working as part of a team, because teamwork makes the dream work!
Code reviews and complying with code review etiquette. It’s like proofreading in translation but for code — gentle corrections and high-fives for clever solutions.
Bringing up issues proactively, or spotting problems before they snowball.
Creating documentation from technical docs to user manuals. I actually love this part when you turn chaos into clarity.
Professional development: staying up-to-date with the tech aka ‘nerding out’.
Researching from technical solutions to understanding market trends. It’s like being part detective, part explorer.
Occasionally making design decisions - not my forte, but I can increase space if I feel it would look and feel better.
Critically assessing the content. Sometimes it means putting on your editor hat!
And in my case - all of these but in English, which is not my first language.
Why non-programming skills matter
Projects aren’t just about code - they’re about people - end-users, stakeholders and your teammates. Web development is a living, breathing process that involves collaboration, communication, and creativity.
Exact responsibilities may vary depending on the team and company, but non-programming skills are in demand everywhere. I should clarify that I am talking about my experience on smaller teams where developers tend wear multiple hats. However, pure stand-alone coding is rare in the real world, and that's what makes this job so dynamic. It's the blend of technical challenges and human-centered problem-solving that keeps it both exciting and fulfilling.