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.
When I joined a web development program through the Making Changes Association, the focus was understandably on coding and interview prep. After all, the goal was to help us pivot into tech careers and land that first job. Later, as I took additional courses to deepen my knowledge of programming languages and frameworks, I felt more and more confident in my technical skills, but what I wasn’t prepared for was how much of a developer’s day-to-day work goes beyond writing code.
Below is a glimpse of what this role might entail.
The Many Hats Developers Wear
Analyzing problems and proposing solutions
Defining risks and establishing clear goals
Researching - from technical solutions to understanding market trends
Understanding end-user needs
Collaborating with stakeholders to gather both functional and technical requirements
Participating in stand-ups and other meetings
Communicating effectively with non-technical stakeholders (explain in simple language)
Staying up-to-date with the tech
Code review etiquette
Managing expectations and deadlines while balancing priorities
Bringing up issues proactively
Creating documentation - from technical docs to user manuals
Working as part of a team
Sometime making design decisions and keeping user experience in mind
Critically assessing content (sometimes putting on your editor hat!)
And on top of all this, I’ve had to manage these responsibilities in English, which is not my first language.
Why Non-Programming Skills Matter
Projects aren’t just about code - they’re about people. Web development is a living, breathing process that involves collaboration, communication, and creativity. While the exact responsibilities vary depending on the team and company, non-programming skills are in demand everywhere. That’s my experience where smaller teams require developers to wear multiple hats, often overlapping with project managers, product managers, or even designers.
The importance of these soft skills came as a surprise to me because no course had prepared me for them. I learned them on the job, by trial and error.
Solutions for Growing Your Non-Programming Muscles
Those non-coding skills can feel overwhelming to master, but here are some tips and resources that help me stay afloat:
1. Practice communication
Explain simply by breaking down technical concepts into plain language for non-tech people
Code review etiquette - be clear, kind, and constructive, no “why did you do this?” but “have you considered this?”
When you talk to people, remember small little facts and details to make the further communication personal, like their dog’s name
Be kind, or at least don’t be a jerk
2. Embrace teamwork
Ask question and remember that there are no "dumb" questions. When you ask it helps the better course because you clarify goals, identify issues, or understand the "why" behind tasks
Active listening - focus on understanding what teammates and stakeholders really need
3. Develop empathy for users and stakeholders
Read between lines, because sometimes, users or clients may not know how to articulate their needs. Learn to interpret what they’re really saying.
Tap Into past experience. If you’ve worked in roles like translation or customer service, use those skills to better understand different perspectives.
4. Stay Curious and Flexible
I will repeat myself from the other post - stay up-to-date with the latest tech trends and best practices
Read blogs, follow developers on social media to stay connected to the community on Slack, Discord, other platforms. Even in the readonly mode if your current bandwidth is low
5. Create Your Own Playbook
Document what you have learned - on paper or digitally
Track your progress by regularly reflecting on your experiences
Stay true to yourself. I have no scientific proof for that, from my own experience - most people can sense if you are not authentic and this could ruin your communication.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re starting your journey as a developer, know this: your technical skills will get you in the door, but your ability to navigate the non-programming aspects of the job will set you apart. These “soft” skills are also important and they will grow with practice and experience.