7 easy steps to becoming a top 1% developer
1. Code with Human Comprehension in Mind
Focus on Clarity and Accessibility
The most effective engineers understand that code is a form of communication, not just a set of instructions for a computer. This perspective shifts their focus towards clarity and accessibility. Their code is crafted with the awareness that teammates, future maintainers, and even non-technical stakeholders might interact with it. They strive to make their code as intuitive and understandable as possible, considering it a crucial aspect of software quality. This approach also facilitates easier onboarding for new team members and aids in collaborative projects, ensuring that everyone can follow and contribute effectively.
Inclusivity in Coding Practice
This habit extends to considering the diverse range of users interacting with the software. Engineers with this mindset anticipate various user scenarios and skill levels, reflecting a product-minded approach. They prioritize user experience in their code, whether it's for a young user on a mobile app, a fellow developer utilizing an API, or themselves as future maintainers. By focusing on problem-solving from a human-centric viewpoint, these engineers ensure that the software not only functions efficiently but also resonates with and is accessible to its intended audience.
Balancing Technical Complexity and Simplicity
While technical sophistication is often a hallmark of good programming, the best engineers balance complexity with simplicity. They avoid over-engineering and instead opt for solutions that are elegant and straightforward. This is not to say they shy away from complex solutions when necessary, but their ultimate goal is to ensure that even the most intricate code remains decipherable and maintainable. They often use comments and documentation effectively to demystify complex parts of the code, making it easier for others to understand the rationale behind certain coding decisions.
2. Emotional Detachment from Code
Cultivating a Non-Personal Attitude Towards Code
Exceptional engineers view code as a tool rather than an extension of their ego. They understand that becoming too attached to the code they write can hinder progress and innovation. This detachment allows them to be receptive to feedback and criticism, viewing these as opportunities for improvement rather than personal affronts. It fosters an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed, and the focus remains on developing the best possible solution rather than defending one's work.
Embracing Change and Adaptability
These engineers are not afraid to discard or radically alter their work if it benefits the project. They recognize that sometimes, starting over or making significant changes can lead to more efficient and effective solutions. This adaptability is crucial in a field that is constantly evolving with new technologies and methodologies. It allows them to stay relevant and continually improve their craft, understanding that what works today might not be the best approach tomorrow.
Long-Term Perspective on Code Lifecycle
They are acutely aware that most code will eventually become outdated, either turning into technical debt, becoming deprecated, or being rewritten. This awareness instills a pragmatic approach to coding, focusing on current functionality and impact rather than striving for perfection that may never be appreciated. It encourages a mindset of writing code that is good enough for the present, with an eye on future adaptability and improvement.
3. Adherence to Consistent Standards
The Importance of a Unified Coding Style
In high-performing engineering teams, consistency in coding standards is non-negotiable. These engineers recognize that a unified coding style facilitates easier reading, understanding, and maintenance of the codebase. By adhering to a consistent style, they ensure that any team member can easily pick up and work on any part of the code, significantly boosting team efficiency. This consistency is particularly crucial in large-scale projects or in companies with a large number of engineers, where the lack of a standard approach can lead to a chaotic and unmanageable codebase.
Scaling Codebases and Teams Effectively
A consistent style guide is not just about readability; it's about scalability. These engineers understand that as a project grows, the codebase needs to remain manageable. A well-defined style guide helps in scaling both the codebase and the team. It streamlines the onboarding process for new team members and ensures that as the team grows, everyone is on the same page. This practice is evident in how major tech companies like Google and Meta manage to maintain vast and complex codebases without sacrificing quality or readability.
Utilizing Tools for Enforcing Standards
Top engineers often champion the use of tools like linters and formatters to enforce coding standards. They understand that manual enforcement of these standards can be error-prone and time-consuming. By automating this aspect, they ensure consistent adherence to coding guidelines across the team. This automation not only improves code quality but also saves time during code reviews, as it minimizes the need for discussions about stylistic preferences, allowing the team to focus on more substantial aspects of code review.
4. Writing Simple Code
Complex Creation, Simple Outcome
The hallmark of a skilled engineer is the ability to transform complex problems into simple, elegant solutions. While the process of developing these solutions may involve intricate and sophisticated coding, the end result is always accessible and straightforward. This approach is rooted in the belief that the true genius of programming lies not in complexity for its own sake, but in achieving simplicity. These engineers strive to create code that is aesthetically pleasing in its simplicity, ensuring that it can be easily understood and maintained by others.
Principled Approach to Coding
Adhering to principles like SOLID (Single Responsibility, Open-Closed, Liskov Substitution, Interface Segregation, and Dependency Inversion) is a common practice among top engineers. These principles provide a framework for writing code that is robust, scalable, and flexible. By following these guidelines, they ensure that their code is not just functional but also well-organized and adaptable to future changes. These principles help in breaking down the code into manageable parts, each with a clear and distinct purpose, thus reducing complexity and enhancing maintainability.
Effective Documentation and Naming Conventions
Good naming and thorough documentation are essential for simple and understandable code. Top engineers spend time choosing clear, descriptive names for functions, variables, and classes, avoiding ambiguous or misleading terminology. They also document their code effectively, explaining the purpose and logic behind significant sections. This practice not only aids in current understanding but also serves as a valuable guide for future developers who may work on the code, ensuring that the intent and functionality of the code are preserved over time.
5. Predictable, Tested Code
Reliability through Testing
For elite engineers, testing is a critical component of the development process. They employ various types of tests - unit tests for individual components, integration tests for interactions between components, and end-to-end tests for the overall system functionality. These tests ensure that the code behaves as expected under different scenarios and conditions. By making testing an integral part of development, they create code that is not only functional but also reliable and robust.
Ensuring Code Clarity and Predictability
Good code is predictable. It behaves in a consistent manner, reducing surprises and unexpected behavior. This predictability is achieved through a disciplined approach to coding, following established principles and practices. Tests further reinforce this by validating the code's behavior. Moreover, tests serve as a form of documentation, illustrating how the code is intended to function. This clarity and predictability make the codebase easier to understand, maintain, and extend.
Balancing Testing with Practicality
While testing is crucial, the best engineers also recognize the importance of balancing comprehensive testing with practical constraints. They understand that not every aspect of the code needs to be tested, and sometimes thoughtful documentation and monitoring can be more effective. They focus on creating tests that add value and avoid over-testing, particularly when it involves complex, costly tests with marginal benefits. This balanced approach ensures that testing contributes to the overall quality of the code without becoming a hindrance to development efficiency.
6. Regular Communication and Collaboration
Embracing Teamwork in Development
In the realm of software engineering, collaboration is key to building great systems. The most successful engineers regularly engage in design reviews, actively seek feedback, and are open to iterating on their ideas. They recognize that no one works in isolation and that the best ideas often emerge from collaborative efforts. By involving others in the development process, they benefit from diverse perspectives, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
Leveraging Collective Knowledge and Skills
These engineers understand that everyone has gaps in their knowledge, and they see the value in learning from others. They are not hesitant to ask for help or input, acknowledging that this can lead to significant improvements in their work. This collaborative mindset extends to sharing their own knowledge and experience with teammates, fostering a culture of mutual learning and growth. They view the collective expertise of the team as a vital resource that enhances the quality and creativity of their work.
Effective Communication as a Tool for Success
Effective communication is a critical skill for top engineers. They are adept at articulating their ideas clearly and concisely, whether in code reviews, team meetings, or documentation. They understand that clear communication is essential for aligning the team's goals, reducing misunderstandings, and ensuring that everyone is working towards a common objective. This communicative approach not only enhances the efficiency of the team but also contributes to a positive and productive work environment.
7. Balanced Coding Pace
Efficiency Through Deliberation
The best engineers know that speed in coding does not always equate to efficiency. They take a measured approach to development, understanding that a thorough, thoughtful process leads to better outcomes. This involves taking the time to understand the problem fully, exploring various solutions, and carefully considering the implications of each decision. By not rushing through the coding process, they minimize errors and rework, ultimately saving time in the long run.
Adhering to Standards and Principles
This deliberate pace allows them to adhere to coding standards and principles effectively. They recognize that these practices, although time-consuming initially, are essential for maintaining code quality and ensuring long-term project success. By methodically applying these standards and principles, they create a solid foundation for their code, making it more sustainable and easier to maintain.
Balancing Speed with Quality
While these engineers understand the importance of meeting deadlines and delivering results promptly, they do not sacrifice quality for speed. They find a balance between coding efficiently and ensuring the code is well-constructed, tested, and aligned with project goals. This balanced approach enables them to deliver high-quality work within reasonable timeframes, contributing to the overall success of their projects and their reputation as exceptional engineers.
Flexibility Over Rigidity
Guidelines, Not Rules
The most effective engineers view coding rules and principles as guidelines rather than strict laws. They understand that every coding scenario is unique and that sometimes, the best solution may not align perfectly with established guidelines. This flexibility allows them to adapt to different challenges and find innovative solutions that might not fit traditional moulds.
Documenting Exceptions
When deviating from standard practices, these engineers make it a point to document their reasoning. This documentation is crucial for future reference, providing context for why certain decisions were made. It helps prevent unnecessary rework and ensures that future developers understand the rationale behind the code, even if it doesn’t adhere to the usual standards.
Balancing Cleanliness and Practicality
In software development, the pursuit of perfectly clean and rule-abiding code can sometimes be counterproductive. Top engineers strike a balance between maintaining a clean, consistent codebase and being pragmatic about real-world constraints. They focus on writing code that, above all, is functional, understandable, testable, and delivers value, even if it occasionally deviates from the idealized standards.