develpreneur podcast
Posted on A Positive Point-Of-View

Testing Challenges – Teach More Than Quality

We will look at a number of obstacles during this season.  The testing challenges that are part of quality assurance can be daunting for developers.  However, there are invaluable lessons learned.  We will see how testing teaches us about our solution and goes beyond its promise of quality improvements.  You might even find a new product based on what testing teaches. A New View One of the most valuable outcomes from these testing challenges is a new view of our solution.  When we test we are forced to go beyond the “happy path” that we normally take.  Developers can get very myopic in their view of the solution and how to use it.  This is not a knock against developers. ... Read more

develpreneur podcast
Posted on A Positive Point-Of-View

Learning From Debugging – A Positive Viewpoint

Developers have many ways to advance their careers.  Our resumes can fill up quickly when we take the right view of our tasks.  However, the best results can come from learning from debugging.  The ways that this sometimes frustrating task can lead us into career paths we never expected.  Thus, what better place to start our positive view of the daily work challenges. Small Bugs And Crippling Flaws The label of “a bug” can sometimes seem about right.  A typo we have to correct or a simple logic error that is easy to find fits that label.  However, some of the things we struggle through take days or weeks, and “bug” seems like it minimizes the pain and anguish we... Read more

develpreneur podcast
Posted on A Positive Point-Of-View

Learning From Challenges – A Season With a Positive Focus

There are numerous obstacles we face in our careers.  The day-to-day things that we dread can be a source for complaining and even whining.  However, learning from challenges is one trait of being a better developer.  In a season with an unlucky number (thirteen), it seems like a perfect time to focus on a glass-half-full approach to the monotony we face. Not Just Drudgery There is a notable difference between accepting that we have tough or “bad” days and taking a positive view of those tasks.  While we all have to face activities that we do not enjoy or are downright drudgery, we can change that into learning from challenges.  This season is focused on taking that approach. Momentum of... Read more

code generators
Posted on Become a Better Developer

Code Generators – Pros, Cons, And Where To Find Them

Code generators have been around almost as long as coding itself.  Software developers tend to be a bit lazy, and that drives us to build tools that remove the drudgery from our work.  Fortunately, that means there are a lot of options for us to review in getting our job done faster.  On the other hand, there is a payoff between generating code quickly and taking a slower, more reasoned approach. Code Generators Have Pros and Cons This presentation covers the general pros and cons of using a generator.  We also discuss tools like templates, frameworks, and libraries.  All of these can improve productivity with varying levels of risk and reward.  We wrap up the presentation with a list of... Read more

Pause As a Launching Pad
Posted on Become a Better Developer

Using a Pause As a Launching Pad

There are points in our careers that are down-times.  We have less to do or maybe even some time period that leaves us with the freedom to do what we choose.  When we hit such a time we can use the pause as a launching pad for new or better things.  These may be new goals or simply completing a task that has been on our plate far too long. Take Time To Breath And Plan The biggest value we get from using a pause as a launching pad is that we have time to think. We can plan out our steps, assess the required effort, and move forward with confidence in realistic goals. This time can also allow us... Read more

develpreneur podcast
Posted on Mastering Your Career

Turning Extra Effort Into A Better Career – Season Review

A better career has ben the underlying topic for this season.  As we bring this season to a close, it seems like a perfect time to hit the high points.  We revisit some tips that are important to utilize in making that extra effort.  It takes time and effort to become a better developer, so productivity is a key indicator of long-term success. Stacking Up Effort Our day job, side hustle, and career improvement work will have overlap.  That is part of becoming a better developer.  Therefore, we can take advantage of where overlap occurs to help us advance in multiple areas at one time.  We can work on these areas in parallel at times.  That is an essential consideration... Read more