The senior developer journey...a never ending story.

I was on a Teams meeting with the rest of the data engineering team recently. We are a small team in a medium sized company. The team is junior and have a year of experience. I wanted a junior team so I can train them. We starting talking about our experiences and the developer journey. The team is working on Google Cloud Big Query projects. But I tossed in a mobile scanning app and 2 other small websites at them. We are using a JavaScript framework for these internal projects. For most of the team, this is completely new, out of scope for a data engineering team, and their first experience writing this type of code. I was using this as an opportunity to teach the team new skills, see how they would do with completely different development tasks, and how well they can learn a new skill while meeting our teams deliverables. Each of us come from completely different paths to working in the technology field. These paths are unique but in the end the process of what to learn today seems to be the same.

So I decided to ask ChatGPT to write an article about "becoming a developer today".

This is what ChatGPT in its wisdom spit out…..

Title: Embarking on a Journey: Becoming a Developer in Today's Tech Landscape

Introduction:

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, the demand for skilled developers continues to rise. From building websites and mobile applications to creating complex software systems, developers play a pivotal role in shaping our digital future. If you're intrigued by the idea of becoming a developer, now is an opportune time to embark on this exciting journey. In this article, we will explore the path to becoming a developer in today's tech landscape and discuss essential skills, resources, and opportunities to help you thrive in this dynamic field.

1. Choose Your Path:

The first step on your journey to becoming a developer is to choose a specific area of focus. There are various paths to explore, including web development, mobile app development, game development, data science, machine learning, and more. Research these different domains, consider your interests and aptitudes, and select the path that aligns with your goals and passions.

2. Learn the Fundamentals:

Regardless of the specific field you choose, it is crucial to build a solid foundation in programming fundamentals. Start by learning a programming language like Python, JavaScript, or Java, as they are widely used and versatile. Understand concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and data structures. Online platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, and Udemy offer beginner-friendly courses to get you started.

3. Embrace Continuous Learning:

Technology is constantly evolving, and developers need to stay updated with the latest tools, frameworks, and best practices. Follow blogs, join developer communities, attend webinars and conferences, and participate in online forums to stay connected with industry trends. Adopt a growth mindset and be willing to invest time in continuous learning to keep up with the rapid pace of change.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice:

Developing practical coding skills is crucial to becoming an effective developer. Apply your knowledge by working on coding projects and building real-world applications. Start with small projects and gradually tackle more complex ones. Platforms like GitHub provide opportunities to collaborate on open-source projects, which can enhance your coding skills and showcase your work to potential employers.

5. Build a Portfolio:

Creating a portfolio of your projects is an excellent way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers or clients. Showcase your best work, highlight the technologies you've used, and provide a brief description of each project's objectives and outcomes. A well-curated portfolio can set you apart from other candidates and serve as tangible proof of your abilities.

6. Collaborate and Network:

Collaboration and networking are essential aspects of a developer's journey. Engage with other developers, join online communities, attend meetups and hackathons, and contribute to open-source projects. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and valuable connections within the tech industry.

7. Stay Agile and Adapt:

The tech landscape is dynamic, and developers must embrace an agile mindset. Be open to new technologies, methodologies, and frameworks. Adaptability and the ability to learn quickly are highly valued skills in this field. Stay flexible and embrace change as it unfolds, as it often presents new and exciting opportunities.

Conclusion:

Becoming a developer in today's tech landscape offers a world of possibilities. With dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for problem-solving, you can embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career. Remember to choose your path, master the fundamentals, practice regularly, build a portfolio, collaborate with others, and stay adaptable. By following these steps and embracing the ever-evolving nature of technology, you can thrive as a developer and contribute to shaping the digital future. So, seize the opportunity, start coding, and let your journey unfold!

Thanks ChatGPT!