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3 Strategies for Picking Your Battles as a Software Developer

Mar 25, 2022 | Career Path, Tips & Tricks

Today’s software developers have technical and computer programming skills in high demand across all industries worldwide. Businesses and software users need software developers to create our favorite mobile applications and web apps that power our lives.

Like any other career, developers can often run into challenges or roadblocks during the development process. Below, we discuss three strategies for picking your battles as a software developer. 

How Software Developers Work 

We find today’s software developers working independently as freelancers or as members of software development teams. The tools and applications developers use are stored in computer hardware or portable drives, making it easy for software developers to work from anywhere.

These computer science professionals are self-taught or receive formal education in mathematics and computer science. Software developers are well-versed in the most popular programming languages that power the web and mobile applications we use every day. 

Benefits of Hiring a Software Developer 

Companies who want to push forward with their technology goals benefit from having “in-house” or freelance software developers that can help them achieve their business technology goals. Developers can let decision-makers and project managers know if their ideal use case for software and development is based on realistic goals.

They can also help businesses scale by creating and developing proprietary and public-facing software to push technology use forward. Having a software developer on your team is an excellent idea for companies that want to continue to create new software programs and mobile applications. Today’s JavaScript software developers and developers with similar skills are in high demand worldwide. 

3 Strategies for Picking Your Battles As a Software Developer

When issues arise with software developers and other members of development teams, software project development can suffer. Following are three strategies for developers to use when picking their battles. 

 

Strategy #1. – Choose Your Why

If you’re working on a software development project and run into issues with one or more team members and you want to push a problem, ask yourself, “why?”. What is the reason behind pursuing this issue with higher-ups, project managers, and company owners during the software development process? 

For example, do you feel you have vital information to share with project managers or decision-makers that can help the project along? Or do you have information about an essential part of the software development project that can slow down the project or cause roadblocks? 

If you feel your reason is valid and you can back it up with evidence, proceed with making your concerns known with the appropriate members of your development team. 

Strategy #2. – Due Diligence 

When making presentations or suggestions to other software development team members or department heads, you have to make sure you have your ducks in a row. Presenting an issue that may stall or stop the software development process altogether has to be backed up with a reasonable explanation and facts. 

Make sure you have thoroughly researched your position and that you can clearly present your argument or communicate important information persuasively to your team members. Having your own opinion about how a project should go isn’t enough of a reason to derail a software development project that is running smoothly.  

Strategy #3. – Proceed with caution 

After you’ve figured out your “why” and finished your due diligence, the next step in choosing your battles as a software developer is to proceed—with caution. Software developers are an integral part of a company’s technical team. Business decision-makers rely on the expertise and advice of professional developers to keep projects on track. 

When you present your issue, make sure you’re ready for the backlash that can likely come with it if team members refute your opinions or research. If you’re making an argument with a company owner or manager who disagrees with your idea, continuing to push an issue can cost you your job. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do you pick your battles?

Decide what goals you want to achieve. Ask yourself if you’re working for the benefit of the project and team or if you wish to be right. If you feel that your input is critical to the project, take steps to voice your concerns according to policy. 

How do you keep your skills updated as a software developer?

Commit yourself to learning something new every day as a software developer. Join developer communities to stay on top of trends and the latest development techniques in your field.

Famous software developer communities like GitHub, Freecodecamp and StackOverflow are free to join online. These communities provide access to free resources, tutorials, and community support for developers who want to continue growing in the field. 

How do you keep learning and growing as a software developer?

If your goal is to continue learning and growing as a software developer, create and manage your own projects. Join relevant software communities and follow influential software developers on social media. 

How can I improve my software development skills?

Improve your software development skills by learning as much about your current field of specialty. Subscribe to relevant and top-rated blogs, social media channels, and online web development communities. 

Why picking your battles is important?

Simply stated, picking your battles is essential because you can’t “win them all.” Important software development topics and techniques that are crucial to development projects should prioritize trying to prove a personal point that has no effect on the project. Also, if you’re going against popular opinions or facts without clear evidence, you’re not likely to succeed at convincing others of your point of view. 

What does it mean you have to pick your battles?

Picking your battles means deciding what topics and pertinent points you will fight for on your list of software development priorities vs. taking a step back from trivial issues or preferences that will have no effect on the project’s success. 

What skills do software developers need?

Today’s software developers need hands-on experience with web development for websites and mobile applications. Software design skills, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, out-of-the-box thinking skills. Popular software programming languages that developers should know include – Java, SQL, JavaScript, Linux, Oracle, and other popular programming languages. 

What do you learn as a software developer?

They train software developers to build, design, and manage software applications for website and mobile applications. Computer science teachers trained them in popular software languages, software design, and software development techniques. This skill set makes software developers an integral part of most of today’s IT teams and departments. 

How do you develop a software program?

Software developers use the software development cycle to develop software and applications that solve problems for businesses and consumers who use online and mobile apps. The most crucial stage of development involves creating a viable software solution. Developers create software programs using front-end and back-end processes. They create user-friendly websites and mobile applications. 

How do you overcome battles in life?

To overcome life’s challenges, it’s imperative to understand they will happen. Prepare yourself to handle life’s trials by learning how to remain calm and choose the best response when things aren’t going your way.

Assess uncomfortable situations at home and work from both sides to get a clear perspective. Once you have a clear view of the problem, you can move on to creating real solutions to solve it. 

How do you win a battle?

The term “winning” is relative. It’s important to remember this in picking your battles in your life and your career as a software developer. Figure out what “winning” looks like to you as a developer. For example, does winning look like successfully planning and launching a new project without glitches? 

What are the two most important skills a programmer must-have?

Developing new software and upgrading existing software is a time-consuming process that requires patience, focus, and the ability to think outside of the box to create new solutions to software-related problems. Basic coding skills are required to interact and program the latest software technologies that power everyday mobile and web applications. 

What are the 7 steps to the software development process?

Seven steps in the software development process include the following:

Step 1. Brainstorming and Planning.

Step 2. Establishing Project Goals and Requirements.

Step 3. Beta Design and Prototyping.

Step 4. Developing New Software.

Step 5. Beta Testing.

Step 6. Software Launch and Deployment.

Step 7. Ongoing Testing and Maintenance.

What are the 5 stages of SDLC?

The Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) comprises the stages listed in the question above. In stage 1., Planning, Software developers and decision-makers come together to decide on use cases for new software. In stage 2., goal setting, decision-makers, software developers, and upper management decide on the goals and expectations for the latest software project.

Stage 3 is where prototypes and examples of use cases for new software are presented by the team proposing the new project. In stage 5 and beyond, the proposed software is developed, tested, and then launched on mobile or web-based platforms. 

What are different software development stages?

The software development process comprises around 5-8 (or more) stages. Project managers decide what project-related tasks will be carried out at each stage of the software development process. The primary steps of software development include – planning, development, and maintenance. 

What are the software planning stages?

Software planning stages involve preparing for new software launches and projects based on specific criteria. C-Suite decision-makers, information technology departments, upper management, and software developers decide on annual goals, quarterly goals, and monthly goals for new software product launches. 

What are the 7 steps of software testing?

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) involves seven steps. These steps include -1. Planning for software specifics, including budget, project timelines, and typical use cases for new software. In step 2., the project team seeks a third-party analysis of the proposed software.

If all team members agree based on the results of the analysis in step 3, software developers get the green light to move on to software development as step 4. Step 5. It is the first launch of the newly developed software.

The following step, number 6, focuses on in-house testing and debugging the new software. The final step, number 7, is where the software is delivered to the public users of mobile and web applications. 

How can a developer be productive?

Software developers can be more productive by focusing on their programming, organization, and time-management skills. Mastering programming skills will provide more career options for independent developers seeking to strike out independently.

Developing good organizational skills makes it easier for developers to be flexible and perform front-end and backend duties regardless of their location or environment. Good time management skills increase the likelihood of software projects being completed on schedule. 

How do I keep my developer happy?

If you hire software developers, it’s key to listen to their needs. Make sure your software developers have a clear expectation of their roles and responsibilities within your organization. Developers are computer science professionals who should be appreciated for their unique skillset and supported during software development, planning, and deployment. 

What is the most challenging part of software development?

The most challenging part of software development is communicating your vision and next steps. Many of today’s software developers work independently and may struggle with sharing ideas or information about projects with other members of technology teams. Developers who continue to hone their skills by joining relevant software communities online can learn enhanced communication skills that can be applied when issues arise during development. 

Why Software Developers Choose Nexxus 

The Nexxus Network is a hub for offshore software developers that connects developers in Latin America with North America and US-based companies. Nexxus provides developers with the tools they need to succeed as independent software developers backed by a Sontafy-powered network.

Nexxus is made up of a strong network of software developers connected across popular social channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, and Discord. Network groups provide access to online tools and resources that help developers hone their skills and connect with top clients.

When you join the Nexxus Network as a software developer, you gain access to a wealth of information about the latest programming technologies and tools that can help drive your career forward. Need to freshen up your interview skills? Check out our Resource Hub.