You're aiming for career growth as an application developer. What skills should you focus on?

A well-rounded developer is adept in several programming languages, each serving different purposes and platforms. While proficiency in languages like JavaScript, Python, Java, and C# is valuable, consider C++ which provides more security in apps and Kotlin which is more concise and new evolving language.

To grow as an application developer, focus on: 1. Programming Proficiency: Deepen knowledge in C#.NET, JavaScript, and Python. 2. Frameworks: Master .NET Core, Angular, and React.js. 3. Cloud Technologies: Learn Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. 4. Database Management: Strengthen skills in SQL Server, MySQL, and MongoDB. 5. DevOps and CI/CD: Familiarize with Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and GitHub Actions. 6. Software Architecture: Study DDD, microservices, and design patterns. 7. Agile Methodologies: Gain experience in Scrum and Kanban. 8. Security: Understand secure coding practices. 9. Soft Skills: Develop problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. 10. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with tech trends.

Concentrate on code, in big teams there are people for other task. Your job is to write code, be a master in your chosen language.

While coding skills form the technical backbone of application development, design acumen is equally vital for crafting effective and user-friendly applications. Design acumen involves understanding and applying principles of visual and user experience design to create compelling, intuitive, and efficient applications. Design acumen is not just an add-on to your development skills but a crucial component of delivering successful applications. By focusing on user experience and interface design, responsive design, prototyping, accessibility, and collaboration, you enhance your ability to create applications that are not only functional but also engaging and user-friendly.

As an application developer aiming for career growth, focusing on programming languages is essential for writing efficient and scalable code. Cloud computing skills are crucial to developing and deploying applications in modern, scalable environments. Database management is vital for handling data storage, retrieval, and security, which are core aspects of most applications. Additionally, mastering software design and architecture helps in creating robust and maintainable applications that stand the test of time. Prioritizing these skills will equip you with a strong foundation to excel in our development career.

Agile methodologies emphasize flexibility, collaboration, and customer-centricity, making them essential for modern software development. Mastering Agile practices is a significant asset for career growth as an application developer. By understanding Agile principles, frameworks, and methodologies, and continuously improving your practices, you can contribute to more effective and responsive development teams. Using Agile will not only enhance your project management skills but also position you as a leader in delivering high-quality, value-driven software solutions.

Based on what I've seen in the companies one of the most crucial soft skills is communication. In the beginning my communication was direct which could be a challenge for co-workers, so I've worked on that to try to shift the way I communicate per person. Based on personal experiences, it seems that changing your communication style per person gives everyone the feeling that you hear and understand them. If you combine this with your own problem-solving, and team work skills it will definitely benefit you in the long run. Keep in my you work with people. Everyone wants to be treated in a good way, and treating others good will help out.

While technical skills are crucial for an application developer, soft skills are equally important for career advancement. Soft skills enable you to work effectively with teams, communicate ideas clearly, and navigate workplace challenges. By enhancing your communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership abilities, you position yourself for greater opportunities and success in your career. Balancing technical expertise with robust soft skills will not only make you a more effective team member but also help you navigate the complexities of the tech industry with confidence and professionalism.

Staying on top of all the latest trends within the software development world seems like a full-time job sometimes. And while staying on top of them all will certainly help you, my suggestion is picking a niche which you enjoy and thrive in. When you work in a niche branch or when you are specialized within one certain area, it is easy to stay on top of it. Meaning you can easier track the latest and hot topics coming up. You don't have to follow everything, just make sure you following the most important news that is essential for you. And sometimes following some stuff outside your bubble can be enlightening and useful for in the future.

You can always find online resources, and courses, read articles and books, and follow people who are ahead of you in terms of career. Personally, I think the best way is to work with people with more experience than you. This is the fastest track to achieve a higher level. Ask for feedback, be open to critics, and ask for Ressources to excel in your work.

My journey of continuous learning consists out of accepting that I don't know everything and being fine with learning things that interest me. In the last few years I've been following courses that might have little to no direct impact in my job however, I decided to pick them up because they interested me. And if I can give one advice it is to learn what interests you. Learning more and more about your current job/specialization is good and I think this can be nicely paired with learning something that is coming from pure interest. You might have no direct and immediate use of it, but maybe there is something that you can implement now or in the future.