SEPT 12, 2024
At BetterBe, we enable thousands of vehicle leases across Europe everyday thanks to the hard work of our development team (seriously, they put the “pro” in “programmer”). To celebrate International Programmers’ Day, we asked them to compile a list of tips and advice they have for anyone in the profession. Here’s what they came up with.
Paradigm > Language
From the deep ocean of programming languages out there, it can be a daunting task to fish out the ones you would like to specialize in. Sandra, one of our lead product engineers, sets the record straight, “It’s not the language that matters as much as how you think in it. The programming paradigm —whether it’s object-oriented or procedural or logical or otherwise— is what really shapes your approach.” Understanding the deeper structure behind programming languages allows for flexibility, regardless of the language used.
Question the Status Quo of Quality
Product Specialist Martijn explains, “For successful results, it is important that the team shares a definition of good quality code and a commitment to delivering quality results.” We want to be able to trust each other to deliver quality, but also to give and receive honest constructive feedback. That shared commitment to quality requires that we are prepared to challenge ourselves and our team. And that we apply a rigorous testing process. There’s more than enough shoddy software out there already. Let’s not add to that.
Ask for Help (Early on)
As the development team’s newest recruit Jip shares, “Always ask for help. The sooner the better.” You might feel vulnerable to admit you don’t understand something, but your teammates are more-often-than-not happy to help you find solutions. Humans are pack animals -we’re here to help one other. Asking for help early is the easiest way to remove barriers and make progress. At BetterBe, asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
Look at the Bigger Picture
Product Owner Steven highlights that programming isn’t just about writing code, it’s about creating solutions that last. “Focus on creating robust solutions. That means you’re going to need a lot of meetings.” Sufficient planning will help you consider the long-term impact and scalability of your work, ensuring it remains adaptable as technology evolves. That’s how you stand out.
Just. Go. For. It.
Lack of confidence in one’s abilities can be a major stumbling block. Software architect Peter knows this all too well. “Don’t second-guess yourself, even if you’re a fresh university graduate. Chances are you know what you are doing.” There will be chances to review your work later, but confidence in your skills can help you move forward.
Whether you’re a seasoned coder or writing your first “for” loop, we hope this advice helps take your programming to the next level.