It’s upgrade time again, WordPress 2.0.4 has been released (changed files list & zip), and after a fairly painless upgrade (instructions, though I didn’t follow the method they suggest), seems quite stable. This release sports over 60 changes, clearing up a fair number of small issues, as well as a few security fixes.
If you have a WordPress powered blog, it’s worth the upgrade.
Recently a programmer I know decided that it was time for a career change, leaving the IT field entirely. This gave me cause to think; what does it take to be a great developer. Many people go through school believing they have what it takes, only to receive a rude awaking once they enter the real world.
Before I go on, I think it’s important to define what I mean by developer, and the differences between a developer and a programmer. Here are a few key aspects that every great developer most possess:
- Is able to take a very basic list of requirements and develop a stable and maintainable application design and architecture.
- Understands that working with end users is critical in creating great software.
- Has an intense desire to not just learn, but to know everything about the field they work in.
- Loves software, and creating it.
There are many programmers, but developers are fewer but add far more value than a programmer. Eric Sink defines a developer as “programmers who also contribute in non-coding ways” – I think it’s important to understand that coding is just one part of creating great software, and the great user experience that goes with it.
But I digress, back to the topic. When new programmers come out of school, they often have little idea of what the industry is truly like. They often believe that they have a strong understanding of the industry, the methods and techniques used, and what life will be like working as a programmer. The reality they expect many times doesn’t resemble the reality they experience.
To succeed, new programmers need to expand their knowledge and try to become true developers, not just programmers. Unless they find jobs at a major software development company, such as Microsoft, odds are they will need these extra skills to get ahead.
Learning how to better troubleshoot issues, working with end users that are having issues, or have ideas for changes will be a step forward to become a developer. Another item to focus on is finding an understanding of design and architecture so that they are more capable of designing a maintainable large-scale application; a key value for small development groups.
To be a great developer, programmers must have a passion for software, both in using and creating. This is something missing in many of the recent graduates I’ve met. These are the programmers that will end up going the route of changing careers; those without a passion simply won’t make it.
Note: This is from the perspective of small software teams; larger groups may have somewhat different priorities.
Here’s a great little feature I just heard about to make the always useful though mostly featureless Notepad utility even more useful. If you create a new file and put “.LOG” (case-sensitive) as the first thing in the file, each time you open the file after that it will append a timestamp to the end of the file. While you could just press the “F5” button to insert the timestamp, this does have the advantage of added simplicity.
Microsoft has a knowledge base article on this feature, it indicates that the feature is supported on Windows 98 & Me, but my tests indicate it is also present in 2000 & XP.
This is a great feature if you need to keep manual logs, I think this just might come in handy.
The third edition of ValleySchwag has arrived. Yet again, there is a nice collection of goodies – well worth the membership fee.
While a bit less loaded than last time , I’m still quite impressed with the package they’ve put together. The two big hits this time are the rather cool shirt from imeem and the laptop bag (see below) from MI6. While the bag doesn’t have the padding of my regular bag, it’s a lot lighter, so I know it’ll see some use.
All in all, I’m quite happy with this months package, and I’ll certainly be looking forward to the next round. For those interested, here’s a list of vendor’s that provided something cool for this months package:
- imeem – Mostly-cool t-shirt
- MI6 – The laptop bag pictured above.
- jeteye – A useful little pen (the clicky type, that are so useful for annoying those in near-by cubicles).
- Channel 9 – Microsoft’s Channel 9 provided a highly throw-able version of their mascot, Channel 9 Guy.
- Macromedia – A might-be-useful-someday key chain (bottom left corner of the picture above.
- There are also about 5 other companies that provided stickers.
If you own, or are starting a small software business – or perhaps you’re still daydreaming about your future empire while slaving away in your cubicle,I’ve got another must-read for you. Five Things Every Micro-ISV Should Know About Intellectual Property is a (very) quick & dirty introduction to some of the legal issues all developers need to be aware of, especially those looking to go into business.
