Rethinking My Developer Career Through Influential Writers
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Chapter 1: The Impact of Writing on Software Development
In today's tech landscape, developers who also write hold significant power. Few software engineers possess the skill to articulate their thoughts in writing, and even fewer delve into critical discussions about software engineering. I admire those who offer unique insights on improving practices or adopting unconventional approaches.
This article highlights five notable experts who excel in both software development and writing.
Section 1.1: Erik Dietrich
Erik Dietrich runs the blog DaedTech, which encompasses a wide array of topics. From his entrepreneurial ventures to insightful career advice, his content is extensive and enriching. His writings have particularly influenced my understanding of team dynamics, workplace politics, and the perceived value developers bring to a business. Noteworthy pieces include:
- How Developers Stop Learning: Rise of the Expert Beginner
- Don’t Learn to Code — Learn to Automate
Additionally, his book, Developer Hegemony, is a must-read.
Section 1.2: Charity Majors
Charity Majors has maintained a robust engineering blog for several years, providing invaluable advice that challenges traditional work organization and highlights various career trajectories. Her insights on leading technical teams and navigating career advancements have been particularly beneficial. Some of her standout articles are:
- The Engineer/Manager Pendulum
- Notes on the Perfidy of Dashboards
- On Call Shouldn’t Suck: A Guide For Managers
Chapter 2: Insights from Engineering Management
The first video explores the pitfalls that can jeopardize an author’s career, offering valuable lessons that are also applicable to developers.
Section 2.1: Marc Littlemore
Marc Littlemore's blog is tailored for engineering managers, focusing on team dynamics. While primarily aimed at managers, the content is rich with technical insights beneficial to all engineers. His email newsletter is filled with links to other writers worth exploring. Some of his top articles include:
- Asking for Feedback as a Leader
- Be a Force Multiplier
- How to Write High-Quality Unit Tests
Section 2.2: Julia Evans
Julia Evans’ blog and zines are incredible resources for understanding the nuances of software engineering. She excels at demystifying complex topics, making them accessible. Her content covers various areas, including work, interviewing, and skill development. Check out her technical posts on TCP, the Linux kernel, and database internals. Notable resources include:
- How Do You Decide What to Work On?
- Questions I’m Asking in Interviews
- How I Learned to Program in 10 Years
Chapter 3: New Perspectives from Andrew Hao
This second video features Adam Grant discussing the multifaceted nature of his career, which resonates with engineers seeking diverse paths.
Andrew Hao is a relatively new addition to my reading list, but his extensive background in writing about senior engineering, team management, and product ownership is impressive. Recent readings include:
- A Staff Engineer’s Guide to Career Development
- Consider Consulting
- The Product Owner Engineer: What If There Were No PMs?
Conclusion: Continual Learning in Software Engineering
The most accomplished software engineers I know are always eager to read and expand their knowledge in the field. By following these writers, you'll gain access to a wealth of insights and resources to enhance your career.