A day in the life of a developer

As the world goes paperless gradually, it is evident that software is ubiquitous. Software development is one of the most sought-after jobs in the world, courtesy the respect it amasses, and most certainly, the lucrative pay.

“Geeks are people who love something so much that all the details matter.”— Marissa Mayer

However, the world of software development and life of software engineers, developers etc. is not much known to many, who aspire to live the intellectually stimulating life of computer engineers.

How exactly is the day in the life of a software developer? Do you have it in you to make it to the software developer lifestyle? Read on to know if this is your cup of tea!

What Is Software?

Simplistically, it’s the very notion opposed to hardware, i.e. tangible components of computer devices. Software, as intangible apparatus of computer-device usages, means the definite set of instructions, data or programs as is utilized for core operative purposes and the execution of particular tasks.

“Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning.” – Rich Cook

Software is divided into 10 distinct types mainly including:

• Web and Mobile Application Development
• Back-End
• API
• Embedded-Systems;

and also the up-and-coming discipline of data science. Another popular mode of classification, despite the often-occurring overlap, is the system software programming software and application software.

What Is The Gist Of The Term Software Development

Software development implies creating from scratch the entire software, from the conception of its basic idea to introducing certain features for adaptability, to the actual delivery of the product. Maintenance and providing support to the user on software-deployment are also parts of the software development ecosystem.

At this juncture, another term must be known to us, namely ‘SDLC’. SDLC is an acronym for Software Development Life Cycle. Though the nature of the two would make it slightly paradoxical, one of the easiest ways to understand SDLC is to compare it with the creation of a storybook.

“To go faster, slow down. Everybody who knows about orbital mechanics understands that”.- Scott Cherf

A storybook to be published involves several steps such as coming up with a plot, sketching out characters, writing the story, editing and proofreading, printing and publication and also the newer editions with suitable changes if required.

Similarly, in the case of software, the existence thereof is shaped by writing the codes, defining appropriate objects, fixing errors in code, trial-run, debugging, delivery and post-delivery maintenance and troubleshooting.

A Typical Day In The Life Of A Software Developer

Software is central to the functioning of businesses in the 21st Century. Corporations either have their in-house software development departments, which is especially seen in case of massive business conglomerations or may even outsource the software development projects.

A major part of the role of the software developer involves ensuring the upkeep of the SDLC. Let’s have a look at a day in the life of a software developer.

The Day Begins… – 7 AM

When? Well, as is a popular practice, most cases, it is up to you to decide. Flexible timings are common in the world of software developers.

Moving a step further ahead of Flexi-timings, even before the pandemic, many full-time software developmental employees could choose to work from home at times, with relative ease than most other professions.

Mail Matters – 9 AM

System down in the neighbourhood office? Or worse, halfway across the globe? Time-zone differences and round-the-clock operations in most businesses make emails the most powerful connector between user and developer in case of any issues or even to specify requirements of the clients.

The mails could even be from higher-ups if the Key Results Area or the Key Focus Area are to be reconsidered in case of exigencies.

Knowledge Update – 10 AM

An essential part of a software engineer’s life is to remain abreast of the current trends, whether in the manner of newer methods of reducing code load or development in multi-utility software packages.

Similarly, the fundamental coding languages may take on improved versions, which must also be known to the software developer.

Set The Logic Right – 11 AM

Setting the right logic, including the accurate set of conditions and loops as per user requirements lies at the very heart of software development.

This entails a good deal of research and designing. A flawed piece of logic might not even work for the trial run, so it is crucial to get this right.

Get Coding – 12 PM

Getting there, finally. Flex those muscles a bit, for they’re going to have to keep up with the superspeed at which the brain’s generating those invaluable lines of code.

As a matter of practice, most software developers habitually type in on their IDE software platform ‘code comments’ which are statements not required in the code but are helpful in development to the software developer.

….. LUNCH BREAK….. 1:30 PM

Meetings – 2 PM

Almost all software development teams have zap-meetings or standing-meetings daily. These quick and happening meetings play a very important role in the day in the life of a coder.

At these flash meetings, the team reports to the leader, the stages at which they are, of their respective projects and the hurdles they’re facing.

A collaborative approach is adopted to solve the issue. Besides, occasionally, meetings with higher-management for briefings on major projects or technology overhaul are not uncommon.

Code… Again – 3 PM

Following the stand-up meetings, discussions with colleagues, its time to touch-up on the code. Though seemingly autonomous, the work of software developer intricately involves a team approach.

Verification Stage – 5 PM

The code might be prepared but is far from ready. At this stage comes in the review of code, which is commonly known as ‘pull request’ in the software developer parlance. Here, the developer places the code for review by a colleague on various Distributed Version Control System.

Provide Support – 6 PM

Providing support to users by troubleshooting the problems emerging or modifying the software to adapt to ever-changing needs of businesses is also central to a day in the life of a software developer.

Besides these, they may also have to undertake particular tasks like creating relevant documentation at the time of software-launches, undertake quality-assurance procedures, testing codes etc. This daily hustle, being very rewarding mentally and financially, the software developer lifestyle is a path with high-flying growth opportunities.