#DevDiscuss Archive

Tuesday October 23, 2018
9:00 PM EDT
  • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
    Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • dangolant Oct 23 @ 9:05 PM EDT
    https://t.co/FQTKfXznpG Am I gonna beat @ASpittel to linking this post?? 😂 #devdiscuss
  • kylegalbraith Oct 23 @ 9:06 PM EDT
    One skill, the most important skill requires ZERO code. Its name.....COMMUNICATION. #DevDiscuss
  • dangolant Oct 23 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    Hot take: cooking. Plenty of competing schools of thought / approaches, good for you, emphasizes patience, timing, sequence, and planning. Or maybe I’m just hungry #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • ASpittel Oct 23 @ 9:07 PM EDT
    My top non-coding skills: - Empathy - Problem Solving - Collaboration - Communication - Inclusiveness - Patience - Creativity - Humility - Confidence - Adaptability - Community Participation Here's why: https://t.co/cEmt6zPV3t #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    non-coding skills that makes me a better developer: -Boundary setting. -Communicating effectively and transparently. #DevDiscuss
  • shannon_crabill Oct 23 @ 9:08 PM EDT
    Bonus: I've been told my snack game is on point #DevDiscuss
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:09 PM EDT
    As I am developing my blog, and hopefully a side hustle...I've been using my rusty PR and marketing skills from college. I've found it really helpful and fun to apply it about a topic I am passionate about. #DevDiscuss
  • miirrory Oct 23 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    #devdiscuss One of the biggest underrated non-coding skills for devs is, I would say, to not be afraid to ask for help. Teamwork makes the dream work ✨
  • shiftyp Oct 23 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    Compassion is my non-coding secret skill. It makes me a better teammate, a better mentor, a better a11y, a better person for myself and others. #DevDiscuss
  • _echeatham Oct 23 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    The obvious answer here is “communication” but what does that mean? Whatever it means for you it’s super important that it includes some level of mutual respect and understanding. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • ASpittel Oct 23 @ 9:10 PM EDT
    You can get better at these skills by thinking about how your actions affect other people, and just trying. Like any other skill, practicing and wanting to improve is 1/2 the battle. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:11 PM EDT
    I cannot believe I forgot that one! Such a great one, compassion! #DevDiscuss
    • shiftyp Oct 23 @ 9:10 PM EDT
      Compassion is my non-coding secret skill. It makes me a better teammate, a better mentor, a better a11y, a better person for myself and others. #DevDiscuss
  • kylegalbraith Oct 23 @ 9:11 PM EDT
    Other skills IMHO... #DevDiscuss - Problem-solving - Empathy - Patience - Eagerness to learn - Explaining technical topics to non-technical folks
  • bendhalpern Oct 23 @ 9:12 PM EDT
    I've got some art skills. Here's Homer on a pumpkin. The thing is, I'm not a designer, not primarily a frontend developer. It's not critical that skills map 1-to-1 simply. I prefer lower level modeling and problem solving. Still sure my art skills apply. #DevDiscuss
    • bendhalpern Oct 6 @ 10:05 PM EDT
      This year, I invested in pumpkins. They've been going up the whole month of October and I got a feeling they're going to peak right around January. Then, bang! That's when I'll cash in.
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    Also, let's be real. SEO and google analytics are really freakin' hard. I am still trying to figure out how to assess all those things, even though they don't have much to do with programming. #DevDiscuss
  • kylegalbraith Oct 23 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    100% agree. Communication means different things to different folks, but I think in general it almost always includes don't be an ass hole to one another. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @_echeatham
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:13 PM EDT
    Did you know I am a makeup artist on the side? It's where my inner diva comes out. I know developers are never divas...ever :) #DevDiscuss
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:14 PM EDT
    For me, it's active listening. Never making assumptions and clarifying any assumptions I make...at least in a developer context. Actually let's be real, that is totally applicable in other contexts. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @kylegalbraith, @_echeatham
  • IgnoreIntuition Oct 23 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    Learn to ask question. More specifically: - Think through and ask the right questions - Express willingness to answer other peoples questions - Clarify if it is evident that the person did not understand the question - Your question is not dumb #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • nickytonline Oct 23 @ 9:15 PM EDT
    Communication, persistence, comraderie, ability to adapt. It's good to do things outside of programming as well. I found sports helped me with a lot of these key non-coding skills. #devdiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:17 PM EDT
    Joining for my first #devdiscuss! Hello! Random skill: I know how to design and draft theater sets. It's what I studied in college. Keeping paperwork organized, working within budgets, and of course, telling a compelling story can translate into coding, for sure.
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • dangolant Oct 23 @ 9:17 PM EDT
    Feel like it’s also one part “knowing when to walk away” when you’re feeling frustrated, and supporting people to dig deeper when the natural urge is to cop out #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @kylegalbraith, @_echeatham
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:17 PM EDT
    Ability to adapt: good one! So true. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @nickytonline
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:18 PM EDT
    So true. Usually if I take a walk, 9 times out of 10, I figure out at least a new thing to try to solve the problem. #DevDiscuss
    • dangolant Oct 23 @ 9:17 PM EDT
      Feel like it’s also one part “knowing when to walk away” when you’re feeling frustrated, and supporting people to dig deeper when the natural urge is to cop out #DevDiscuss
      In reply to @kylegalbraith, @_echeatham
  • MattHutchison43 Oct 23 @ 9:18 PM EDT
    Job-related: active and participatory communication. Our users do not think like developers or engineers. They are accountants, scientists, teachers, administrators. They often do not have to vocabulary to communicate on our terms. It's our job to sort it out. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:19 PM EDT
    Resume Writing. I feel like this is one of those things we forget is super valuable until we are searching for a new gig. #DevDiscuss
  • dangolant Oct 23 @ 9:19 PM EDT
    I would add “encouragement”. I value the people I’ve worked with who’ve encouraged me or validated that some things are hard, more than anyone. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @kylegalbraith
  • bendhalpern Oct 23 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    Decision-making, in the abstract, is a tremendous non-coding skill. A really great book on making smarter decisions: https://t.co/1Bht3on0BG Focus on process, not outcomes. #devdiscuss
  • IgnoreIntuition Oct 23 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    Learn how to cook. Play an instrument. Take a course on how to paint. Do something that you don’t think will come natural to you so that you challenge yourself. This can help you take a critical look at yourself and force you to seek advice or help from others. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • kylegalbraith Oct 23 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    Solid written communication is another non coding skill that is very important. Especially in remote teams. #DevDiscuss
  • vlvrdv Oct 23 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    i love @ThePracticalDev, #devdiscuss and this answer ❤️
    • shiftyp Oct 23 @ 9:10 PM EDT
      Compassion is my non-coding secret skill. It makes me a better teammate, a better mentor, a better a11y, a better person for myself and others. #DevDiscuss
  • MattHutchison43 Oct 23 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    Job-related: patience with people, impatience with systems. It can take a long time to deal with other organizations, individuals, and companies. They all have other things to do. Computers are tools. If I get annoyed at how long something takes, so will my users. #DevDiscuss
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:20 PM EDT
    Walks are literal magic. And not just for coding. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @littlekope0903
  • kylegalbraith Oct 23 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    I was trying to find the right word to represent that. I think you nailed it with encouragement! #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @dangolant
  • dangolant Oct 23 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    “The power of a walk” is something my boss emphasizes that I’ve really taken to heart. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @littlekope0903
  • JamminGames Oct 23 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    secondly, going with communication is listening skills. Learn how to listen to what your client/manager is asking for. Being able to understand the intent of what they need vs their actual words is critical #devdiscuss
  • kellyjandrews Oct 23 @ 9:21 PM EDT
    Two random non coding skills: 1. Operatically trained tenor, and avid karaoke singer 2. Magic (Illusions) Both of these skills take a lot of practice and rehearsal. This translates into coding because you don't get better without practice. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • jibbi_ Oct 23 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    #devdiscuss non coding skill that helps me be a better dev: requirement gathering/spec editing. I can hack up a spec like your least favorite teacher. i red pen that shit UP. random non-coding skills: i sew (bags, quilts, some clothes??) & i collect and fix old sewing machines
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • ChangLeeTW Oct 23 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    I’m still working on this — hold off speaking when listening — speaking less makes me understand others better and think more. But I have a tendency to jump in 😔. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    Definitely, and learning a new skill, especially something you might not be naturally good at, can make you feel humble. Keeps egos in check! #devdiscuss
    In reply to @IgnoreIntuition
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:22 PM EDT
    Not sure if this is a skill or not, but I can dumbbell press 2 30lb dumbbells. #DevDiscuss
  • _echeatham Oct 23 @ 9:23 PM EDT
    All communication would be better if unwarranted assumptions were left at the door #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @littlekope0903, @kylegalbraith
  • IgnoreIntuition Oct 23 @ 9:23 PM EDT
    Perfectly stated. It is amazing how much good a slice of humble pie can be. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @lafriedel
  • TheOriginalBPC Oct 23 @ 9:23 PM EDT
    A lot of the non-coding skills I bring to coding are what I've done when I was teaching. The skills I used as a teacher still come in handy when I am coding especially in how I explain what is happening in my code to others. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    Not getting so excited about your coding solution that you constantly interrupt others at the table. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. #DevDiscuss
  • PreciselyAlyss Oct 23 @ 9:24 PM EDT
    1) Learn about cognitive biases 2) Try to identify your own curse(s) of knowledge when trying to mentor others and discuss problems #devdiscuss
  • JamesChevalier Oct 23 @ 9:26 PM EDT
    I think patience is a pretty important non-coding skill for developers. We can spend a lot of time in one spot, whether we’re stuck on something or working to improve it. Results aren’t usually immediate, and the process isn’t always easy. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • MattHutchison43 Oct 23 @ 9:27 PM EDT
    Non-related: musician in a group (band, orchestra, w/e). Hard to explain. It's situtational awareness in real-time, it's depending on others, it's months of planning and organization, it's disaster recovery. It's a powerful expression of multiconscious teamwork???? #DevDiscuss
  • _echeatham Oct 23 @ 9:27 PM EDT
    Another super important non-coding skill is self care. The love for the 100 hour work week founder hustle needs to go. It’s not healthy and you’ll burn yourself out before you get close to your goal #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:27 PM EDT
    I have a good friend who is a red pen fanatic (mostly for writing - she happily reads and edits my cover letters etc) AND she sews and fixes sewing machines. Y'all need a niche club! How many machines do you own? #devdiscuss
    In reply to @jibbi_
  • bendhalpern Oct 23 @ 9:28 PM EDT
    Ability to put one's self "in the zone". You've identified a problem. You could either get it done this week with a lot of random tasks slowly taken care of in-between. Or do it today. Not always the right approach, but a great skill to have when you need it. #DevDiscuss
  • bereninga Oct 23 @ 9:29 PM EDT
    Good non-coding skill: being able to research effectively. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • nickytonline Oct 23 @ 9:29 PM EDT
    Another non-coding skill is taking care of yourself. Going to the gym, stepping outside during your work day, diet, sleeping etc. Having said that I haven't done a good job of that with myself in the past few months. Gotta get back on that horse 🐴#devdiscuss
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    How to improve communication: -Try your best to ask if about other's and your own assumptions. Are you basing your response on an assumption? -Active Listening, repeat back how you understood what someone said. #DevDiscuss
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    Any sort of communication skill: oral or written. Being able to explain what you've done, what you're going to do, what still needs to be done, how things have been done, possible solutions, etc. From commenting in code to emails to business meetings to presentations. #devdiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • BradWestness Oct 23 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    Doing DIY projects (like replacing a sink, or changing your own oil) helps you to recognize the component parts of real-world systems in addition to abstract ones, and helps you more quickly recognize how to break down complex problems. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • sicnarf_revilo Oct 23 @ 9:30 PM EDT
    #devdiscuss interviewing stakeholders and understanding business needs :)
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • ASpittel Oct 23 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    I think teaching has really helped me with a lot of the non-coding skills. I definitely have to communicate well both in front of the classroom and in written materials. Blogging is also helpful here. Empathy + inclusion are also so important for teaching. #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:31 PM EDT
    How to you stop procrastinating? For me, I remind myself that "not feeling like doing something" doesn't actually impact my ability to do it. I am equally capable of doing the thing whether I feel like it or not. #DevDiscuss
  • kellyjandrews Oct 23 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    They also involve the interaction with people, performance and so much more. And the rest of the thread is waaaay higher class than mine. I took the low road here 😂 #DevDiscuss
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    Being able to walk away. Coding is an often frustrating experience. Bugs that weren't there are somehow now exist. Being able to know when you need to walk away for a few minutes (hours/day) to get some perspective is so key. And we don't do it often enough. #devdiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    How to improve? Next time you want to throw your laptop out the window go for a five minute walk. Or hangout in the break room. Eat that donut/chocolate bar/bag of chips. Anything to distract you. Then come back and look at it again. #devdiscuss
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:32 PM EDT
    1000%. I pretty much am out after 40-45 hrs unless something is on fire. And I will make it very clear to everyone involved that we need to make sure things don't catch on fire. That should not happen often. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @_echeatham
  • kylegalbraith Oct 23 @ 9:33 PM EDT
    I feel like this is often overlooked, but the ability to dig in and find answers is a good skill to have. It's equally important to know when you need to ask for help as well. #DevDiscuss
    • bereninga Oct 23 @ 9:29 PM EDT
      Good non-coding skill: being able to research effectively. #devdiscuss
      In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:33 PM EDT
    I think also there's the skill of working within a time constraint when you're considering a performance that is marketed and sells tickets. You have to be ready - the event can't just be delayed. So learning how to navigate and plan accordingly is essential. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @MattHutchison43
  • jacobbc71183 Oct 23 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    Being able to troubleshoot regardless of knowing the system. Sometimes I just click around until it’s fixed. Bottom line, never be afraid to take on challenges and fail. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:34 PM EDT
    How to improve? Try the rubber ducky method of debugging, so you get use to explaining problems aloud. Record yourself presenting. Go to meet ups and other low key / low stakes events. Look up toastmasters. Write blog posts (maybe on @ThePracticalDev). #devdiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • Antoinette0x53 Oct 23 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    #DevDiscuss
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:35 PM EDT
    Something that I re-learned a month ago is that most websites and apps are not life or death. This helps me with setting boundaries because it is not worth sacrificing your health for an app or website. #DevDiscuss
  • _echeatham Oct 23 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    I left a job that left me torched like once a quarter. I wish I could have seen that earlier before the stress really started to take a toll. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @littlekope0903
  • jake_varness Oct 23 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    Learning. Always keep learning. And don't ever assume or believe that you can stop. In today's world, technology evolves at a rapid pace. Don't get left in the dust: train that brain. #devdiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:36 PM EDT
    Identifying and researching the problem is usually 75% of the battle! #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @kylegalbraith
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:38 PM EDT
    Persistence is super valuable. But persistence when you're no longer thinking clearly leads to a lot of wasted time. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @KadoSocial, @ThePracticalDev
  • jnschrag Oct 23 @ 9:38 PM EDT
    Some non-coding skills that help me be a better dev: good communication, both technical and not; project management; willingness to admit when I’m wrong or don’t know something; and commitment to work/life boundaries. #DevDiscuss
  • JosephCastroR Oct 23 @ 9:39 PM EDT
    Good Communication #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • dangolant Oct 23 @ 9:42 PM EDT
    I feel like Life is about continuously learning that the number 1 thing you don’t want to do / think is dumb, is the one that will make the biggest positive impact. Maybe maturity is how quickly you do it. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @littlekope0903
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    Honestly, sometimes I get it done and then am like "wow now I don't have to do it anymore because I did it!! THIS IS AWESOME!" lol #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @dangolant
  • jnschrag Oct 23 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    Like most skills, I think you improve by doing. Some improvement will happen passively/by virtue of gaining more experience, but major improvement almost always requires intention. I try & actively reflect on how I’m communicating or spending my time to become better. #DevDiscuss
  • ViglioniLaura Oct 23 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    First of all math, which includes complexity analysis and [math] helps a lot in FP. Some level of laziness is good thing while coding. Creativity is essential in some situations. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • lethargilistic Oct 23 @ 9:43 PM EDT
    Non-coding skill undervalued in software: curating healthy snacks for your desk. Dehydrated fruit is better than junk food and satisfies munchies just as well. Stick them in the drawer. #DevDiscuss
  • Programazing Oct 23 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    Check out my website/blog at https://t.co/4DAQVTUa1s #DevDiscuss
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:45 PM EDT
    For sure! I'm not yet a professional dev but I assume that depending on the company one works for, it's probably difficult or impossible to budge deadlines, especially if someone else is the boss. So ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get it done (within reason). #devdiscuss
    In reply to @MattHutchison43
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:46 PM EDT
    I come from theater tech/design and "do what you gotta do" is a prevalent attitude that can really turn toxic, though, so I do hesitate to use it a lot. I'm realizing I'll need better boundary-setting skills going into a dev career so I don't succumb to old ways. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @MattHutchison43
  • _ackzell Oct 23 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    Figuring out the error I want to actually google (or ask my immediate peers about) is something I consider a skill. #devdiscuss
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:47 PM EDT
    👍👍 On admitting when wrong / don't know. You know, part of Masters / PhD defences are about finding limits of knowledge. There's no expectation when awarding those degrees that they *know* everything. It's super valuable to know what you *don't* know. #devdiscuss
    • jnschrag Oct 23 @ 9:38 PM EDT
      Some non-coding skills that help me be a better dev: good communication, both technical and not; project management; willingness to admit when I’m wrong or don’t know something; and commitment to work/life boundaries. #DevDiscuss
  • ASpittel Oct 23 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    Definitely, and you have to *know* things really solidly in order to teach them and answer the super left field questions that come up :) #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @Therealmarkw1
  • HugaoMarques Oct 23 @ 9:48 PM EDT
    @ThePracticalDev good non-coding skills. Have empathy for your peers and their problems. Listen to them and try to help. That earns trust and strengths bonds. #DevDiscuss
  • PameliPluas Oct 23 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    Personal capability: Learning. Interpersonal capabilities: Communication, Negotiation and Feedback. #devdiscuss There is a book 'Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual' that I'm reading now. My random skill: Make people laugh, really important for deadlines 🤣
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • chrome872 Oct 23 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    Being able to communicate thoughts, ideas, and basically anything in an effective manner is a skill that I think has miraculous benefit to anyone in any career field. Quite honestly, I think the only way you can improve on this skill, like most, is through practice. #DevDiscuss
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:49 PM EDT
    And if you're like me and will eat an entire bag of, well, any snack - go for things that come packaged in small portions. Or get good at pre-portioning ahead of time when not hungry. Snack time is a great time to get up and leave your desk for a bit too. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @lethargilistic
  • _ackzell Oct 23 @ 9:50 PM EDT
    Something that's helped me a lot is the additional spoken language. Tons and tons of resources are in English. #devdiscuss
  • jnschrag Oct 23 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    Yes! Even better when you have the skill to know when is the time to get in the zone and when you can afford to multitask. Experience has helped to teach me which tasks require full focus and which can be a little more leisurely. #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @bendhalpern
  • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    In the last few minutes of #DevDiscuss, does anybody have any news to share, like a project or a personal win, or any other announcement?
  • lafriedel Oct 23 @ 9:55 PM EDT
    SO MUCH THIS. I need to be better about this, especially because soon I'll be studying full time @lambdaschool and at home all day - just me and my pantry. #devdiscuss
    In reply to @akajb84, @lethargilistic, @LambdaSchool
  • jibbi_ Oct 23 @ 9:56 PM EDT
    YES. today past me was smart and not an idiot. i cannot tell you how few times past me is not an idiot. (i wrote code a year ago we needed in a big hurry today) #devdiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • DarkainMX Oct 23 @ 9:57 PM EDT
    I'd like to formally announce that I missed #devdiscuss tonight because I was eating dinner! :P
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • kylegalbraith Oct 23 @ 9:57 PM EDT
    My latest blog post was trending on Hacker News today, that was pretty cool! Static website hosting held out as well 😅. If you want to get hosting figured out in AWS, check out my Learn AWS By Using It course: https://t.co/8HBXfPNqkK #DevDiscuss
  • ASpittel Oct 23 @ 9:57 PM EDT
    Three posts: Non programming skills: https://t.co/cEmt6zPV3t Computer setup: https://t.co/RhhAaONwPQ How to maintain OSS: https://t.co/yMiDHeHtrs I also opened up https://t.co/LfBq5X80Cm to contributors, #hacktoberfest people 👀! https://t.co/4zaywDOlvn #DevDiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:55 PM EDT
      In the last few minutes of #DevDiscuss, does anybody have any news to share, like a project or a personal win, or any other announcement?
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:58 PM EDT
    Oh, one more - Understanding that time spent is a terrible indicator of well, anything except time spent. More time doesn't mean better programmer, better solution, better anything. Neither does less time. Figure out the speed at which *you* work. #devdiscuss
    • ThePracticalDev Oct 23 @ 9:04 PM EDT
      Time for #devdiscuss Tonight's topic is: Non-coding skills - What are some non-code skills that make you a better developer? - How do you improve these skills? - What are your non-coding skills that help you as a dev? - Bonus: What are your other random non-coding skills?
  • rikturr Oct 23 @ 9:58 PM EDT
    Design! I’m not a designer or UX but having an eye for design and usability goes a long way #devdiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • littlekope0903 Oct 23 @ 9:58 PM EDT
    A new a11y blog post dropped this morning: https://t.co/Q0XdaGdX9N Also, I am starting to work on my a11y for JS Developer course outline. If you're interested in my project, sign up for updates: https://t.co/w8bGbKzQSb #DevDiscuss
    In reply to @ThePracticalDev
  • akajb84 Oct 23 @ 9:59 PM EDT
    Improving on this - jobs that are not about time in chairs and more about tasks completed. Stop beating yourself up if something took 4 hours that you expected to be 2. Or gloating if it took you 10 minutes and someone else an hour. #devdiscuss