What Defines an Exceptional Software Engineer?
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Concept of a Good Software Engineer
I often ask those involved in software development, “How would you define a good software engineer?” The responses I receive vary widely. Perspectives seem to shift based on individual roles: managers often emphasize understanding tasks, meeting deadlines, and possessing necessary skills. In contrast, mid-level and senior engineers frequently highlight “passion,” familiarity with tools and frameworks, and a strong work ethic. QA engineers view them as experts capable of writing flawless code, while team leaders typically look for a blend of soft and hard skills, expecting timely completion of tasks and proactive problem reporting.
Some seasoned engineers or architects might respond with, “That’s a very broad question…” However, I argue that it’s not as complex as it seems. This question is inherently personal, meant to uncover individual perspectives.
The crucial aspect is that exceptional engineers exhibit strong computational thinking—essentially the ability to dissect complex issues. This skill can be more valuable than basic technical knowledge. According to Hackerrank, programming is fundamentally about problem-solving; hence, a competent software engineer must possess robust problem-solving abilities. Initially, I considered labeling this attribute as "Problem-Solving Skills," but it transcends that definition. It encompasses not only the act of resolving issues but also the methodology and whether the right issues are being addressed. The process involves logical reasoning, breaking down problems, consulting documentation, and ultimately architecting effective solutions.
Chapter 2: Focusing on the Right Problems
Regarding the concept of “the right problem,” the most effective engineers I’ve collaborated with are not those who clock in excessive hours. Rather, they are the ones who prioritize solving the correct issues from the outset. As articulated by thought leaders like Tyler Treat and Phil Haack, software engineers are not merely compensated for writing code. Our real value lies in addressing business challenges, enhancing operations, and optimizing processes. The code we produce is simply a byproduct of tackling those core issues.
They have an intrinsic desire to learn
A key trait of outstanding software engineers is their eagerness to learn. Technology evolves rapidly, and the skills that are relevant today may become obsolete tomorrow. A proficient engineer possesses an innate drive to acquire new knowledge, recognizing that their field is in constant flux. As noted by Robert S. Martin in The Clean Coder, dedicating a portion of your time to personal growth—beyond just fulfilling job responsibilities—is essential for staying competitive.
All the time! Just now I had to look up how re.split() works with optional capturing groups in the regex.
— Guido van Rossum (@gvanrossum) December 11, 2018
Understanding that even the most brilliant minds face challenges can provide comfort. Genius is characterized by perseverance, the ability to embrace mistakes, and the willingness to learn from them. Instead of fearing failure, one should view it as a valuable opportunity for growth.
They seek out the source of truth
Documentation, tests, and even people can be misleading—often unintentionally. To truly grasp how something functions, one must investigate the source directly. Don’t shy away from unfamiliar languages; if you suspect an error in a Python C library, dig into it. You might find insights you didn’t expect. While proprietary environments can complicate this process, the principle remains valid.
In contrast, less effective engineers tend to avoid source code exploration, relying instead on third-party opinions, which can lead to prolonged problem-solving times.
They have a passion for excellence
Exceptional engineers are driven by a desire to improve not just themselves, but also their teams and organizations. Contrary to the stereotypical portrayal of the solitary hacker, real development occurs within collaborative teams.
The sooner you start coding with others, the more beneficial it will be. Contributing to open-source projects, engaging in pair programming, and participating in code reviews are excellent ways to gain experience.
And they elevate their peers
Great software engineers don’t isolate themselves; they actively seek to communicate with others for knowledge exchange. They mentor peers when possible and aim to understand the product, business strategy, and company goals to enhance overall performance.
I often observe a prevalent issue among software engineers known as the “Not My Problem” mentality. This attitude manifests when an engineer completes their assigned tasks without regard for broader implications, such as poor interfaces or confusing function arguments. However, a responsible engineer recognizes that any product-related issue is their responsibility to address. Quality gates, completion definitions, linting, documentation, and test coverage are all part of their commitment to excellence.
These reflections encapsulate my views on what constitutes a good engineer. What qualities do you believe define an exceptional engineer? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for taking the time to read! If you have any questions, feel free to comment and engage in fruitful discussions! Also, check out my blog or connect with me on Twitter or subscribe to my Telegram channel.
Plan for your success!