Being a junior developer is an exciting stage, but it's often filled with challenges and learning experiences. Looking back, many developers realize that there were several things they would have liked to know at the beginning of their careers. This article delves into the valuable lessons and advice that I would have wished to receive when starting out in the field.

1. Don't Neglect the Basics !!!

One of the most common mistakes made by junior developers is to focus solely on memorizing syntax and using ready-made solutions. In reality, understanding the fundamental concepts of programming and specific languages is essential. This enables more effective problem-solving, adaptation of solutions to needs, and building a solid foundation for further development.

2. Read the Documentation

Reading, re-reading, and reading documentation again is often underestimated, but it can make all the difference in the development process. Junior developers should learn to read and create accurate documentation from the start. This facilitates collaboration with other team members, understanding libraries and frameworks, and contributes to quick problem resolution.

3. Learn How to Learn

The development industry evolves rapidly with new technologies and emerging best practices constantly. Developers should become familiar with the idea that learning never stops. Participating in online courses, following relevant blogs, and working on personal projects are all ways to stay updated and continue evolving.

4. Code Simply, Then Format the Code

It's easy to fall into the trap of wanting to write perfect code from the start. However, it's more important to focus on efficient problem-solving. Developers should learn to iterate, test their ideas quickly, and improve gradually. Perfection comes with experience.

5. Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions and Seek Help

Development isn't limited to just programming. Communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders is crucial for understanding needs, sharing ideas, and solving problems. Developers should cultivate their communication skills to become valuable team members.

6. Don't Fear Failure

Making mistakes is part of learning, so don't be afraid of making them. Even great software developers have been fired, made mistakes, and felt down, but what makes them great is that they rise and learn from their mistakes. Don't be discouraged by errors or bugs; use them as learning and growth opportunities.

7. Contribute to Open Source Software

You'll learn a lot by contributing to an open-source project, so by helping the community, you're helping yourself, and maintainers are happy. Start small and learn about the project; begin with a framework/tool you use. There are many ways to contribute to open-source projects, such as reporting a bug, reproducing the bug, and writing code to fix a bug or implement a new feature.

8. Be Open to Feedback and Criticism

Receiving constructive feedback on your code is a chance to learn and improve. Be open to critiques and consider them as opportunities for growth. Practicing egoless programming can be beneficial.

9. Manage Your Time

Development can be time-intensive. Learn to manage your time by planning, setting priorities, and avoiding getting overwhelmed by secondary tasks. The day you're satisfied with your development is the day you'll no longer grow.

10. Version Your Code (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket ...)

Use a version control system like Git from the start. This allows you to track the evolution of your code, collaborate more effectively with other developers, and revert changes if necessary.

11. Enjoy the Journey

Taking breaks and vacations is essential to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Schedule short, regular breaks throughout the day to rest your mind. Techniques like the Pomodoro technique recommend working for about 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. Use this time to stand up, stretch, take deep breaths, or simply step away from your screen.

Don't underestimate the importance of vacations. Plan your time off in advance and make sure to adhere to it. When you go on vacation, truly disconnect from work. Avoid checking your work emails or thinking about ongoing projects. Allow yourself the necessary time to rest, relax, and recharge.

Regardless of the experience gained over the years, being junior or senior isn't determined by time alone, but by the level of professionalism one achieves. Each day is an opportunity to continue learning, growing, and refining one's skills. This mindset enables me not only to embrace new technologies and tackle challenges but also to stay connected to the very essence of programming – a constant quest for improvement and understanding. Recognizing that development is a perpetually evolving field, I remain linked to its ever-changing dynamics.