Posts tagged "coding"

How are Programming, Coding, and Software Development Different from Each Other?

Every industry has its own unique terminology. The same goes for the tech industry. Here, there are many terms that are very similar and often used interchangeably, even though they mean different things. Such is the case with the terms: programming, coding, and development (specifically software development).

What is programming?

To put it simply, programming uses a person’s thought processes to solve technical or technologically-related problems. Programmers then apply those solutions. The area of programming doesn’t necessarily deal with coding. It focuses more on critical thinking and problem-solving more than anything else. Programming is also done using the English language.

What is coding?

Coding involves the use of programming languages, which are English-based tools that help coders tell systems to do commands. It also looks at the syntax of the language, the structure, and the organization of the code and runs tests according to the coder’s instructions. A person can be a programmer without being a coder, but the reverse isn’t true. Essentially, coding is the implementation of programming. Coders must stay current with technology, be able to debug and test for errors and execute code in a variety of ways.

What is development?

Development, particularly referring to software development, is the inclusion of all the aspects of creating software. This includes websites, mobile apps, and so on. Software development includes programming and coding as well as specific elements such as frameworks, design, maintenance, finalization, testing, and more. Development is a process just like programming and coding, but it’s a big process. A combination of development and operations teams, also known as DevOps, and general team management is also important with regard to development.

Additionally, developers can be programmers and coders, though development itself refers to the process of creation. Developers are generally at the beginning and end of the software development stage. However, they may be in or out of a few or many steps in the process when referring to what type of developer they are. There are many different types like front-end or back-end developers, full-stack developers, web developers, and so on.

Between the Three

When approaching programming, coding, and software development, learn to develop a programmer’s mentality first. Becoming a coder could come second—and both are recommended. Although, some people adopt a programming mindset by practicing coding. Ultimately, knowing the difference between programming, coding, and software development is crucial.

Summary

Programming could be considered the stepping stone to coding and software development. Coding would be the basic implementation of development. Development houses both and many more elements. In the tech industry, wearing different hats is common. Learning various skills is vital for success, but only as long as those skills are up-to-date with the continuously evolving technology. It isn’t helpful to pick up skills that won’t be used; however, most of the time, the current technology is based on the implementation of older versions. This is why programmers, coders, and developers must—more than anything—adapt a nonstop learning perspective.

How to Recruit an Engineering Manager

A results-oriented and efficient team is one with two main components: skillful developers and a manager to show them the way.

First of all, management, no matter the type is a title that focuses on people, the team members who make things happen. No manager can do a great job if he or she focuses on tasks and data only.

In order to make a team work and be successful, you need to make sure that each and every member works at the best of their abilities in a healthy environment and optimized workspace. Here is where the manager comes in to listen to them, coach them and optimize the dynamics.

An Engineer Manager is, of course, a developer or technical person at core. But aside from the tech skills needed to understand the process of the team, that individual needs to have great people skills. Not a combination you find lying around. Here’s how to approach the recruitment process for a position like such:

Hit their hubs & gathering points

More often than not, those who aspire to be managers or to become better managers, won’t gather for public coding sessions, but rather for self-development, people-oriented trainings, and other similar events.

Find out about the places where qualified people might hang around. Meetup events or Stack Overflow get-togethers can be linked together in the bigger cities. Get to know the insides of such people!

Listen to their concerns or issues

In a technical manager role, the main task in your hand is to tackle people. To do so successfully you need to understand what they experience daily and yearly. Once you’ve done this, you can address these concerns when targeting a candidate. Help them find the optimal way of working with the team and build an evolving path for the near future. They need all the support they can get.

Empathy – the key to driving businesses

Because a technical manager will tend to preoccupy him/herself with the technical workability of their responsibilities, they will miss on the business side of things. You should not dump numbers and pressure on them in terms they don’t understand, but rather try to see their point of view and stir the boat gently in your desired manner.

Code reading – a key skill

A manager in a technical team will most likely have less code to write, but a lot to read. Because their main task is not to develop code, but to ensure the team does so successfully, they might get frustrated or try to contribute with some code themselves to break the routine. However, coach them on code reading so that they can easily supervise where the team is headed and adjust in consequence while keeping the focus on team management.