Reflections on My First Year as a Junior Developer

What an interesting question…

I didn’t really start my job as a junior developer as I had already been programming for about 3-4 years on my own. While I wasn’t at the professional level of a mid-level or senior developer, I certainly wasn't a junior developer when I began my first job at a professional organization.

That being said, there are several things I would have done differently during my first year. One of the main things is that I would have shared my code more frequently. By the time I reached the level of development I'm currently at, I had built a text-based browser role-playing game called Time of Castles Top Medieval Browser Based MMORPG Game. Through this game, I learned a multitude of skills, including databases, security, logic, graphics, and marketing. Each of these areas required extensive learning and practice.

My biggest problem was that I felt protective over my code and what I had created. I felt it had more value than it actually did, and this mindset hindered my ability to collaborate and learn from others. Multiple programmers offered to work with me on the game, but I hesitated to share the code because of my fear of the unknown and the potential risks involved.

Why Sharing Code is Crucial for Growth

As a junior developer, one of the best ways to improve your skills and gain practical experience is by sharing your code with others. Here are some reasons why you should consider sharing your code more:

Collaboration: Working with others can provide you with new perspectives and solutions to problems you might not have considered. Feedback: Sharing your code with more experienced developers can lead to valuable feedback and constructive criticism. This will help you identify areas where you can improve and learn new techniques. Community: Being part of a coding community can provide support and networking opportunities. You can exchange ideas, participate in discussions, and learn from other developers' experiences. Experience: By sharing your code, you gain experience in explaining your logic, dealing with criticism, and refining your code. These skills are essential for professional development. Learning: When you learn from others, it can accelerate your learning curve. You can absorb knowledge from experienced developers and apply it to your own projects.

Strategies for Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Code

The fear of sharing code is a common hurdle for junior developers. However, there are strategies you can use to overcome this fear and start sharing your code:

Start small: Begin by sharing snippets of your code or small projects. Gradually, you can move on to larger projects as you gain confidence. Join developer communities: Participate in coding forums, online communities, or join local developer groups. These platforms can provide a safe space to share your code and learn from others. Seek mentorship: Reach out to more experienced developers who can guide you and provide constructive feedback. This can help you build trust and confidence in your abilities. Clean your code: Before sharing, make sure your code is well-structured and documented. This will make it easier for others to understand and provide feedback. Embrace constructive criticism: Understand that constructive criticism is not a personal attack but a valuable opportunity for growth. Use criticism to improve your code and learn new techniques.

Conclusion

My experience as a junior developer taught me the importance of sharing my code and collaborating with others. Fears of sharing my code may have been justified at the time, but they hindered my growth and development. By opening myself up to collaboration and feedback, I was able to learn new techniques and gain valuable experience. Today, I actively seek opportunities to collaborate and share my code, and it has made a significant impact on my professional journey.