Here's how you can enhance your productivity as an application developer using technology.
As an application developer, you're well aware of the challenges in maintaining productivity. The tech industry is fast-paced, and staying ahead requires not only skill but also efficiency and smart use of technology. With the right tools and strategies, you can streamline your development process, reduce repetitive tasks, and focus on creating innovative applications. Let's explore how technology can be your ally in boosting your productivity.
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Roger KibbeConversational and Generative AI Technology and Strategy Leader. Head of Conversational AI Developer Relations
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Sanjay GuptaTechnology Leader | Head of Product and Technology | VP Engineering
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Andrew BelyakovEngineering Manager | Strategic Leader | Cloud/DevOps Expert || 3 x MSc: Engineering, Business, Finance
Choosing the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can significantly impact your productivity. A good IDE offers features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and debugging tools that can save you hours of work. It's like having an assistant who points out errors, suggests better code, and even automates mundane tasks. Invest time in mastering your IDE's shortcuts and extensions to make the most of its capabilities.
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I think the right IDE makes the difference. Recently, I have observed that using Visual Studio Code with Git Hub Copilot or Codeium plugin enhances the developer capability multifold. It reduces the syntax error by many times and helps you autocomplete much faster, even it helps in writing the shell of a function. I suggest using these plugins to boost the productivity
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Choose the IDE you are most comfortable with. There is no "right" IDE to develop with. What's important is you become proficient at your IDE of choice. This being said, Visual Studio Code is the most used IDE for many languages, and you may need to use it for specific plugins, etc., so get to know it even if you prefer to code in something else. Speaking of plugins, enable ones that make your life easier. I highly suggest that you check out AI code assistants like Github Co-pilot, Codeium, and the like. They simply make it easier and faster to code—don't blindly trust them. Use them as a coding assistant and know the assistant makes errors. But if they help write your code, you will code faster!
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There are multiple IDEs available for developing the application . The developer should pick the one he/she is comfortable with . We have extensions available for many known IDEs to improve the code quality which should be used as a practice while coding . Tools like sonar/checkstyle help in improving the code quality. Add on tools like git hub co pilot helps create Unit test cases , documentation. The developer should be aware of the tools available and most suited for the project.
Version control systems like Git allow you to track changes in your codebase, collaborate with others, and manage multiple versions of your application without confusion. It's essential for coordinating team efforts and ensuring that changes can be rolled back if something goes wrong. Familiarizing yourself with version control commands and branching strategies can prevent many headaches down the line.
Automating repetitive tasks is a game-changer. Tools like continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines automate the process of testing and deploying your code, which means you can focus on development rather than operational details. Learn to write scripts for common tasks and explore automation platforms to integrate these into your workflow seamlessly.
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I try to live by this rule for mundane/routine tasks: 1) The first time you do the task, just do it and get it over with 2) 2nd time: Do it, but start thinking about how to automate. 3) 3rd time: Automate it and make your life easier. Automate the mundane and tedious to spend time on the interesting and innovative!
Effective time management is crucial. Tools like Pomodoro timers or time-tracking apps can help you manage your work sessions and breaks to maintain focus and avoid burnout. Allocate blocks of time for different tasks and stick to a schedule. Remember, being busy doesn't always mean being productive, so prioritize tasks that have the most significant impact.
Staying updated with the latest technologies and best practices is vital for your growth as a developer. Utilize online courses, forums, and documentation to learn new skills or refine existing ones. Dedicating regular time for learning ensures that you're always improving and can bring fresh ideas to your projects.
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In order to enhance productivity through learning, it is crucial to structure it properly. Finding the right course/platform/whatsoever is not enough since Learning & Development requires a structured approach in terms of identifying priorities, learning plan creation and respectful monitoring to ensure you move successively throughout this path.
Finally, never underestimate the importance of health and wellness in productivity. Ergonomic workspaces, regular exercise, and adequate rest can improve your cognitive functions and energy levels. When you take care of your body, you're taking care of your most valuable tool - your mind.
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