These are some random realizations about matters which directly affect me in my line of work. Some are dirty coding issues affecting web developers, communication, trends, etc. They range from the most mundane to the complex. Also basing from experience, I list my first 10 here.
1. It’s easier to teach a graphics/multimedia guy to be a hard core developer than the other way around.
2. ASP.NET gave most developers a server-centric way of thinking. Newbies tend to code most of their validation code at the server. I’ve encountered code wherein a numerical validation is being done at the stored procedure level. Good heavens! There will always be that barrier to entry in the client-side world. It is the job of the more senior developers to help junior team mates make this transition easier.
3. As a follow up to the item above, helping junior programmers can make yourself a better one.
4. ASP.NET MVC reminds me of classic ASP.
5. JQuery helped me learn more about CSS selectors, which is funny.
6. While ASP.NET’s validation controls gave the black box in approaching most common validation problems. However at most times, they are simply not enough especially in a very complex web form.
7. A simple web form with minimal form elements is always better than a page staggered with lots of textboxes, drop down forms, buttons, radio buttons and all other elements. Too much form elements are already noise. Learn from Google.
8. Listening to podcasts is a great way to catch up with both the old and new technology trends and alike. I like podcasts because of the effortless education it provides me. Great for commuting or driving.
9. Being loud doesn’t necessarily mean being an authority.
10. Asides from being a great programmer, he/she must also be a great communicator.