Good vs Great Programmers: 7 Qualities That Make the Difference

ProfilePicture of Damien Filiatrault
Damien Filiatrault
Founder & CEO
Three developers next to the numbers zero and one
Originally published on Aug 3, 2021Last updated on Jan 4, 2024

Key Takeaways

What makes a good software developer?

A good software developer is positive, committed, and communicative. They effectively manage time and tasks, quickly learn new skills, and possess extensive technical expertise. As strong team players, they consider the broader impact of their work, constantly striving for success in their projects. They are also adaptable, receptive to feedback, and excel in problem-solving.

What are the most important skills for a programmer?

The most important skills for a programmer to have are:
- Proficiency in programming languages
- Problem-solving skills
- Deep and broad technical experience
- Attention to detail
- Creativity and innovation
- Big-picture focus
- Time and task management skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
These skills, coupled with meticulous attention to detail, empower programmers to write efficient, bug-free code and tackle complex challenges with precision.

What are the top 3 things that make a successful developer?

Successful developers possess three key traits:
- A passion for coding
- A dedication to continuous learning and improvement
- A collaborative mindset.
These attributes drive their success by fueling their enthusiasm, enabling them to adapt to evolving technologies, and fostering effective teamwork and communication to deliver exceptional projects.