So I've seen a lot of new developers being confused as to what is right and wrong in the industry.

So here's a little thread with some advise after 10 years in the industry.

#developers #100DaysOfCode #CodeNewbie

There is no "better" language.

Some languages are faster, and some are better at certain tasks. Choose the one that does the job, because they all have their merits.

There is no better framework.

Each framework is designed and built a certain way that the author(s) believe to be a better way. This does not mean it is right in all scenarios.

APIs are great, but you don't always need one.

Not every application will benefit from an API. If you aren't allowing access from different platforms, or to the public - chances are you don't need it.

GraphQL is absolutely fantastic, but so is REST.

GraphQL was developed to solve an issue at Facebook, when their mobile site was requesting too much data. Since the HTTP2.0 has come out which solves half of the problem. Also REST has matured as a standard. Use what works for you

You are already a developer.

A lot of people try to gatekeep the term developer, like you have to do X Y and Z to be one. If you are writing code that does something, you are already a developer.

Microservices aren't always the answer.

Not every application needs to be split into microservices. Sometime a solid monolith with do the job. Unless there is an issue with scale, you're over engineering. If it's for reliability, write better tests.

Kubernetes is amazing, but you don't always need it.

While kubernetes is great at autoscaling, and generally everything for orchestration. You're adding a level of complication on what could be a simple VPS. Use the tools you need for the job, and upgrade later.

ReactJS isn't the only JavaScript library clients want.

Believe it or not, some clients don't like React while others do. React worried quite a few people when they changed their licensing. Don't box yourself in as an "X" developer.

University isn't the only route into the industry.

A lot of people worry that if they don't have a degree, they won't get far or that they aren't as good as others that have one. This is simply not true. Degrees are fantastic, but passion is more important.

Having stickers on your laptop doesn't make you a better developer.

This is a little like choosing your wallpaper, it's personal preference. Sticker away, and show me the lids!

Following SOLID principles is a good idea, but not always recommended.

Following SOLID while a good idea, can prolong development chasing perfection. If you have a generous time allowance that is fine, but it's better to refactor to perfection than to chase it early on.

Language standards are important, but not a law.

Standards are in place to encourage you to write code consistently across projects. They are recommendations. Don't beat yourself up if you don't understand them fully, or can't follow them all.

Making mistakes is ok.

Making mistakes is natural, everyone does is no matter how long they have been a developer. Don't beat yourself up about it, learn from it and move on.

There is no such thing as a silly question.

Nobody knows all the answers, it's ok to not know something. If you aren't sure, ask someone no matter how silly you think it might seem.

Learning to code is hard. Don't feel stupid if you don't get it first time.

Not everyone picks things up straight away, make sure you understand what you're doing and take your time. It isn't a race, learn at your pace not others.

Developers have a lot of opinions, but it doesn't mean they are always right.

Technology changes all the time, the right way to do something can change in a day. Make your own opinions based off your own findings, don't blindly believe others.

Communities are amazing, and there are a lot of them out there.

Find a community that you're comfortable in. All of the ones I've been in, minus the odd one or two, have been extremely welcoming.