Tricks to simplfy the life of a software engineer

Featured article by Anna Garland, Community Manager at Ignite outsourcing

What is software development and engineering?

In earlier times when the technology was not so advanced, software used and developed was simple in nature. So, in those times the field of software development didn’t gain much credibility and importance as it has now. But now the technology is changing fast with the generation. The software used earlier have either been discarded or updated to a more advanced and an intelligent version of the older one. Which means the software are more complicated and the software projects have grown larger. A new approach was then adopted to develop a software wherein a team of engineers plan and design the basics of a software, then test its working and then develop an integrated system with user interfaces. This method of developing a software is called software engineering.

Not a piece of cake

When a new software is introduced in the market by a branded software company it is sold out like hot cakes but developing one is not a piece of cake. It is necessary to understand that developing a particular software takes days, sometimes months of planning and designing by an expert panel of dedicated software engineers. Software development is not an easy job. It involves planning, designing, testing the designs, coding, errors, rectification of errors etc. etc.

Following are some very basic and simple hacks to simplify the life of a software engineer:

1. Spell out your problem:

Software development requires coding and encoding programs for particular software. Sometimes engineers face road blocks and are unable to program further due to some technical problems. In such a situation, software engineers at Ignite Outsourcing open up with their problems. Even in general life many times it happens that when we are talking or explaining our problems to others we end up with a solution during the conversation.

2. Instant feedback:

It would be easier for a software engineer to share a code he is working on, with his colleague as soon as the code makes some sense. He could use designs on whiteboard and mock-up signs to explain the code instead of writing hundreds of lines for the whole code. It is cheaper and relatively faster to get instant feedback.

3. Skeleton structure of the program:

Again, I would say it would be easier for the software developer to develop the skeleton of the software. i.e. the engineer should form a basic start to finish event in the software adding some mock values to test it. It is not necessary that the design is perfect in the beginning but the basic idea helps develop the software faster.

4. Take a break:

Sometimes while dealing with some frustrating part of a code which just won’t fit, it is better to leave it alone for a while. Take a nap, go for a nap or just visit the loo. Your brain works the best when it is relaxed.

5. Stay on track:

Programming software can be highly confusing at times. It is usually helpful to read the context ahead to understand what the earlier code and snippet is all about.

6. Maintain and preserve notes:

As I said, programming can be a confusing job. Many times you come across similar problems which you have solved earlier but do not remember the solution now. At such times notes and sub-notes from earlier program come in handy.

I hope the above tricks and hacks are helpful in developing smashing software.

Author Bio: Anna Garland is the community manager at Ignite outsourcing, an Israeli software outsourcing company which provides world-class custom software development services. She is passionate about IT entrepreneurship, startup ideas and all things about online marketing. You can drop Anna a line on Facebook for a quick chat on any of these topics. Connect with @igniteoffshore on Twitter.