1. Steer Clear of Burning Out

When it comes to smaller projects with a small number of developers, burning out is a serious risk that can jeopardize the entire process. Whether the developer(s) earned their bachelors or masters in software development online or at a physical campus, they don't exactly teach most students how to avoid burnout. Ultimately, overworking yourself leads to dramatic reductions in efficiency, brainpower, and focus. This is where and how major mistakes in the development process can be made. To avoid this, try alternating tasks and taking regular breaks to shake up the monotony.

2. Plan the Process Ahead

It's all too common: we have a great idea, immediately dive into the work, and before we know it, we've spent copious amounts of energy on a project without a clear direction or purpose. Ultimately, planning each phase and aspect of software development is crucial to avoid wasted resources, backtracking, and failed endeavors. Finding oneself in front of the whiteboard should be the first step in planning any new software development project, as this will help ground the project and ensure that each step of the plan is properly documented and followed.

3. Learn New Skills

There are very few software developers who can genuinely handle all aspects of software development. Most developers focus on one or two programming languages and primary areas of development, making their knowledge-sets vast but limited. Ultimately, it may be worth considering whether re-enrolling in a college or university for new skills is a way to further improve future project efficiency. With accredited software development institutions such as Maryville University providing a variety of classes that are fundamental to improving developers' skill-sets, you don't even necessarily have to leave the house or office to begin learning something new.

4. Streamline Your Workplace

Whether you're in an office or working from home, the environment in which you're developing software can dramatically impact your overall efficiency. First and foremost, make sure that your direct workplace is clean and organized. Clutter can subconsciously distract our minds and lead us to focus on other unnecessary ideas. Next, be sure to “secure your bubble”: this means eliminating unnecessary noises and establishing boundaries for family and friends (if working from home) or co-workers. Finally, if possible, consider disconnecting from the internet entirely when developing. While not always possible, this will help eliminate those impulses to check social media or otherwise goof off while working.

Whether you decide to pursue additional MSSD online classes, establish clear workplace boundaries or plan ahead; there are numerous ways to make the software development process more efficient. Ultimately, tasks that require tons of work-hours can strain our physical and mental well-being. To compensate for the lack of efficiency this can cause, consider how these tips and others can help cancel out some of those losses.

Tags : Software