Becoming a coder and establishing a career for yourself is a goal for quite a few people. The IT industry might feel oversaturated, but the demand for good and reliable coders is there, and the projections are in favor of this demand growing even more in the future.
Of course, it takes a while to learn the craft, but becoming a coder is not necessarily something you need formal education for. A degree from a college or university helps, but there are plenty of self-taught coders who are making a living.
It is also worth noting that it is not just the job experience that coders need. Sure, it plays an important role, but it is also necessary to have more. Below, you will find the list of seven things that coders should have to have an optimal work experience.
The Right Software
There are different coding languages, and while versatility has its advantages, most coders focus on one or two languages and polish their knowledge to become good at it. Coding a language requires the right software. Sure, some coders are fine with the most basic code editors, but it might also be worth checking more advanced editors that come with additional features.
Besides coding editors, you could benefit from other software as well. For example, if you encounter words in foreign tutorials or instructions for your work, consider getting one of the best translation apps available on your computer.
Time-tracking tools are another good example. If you struggle with time management or work on an hourly rate, then it makes sense to use time-tracking software.
A Computer
Computers are probably the most important thing for coders. The question is whether you should pick a laptop or a desktop computer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Most notably, laptops are easy to carry with you, though they also have a battery that you need to charge. Desktop computers, on the other hand, are more powerful, and users usually get a large monitor, which helps with work, though that is not the only accessory you will need for your computer.
A Keyboard
A keyboard is another important part of a coder's work. Since you are doing a lot of typing, you want to get a keyboard that feels good on your fingers. Otherwise, the strain could lead to health problems.
Right now, mechanical keyboards are quite popular because of their stability and robustness. In addition, they are less prone to wear out, which is another benefit for someone who is going to use a keyboard a lot.
An External Hard Drive
Keeping important files as a backup is worth your while because you could lose some important data related to your work, for instance. An external hard drive or even a USB flash stick is usually enough to back up files and have fewer worries about losing them.
A Chair
Working as a coder involves a lot of sitting around, meaning that your back is likely to suffer after long sessions of work. In addition, you might get into coding so much that you will forget about spending too much time sitting in front of a computer. The least you can do is get a good ergonomic chair that does not strain your back too much. Also, pay attention to your posture so that you do not have to suffer for it later.
A Mouse
A mouse is similar to a keyboard. If you have a laptop instead of a desktop computer, you can make do with a trackpad, but even then, some coders find it more convenient to get a mouse and use that instead.
As for those with a desktop computer, a mouse is a must. You might not rely on a mouse as much as a keyboard, but you will still need to pick one that is suitable for both the work and other activities that you do on a computer. Just like with keyboards, you have a wide range of computer mice. From expensive mice for gamers to relatively cheap models that still do the job, finding one that suits your needs should not be too difficult.
Pro tip: As a rule of thumb, you might be better off not getting a wireless mouse. Changing batteries in the middle of work does not sound like an ideal scenario because it disrupts the workflow, and the overall gimmick of a wireless mouse gets old pretty quickly.
A Source to Learn
As a coder, you want to keep up with the latest industry trends and not fall behind. Keep in mind that you should seek to improve constantly, and for that, there are plenty of online courses and tutorials on YouTube, Udemy, and other platforms. You can also browse coder forums or join social media groups to participate or observe discussions.