Section 1.1: The Idealistic Fanatic

Some individuals firmly believe they have all the answers, often lacking the experience or rationale to substantiate their views. Have you ever encountered statements like:

• Android is superior to iOS.
• iOS outshines Android.
• Language X is better than language Y.
• Framework X is more effective than framework Y.
• Framework Z is subpar.
• Free applications surpass paid ones, or vice versa.
• Only subpar developers require tests.
• Competent developers consistently write tests.

While some of these claims may hold true in certain contexts, weak developers often refrain from critical thought, applying these rules universally.

This binary thinking—where something is either true or false—hinders problem-solving. Those who cling to rigid beliefs often take disagreement personally, complicating communication and collaboration.

A weak developer may blindly adhere to dogma rather than analyze the best course of action, which leads to inefficiency—another hallmark of weak development skills.

Developing critical thinking is essential; a sharp mind is a vital trait of strong developers and intelligent individuals.

Section 1.2: Over-Engineering

New developers frequently fall into the trap of over-engineering, attempting to create overly complex solutions when simpler ones would suffice. Initially, this may be understandable, but as time progresses, the tendency to over-engineer can persist, even among seasoned developers. This behavior can indicate a lack of strength.

Common examples of over-engineering include:

• Spending excessive time on features that add minimal value. For instance, crafting a sophisticated logging system for a simple application with only two screens can lead to wasted effort.
• Going to great lengths to cover every possible edge case. While this may be warranted in high-stakes scenarios, like medical AI or aerospace software, most applications can operate effectively with a reasonable level of reliability, allowing for minor errors.
• Pursuing innovation for its own sake. A weak developer might choose to implement a new library instead of utilizing existing solutions, which can be beneficial for personal growth but detrimental to the team’s efficiency.

The best code is often the simplest. If a problem can be solved easily, that’s the route a strong developer would take.

Section 2.1: The Connection Between Speech and Coding

Mark Twain once said, “Definite speech means clarity of mind.” Though Twain wasn't a developer, his observations resonate well within the tech realm.

Programming involves formalizing abstract concepts into code, and the way one communicates can reflect their cognitive clarity. Strong developers typically articulate their ideas more clearly than their weaker counterparts, who often complicate their explanations.

Effective thought leads to effective communication, which in turn influences coding quality. A developer who frequently shifts topics or uses convoluted sentences may exhibit similar patterns in their code.

Consider the following when assessing a developer's communication:

• Vocabulary richness
• Frequency of self-correction
• Structure of sentences
• Cohesiveness of thoughts
• Fluency and conciseness

While this criterion isn’t definitive, there is a significant correlation between communication style and coding proficiency.

Section 2.2: The One-Stack Mindset

A weak developer often relies on a single technology stack, which can stem from limited experience. This mindset can hinder professional growth and adaptability.

For example, if a developer has only ever used tool X, they may insist on using it for every project, regardless of context. While this approach might be acceptable for beginners, it becomes a barrier to advancement.

As the tech landscape evolves rapidly, clinging to outdated tools can prevent a developer from becoming truly proficient. The distinction between strong and weak developers often lies in their ability to choose the right tools for each situation.

Regular expressions are powerful, but they shouldn’t be the only tool for string manipulation. Likewise, while Eclipse is excellent for Java, Android Studio is more suitable for Android development.

Ultimately, a strong developer tailors their toolkit to fit the task at hand, while a weak developer relies on personal favorites without regard for context.