“Take a look at the journey every developer goes through: from ‘just make it work’ to understanding the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind their code.”
Many times, I wonder how some of my senior developer friends write their code in such a clean, modular, and reusable way. I question why I haven’t started writing my code like this, and I realized that we all have different growth phases (god levels) as developers. After much thought and coding over time, I’ve come to see that there are three key phases: ‘make it work,’ ‘how it works,’ and ‘why it works.’ Working with my senior developer friends has made me want to grow deeper in software engineering.
Now it’s about to go up…
The journey of a software developer often follows a path from “make it work” to “how it works” and, eventually, to “why it works.” This progression reflects a deepening understanding of technology, problem-solving, and the nature of software itself, and it marks a transformation from a beginner’s mindset to the perspective of a seasoned professional. Here’s how this journey typically unfolds:
Phase 1: “Make It Work”
In the early stages, developers focus on making things work. Armed with a foundation in syntax, basic logic, and fundamental concepts, they approach problems with the goal of producing a functioning solution. At this stage, they are often introduced to tutorials, sample projects, and straightforward coding challenges. Their main objective is to take the problem and apply enough code to get a result, no matter how clumsy or imperfect the solution might be.
This phase is often characterized by:
• Trial and Error: Beginners frequently write code, test it, see where it fails, and make adjustments until it works. They may not understand why some adjustments work but are satisfied when the code runs successfully.
• Relying on Search Engines and Forums: For beginners, tools like Stack Overflow are invaluable. They often rely heavily on searching for solutions to specific problems and copying code snippets, sometimes without fully grasping how they function.
• Quick Fixes Over Structure: At this stage, the priority is usually on achieving a working result, even if it lacks best practices or efficient design. Code may be tangled and lack modularity or readability, as the developer’s main concern is making the code run rather than writing it cleanly or logically.
In this phase, the developer feels a sense of accomplishment as their code finally executes correctly. This experience is valuable because it builds confidence and reinforces problem-solving perseverance. However, it also creates a need to understand why things are working, setting the stage for the next phase.
Phase 2: “How It Works”
After achieving some success with “make it work,” a developer typically starts to wonder how their code produces the desired results. This curiosity marks a shift from simply getting a result to understanding the mechanisms that produce that result. In this phase, developers focus on dissecting the components of their code to learn how each piece contributes to the overall functionality.
Key aspects of this phase include:
• Understanding Core Concepts: Developers start learning about the underlying principles of the tools and languages they are using. They might dive into the workings of data structures, algorithms, memory management, and the logic behind different programming paradigms (like object-oriented or functional programming).
• Experimentation and Analysis: In this phase, developers begin experimenting with different approaches, testing code variations to see how they affect functionality. They might analyse how small changes impact performance, memory usage, or readability.
• Code Optimization and Refactoring: Once they understand how their code works, developers often go back to refactor it. They focus on making the code more efficient, readable, and maintainable, using concepts like modular design, abstraction, and optimization techniques.
Learning “how it works” helps developers create better-structured, more resilient code. They start building programs with an eye on scalability and performance. By understanding how each component functions, developers become more independent and less reliant on external code snippets. This phase enhances their ability to debug effectively because they can trace problems to their root causes rather than guessing or resorting to trial and error.
Phase 3: “Why It Works”
The final and often most profound stage in a developer’s journey is understanding why their code works. This phase requires deep knowledge of underlying principles, systems, and the reasoning behind certain design choices. Developers learn not only how to use a tool or language feature but also when, why, and whether they should use it.
Some key elements of this phase are:
• Architectural and Theoretical Knowledge: At this level, developers often delve into system architecture, software design patterns, and theoretical computer science. They learn about concepts like Big O notation to understand performance implications, concurrency for handling parallel tasks, and the intricacies of different programming languages to know the trade-offs of each choice.
• Mindful Problem Solving: Developers in this phase are highly intentional about their decisions. They don’t just write code to make things work; they consider the broader impact of each choice, such as maintainability, scalability, and the specific needs of the project. They choose patterns and architectures because they solve problems elegantly and sustainably, not just because they’re popular or immediately effective.
Mentoring and Code Reviews: Understanding why code works often involves explaining it to others. Developers at this stage may take on mentoring roles, helping others understand the nuances of their choices and the reasoning behind their approach. Through code reviews and discussions, they further refine their own understanding, gaining insights from peers.
As I focus more on the “why,” I’ve realized that I’m becoming better at solving complex, uncertain problems. I’m starting to anticipate issues before they arise, make smarter decisions about new technologies, and create systems that are not just functional today, but adaptable for the future. Instead of opting for quick fixes, I’m approaching challenges with the goal of building solutions that will stand the test of time.
The Continuous Journey
What I’ve come to understand is that these phases aren’t always linear. I often find myself back in the “make it work” phase when faced with new, unfamiliar challenges. There are times when I return to “how it works” as I dive into new technologies, and there’s always something more to uncover about “why it works” as the field evolves. Software development is a constantly changing journey, and each new tool, framework, or language keeps pushing me to learn more. It’s a cycle of growth that never really ends.
Ultimately, my journey from “make it work” to “how it works” and, eventually, to “why it works” has been about evolving from solving isolated issues to building thoughtful, sustainable systems. This growth has shaped not just my technical skills but also a mindset that values efficiency, clarity, and the long-term impact of the solutions I create. It’s these qualities that I believe define a truly skilled developer.
Thanks for reading to the end!
If the article resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts on these phases. How has your journey as a developer looked so far? Have you noticed yourself moving through these phases, or perhaps you’re at a different stage in your growth? Feel free to share your experiences or any insights you have about moving from “make it work” to “how it works” and finally to “why it works.” Let’s keep the conversation going!
