Working in a team as a software engineer is a completely different experience from coding alone. Collaboration introduces new challenges and forces you to adopt better habits. Here are some key lessons you’ll quickly learn when you join a team.
1. Usage and Handling of Translations
If your application supports multiple languages, you’ll need to handle translations properly. This includes:
Using localization libraries instead of hardcoding text.
Structuring translation files in a scalable way.
Making sure dynamic content is translatable.
Understanding how to work with translators and manage updates.
Git is more than just git push and git pull. In a team, you must follow best practices:
Writing clear commit messages.
Creating meaningful merge requests (MRs) with proper descriptions.
Reviewing code constructively and leaving useful comments.
Understanding different branching strategies (e.g., Git Flow, trunk-based development).
3. Reusability of Code in the Right Way
Reusable code is essential, but knowing when and how to abstract functionality is just as important:
Avoiding premature abstraction—sometimes duplication is better.
Writing modular and composable functions/components.
Following the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle while balancing readability and maintainability.
4. Writing Code for Others, Not Just Yourself
When working in a team, your code needs to be readable and maintainable for others. That means:
Writing clear variable and function names.
Adding comments where necessary (but not over-commenting obvious logic).
Keeping functions short and single-responsibility.
Using consistent formatting and linting rules.
5. Importance of Documentation
Good documentation is key to team efficiency. You’ll learn to:
Write useful README files.
Document APIs clearly for frontend and backend teams.
Keep documentation up to date as the code evolves.
6. Communicating and Collaborating Effectively
Technical skills matter, but communication is just as crucial. You’ll need to:
Ask for help when stuck instead of spinning wheels for too long.
Communicate progress and blockers clearly in standups.
Give and receive feedback without taking it personally.
Align with team members on expectations and coding standards.
7. Code Reviews Are Learning Opportunities
Code reviews aren’t just about catching bugs—they’re also a great way to learn:
Understanding different perspectives and approaches.
Learning about new libraries, patterns, and best practices.
Improving your ability to explain and defend your code choices.
8. Handling Technical Debt
Teams make trade-offs between speed and quality. You’ll learn to:
Recognize when shortcuts are acceptable.
Plan for refactoring and addressing tech debt proactively.
Document tech debt so future engineers understand its context.
9. Working with CI/CD Pipelines
Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD) is a must in modern development:
Understanding automated testing and ensuring your code doesn’t break the pipeline.
Debugging failed builds and flaky tests.
Following best practices for writing tests and maintaining a stable pipeline.
10. Estimating Tasks and Managing Time
You’ll quickly learn that estimating software tasks is hard. Over time, you’ll improve by:
Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
Accounting for testing, reviews, and unforeseen blockers.
Communicating when estimates need to change.
Conclusion
Working in a team teaches you more than just coding—it sharpens your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. These lessons not only make you a better engineer but also help you integrate smoothly into any professional environment. What was your biggest learning moment when you started working in a team?
