Slashdot Mirror
Coder or Architect?
camusflage queries: "I recently was transitioned into an architectural role by my employer. I had been splitting time with development and architecture, in that order. It appears my new duties put me as an architect first, and a coder second, with the coding being at my request. At not even 28 years old, I'm already a lead developer and have people with twenty years more experience looking to me for coding hints and tips. Over that past year with my employer, I've expended much effort on developing credible relationships with other groups in the organization, sure to carry me far as an architect. Since I've already resolved that management is not a track I want to get into, is architecture my most logical next step? What do I need to do to make sure my skills still remain sharp, as I'll be spending less time in the bits and bytes? Any tips from those who have made the transition from development to architecture (both successfully and unsuccessfully) are appreciated."
Code Free Software in your spare time!
And don't let yourself get sucked into project design/managemnet, which would defeat the purpose.
-Peter
I originally started as a programmer in college (ok, first was the track for electrical engineer, but alas, calc II killed my plans less than kindly) and touched on some of the aspects of design, development and some of the "herding cats" aspect of project management.
I'll be the first to admit that I did not have the stamina to code for a living, which lessened my interest in doing so. Like anything of interest, it is a slow learning process.
For me it was a slow degradation of the fun aspect of programming. The thrill is still there, but, the hard work of programming just kind of wore me thin (figuratively speaking, of course...literally, wellll, lets not talk about it).
As a "Lead Developer" for your company, you have both my admiration and my condolences.
My condolences, because it is always hard breaking away (or being forced away) from your "first love", so to speak.
My admiration, for you are moving up and are getting the realization that it is a needed step.
Here is the thing that may or may not hit you sooner or later, as it has happened to me on a couple of occasions: the people "under" you are better than you at coding, more often than not.
It is a harsh reality to face, but here is the kicker: Yes, your underlings are better at coding, but not at design and architecture! Hence, your position is more important than you think. To put out to you the words of wisdom/cliche, "those that know how, will always work for those that know why".
Think about it, really. Your role is more of a teacher, guru, advisor or sensi (SP?).
You've been there, done that and you've got the experience of the big picture that those you work with need.
I know first hand from working with coders, techs, IT, MIS people that are so sharp they could have my job in a heart beat, but, invariably I find the one thing they are missing is the why. As a matter of fact, one particullarly sharp individual thanked me saying "in school they tell you how without explaining the when, where, and why it is done in the process".
You have to see that you are in a unique position of taking the fear and uncertainty and doubt out of the the process of development and coding.
At the risk of sounding very silly, it is quite a "Zen" feeling, because you have to let go and move up in order to be the best person for the job.
I think physiclly, you are there, the reality has yet to catch up to you.
FWIW, naturally.
Have you read the moderator guidelines? Well, have you, PUNK? (and I want a Karma: Gnarly option)
Dear Slashdot,
I think I am super hot shit. All these old programmer nerds are looking up to me. I'm like, not even thirty, and I'm obviously successful as hell. Sexy too. My question is, how can I inflate my ego more?
Ah, the irrational and instinctive belitting of a person who makes a valid point that you disagree with. I'd say you're ready for management.
This is a troll. Do you see the difference?
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.