Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of being a T-shaped developer, who has broad knowledge across various fields but specializes deeply in one area, rather than over-specializing or trying to be a jack-of-all-trades in software engineering.

Abstract

The article argues against the common misconception that software engineers should hyper-specialize in a single, narrow field. It suggests that while having a deep understanding in one area is crucial (the vertical bar of the "T"), it is equally important for developers to have a broad knowledge base across tangential fields (the horizontal bar of the "T"). This approach enables them to add more value to the end product and understand the business context of their work. The article criticizes the trend of developers focusing solely on new, trendy technologies at the expense of the practical needs of their company, advocating instead for adaptability and a balanced skill set. It points out that T-shaped developers, who combine deep expertise with a wide range of knowledge, are highly sought after and can command higher salaries due to their versatility and understanding of the broader business context.

Opinions

The author believes that developers who only focus on becoming experts in extremely narrow fields are making a basic error, as this limits their ability to contribute effectively to their teams and companies.
The article pokes fun at developers who try to impress others with knowledge of niche technologies that may not be relevant to their work, likening it to wearing an Iron Maiden T-shirt to appear cool.
It is highlighted that the ideal of super-specialization, often attributed to figures like Steve Jobs, is not always applicable to software developers, especially since Jobs was not a developer and the context of his leadership is unique.
The author suggests that developers who resist working on necessary technologies because they are not the latest and greatest may inadvertently become part of the problem rather than the solution.
Emphasizing the value of T-shaped developers, the author states that they are in high demand and can command appropriate salaries due to their ability to understand and contribute to the broader aspects of the business.
The author concludes by stressing that success in software development comes from delivering value to one's company, which can be achieved through a combination of specialized skills and adaptability, rather than narrow expertise alone.

Software Engineers Specialize Not Generalize

A basic error to a T

Software engineers are often told they need to be T-shaped

Like an Iron Maiden T-shirt, but even less cool

Which tempts many developers to study.

Which study? These:

this
that

They can then impress their developer friends with their great knowledge of Carbon and they know they will be able to impress everyone in the bar with this

A software developer’s bar. That is, one that is closed

So there’s a problem here. Developers are incentivized to become experts in their own extremely narrow field.

A BE developer who is interested in the front-end? Don’t blow our minds

Yeah, sure. Some companies want full-stack developers but these are generally FE developers who use Firebase as a BE (lolz) or BE developers who dabble in Android (one App on Google Play, 2 stars).

Or those who aren’t good at anything

Super-specialization is bad

A laser-like focus has historically been attributed to Steve Jobs when in command at Apple.

However, I’ve two pieces of news for you

He wasn’t a developer

Also he’s dead

Your focus on the new shiny technology you want to work on can actually be a problem. If you don’t want to work on technology that your company needs in order to solve the problem at hand you might well be part of the problem, rather than part of the solution.

Being adaptable is the way to go in your team. Trust me.

The Generalized T-shaped developer is in demand

A T-shaped developer is one who knows enough about tangential software engineering fields to add value to the end product.

That goes some way to show their value

There is more, however. They are also interested in the context of the business around their work.

Doesn’t sound like any developer I know

This means that T-shaped developers are worth their weight in gold. They’re wanted. They command appropriate salaries as well if that is something which motivates you.

You’re only human after all

Which means greedy

Conclusion

Success comes from being great at what you do. That means that you deliver value to your company.

This can be done by being a coding ninja in your chosen flavor of language, granted.

You’ll be exposed to vagaries of supply and demand for that in the market though.

Just ask the Luddites what foresight might mean for you

About The Author

Professional Software Developer “The Secret Developer” can be found on Twitter @TheSDeveloper and regularly publishes articles through Medium.com