Evolving from Coder to Developer: What You Need to Know

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of their most foundational topics: evolving from coder to developer. Explored initially in the “Skill Sets for Success” episode, this updated discussion is guided by fresh talking points generated via ChatGPT—though the core theme remains the same: how to grow from a task-focused coder into a solution-oriented developer.

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Understanding the Shift: From Coder to Developer

At the heart of this episode is the distinction between coders and developers.

• Coders complete the job.
• Developers solve the problem—and think beyond the current task.

Michael emphasizes that evolving from coder to developer is about ownership. Developers consider reusability, maintainability, and long-term value. They don’t just write code—they build tools that scale and adapt.

💡 A coder focuses on completion. A developer focuses on the why, how, and what’s next.

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Learn by Doing: Projects with a Purpose

Rob encourages learning by building. Whether it’s scraping sports scores, generating a personal TV guide, or testing a new API, practical application is the key to understanding.

Developers grow when they take initiative. Instead of waiting for assigned tasks, they solve problems that matter to them. This real-world, self-driven learning is a significant part of evolving from a coder to a developer.

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Refactoring: A Developer’s Best Habit

Working code is just the beginning. Developers make code better. They improve structure, eliminate redundancy, and ensure it’s clean and understandable.

Rob and Michael emphasize that revisiting code to refine it—especially after it has been working—is a hallmark of professional developers.

🔁 Pro Tip: The second version is where the quality begins. Refactor early and often.

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Building a Solid Technical Foundation

The conversation highlights core skills that developers must master:

• Data structures and algorithms
• Architecture and design patterns
• Version control and testing strategies
• Regular expressions and logical problem-solving

Michael adds that developers must also be effective debuggers—especially in production environments where testing isn’t always straightforward. Simulating issues, interpreting logs, and working through constraints are everyday tasks in a developer’s world.

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Thinking Beyond the Code

One key takeaway is the importance of thinking around the code. Michael shares an example of deploying code in an environment where he couldn’t test or run it directly. His developer solution? Simulate it locally, then push with confidence.

This type of creative problem-solving is part of what sets developers apart.

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Communication and Estimation: Underrated but Essential

Rob emphasizes that soft skills are just as critical as technical ones. Developers must clearly explain their thought processes to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Time estimation also plays a significant role in building trust. Michael suggests using a 20% buffer until your estimates regularly match reality. Over time, this habit makes you more reliable and respected among developers.

⏱️ Better estimates = better planning, trust, and project success.

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🎯 Episode Challenge: Build Your Developer Toolkit

Pick one piece of code you’ve written more than once and:

1. Refactor it into a clean, documented utility.

2. Add tests or basic validation.

3. Store it in your personal or team library.

4. Reuse it—then refine it each time.

This challenge reinforces the shift from doing the work to building long-term solutions.

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Final Thoughts: What You Need to Know

Evolving from coder to developer is about more than writing better code—it’s about thinking bigger. Developers solve problems with purpose, communicate clearly, and build solutions that improve over time. Whether it’s refactoring code, testing creatively, or owning the outcome, the transition to developer is built on continuous growth.

Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community

We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at [email protected] with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.

Additional Resources

• Ramping Up Your Skills Through Broad Experience
• Leverage Your Unique Skills – Interview With Tyler Foley
• Build A Company You Would Work For
• Pricing Strategies – The Value Of Your Product Or Service
• The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content
• Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content