Learn what a technology expert in software technologies is and discover several tips to help you pursue this role.

Many of our clients frequently ask about our people, how they become technology experts and what the path is like at our company. 
 
With more than 12 years of experience at Hexacta, I have had the opportunity to work with various areas and delve into the development of each profile, from the very beginning of their career to becoming seniors and decision-makers. The big question here is, how do our professionals turn into technology experts? Take a closer look at this guide! 

What is a technology expert?  

The term expert is ambiguous, and the IT field is very broad, but here I will talk specifically about people who know a lot about software development. 
 
So, rephrasing the question (or refactoring as we developers like to say), here goes the key question. 

What should an expert software developer know? 

It is often said that an expert is someone who knows everything, but that would imply memorizing many things, and memory has little to do with expertise. 
 
To explain it better, I propose a simple four-level scheme that we have at Hexacta. 

• Junior:  

This profile is learning a language, not yet understanding basic design patterns and unsure of how to implement new features. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t do it, even if they don’t follow good development practices and usually implement features by trial and error.  

They can start a basic project but usually cannot finish it.To pass this initial level, training, coaching, and practice are required. 

• Semi-Senior:   

They can tackle a relatively known problem from scratch and solve it. The solutions implemented by the Semi-Seniors are functional and meet the requested purposes, but they do not follow best practices and are not fully aware of the implementation timing of their solutions or the alternatives available. 
 
To pass this level, training, collaborative work teams, experienced leaders, and reading are required, not only writing code but also studying, documenting, and sharing. 
 
Teaching is also a very good way to learn. When you teach, you not only have to make things work, but you have to understand why they are the way they are and why they couldn’t be otherwise. 

• Senior:  

Unlike the previous level, the Senior developers’ program uses good development practices and patterns. They know the differences and consequences of the different solutions that a problem may have, as well as the implementation times of the possible solutions. 
 
Senior developers usually have 3 to 5 years of experience in a language . It is a key factor that they have completed projects since the greatest learning generally occurs in the final stage of a project. 
 
Surpassing this level requires present leaders, training, and certifications. 

• Expert:  

They not only know a language in-depth but also know its strengths and limitations in depth. 
 
It is impossible to become experts in a programming language without understanding other languages and paradigms, so it is very important to continue learning about other technologies when you have solid knowledge about a particular technology. 

Tips for becoming a technology expert 

• Set aside time to practice a particular technology  

When it comes to learning something new, you have to set aside a significant portion of time to learn, practice, and develop knowledge and skills in that technology. Of course, this is as true for software as it is for any profession, so the first thing you should do is sit down and find time to practice with that technology. 

• Decide on the technology you want to learn  

Once you have the time set aside for development, you need to dig deeper about what you really want to learn. There are many different software technologies, and you will have to prioritize your time to make learning progress. 
 
The best way to make sure you divide your time effectively between the various skills you want to learn is to make a plan. 

• Helpful training and resources  

One of the most helpful things you could do when trying to learn is to tap into the knowledge of more experienced people. That is why, at Hexacta, our training workshops are given by Hexacta professionals who have many years working with the technologies to be able to pass on the knowledge and experience gained.  
 
In addition, there are many useful educational resources that you can use to increase your knowledge: 

• Online resources: Some of the best resources for learning about technologies can be found online, either free learning sources such as YouTube channels or paid services such as Pluralsight and Udemy. 
• Relevant books: The Internet is not the only information resource available. There are countless books on almost every topic imaginable.  

• Practice makes perfect  

Finally, the most important thing you can do to continue improving and getting better about a particular technology is to keep practicing what you know. Applying knowledge is the best way to become familiar and proficient with it. 

The final lines 

The only way to become an expert is by learning, doing, relearning, relearning, and relearning. Practice is key to achieving success. 
 
At the end of the day, an expert is someone who has already made every possible mistake in their field. You have to lose the fear and anxiety of making an error and view it instead as a journey of learning, doing, sharing, correcting, helping others, and allowing others to help you. It is a long road that takes thousands of hours of work and study, but it will definitely be worth the effort! 

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