What does a junior developer do? Sebastian Q. from KaWa commerce

DevStory

Sebastian Q.

Background

How did you get into programming?

It has been clear since my childhood that I will do something with computer science later. Because my whole family is enthusiastic about computer science, I was taught a lot as a child. For example, when I was 6 years old and went to elementary school, I was able to disassemble and reassemble a whole computer. Later, when I was about 9 years old, I started creating my own websites with HTML, followed by programs or automation with the RaspberryPi and various electronic components (mostly in JavaScript). Examples: Detecting movement, controlling access, recording weather...

How old were you when you started doing it?

I was exempt from computer class in middle school (11 years old) because I already had much more knowledge than was required and therefore had time to work on other, cooler topics than using a web browser or formatting Microsoft Word pages. For example, I started working with Node-Red on RaspberryPi.

What programming language first fascinated you?

As I don't see HTML as a programming language, everything started with a little Python and JavaScript. Now I mainly use JavaScript and C#, but I can also use parts or basics in Python, Swift and PHP.

Your DevJob

What is your DevJob about, specifically?

I mainly develop web applications with AWS Amplify and all the other things that go with it. This includes for example AppSync with DynamoDB, Lambda, Cognito, SQS and SNS as well as hosting the application.

What do you like best about your DevJob?

Except for working with the cloud, it's the diverse work. Every project is different, aevery application is different, every function is different.

Which challenges are there specifically in your DevJob?

It is mostly the case that customers have specific functions and requirements in or for their application, and it is then my task to implement them in the best possible way.

What are your preferred technologies?

In terms of programming languages, these would be, as mentioned above, JavaScript and C#. As for development environments, it is clear that these would be the AWS Cloud, where I am now also implementing various private projects, but also over the RaspberryPi, the 08/15 Linux server , Windows , Mac , iOS etc.

Windows or Mac?

At work and on the go, the Mac is clearly the best choice, but when it comes to gaming, the Windows PC is definitely in the lead.

Development

Which Dev projects do you work on outside of work?

The RaspberryPi serves multiple purposes for me including being a small server, weather station and part of my smart home. It also hosts several gaming servers. Being an amateur radiooperator is also something that I'm passionate about.

How do you stay up to date in your job?

Because I am privately also very interested in almost all areas of technology, staying "up to date" is not difficult for me. Diverse tech magazines, social media, YouTube or also various Internet platforms help me with that.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I don't know yet, but certainly in an environment where I feel comfortable and in a job that I enjoy.

Tips for beginners

How do you start programming and how should you begin?

In the age of Google, Stack Overflow, and YouTube, I would come up with a project that has something to do with programming. I would come up with a goal that I want to achieve and then research how and what I need in order to achieve my goal. Of course, one should come up with a project that they are interested in.

Which skills should be brought for the job?

Being enthusiastic about getting involved with new technologies, finding solutions and creating new things. Obviously, skills like logical thinking, technical understanding, and teamwork are also essential.

Which education is useful in your opinion, to work in a DevJob?

If you can gain experience with programming languages during your training, then this is certainly not a mistake. But even as a newcomer, if you have enough self-motivation and will, you will certainly not find it difficult to get started.