When considering the creation of a software product, doubts and uncertainties are bound to arise. One of the most important decisions is whether to hire a dedicated development team or to rely on in-house resources.
Before embarking on the search for a dedicated team, it's important to consider several factors. First, there may be concerns about the cost of hiring an outside team versus the cost of maintaining an in-house team.
Additionally, it may be difficult to find a team with the necessary expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of the project. There may also be concerns about communication and collaboration, particularly if the team is located in a different geographic region or time zone.
According to McKinsey data, nearly 9 in 10 executives are recognizing a lack of skills and experience in their software teams or expect those gaps to appear within 5 years, they said in one of their recent reports. And many are grappling with questions about what they can do to remedy the situation.
The area in which there is a greater deficit of qualified labor is in data analysis, followed by the area of web and mobile design.
Evaluating the skills of dedicated software developers is essential for ensuring the success of any software development project. Skilled developers are critical to the development of high-quality software products that meet the needs of end-users. Read more about soft-skills of software developers.
Here are some reasons why evaluating the skills of dedicated software developers is so important:
Why should you carefully evaluate the skills of dedicated software developers?
Technical expertise
Skilled software developers have a deep understanding of programming languages, software development methodologies, and best practices. They are able to write clean, efficient, and scalable code that is easy to maintain and update.
Innovation
Software development is a rapidly evolving field, and skilled developers are always looking for new and innovative ways to solve problems and deliver value to end-users. By evaluating the skills of dedicated software developers, organizations can ensure that their development teams are up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends.
Collaboration
Software development is a team sport, and skilled developers are able to work effectively with other members of the team, including project managers, designers, and quality assurance professionals. They are able to communicate effectively, provide constructive feedback, and work together to deliver a successful product.
Quality assurance
Skilled developers understand the importance of testing and quality assurance in software development. They write code that is easy to test and ensure that the final product is thoroughly tested and free of bugs and other issues.
Time management
Skilled developers are able to manage their time effectively and deliver projects on time and on budget. They are able to prioritize tasks, identify potential roadblocks, and work efficiently to ensure that deadlines are met.
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Top skills of software developers that you must have in your work team
A skilled software developer can work efficiently, writing clean, efficient, and scalable code that is easy to maintain and update. This means that they can complete projects faster and with fewer errors than a less skilled developer.
Technical proficiency
A good software developer should have strong technical skills, including knowledge of programming languages, software development methodologies, and best practices.
Among the tools and programming languages that every software developer should handle, the University of Denver points out these:
- HTML/CSS
- Javascript
- API
- PHP
- Python
- Java
It is appropriate that they also know how to handle Git, text editors such as Visual Studio Code, as well as container management software such as Docker, Amazon ECS, Microsoft Azure, among others. It is essential that they know at least the basics of cloud computing tools such as Amazon Web Services, Azure and Google Cloud Platform.
Problem-solving abilities
A developer should be able to identify and solve complex problems that arise during the development process. They should be able to analyze issues, troubleshoot, and develop effective solutions.
Collaboration
Developers should be able to work effectively with other members of the team, including project managers, designers, and quality assurance professionals. They should have strong communication skills and be able to provide constructive feedback to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Attention to detail
Software development is a detail-oriented process, and a developer should be meticulous in their work, paying attention to small details that could impact the final product.
Adaptability
The software development industry is constantly evolving, and a good developer should be able to adapt to changes in technology and best practices.
Time management
Developers should be able to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget.
Continuous learning
A good developer should be committed to continuous learning, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in software development.
Dedicated Software Developer vs Remote developer: Which is better?
This comparative table highlights some of the key differences between a dedicated software developer and a remote developer. While both types of developers can be highly skilled and effective, they may have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the needs of your development team and project. When deciding between a dedicated software developer and a remote developer, it is important to consider the specific needs of your project and the strengths and limitations of each type of developer. Read more about best practices when hiring IT outsourcing services.
DEDICATED SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS | REMOTE DEVELOPERS |
Works on-site with the team | Works remotely, often in a different time zone |
Can be more accessible to team members for collaboration and communication | May have communication and collaboration challenges due to distance and time differences |
Has access to all necessary equipment and resources provided by the company | Must provide their own equipment and resources |
Can work in a more structured environment with fewer distractions | May face more distractions while working remotely |
May be able to better integrate with company culture and values | May feel less connected to the company culture and values |
May have a better understanding of the project scope and goals due to working closely with the team | May have less understanding of the project scope and goals due to distance and less frequent communication |
May have a higher level of accountability and responsibility for project outcomes | May have less accountability and responsibility for project outcomes due to working remotely |
May have a higher cost due to being employed by the company full-time | May have a lower cost due to being employed on a project basis or as a contractor |
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