You ever wonder how software developers spend their time? Not how we should spend our time, but how we actually spend it? I’ve been a professional developer for 20 years. I’ve worked for 5 different companies on 15+ different development teams (interviewed at probably a dozen other companies), at least 15 different software products, maybe more. And I’ve written code in at least 10 different programming languages.
And yet, the way we spend our time as developers is remarkably consistent, regardless of team, product, or industry. People are surprised to learn that their experience is not unique when it comes to a startup.
Let’s begin the day!
Morning Routine: Beyond the Code
Startups are known for their dynamic environments, and as a developer, diving into the day often begins before the morning coffee kicks in. Mornings typically start with checking emails and messages from teammates across different time zones, especially if you’re part of a distributed team. It’s crucial to stay updated with any overnight developments or issues that may have cropped up.
Following this, most developers partake in a daily standup meeting. These brief gatherings allow the team to sync on ongoing projects, share progress updates, highlight blockers, and set priorities for the day. Stand-ups are a hallmark of Agile development practices and help maintain the rhythm of collaboration, ensuring everyone is on the same page. We use Jira boards to share the updates.
And yes, I’ve seen the downfall of waterfall project management methodology!
Mid-Morning: In the Zone
Once the morning rituals are out of the way, it’s time to get “in the zone.” This is the sacred flow state where developers feel most productive. It might involve writing new features, squashing bugs, or refactoring code for better efficiency. The startup environment can mean juggling multiple tasks, but this mid-morning phase is often devoted to deep work — where creativity and problem-solving skills truly flourish.
Interruptions can still occur, whether it’s a spontaneous meeting or a ‘quick question’ from a teammate, but most developers try to guard this time fervently. In a startup, where resources are limited and every line of code counts, maintaining focus is critical. Here, tools like noise-canceling headphones become allies, and techniques like time-blocking help manage distractions.
During this phase of software development, collaboration often happens in real-time as well, with developers turning to Slack or other messaging apps for quick, asynchronous communications. The spirit of a startup fosters a culture where decision-making is nimble; innovations and rapid iterations often stem from these organic, impromptu conversations.
Lunchtime: Recharge and Connect
By lunchtime, developers emerge from their coding caves to recharge. This is also an opportunity to bond with colleagues, sharing meals or simply catching up on the latest in tech, life, or the unique quirks of startup culture. While some prefer to take a break alone, possibly stepping out to grab a bite or a breath of fresh air, others can be found in communal spaces, playing ping pong or enjoying a gaming console – quintessential elements of many startup offices.
In startups, lunchtime doesn’t just serve as a break; it’s an integral part of team building. Often, ideas are exchanged informally, leading to serendipitous brainstorming sessions within development or product teams that can blossom into the next big feature or innovation. These casual interactions often break down hierarchies, creating a culture where everyone feels free to voice their thoughts and opinions, regardless of their position or tenure.
For many, lunchtime also provides a mental reset, allowing them to tackle the afternoon’s tasks with renewed energy and focus. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the morning’s work, consider any feedback received, and strategize the next steps. In some startups, you might even find informal “lunch and learn” sessions, where team members share their skills or discuss interesting projects and technologies they’re passionate about.
Whether it’s a shared meal, a game, or a walk outside, the midday break at a startup aids in maintaining the camaraderie and the dynamic culture integral to the success and happiness of its developers. Furthermore, these moments of relaxation and social interaction help foster creativity, knowing that a balance between work intensity and unwinding is crucial to long-term productivity and team morale.
Afternoon: Collaboration and Adjustment
The afternoon often brings a shift in focus toward collaboration. Meetings that involve multiple teams or stakeholders are commonly scheduled to align strategies and ensure seamless communication. Full-stack developers at startups frequently engage in cross-departmental syncs, discussing how technical solutions can holistically address business needs. These sessions are crucial because they ensure everyone is on the same page and that the technology being developed aligns with the company’s broader objectives.
Mid-afternoon meetings might involve product managers, designers, marketing teams, quality assurance and customer support, all contributing insights that guide developers in refining features or iterating on existing solutions. A developer’s role in these meetings is not merely to receive instructions but to actively contribute their perspective, raising potential technical challenges and suggesting innovative solutions.
As meetings conclude, developers often adjust their priorities based on the feedback received. This could mean revisiting code to incorporate new features, addressing bugs flagged during customer feedback sessions, or optimizing existing functionalities for better performance. The iterative nature of startup work means that adaptability is key, and developers must be prepared to pivot quickly as new priorities emerge.
Additionally, the afternoon may involve code reviews, a vital process that ensures quality and consistency across the project. I often engage in pair programming to teach junior programmers how to code effectively. Collaborating with other developers, individuals engage in detailed analysis of code, providing constructive feedback and ensuring that best practices are followed. This peer-review process not only enhances the overall quality of the product but also serves as a learning opportunity, allowing developers to gain insights into different coding approaches and problem-solving techniques.
Late Afternoon: Time to wrap up!
By the end of the day, developers often find a sense of accomplishment as they see tangible progress made through collective effort and innovation. It’s time to checkin the code to the version control system – GitHub.
Any adjustments or new tasks identified during the afternoon become clearer, and developers typically summarize their day’s achievements and outline priorities for the next. This practice not only helps maintain momentum but also ensures that nothing crucial slips through the cracks amidst the flurry of activities.
A common end-of-day ritual at many startups is holding brief stand-up meetings with the team. These quick sessions provide everyone an opportunity to highlight what they’ve achieved, any ongoing challenges, and what they plan to tackle next. This transparency fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge is openly shared, and support is readily extended if someone is encountering roadblocks.
As the day wraps up, developers also take this time to check in on their individual growth. Often, they engage in some form of self-directed learning or experimentation, which helps them stay updated with the latest technologies and programming practices. This self-improvement focus is vital in the fast-paced startup ecosystem where technological advancement can be a significant competitive edge.
Transitioning from work mode to personal relaxation is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s going for a jog, reading, or unwinding with team members over a casual coffee, ending the day on a relaxed note helps developers recharge for the challenges ahead. Informal gatherings or virtual meetups have become popular in fostering camaraderie and strengthening the team dynamic, essential components for any thriving startup.
PS: Yes, once upon a time Stack Overflow was my best friend – blog for another day!
This is my take on how software developers spend their time at work. Let’s chat in the comments on how your day as a software engineer goes?
Further Reading: Turn Tech Passion into a Thriving Career: Beginner’s Guide
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