Starting my first software development job was both exciting and overwhelming. There were many things I wasn’t prepared for, and a few surprises along the way. Looking back, I realize there are lessons I wish I had known before diving in. If you’re about to begin your journey as a software developer, here are ten things I wish someone had told me.

1. You’re Not Expected to Know Everything

When I first started, I felt a lot of pressure to prove myself, often pretending to know more than I actually did. Big mistake. The truth is, no one expects you to have all the answers on day one. What truly matters is your ability to learn, adapt, and find solutions. It’s not about memorizing everything, it’s about knowing how to search for answers, ask smart questions, and improve over time. Instead of stressing over what you don’t know, focus on learning and growing. That’s what will make you a great developer.

2. Understanding the Codebase Is More Important Than Writing Code

I was eager to start coding right away, thinking that writing more code meant I was being productive. But jumping in without fully understanding the existing system only led to confusion, bugs, and rework. It wasn’t until I took the time to study the codebase, how things were structured, and why certain decisions were made that I became more efficient. Yes, it might feel slow at first to read documentation and analyze existing code, but trust me, it will save you a ton of headaches down the road.

3. Git Is a Lifesaver—Learn It Well

When I started, I knew just enough Git to commit and push code. That quickly changed when I made a mistake that wiped out hours of work. Git isn’t just a tool, it’s your safety net. Understanding how to properly branch, merge, resolve conflicts, and roll back changes will save you from disaster. Take the time to learn Git well, and you’ll save yourself (and your team) from unnecessary stress.

4. Writing Maintainable Code Is More Important Than Writing Fast Code

Early on, I thought speed was everything. I’d rush to complete tasks and felt accomplished seeing long blocks of code. But I soon realized that messy, unstructured code leads to bigger problems. Writing clean, maintainable code makes life easier for everyone, especially future you. Keep it simple, follow best practices, and always write meaningful comments. Your team will thank you.

5. Keep a Personal Knowledge Base

I used to think I’d remember every solution I figured out. I was wrong. Over time, I kept running into problems I had already solved but couldn’t recall how. That’s when I started keeping notes documenting solutions, useful links, and lessons learned. Whether it’s a personal wiki, a Notion page, or just a simple text file, having a knowledge base will save you hours of searching and frustration.

6. Communication Matters More Than You Think

I used to believe that being a great developer meant writing perfect code. But I soon learned that clear communication is just as important. If you don’t ask questions, clarify requirements, or share updates, you risk misunderstandings and wasted effort. Talk to your team. Ask for feedback. Discuss ideas. Good communication not only makes your work easier but also builds trust and collaboration.

7. Debugging Takes More Time Than Writing New Features

Before starting my job, I imagined I’d spend most of my time building exciting new features. Reality check: a huge part of development is debugging. Bugs are inevitable, and fixing them efficiently is an art. Learn to use debugging tools, add meaningful logs, and write tests to catch issues early. The better you get at debugging, the more valuable you become.

8. Work Smarter, Not Harder

I wasted a lot of time on repetitive tasks before realizing how much automation could help. Simple things like using keyboard shortcuts, setting up scripts, and leveraging productivity tools made a massive difference. Don’t be afraid to explore better ways to work. It’ll make you more efficient and free up time for more meaningful tasks.

9. Asking for Help Is a Strength, not a Weakness

I used to hesitate before asking for help, thinking it made me look incompetent. But spending hours struggling with something a teammate could explain in minutes is not efficient. If you’re stuck, do your research, try different approaches, and then ask for help with a well-thought-out question. No one expects you to know everything, but they do expect you to collaborate.

10. Everyone Feels Like an Imposter Sometimes

There were times when I doubted my abilities and felt like I didn’t belong. Turns out, even experienced developers feel the same way at times. Imposter syndrome is real, but don’t let it hold you back. Keep learning, trust your abilities, and remind yourself that growth takes time. No one knows everything, and that’s okay.