Articles on Dan Schaefer

I have been a Software Engineer in many different roles in my career. I started in 2005 as a first hire into a small company and worked my way towards being a Software Developer Team Lead. I enjoy being an individual contributor and leading and creating high-performing software development teams. I also enjoy bass fishing as a hobby.

Burnout creeps in slowly. One day, everything feels manageable, and the next, even the simplest tasks leave you drained. It’s easy to push yourself too far when juggling long hours, constant deadlines, and a never-ending backlog. For software developers, burnout...

Why Icebreakers Matter (Even for Developers) Icebreakers may not be to everyone’s taste, and I understand that many of us in tech prefer to dive right into matters without engaging in small talk. However, getting to know your teammates is...

Remote work has completely changed how we connect, communicate, and collaborate as teams. Without the spontaneous face-to-face interactions you get in an office, building trust suddenly feels like climbing a steep hill. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. Trust is...

Moving into a leadership role when you’re working on software development projects can be pretty overwhelming. Suddenly, instead of delivering quality work, you will have to start leading and supporting a team. In the team dynamic, one of the biggest...

Being a new team lead can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to earn the trust of your team and the organization. It’s easy to think you have to pick sides—either focus on bonding with your team or aligning with...

Let’s face it, failing an interview hurts. You spend time preparing, put your best foot forward, and still hear the word “no.” That sting is hard to shake off. I’ve been there too, and I know how much it can...

It is a well-crafted résumé that opens the door to the tech industry. It’s typically the first shot you get at making a strong first impression with the recruiter. Software development is a competitive field, hence the importance of having...

This article is part of a series of articles around interviews. Tips for a Successful Software Developer Interview Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 1 Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 2 Questions to...

This article is part of a series of articles around interviews. Tips for a Successful Software Developer Interview Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 1 Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 2 (you are...

This article is part of a series of articles around preparing yourself for software developer interviews. Tips for a Successful Software Developer Interview Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 1 (you are here) Developer Interview Questions and...

This article is part of a series of articles around preparing yourself for software developer interviews. Tips for a Successful Software Developer Interview (you are here) Developer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: Part 1 Developer Interview Questions and...

During my last interview for my current employer, I was asked an interesting question. The architect interviewing me wanted to know what I thought the difference was between a developer and an engineer. It caught me off guard because I...

You work hard and give your best, yet promotions seem just out of reach. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? I know the feeling. Understanding why you’re not getting promoted is key to changing that. Promotions aren’t just about doing your job...

Ever thought about debugging yourself? Not fixing code. I’m talking about understanding your emotions and interactions with others. It’s Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Improving your EQ can transform your professional and personal life. Handle stress better, work more effectively with your...

In the fast-paced world of IT, mental health is paramount. The constant pressure to innovate and deliver can take a toll on one’s well-being. Maintaining good mental health is not just a personal benefit; it enhances productivity and job satisfaction,...

In the changing realm of software development, emotional intelligence (EQ) is vital, for fostering team dynamics and ensuring project success. More, than abilities being able to comprehend and regulate emotions can greatly influence how we work together and accomplish our...

Self-awareness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s like having a superpower for personal and professional evolution. It’s all about tuning into your own mental channel, catching your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in action. For us software developers, it’s a game-changer—understanding how...

Emotional Intelligence, often called EQ, involves understanding and managing our emotions. It includes being aware of our own feelings and recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. This skill is essential in both personal and professional contexts. EQ emerged from...

Agile methodology has transformed how teams approach project management and development. One key ceremony in this process is the backlog refinement. Also known as backlog grooming, story time, pre-planning meeting, or backlog management, this ceremony is essential for maintaining an...

As a software developer, I understand the challenges of keeping my Agile projects on track. The Entry/Exit 3 Amigos ceremonies are key to ensuring smooth communication and collaboration. By mastering these meetings, I can help my team minimize misunderstandings and...

Breaking down user stories can transform how we deliver value in Agile development. I remember when I first struggled with turning a massive feature epic into manageable chunks. It felt overwhelming, but I soon realized the power of smaller, focused...

At first, when I started getting into agile software development, I quickly realized how important well-crafted user stories were to the success of a project. They are not just tasks to be checked off, but the blueprint that guides the...

As a software developer, I constantly face the tough decision of whether to tackle technical debt or push ahead with new features. It’s like standing at a crossroads where each path could significantly impact the trajectory of our project and,...

When I first encountered legacy code in a real-world project, I realized it was more than just a technical challenge; it was an opportunity to really grow as a developer. Legacy code isn’t just about dealing with old technologies or...