&nbsp;Being a developer means you never stop learning.



The world of frontend and web development is moving fast, due to the emerging new technologies, APIs, and libraries that are changing the field.&nbsp;



As a result, the term “full-stack developer” is constantly changing and even now, it is hard to define it within the specific frameworks and languages the developer should know. One thing that’s for certain though, is that there is a huge demand for full-stack developers (as evident by the numbers), with front-end developers not falling too far behind it.



In simple terms, a full-stack developer is someone who can understand both front-end as well as back-end technologies and solutions. They build programs and applications fully, combining their skills to make something that works in production.



On the back-end side, some applications last forever. Once you set up your server, you can let it run for quite a long time without any interruptions. Some back-end technologies, such as Java, PHP, Ruby, etc., even last for decades and are still used today.



Front-end, meanwhile, is a whole different story. The <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/3-important-tech-development-key-trends-and-predictions-for-2019/">tech development trends</a> are constantly changing, there are new APIs and frameworks being developed, which in turn, causes some of the current applications to deprecate, and for the most part, a lot depends on the tools.



This partly happens due to the <a href="https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/user-experience-explained-in-5-minutes-for-newbie-front-end-developers-1293c1521407/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">user experience</a> aspect within front-end development. According to the UserTesting report from 2015 &#8211; “companies will invest heavily in creating products and experience based on continuous feedback from customers, customer experience will become a shared responsibility among all teams in an organization.”



What does this mean for front-end developers?



Simply put, for clients and users, the code is a tool, not a goal in itself.



This is why some browsers evolve and lose support, why user-interfaces are changing in their looks, and why there are other important factors, in addition to the code, such as scalability, performance tests, browser speed, code tests, and more.



So, the front-end development world is moving fast. It is no longer about the code. Developers also need to know other <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/essential-skills-every-software-developer-should-have-2019/">essential skills</a>, and need to be able to see the bigger picture beyond the code.



At Scale3C, we work closely with React.js for front-end technology, Node.js for back-end, Swift for iOS, and Kotlin for Android.&nbsp;



We believe that one of the essential skills as a developer is being able to adapt to changing technology and development languages &#8211; depending on the project requirements. Typically, we either work with IT projects from scratch, improve current ones or help find a dedicated team for development projects by connecting them with the right talent.&nbsp;



If you need any web or mobile development for your IT projects, feel free to contact us at <a href="mailto:hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a>



With that said, here is our take on the future of front-end development in 2020:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Overview</h2>



According to the <a href="https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2019#technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stack Overflow developer survey of 2019</a>, the most commonly used development languages include: JavaScript (for the seventh year in a row), HTML/CSS, and SQL (from 87,354 responses who selected all that apply). 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="908" height="814" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies.png" alt="" class="wp-image-376" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies.png 908w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies-300x269.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Stack-Overflow-Most-Popular-Technologies-768x688.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 908px) 100vw, 908px" /><figcaption> Source: Stack overflow</figcaption></figure>



Though, it’s not particularly surprising to see JavaScript at the top of the list, as it’s a development language that’s vital to front-end development as well as relevant to the back-end.&nbsp;



It is also essential in the user-experience process in terms of user usability (scrolling, transitions, object movement, etc.).&nbsp;



And finally, JavaScript often includes a wide range of frameworks, web libraries, and APIs that help developers create complex applications and increase application functionality.



Front-end is an important part of any website or app development. The success of the website largely depends on the visual appeal, and of course, usability, as mentioned above. If the user can’t navigate through the website, then the whole purpose is lost.&nbsp;



As a result, front-end developers are constantly in demand.



Compared to a few years ago, front-end developers now play a more significant role and also take on parts of usability research, UX/UI, and more.&nbsp;



While the specific front-end languages a developer needs to know varies depending on the task, there are still a number of core principles that will unite front-end developers in 2020.



With that said, here’s our take on the matter:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Product for the End-User in Mind</h2>



As a front-end developer, you most likely develop websites and online products through HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and other languages and then make them look good by building from the user interface mockups.



But the bigger picture is how well the user warms up to the product and how well the target market responds to the product.&nbsp;



If it doesn’t solve their problem, sooner or later the product owner will stop investing in it.



So, in other words, the final web solution needs to be tailored with the target market in mind.&nbsp;



Front-end developers need to know who will be using their product from their target group and start from there.&nbsp;



And if developers want to enhance their skills, they need to start asking questions like:



<ul><li>What’s the specific problem of the user they’re trying to solve?</li><li>What are their goals?</li><li>What are their pain points in terms of design, and usability?</li><li>How can you make it easier for them?</li></ul>



If this is starting to sound a lot like <a href="https://uxplanet.org/ultimate-guide-to-user-research-bed4a57d260" target="_blank" rel="noopener">user research questions</a>, then you’re on the right track.



The idea is to get front-end developers more involved in the whole team process and to better understand end user’s needs, behaviours, motivations, and more. By collaborating with users, front-end developers take a more hands-on approach with a user-centered design in mind.



This also connects the front-end developer and the product owner, so that they’re working closer and are on the same page as to what the final product should look like.



How that would look like will depend on the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/important-project-management-methodologies-for-software-development-choose-one/">project management methodology</a> you choose to use.



The Scrum framework, for example, links the team’s progress to the product owner to define requirements and solutions. For team meetings as well as development sessions, this can clear up any potential bottlenecks for the final product.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Increased Focus on Usability</h2>



A great end product is all about being clear, taking advantage of conventions and providing a practical user-interface.



Front-end development is not just JavaScript and the actions users take. The bigger picture also needs to be consistent, have a clear visual hierarchy, and be simple to navigate through.



Users scan through web pages looking for the main information, and the web page needs to accommodating of this.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/articles/f-shaped-pattern-reading-web-content/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research</a> has found that on average, users read only 28% of the text. In fact, most users simply scan through a webpage in a way that best resembles an “F-shaped pattern” 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="785" height="364" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX.png" alt="" class="wp-image-377" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX.png 785w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX-300x139.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/F-Shaped-Pattern-UX-768x356.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 785px) 100vw, 785px" /><figcaption> Source: Nngroup</figcaption></figure>



So, they mostly scan for things like:



<ul><li>First few lines of the text and headings, which should be consistent throughout the page to help them navigate better.</li><li>Buttons and elements that stand out, which should be clear and clickable.</li><li>The most important information, within the page. If it’s an article, there’s usually going to be a section that’s most important to the reader.</li></ul>



The navigation needs to be clear, and logical &#8211; from the user’s perspective.



As a general approach, you can split up your web pages into 4 quadrants, based on the F-shape pattern, based on importance and what the user values. Assuming the typical user readers from left-to-right, top-to-bottom, your web page can be split up into the following parts:



<ul><li>Primary focus &#8211; what is most important to the user? Your value proposition can go in in the top left zone.</li><li>Follow area &#8211; think of this as the follow-up. It’s not as important as the primary area, but users will look here next.</li><li>Weak follow area &#8211; after that, users will either scroll down or glance through this area, not giving it much importance.&nbsp;</li><li>Terminal area &#8211; this is when the user reaches the lower right section of the page, where there needs to be a break and the users need to take action. This is the perfect spot to place a call-to-action button, link, form, and so on.</li></ul>



This is what’s known as the <a href="https://medium.com/user-experience-3/the-gutenberg-diagram-in-web-design-e5347c172627" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gutenberg Diagram</a>, and though you can’t predict user actions in every case, it’s still a good starting point for developers. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Mobile First User-Interface That Makes Sense</h2>



Mobile first can help developers create a consistent and clear user experience for all devices, as long as it makes sense and is done right.&nbsp;



From 2015 to 2020, the number of mobile users has gone up by nearly one billion, up to 4.68B as of now (<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/274774/forecast-of-mobile-phone-users-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>).



Though the number of people browsing from their mobile devices is increasing, many websites are still not as accommodating as one would like.&nbsp;



Ideally, mobile first should not be just the desktop version but shrunk down to a smaller size. When developing a website with mobile first in mind, developers also need to take into consideration how comfortable the experience is in terms of sliding, tapping, ticking, and other users, from a mobile device.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="512" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-1024x512.png" alt="" class="wp-image-378" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-1024x512.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-300x150.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface-768x384.png 768w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mobile-First-User-Interface.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



This, in turn, impacts all the forms and the elements on a web page that may take on a different interaction form from a mobile device.&nbsp;



Mobile is also usually used with one hand with a thumb size. The most convenient touch area is usually at the bottom of the screen, so developers need to think in terms of horizontal and vertical scrolling.



Though the specific mobile first uses differ from industry-to-industry, there are still a few practices that should be consistent throughout front-end, such as:



<ul><li>Accessible buy (call-to-action) buttons.</li><li>Email signup forms that don’t disturb the mobile experience</li><li>Clear interactive and engaging elements when scrolling.</li><li>High-quality visuals based on mobile swiping.</li></ul>



Mobile, in itself, is a touch first approach for many users.&nbsp;



As more and more users choose to browse from their mobile device, the front-end side of the website needs to be ready to handle all of their requests.&nbsp;



If users can browse the website flawlessly and go through the final call-to-action (making a purchase, sign up, booking a demo, etc.), then the website is truly optimised for mobile first.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



All in all, even though the front-end development scene is constantly changing within the specific libraries and frameworks used, some things still stay constant. And for developers to start thinking in terms of user-centric design, there are certain UX principles they need to take into consideration.&nbsp;



First, JavaScript is still the most commonly used development language for a long time now (and likely to continue the trend). Though the specific libraries and frameworks might vary and change from time-to-time, (also depending on the task), it’s still a good idea to have the main framework down first (along with HTML/CSS).



Then, in terms of development, some user-experience practices, such as usability, are crucial.&nbsp;



Which is why it makes sense for front-end developers to take a more hands-on approach and be involved in the bigger picture of project management. In other words, the more they know about the end-users &#8211; the better (how they browse the site, their needs, wants in terms of front-end development). This helps developers as to how they should structure the website from the front-end side.



Finally, to make for an overall seamless and smooth user-experience, the mobile first side of the interface needs to be up to par as well. As more and more users are browsing from their mobile phones, the website needs to be accommodating to handle all of their requests. If done well, users will be able to follow through the final call-to-action &#8211; directly affecting the conversion rate of the website.



Need help with front-end or app development? We help existing IT projects, work from scratch, and also help development teams connect with the right talent. Interested in how we can help? Get in touch at <a href="hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a>

Explore What is the Future of Front End Development in 2020. Learn great tips and tricks on the matter.

What is the Future of Front End Development in 2023 | Scale3C

What is the Future of Front End Development in 2020

To stay competitive in the business world, companies increasingly rely on <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/what-you-should-look-for-when-outsourcing-tech/">outsourcing tech</a>.



For many, staying competitive means capitalising on cost-efficiency in their work, taking advantage of lower expenses and the convenience that comes with outsourcing.



In other words, they got more bang for their buck when outsourcing IT projects.



The online gig economy is constantly growing and outsourcing is becoming a more common solution for many businesses.



To back that statement up with some numbers, here’s what you need to know about the global IT outsourcing industry:



<ul><li>The revenue of the total global ITO (information technology outsourcing) industry peaked at $62 billion in 2018.&nbsp;</li><li>65% of the firms that outsourced in 2017 say they would like to continue doing so.</li><li>IT is one of the most common outsourced service types, as 31% of it was outsourced in 2017.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-373" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1-150x150.png 150w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1-300x300.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Global-IT-Outsourcing-Industry-1-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> Source:&nbsp;<a href="http://transcosmos.co.uk/blog/outsourcing-statistics/#C" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transcosmos</a> </figcaption></figure>



The point is, more and more businesses choose to outsource certain tasks and positions.



More specifically, these positions usually include tasks they can’t do on their own &#8211; like IT!



Meanwhile, the other side of the coin is hiring an IT professional in-house. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that but if you’re working with a tight budget or a short deadline &#8211; then outsourcing might be more up your alley.



If that’s the case, then this guide is for you as we’ll be covering how you can start outsourcing your IT projects and why you might want to consider Lithuania&nbsp;



Now, outsourcing implies hiring another person or a business to do your job. Typically, from an outside country.



So, where do you outsource?



Let’s take a look&#8230;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to outsource</h2>



As of now, in the IT world, the most common countries businesses outsource to include India, Ukraine, Poland, and <a href="https://existek.com/blog/top-it-outsourcing-countries-in-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more</a>. But the most common ones don’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice.



Let’s take at a couple of factors that define these top outsourced regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Eastern Europe&nbsp;</h3>



Eastern Europe countries often deal with highly-competent outsourcing developers who can deal with innovations and keep up with the latest <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/3-important-tech-development-key-trends-and-predictions-for-2019/">tech trends</a>. Experts are known for high-quality education and a good level of English. Services can be provided full-time due to the convenient location and relatively lower expenses.



The time-zone difference is negligible and the culture is close to the Western one, too.



Note: We discuss the time-zone difference in more detail <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-talking-with-simon-anderson-the-ceo-and-founder-of-notis/">here</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Asia and the Middle East</h3>



This region, India in particular, still remains one of the most popular destinations for programming outsourcing. The number of outsourcing developers is also one of the biggest for its size.



With that said, the geographical location is not that convenient and the time-zone is more noticeable. Another downside has to do with the communication aspect and the different mindset.



Receiving services for the cheapest price rates also comes with certain risks.



If you’re still on the fence about outsourcing, be sure to consider all of your <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/in-house-vs-outsourcing-what-you-need-to-know-and-overview-of-each/">options</a> first.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Latin America</h3>



Latin America is still a relatively new player in the world of IT outsourcing. This destination has become particularly attractive for the US customers due to its convenient geographical location and time-zone difference.



Though, the IT sphere is going through a stage of development due to the insufficient technical knowledge.



Other questions you might want to think about when outsourcing include:



<ul><li>What is the infrastructure like?</li><li>Is the culture exposure high?</li><li>Is the economic/political environment stable and under control?</li></ul>



All of these questions are worth considering to discover whether or not it’s worth doing business abroad.



So far, there are a number of key takeaways here.



First, cheap work doesn’t necessarily mean quality work. “Soft skills” (such as communication, involvement in projects, etc.) matter in terms of their mindset and who you’re going to be working with. And though the time-zone difference can be fixed, it still requires regular commitment and discipline.



Note: also consider other things you should look for when <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/what-you-should-look-for-when-outsourcing-tech/">outsourcing tech</a>.



Outsourcing to Eastern Europe is becoming increasingly popular for that perfect balance of quality and quantity &#8211; the best of both worlds.



Each nation provides access to both an affordable and highly skilled pool of labor. It can be hard to find a developer with a mix of strong soft <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/essential-skills-every-software-developer-should-have-2019/">skills</a> as well as the technical background.



From the Eastern Europe region, one country, in particular, stands out due to its competitive advantages and the country’s approach to IT and tech development.



Here’s what you need to know about outsourcing your IT projects to Lithuania:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Talented and young labor pool</h2>



It’s important you’re getting the best talent for your budget when outsourcing. For businesses that prioritise results (budget + quality) outsourcing to Lithuania lets them invest in quality teams and save money.



The tech sector has been thriving in this Baltic state since <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-rise-of-lithuania-as-a-force-in-it-why-google-and-nasdaq-are-investing-here/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015</a>, with education and STEM fields at the core of its growth.&nbsp;



Lithuania’s ICT sector is quickly evolving, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.&nbsp;



With some of the fastest internet connections in Europe and a particularly tech-savvy population, the labor pool is naturally drawn to the IT sector.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IT-Sector-Labor-Pool.png" alt="" class="wp-image-364" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IT-Sector-Labor-Pool.png 667w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IT-Sector-Labor-Pool-300x225.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /></figure>



In the recent years, the country has become more and more attractive to tech giants as well, such as Google and Nasdaq when they decided to set up shop in Lithuania in 2015 (more on that <a href="https://investlithuania.com/news/the-rise-of-lithuania-as-a-force-in-it-why-google-and-nasdaq-are-investing-here/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>).



The abundance of IT professionals in the country is very much part of its appeal. According to Invest Lithuania, there are currently 26,000 residents employed in the ICT and IT industries, with an additional 1,600 future experts graduating each year.&nbsp;



Additionally, Lithuania is one of the most educated countries on the continent, with the highest proportion of university graduates among people aged 30-34 (<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/6787423/3-20042015-BP-EN.pdf/b2f295ba-2e15-409c-bec9-91c4e49c5d32" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>). Nearly all young professionals speak English as well, making it ideal for international business.



Note: Interested in finding the right talent for your future IT projects? We work with IT projects from scratch, improve current ones, and help in finding a dedicated team for your development project. We work with businesses internationally and make IT projects go by a lot smoother by connecting them with talented individuals perfect for the specific job. If you need help with finding the right individuals for your future IT projects &#8211; get in touch at hello@scale3c.com



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Focus on high-quality infrastructure and progress in innovation</h2>



Due to its convenient location and strong logistics infrastructure, Lithuania is an ideal tech hub with access to the EU and nearby markets.



Lithuania’s physical infrastructure includes a reliable, and high-quality logistics option for streamlining operations. And the location gives easy access to Northern Europe, Western Europe, as well as Asia through the sea, air, road, and rail.



In terms of innovation, the capital, Vilnius, is one of the main forerunners in Europe within IT, and other fields.&nbsp;



The country’s accomplishments also include:



<ul><li>10% of the global laser market.</li><li>19% annual growth in life sciences.</li><li>5x startups increased in the last 5 years.</li><li> 20% high-tech export growth in 2017. </li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation.png" alt="" class="wp-image-366" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation-150x150.png 150w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation-300x300.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lithuania-In-Innovation-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption> Source: <a href="http://www.kcci.lt/file/manual/Lithuania%20in%20Focus.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lithuania in Focus</a></figcaption></figure>



The most important takeaway from those numbers has to do with the great start-up ecosystem.&nbsp;



The number of startups has been consistently growing in Lithuania for some time now, with over a total of 183 million EUR of investments in 2018 and government entities such as “Startup Lithuania”, “Startup Visa”, LitBan”, and more.



Now, the main reason so many tech and IT startups flock to Lithuania is partly due to its high-quality infrastructure and the country’s business environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Business-friendly environment&nbsp;</h2>



For those looking to grow their business with little red tape and bureaucracy, Lithuania offers a lot of benefits and the connectivity needed to succeed.



Lithuania is committed to providing the best conditions for businesses (and startups) to thrive. It takes only 24 hours to register a business using an e-signature and to get it up and running



Currently, Lithuania is ranked 14th globally in the ease of <a href="https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/data/exploreeconomies/lithuania" target="_blank" rel="noopener">doing business</a> and among the top 10 EU countries in ease of <a href="https://www.pwc.com/lt/lt/assets/publications/PwC_Business_Guide_Lithuania_2018.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paying taxes</a>.



The Lithuanian government is actively attracting and helping businesses transition within its borders. For foreign investments as well as IT outsourcing, there are plenty of incentives for businesses to move (and do) their work in the country.



Here’s what you need to know in terms of taxes when doing business in Lithuania:



<ul><li>Corporate profit tax varies from 0-15%</li><li>The standard value added tax (VAT) rate is 21%</li><li>The personal income tax is 20% on wages (<a href="https://www.renkuosilietuva.lt/en/taxes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>)</li></ul>



What does this mean for the IT sector?



Essentially, we’re likely to see more tech and IT startups in Lithuania, due to the growing innovation potential.&nbsp;



With Lithuania’s affordable high-quality labor and a relatively lower median wage (compared to most bigger countries), foreign investments in the IT sector are not likely to end any time soon.



Let’s look at that last part in more detail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lithuania by the numbers</h2>



As far as IT projects are concerned, Lithuania provides the ideal place for tech professionals.&nbsp;



Here’s why:



<ul><li>Perfect internet speed for the modern business &#8211; fastest public wifi, 3rd most affordable in Europe</li><li>Talented labor pool &#8211; over 31,500 IT professionals, 2,000 IT graduates in 2018, 85% proficiency in English among young professionals. (<a href="https://investlithuania.com/key-sectors/technology/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>)</li><li>Enhanced tech-savvy culture &#8211; one of the largest startup communities and dedicated office hubs in Baltics (Vilnius Tech park Sapiegos), first in region blockchain technology center &amp; co-working space to incubate and accelerate blockchain startups, local offices for corporations like Google, Uber, Wix, and more. (<a href="https://investlithuania.com/key-sectors/gbs/business-services-it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>)</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recap</h2>



Thinking of outsourcing your IT projects?



Due to Lithuania’s talented labor pool and business-friendly environment, working with international businesses from here is easier than ever.&nbsp;



The country also happens to be the geographical center of Europe. With easy reach to neighboring markets, making it an ideal location for IT projects and professionals.



Lithuania has the largest ICT industry in the Baltics with potential for local as well as foreign expanding businesses. 13 of the 20 largest IT companies in the Baltic states are located in Lithuania and some of the national corporations have decided to move their business there as well.



In terms of the ICT services, the main ones include:



<ul><li>Computer programming, consultancy and related activities</li><li>Telecommunications</li><li>Information services activities</li><li>Web solutions, and more</li></ul>



And the top 5 key markets include:



<ul><li>USA</li><li>Ireland</li><li>Great Britain</li><li>Germany</li><li>Denmark</li></ul>



Finally, the country’s key competitive advantages include:



<ul><li>Largest industry in the Baltic states</li><li>Leading professionals within the region that’s growing annually&nbsp;</li><li>Rapid technological development of services and outsourcing potential</li><li>Growing startup community and rising investment into IT field</li></ul>



If you’re looking to outsource your next IT project,&nbsp; consider Lithuania as a potential market.



The country has a thriving IT sector and plenty of benefits, as well as incentives, for tech startups to set up their business here.&nbsp;



If you need help with your IT, tech, or design projects, we’re interested to hear you out. We regularly work with clients within their existing projects through improvements or from scratch. We also make sure you work with the right talent. If you need help finding the right individuals for your projects, get in touch at <a href="mailto:hello@scale3c.com">hello@scale3c.com</a> and we’ll collect a dedicated remote team that’s right for your specific project.

Explore Why You Should Outsource Your IT Projects to Lithuania. Learn great tips and tricks on the matter.

Why You Should Outsource Your IT Projects to Lithuania | Scale3C

Lithuania is an ideal country for outsourcing IT projects for a number of reasons. Here's how the country deals with information technology and development work.

Why You Should Outsource Your IT Projects to Lithuania

Becoming a software developer, whether it be through an online course like Treehouse or independently, can be one long, never-ending journey. The habits you form along the way can have a direct effect on your career and how well you work with others.&nbsp;



As we talked about some of the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/essential-skills-every-software-developer-should-have-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">essential software developer skills</a> last week, we mentioned that the difference in skills is what separates a good developer from a great one.&nbsp;



The same applies to your habits in your work as a developer.



If you want to make sure you’re following the best practices when working within a team of developers and your personal coding skills are suited for teamwork &#8211; be sure to read on.



Everyone has a different approach to coding, some less harmful than others.&nbsp;



A lot of this comes down to experience. Bad habits can be hard to break, especially if you develop them early and they follow you throughout your career.



This is even more the case when you’re not even aware of your habits that could be taking up your precious time.&nbsp;



“First we form our habits, then they form us” &#8211; Rob Gilbert



The same applies to your bad habits that could be killing your drive and ruining your development efficiency.



<a href="https://jamesclear.com/new-habit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Research</a> says that it takes anywhere from 21 days to 66 days to form a habit. In the long career span of a software developer, adopting small programming habits can have a huge impact on your overall work.



If you want to set your expectations appropriately, it might take some time to time to build new behavior, but it’s worth noting that building is not an all-or-nothing process.&nbsp;



Building habits take time, but as long as you stick to them, the small investment is guaranteed to pay off.



You might look back on your previous web development projects, for example, and realise that your code could look better. But this shouldn’t discourage you. Everyone makes mistakes once or twice, this doesn’t necessarily impact your long-term habits.



Similarly, there is no reason to get discouraged if you start adopting a new practice in your development efforts for a few weeks and it doesn’t stick at first. As long as you’re aware of your habits and embrace the long-term, you can always change and improve your work quality.



With that said, If you’re a developer yourself, you might want to take note of some of the best-use practices to make sure your code performs optimally.&nbsp;



The following is what we’ve found to work for us at Scale3C during our software and mobile development projects, and because of the nature of the programming habits, they can work for you as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Planning Before Coding</h2>



It’s essential you know the ins and outs of a project before beginning.&nbsp;



In the development world, it can be relatively easier to plan ahead if you know the project requirements in advance (ideally, you should). Consider some of the features you might have to implement in the future.



Do you know how they work? Are there any parts you’re unfamiliar with? How will that interact with your initial code?



These are all questions you might want to ask yourself before writing the code.



If you are not sure, be sure to look it up beforehand, as opposed to when you’re halfway through a project. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-1024x682.png" alt="Planning before coding, idea, planning, strategy, success" class="wp-image-352" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-1024x682.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-300x200.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding-768x512.png 768w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Programming-Habits-Planning-Before-Coding.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Your planning and research phase may vary, depending on your time constraints.&nbsp;



Consider the following scenarios and how you can form your habits for doing research.



<ol><li>It’s simple, and relevant to you. In this case, take the time to read through it carefully as it may contribute to your broader understanding of the subject and give you a stronger foundation when you begin. Consider how the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-recommends-5-effective-time-management-techniques-for-startups/">80/20 rule</a> can affect your efficiency here.</li><li>It’s important, but may not be essential to your project at hand. In that case, see if you can familiarise yourself with the main idea and don’t get too invested in learning all the details.</li><li>It’s not relevant immediately or for the mid-term. In this case, you can simply return to the original task and come back to this if you ever need it later. It might not be worth spending your time reading about it for now.</li></ol>



With the above habit in mind, you’ll find that you can stay on top of any resources relevant to you and not venture far off from the original task.&nbsp;



If it’s relevant for you to begin coding &#8211; save it as an important resource. If not, you can always come back to it later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Writing Human-Friendly Code</h2>



Once you do your research and have a plan on how you’ll approach the project, you can then start writing code, as long as it’s human-friendly and readable.



Unclear code is a pet peeve for developers all over the world.&nbsp;



You start working on a development project, the code makes sense so far, but somewhere along the way, it loses readability in favor of functionality.&nbsp;



Does this sound familiar?



Just because the code works, doesn’t mean it’s optimal.



Remember, you’re not writing just for machines, but for your future self and your colleagues as well. It’s important to write readable code if you ever want to revisit it in the future and optimise it later.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-1024x682.png" alt="Writing human friendly code illustration" class="wp-image-353" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-1024x682.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-300x200.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development-768x512.png 768w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Human-Friendly-Code-Web-Development.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Instead of saying “I’ll fix it later” or “I’ll come back to this in the future”, make sure to document your thinking process while coding and prioritise the architecture of the code first.



When writing human-friendly code, make sure that:



<ul><li>You’re not disrupting the flow with unnecessary conditions. Are you leveraging <a href="https://the-pastry-box-project.net/nina-zakharenko/2018-february-14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">flow state</a> to write better code? Focus on what’s important.</li><li>You’re following a consistent naming practice. For example, if your variables start with an underscore as the first letter, make sure you follow this habit for the rest of the project Similarly, if you’re working collectively with a team, be sure to discuss your naming practices before you begin coding.</li><li>You’re commenting on the important parts of your code. This should be obvious, and it’s an easy habit to form. Also, this helps save time should you need to come back to the code later or pass it on to a colleague for revision.</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bonus tip:</h3>



At Scale3C, we sometimes jump into already existing projects where we have to go back and improve or add certain functions within the code.&nbsp;



Having clear, human-friendly code with proper documentation is a huge relief as it allows us to save a lot of time going over pre-written code. Taking over development projects can be scary if you’re not sure what you’re getting yourself into.



Remember, you (and the machine) are not the only ones who have to understand the code. Make sure it’s readable to other developers as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Asking for Help</h2>



Asking for help can be hard at first, but it’s a great chance to practice collaborative problem-solving and improve your overall habits as a developer.



There are a number of things to consider here.



First, most people are afraid to ask for help due to <a href="https://www.laserfiche.com/ecmblog/shut-up-imposter-syndrome-i-can-too-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">impostor syndrome</a> or that they feel they should know it or they’ll just figure it out. In reality, this just wastes your time and hinders growth.



As a developer, you have access to a lot of important resources.



Sometimes a quick Google search or a Stack Overflow answer is all you need. But in most cases, someone working close to you will be a better resource for the specific project at hand.



Daily scrum meetings are ideal to share your experience with colleagues and to ask for help.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-1024x936.png" alt="Asking for help development process teamwork illustration
" class="wp-image-354" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-1024x936.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-300x274.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process-768x702.png 768w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Asking-For-Help-Development-Process.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



No matter how long you’ve been a developer for, there’s always something new you can learn.&nbsp;



Whether it be a new tech <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/3-important-tech-development-key-trends-and-predictions-for-2019/">trend</a> you can catch up on or a new app development framework, you never stop learning as a developer.



Then, as soon as you learn something new, be sure to note it down for future reference. This also contributes to being consistent in your development, as mentioned above, and you’ll have a place for resources you can always double check with.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Consider Code Review</h2>



Speaking of communication, if you want to be on the same page as your team for future development sessions, consider adopting code review practices in your team.



Many developers dislike code review sessions because of how time-consuming they can be. But the aim of a successful peer review is to maintain code quality moving forward.&nbsp;



For this, code reviews require a balance of consistent documenting practices that make for a highly efficient collaborative environment.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-1024x682.png" alt="Code review development process illustration image
" class="wp-image-355" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-1024x682.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-300x200.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development-768x512.png 768w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Code-Review-Development.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<a href="https://smartbear.com/learn/code-review/best-practices-for-peer-code-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Effective code review</a> is only worth doing if it’s done right.&nbsp;



For this, consider adopting a checklist and proven best practices within your team.



Test-driven development and quality assurance practices have proven value in the long-term.&nbsp;



More specifically, you should be keeping an eye out for the following.



What to review:



<ul><li>Consistency.</li><li>Structure.</li><li>Style.</li><li>Performance.</li><li>And more.&nbsp;</li></ul>



As for when you should do code reviews, consider the scope and the size of your project. This may vary across teams and may also depend on the <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/important-project-management-methodologies-for-software-development-choose-one/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">methodology</a> you use.



Overall, look for consistent communication and feedback in your code reviews if you want to increase your development efficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Proper Use of Version Control</h2>



Version control (also known as source control) is the management of file changes throughout a specific period of time.



These systems automatically record changes for all files stored, allowing you to get back to a particular version or a point you made some changes in.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control.png" alt="" class="wp-image-356" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control.png 800w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control-300x256.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Git-Version-Control-768x656.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption>Source: Git</figcaption></figure>



If you want to keep every version of your code, you can use a version control system like <a href="https://git-scm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Git </a>as a way to handle and track any kind of changes during your project. It allows you to revert to selected files to a previous state or version, see who modified it last, compare changes over time, and more.



Benefits of using version control include convenience when collaborating, understanding what happened better, and having a backup in case of an emergency.



Versioning is also a great way to keep track of application versions and to see which version is currently in development, in the QA phase or in production.



Essentially, it makes for better teamwork and communication.&nbsp;



With a proper version control system, everyone on the team can work on any file, any time.&nbsp;



The VCS will then allow you to merge all the changes into one common version. This way, there is no need to look for the latest version or the status of the project, as it will be in one place that everyone can access &#8211; your version control system.&nbsp;



In order to use a VCS system optimally, be sure to:



<ul><li>Commit often so that you’ll be dealing with small changes at a time, in case you need to revert back.</li><li>Add a commit message to convey a message to other team members.</li><li>Only push completed work to make it easier for everyone involved to know the status.</li></ul>



If you’re following all of the above habits, all while documenting everything and using a proper version control system &#8211; you’ll be well on your way of developing habits needed to become an efficient developer.



The above approach prioritises collaboration and communication within a development team.&nbsp;



Not only will the habits help you in becoming a better developer, while maintaining teamwork and efficiency, they will also help your colleagues in working with you and focus on the same long-term common goal.

Explore Programming Habits All Developers Should Adopt. Learn great tips and tricks on the matter.

Programming Habits All Developers Should Adopt | Scale3C

Programming Habits All Developers Should Adopt

Nowadays, it is rare to find a software developer who can do it all.&nbsp;



A good engineer (whether it be in web or app development), now needs to be able to wear many hats. They have to know many different coding languages, be able to communicate within a team, as well as be up to date with any <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/3-important-tech-development-key-trends-and-predictions-for-2019/">future trends</a> that might change up the whole industry.



It’s hard to say for sure what the development scene of the future will look like as it’s constantly evolving. The software industry is one of the few fields that doesn’t slow down, as there will always be demand for capable engineers. Which is why it can be so hard to find a developer who can satisfy all of your requirements.



To help explore the question of the essential skills every developer should have, we’ve decided to add our own experience and insights to the discussion.



We believe that an ideal software developer should have a mix of hard and soft skills.



The key difference is that hard skills show you’re great for a specific job &#8211; i.e. your qualifications, technical skills (e.g. development languages), and more.



While your soft skills include more non-technical skills &#8211; i.e. your communication, leadership, adaptability, and more. They show that you can be a great fit anywhere, due to your personality and people skills.



Traditionally, most software developers were always leaning more on the hard skills side. They had a strong technical background but not a lot of soft skills that made them fit in any team.



The reason I’m bringing up the concept of hard and soft skills is because at Scale3C, we believe that all developers now need to have a mix of both if they want to make it far.



A great developer now needs to be able to communicate a problem well enough to non-tech employees, as well as know how to solve it.&nbsp;



With that said, the following is a more concrete list of skills we believe every developer should have &#8211; including the best of hard, as well as soft skills in 2019.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Curiosity</h2>



Great software developers are great problem solvers. And to solve problems, you need to be curious and always be questioning what’s the best way to a certain solution.&nbsp;



This is why most developers got started in the first place, and it’s important to retain that sense of initial curiosity. As long as you’re willing to learn and want to gain more knowledge &#8211; you can always improve.&nbsp;



In a field that’s constantly changing, it’s hard for a developer to peak. There is always more to learn and one should never stop after a certain point.



With web development, for example, there are always more frameworks you can look into to make your job easier. Being curious means being willing to learn and wanting to discover new things.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Essential-Skills-Software-Developers-Curiosity.png" alt="development curiosity importance illustration laptop" class="wp-image-323" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Essential-Skills-Software-Developers-Curiosity.png 788w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Essential-Skills-Software-Developers-Curiosity-300x274.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Essential-Skills-Software-Developers-Curiosity-768x702.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px" /></figure></div>



It pushes you to learn new languages, experiment, and look for new, and more efficient solutions.



A developer who is curious is always open to new ways of doing things and questions their current methods.



Just because something works doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best way to do it. Always have an open mind and be open to alternatives.&nbsp;



The best developers tend to be naturally curious people who love to learn and look for the most efficient solutions. They think outside the box and always question the current way of doing things.&nbsp;



Even better is when this happens publicly and the whole team is involved. It’s important to have a sense of culture that empowers everyone involved to brainstorm together and not to be afraid to ask questions.



Intellectual curiosity drives projects and companies forward.



With developers, it’s important to be always reading on topics of interest and the newest research. Asking questions is where best ideas and solutions often come from.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Technical Know-how</h2>



When it comes to being a developer of any kind, having strong technical knowledge and background is the way to break through the industry.



As important it is to always have an open mind and constantly be looking for the best solutions, it’s just as important for every developer to know the building blocks of their profession.&nbsp;



Because the world of software development is always evolving, there is always something new to learn, as mentioned above.&nbsp;



There are new software, tools, languages and frameworks released every day. For developers, this means they have to be up-to-date with the newest technologies that they work close to.&nbsp;



While the specific coding languages might differ for everyone, every great developer also needs to know how to write clean, logical and elegant code, and also know how to properly document it.&nbsp;



Ideally, the whole development team should be able to understand each other’s code. Hence why documentation and comments are so important.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Technical-Know-How-Software-Developers-Coding-Comments-704x1024.png" alt="development coding practice communication practice" class="wp-image-324" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Technical-Know-How-Software-Developers-Coding-Comments-704x1024.png 704w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Technical-Know-How-Software-Developers-Coding-Comments-206x300.png 206w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Technical-Know-How-Software-Developers-Coding-Comments.png 750w" sizes="(max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px" /><figcaption> Source: Geek &amp; Poke</figcaption></figure></div>



Coding standards often look different everywhere, but great developers need to have some basic skills to manage their code.



Other important development background knowledge might include:



<ul><li>Qualifications or certifications.</li><li>Logical thinking and problem-solving.</li><li>Strong theoretical background.</li><li>Teaching others.</li><li>And more.</li></ul>



Of course, this is only a small list of the technical skills all developers should know.&nbsp;



Most developers are familiar with at least several coding languages, and have in-depth experience with at least one.



This is also why it’s so important to niche down. With development, there are many languages you can learn.&nbsp;



If you try to learn everything, you won’t get very far.&nbsp;



Instead of focusing on various programming languages, you should first gain a deep understanding of one specific language. For example, you can focus on Javascript, which allows you to progress both in frontend and backend, having in mind React.JS and Node.JS



At Scale3C, we primarily specialise in software development, mobile development, and product design. As such, our developers work closely with the following languages:



<ul><li>React.</li><li>Swift.</li><li>Android.</li><li>iOS.</li><li>Java.</li><li>Javascript.</li><li>Vue.</li><li>Angular.</li><li>WordPress.</li><li>AWS.</li><li>Php.</li><li>Python.</li></ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Communication&nbsp;</h2>



Effective communication is key to any project’s success.&nbsp;



For developers, this is one of the most important non-coding skills.



We found that this is even more the case while running a business remotely. Which is why we have compiled a list of some of the important <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/8-essential-tools-we-use-while-running-a-business-remotely/">tools</a> we use that make communication easier.



There are two main points to be made here.



First, being able to communicate technical development information to non-tech people.&nbsp;



Secondly, being able to communicate in meetings (with both staff as well as customers).



The easiest way to be a better communicator is to be prepared and know your audience.



Discussing a technical topic with another developer is probably going to be easier than when talking to other members of the team. If you’re going to have a meeting in advance, it’s worth going the extra mile to prepare in case you have to break down a complex topic.



For example, in our own work environment, we mostly use a mix of Scrum and Kanban project management <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/important-project-management-methodologies-for-software-development-choose-one/">methodologies</a>. One of the main key steps of the Scrum framework is holding a 15 minute daily meeting with the Scrum Master to discuss the project’s progress.



To make sure the meetings go smoothly, strong communication skills help us update everyone on the development status.



When working with customers, we’ve developed a process that involves them at each step of the way, with how we handle projects. We adjust to their process practices if they are in place, and if not, follow this order step-by-step.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Scale3C-Communication-Process-1.gif" alt="Scale3C communication process with clients step by step gif" class="wp-image-342" width="NaN" height="NaN"/></figure>



Additionally, we also include our tech people into our communications with clients (e.g. joining skype calls with the product owner). This way, we can explain to our clients the development side of things and why one solution might be better than the other each step of the way in a way that makes sense to them.&nbsp;



Clients appreciate the effort and everyone is on the same page this way &#8211; making it a win-win situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Time and Self-management Skills</h2>



There’s been a lot of talk on time management and being more productive. We’ve found that the best solution is simply setting one specific time management <a href="https://scale3c.com/blog/scale3c-recommends-5-effective-time-management-techniques-for-startups/">technique</a> and sticking to it.



The options are many: from prioritising your tasks to splitting up your workload to tracking your time. All of them have their uses, and depending on your deadlines and work-flow, some can be more effective than others.&nbsp;



To divide your development process, you might want to split it up into small parts. All of your tasks should have deadlines, so that you can measure progress and what success looks like.



Be realistic with yourself and your deadlines. Estimate how long tasks will take and create a schedule based around that.



If you want to get a sense of how long each development task takes by the hour, consider monitoring the amount of time you spend on them. There are a lot of <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/top-15-time-management-apps-and-tools.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apps</a> for this, and you can also track where and how you spend most of your time when working.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://scale3c.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tracking-Time-Self-Management-1024x768.png" alt="Toggl summary report illustration of time spent" class="wp-image-333" width="NaN" height="NaN" srcset="https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tracking-Time-Self-Management.png 1024w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tracking-Time-Self-Management-300x225.png 300w, https://admin.scale3c.com/api/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tracking-Time-Self-Management-768x576.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Finally, if you want to improve your overall efficiency of work, you can consistently ask for feedback during projects.&nbsp;



The more you share, the more you learn.&nbsp;



Feedback and code reviews can vastly improve what you’re working on and save a lot of time in the long run.



A big part of time and self-management is knowing yourself and becoming aware of your own patterns.&nbsp;



The bottom line is time and self-management are both great ways to grow as a developer and learn from past self.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Teamwork</h2>



The best way to improve your skills as a developer, in addition to having a mix of all the above skills, is by using your stronger asset &#8211; your team.



Teamwork is equal parts how well you work with others and how well others work with you.



It’s a stereotype at this point for developers to be lone highly excellent performers. But no software or project is completed alone.&nbsp;



Essentially, actively using teamwork in development projects is a combination of the above skills. You need people to review your code, and to brainstorm other ideas and solutions together.



In turn, teamwork creates an environment of psychological safety and encourages everyone to participate and get involved equally.&nbsp;



Collaboration is an essential part of the team, as it’s often the best way to create a coherent final product. Developers should always be aware of the main team goals, and interact with colleagues regularly (whether it be online or offline).&nbsp;



Asking others with more expertise than you and training newer engineers requires strong teamwork and communication skills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Summing up</h2>



<a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/115/50/12630.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research</a> has found that the demand for hard skills increases alongside that for soft skills.



For developers looking to improve their skills, this means that while they’re focusing on skills that meet the market demands, they shouldn’t forget soft skills that are just as crucial when working with other people.&nbsp;



These skills may not get them the attention they deserve, but it can make the difference between a good developer and a great one.



Strong software developers can no longer rely only on hard skills now. Being a team member and knowing how to communicate with other developers is just as important.



Developers now need to be able to empathise with their teams to fully understand the problem, and be able to find a way to make the project work for everyone. This is the ideal mix of hard and soft skills that make a truly great developer.



To deliver excellence in development, we constantly evaluate our own mixture of skills to make sure we are on top of our business.

Explore Essential Skills Every Software Developer Should Have in 2019. Learn great tips and tricks on the matter.

Essential Skills Every Software Developer Should Have in 2023 | Scale3C

Essential Skills Every Software Developer Should Have in 2019

Discover the 8 essential tools that help us run a successful business remotely. From project management to communication, these tools keep us organized, productive and connected to our team.

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8 Essential Tools we Use While Running a Business Remotely

Since its birth, technology development has always been an innovative industry. 



As technology moves forward, various industries always look for the most efficient way to get their tasks done accordingly. 



As a result, tech development is an industry that affects other industries in itself. 



So if you happen to be in tech, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for the next big flashy thing to capitalize on. 



2018, for example, was widely considered as the <a href="https://www.draglet.com/blockchain-review-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">year of the Blockchain</a>. With Blockchain projects raising over $7.5 billion through 1,224 ICOs (initial coin offerings) throughout the year. 



While just about every industry undergoes serious changes each year, it’s probably safe to say that we’ll feel the impact of tech and software development the most. 



So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve in 2019, here are a few key tech trends you might want to keep an eye out for to get ahead of your competition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Increased IT and data security</h2>



If there’s one thing we can learn from all the data and security breaches, it’s that we need to take our data more seriously and hold companies accountable for their security. 



According to <a href="https://www.datto.com/blog/dattos-global-state-of-the-channel-ransomware-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Datto</a>, from Q2 2016 to Q2 2018, 79% of managed service providers (MSPs) reported ransomware attacks against small-and-medium-sized businesses (SMBs). 



And 92% of MSPs predict that the number of attacks will continue at the current rate or become worse in the future. 



Some of the big data breaches you might have heard of in 2018 include Google+, Facebook, Quora, and more (<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/data-hacks-breaches-biggest-of-2018-2018-12#8-google-525-million-14" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a>). 



And these are just some of the bigger names on the list. The biggest data breach in 2018 came out of <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/another-data-leak-hits-india-aadhaar-biometric-database/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aadhaar</a> &#8211; India’s national ID database, which affected just over 1.1 billion registered users. 



It’s not just the tech companies that are being affected by the security leaks too. Almost every industry that collects data in one way or another faces cybersecurity and IT issues. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/JTFAaRg5ytZCtgfCsZgvG462o0MwKYb0DSlkHRtK4cuWNZ4MD4l0cxwt4aU4K3AEGaA9pwtyVo7DqNiCmLjvOxJxWzps9L020SQx-J25mPET-O4uP5Qh9LvfA1_BztmgZnSMqf2C" alt=""/></figure>



Source: <a href="https://www.wipro.com/content/dam/nexus/en/service-lines/applications/latest-thinking/state-of-cybersecurity-report-2018.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wipro</a> 



The increasing frequency of personal data breaches affects customer faith and of course, the company’s reputation is directly at stake. 



Data leaks are unfortunately becoming more common nowadays. Even some of the bigger corporations are affected by them and they are seemingly powerless to do anything about it. 



As the problem becomes more severe, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/12/28/cybersecurity-predictions-for-2019/#22c63f9a4a27" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cybersecurity</a> is becoming an essential service requirement in the IT sector. 



Currently, many companies are trying to obtain as much data as possible, but when it comes to protecting that said information, the focus just isn’t there. 



It seems that just about any company can be breached. 



The solution? 



Tighter data and IT security mean more penetration testing, software audit, and risk analysis. A lot of companies are now opening security departments and outsourcing them to specialized companies. 



Data leaks are likely to continue in 2019. 



But there are simple steps you can take to prevent them. From end-user security awareness trainings to better encryption, you can cross off your customers’ security concerns and clear away any doubts by investing more in strengthened backend development. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Blockchain Application</h2>



Blockchain has become somewhat of a buzzword recently &#8211; something everyone claims to understand but can’t seem to explain what it is properly. 



In simple words: Blockchain essentially is a digital ledger that acts as a decentralized database for all transactions (data, finances, information, etc.). It started as the main tech behind cryptocurrency but its potential goes way beyond that now. 



If 2018 was the year of exploring Blockchain, 2019 will be when companies actually start applying it to their business solutions. 



As of now, over 100 startups from 45 different countries have partnered with UNICEF to start developing Blockchain solutions and bring about the <a href="https://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/inov_a_00265" target="_blank" rel="noopener">era of blockchain</a> for development. Banks are also experimenting with Blockchain as 69% of them are looking at <a href="https://www.techinasia.com/bankers-like-blockchain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permissioned Blockchain </a>usage. 



But how is Blockchain going to revolutionize all these industries, actually? 



In terms of practical Blockchain application in the IT sector, the following are some key trends that stand out in 2019: 



<ul><li>Smart contracts &#8211; This is a form or preprogrammed application that executes once a particular prerequisite is met (think: <a href="https://hackernoon.com/smart-contracts-a-time-saving-primer-b3060e3e5667" target="_blank" rel="noopener">if this, then that</a>). Smart contracts can improve auditing, financial transactions, record-keeping, and more. Because of its many uses, smart contract usage is practically endless and can solve (or at least alleviate) many real-world problems. Benefits include being more cost-effective, secure, accurate, fast, and more.</li><li>Cyber-security (security tokens and data privacy) &#8211; as mentioned above, data breaches and security concerns are becoming more and more common. So, in terms of overall cyber-security, smart contracts also make the properties of transparency and security particularly more efficient. Additionally, security tokens offerings (<a href="https://u.today/what-is-a-security-token-offering-are-stos-the-new-icos" target="_blank">STOs</a>) are another emerging trend in cyber-security in that security tokens re-invent how companies or startups raise money. Essentially, these tokens act as real-time digital assets, with certain regulations that hold the issuers accountable for their actions, and can revolutionize how startups raise money.</li><li>Blockchain as a service (BaaS) &#8211; no doubt Blockchain is one of the most revolutionary recent tech of our time, but not everyone can manage and create their own niche-specific Blockchain solution &#8211; hence the rising importance of this service. Big names like <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/blockchain/templates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a> (through Amazon Web Service) and <a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/blockchain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Microsoft</a> are already offering this service and we’re likely to see more companies doing the same. This cloud-based service allows startups to build their own Blockchain powered products (including apps, smart contracts, and more) to compete with some of the bigger names in the field. </li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/sdSCS7d9OZWYJRR_tjKc1-iv7VLTO1yziP_N1eMfaIitqbNfdBj7yR9OavprWKQikrD6KEmAcFeNETB-6XglYO_vtEcv1O_nQNB_aKak88jQ0mkftdGaWMItax1CW1avobh6l_l9" alt=""/></figure>



Source: <a href="https://www.disruptordaily.com/blockchain-use-cases-cyber-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Disruptor</a>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Mixed reality (VR + AR)</h2>



Mixed reality is the end combination of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). 



Combined together, they have the potential to transform the lives of people both at home and at work. 



Any kind of solution that allows people to explore a fully immersive computer-generated world or display an overlay of augmented computer graphics in their close environment (AR) has a lot of potential and many different uses. 



VR, for one, offers a completely interactive and a digital world, and AR is all about building computer graphics that can be viewed in a normal environment. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/EFCUmdK3QkrvzOFfadnZ1BULDZ2Ok0zEbXmt3PS2CYvFugh55zv2Wp830IIdiPH4jyoIqO4JYFBr_cy4tTCKfH0OCuvWAN85uEg5UjpVinfQB7_ijzJU_aVr0JQZGh7ZEpCXyKJn" alt=""/></figure>



Source: <a href="https://readwrite.com/2019/02/06/6-ways-to-implement-ar-vr-into-your-business-today/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Readwrite</a> 



Even though we saw a lot of VR uses in 2018, it was still widely considered a <a href="http://www.workspace.digital/is-virtual-reality-a-fad-or-is-it-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fad</a>, mainly due to its uses (mostly related to entertainment, gaming, etc.). Many even say that the demand for VR has been slowly dying since its explosion in 2016 and that it’s an oversaturated field. 



But despite this popular misconception, VR has a lot of serious potential waiting to transform how businesses and people interact. <a href="https://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality-applications/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VR uses</a> range from military training to training new employees in a business to the entertainment sector (not just games, but also interactive performances, galleries, museums, and more). 



As for augmented reality, new apps and solutions are entering the market and gaining the trust and interest of many users worldwide. Like VR, AR has a lot of uses throughout the many <a href="https://www.wikitude.com/blog-augmented-reality-101-ar-top-use-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">industries</a> &#8211; from retail to logistics to fashion and more. 



In other words, it’s not just about entertainment. Instead, AR can also be used to improve businesses and their workflow. 



Much of AR’s success is attributed to its versatility, and its convenience. 



As AR becomes more powerful, we are also likely to see a higher degree of <a href="https://www.campaignmonitor.com/resources/guides/customer-experience-and-personalization/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">personalization</a> in terms of customer experience. Something as simple as pointing your smartphone to a shelf in a clothing store will be able to provide you with details about the origin and the material, but also reveal information tailored specifically to your interests. 



All in all, we’re likely to see an integration of AR and VR into big data, machine learning and customization. The final result will be an personalized customer experience and an increased awareness based on a case-to-case scenario. 



So, with that said, what does 2019 have in store for mixed reality? 



Together, AR and VR <a href="https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS44001618" target="_blank" rel="noopener">headset market</a> grew to 8.9 million units in 2018 and are expected to reach 65.9 million units by 2022 &#8211; not bad for a sector once considered oversaturated. 



What’s important to note is that as phone technology becomes more and more sophisticated, so does mixed reality. A lot of it is linked to how we use phones. So, it’s only a matter of time until AR becomes a part of our daily lives like our cell phone usage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



One of the most important questions every business can ask itself is &#8211; “what are some of the latest and the most important trends, and how can we capitalize on them?” 



Each year we see new technologies come out and the current ones improve. This happens every year and 2019 will be no different. 



Tech has always been a constantly evolving field but what makes it so interesting that as it improves, we start to see its effects in other fields and industries. 



In the 21st century, trends and tech shifts happen at the drop of a hat &#8211; something that was next to impossible before. 



So, it’s safe to say that we’re very likely to see its effects ripple across many other industries. 



Expect to see a change in tech and possibly the way we do business altogether. 



It’s a slow, but gradual change. 



But with that said, what really matters at the end of the day is how you capitalize and adapt to the next flashy change in your industry and if you’ll be successful in its execution. 



Each year marks the start of a new trend. 



How are you planning on tackling the new set of trends in 2019?

Stay ahead of the curve with Scale3C's predictions for the top 3 tech development key trends in 2019. Get insights into the future of technology.

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