Working on software with a group of talented developers can be extremely fulfilling, and at times, frustrating. There are plenty of beginner’s pitfalls to avoid while ensuring that the quality and goals of your project are met at the same time. Things can get even trickier when the software developer team has to take care of the project from home. It might have been easier in an office setting, but the dynamic changes entirely when working at home.
Fortunately, it does not have to be a challenging process of trial and error. There are plenty of ways you can keep things going, and you will not necessarily have to pull your hair out in the process. Here are a few simple tips for dealing with the software development cycle while at home.
Ensure that every software developer adheres to the written schedule
Without a doubt, the most important part of dealing with software development is the life cycle. From analyzing data to performing the necessary tests, it can be an extremely involved experience for everyone involved. While such a thing might be easy to oversee in an office setting, things become quite a bit trickier when dealing with it at home.
You can start by writing down a proper schedule, depending on which part of the development cycle your team tackles. It is crucial to remind your software developers to be around during specific hours, and for everyone to agree on the schedule beforehand. Working from home can be rough, which is why it would be a good idea to get all the developers to adhere to the right schedule.
Every software developer must have the necessary tools to get the job done
Once again, what was one simple in an office setting could become needlessly complicated at home. Everyone must be on the same page when it comes to the tools and assets utilized during the entirety of the development life cycle. A good idea would be to consistently remind your developers of the current build of the project and to have it updated in an online platform where everyone else downloads the tools.
A bit of miscommunication could lead to one developer working on one version of the build while someone else works on a previous version, which could cause trouble down the line. Keeping up quality is all about ensuring that your team always has the best tools for the job.
Related Content: 8 Tools your Software Developers Must Have for High Productivity
Boost productivity by ensuring your software development team is staying healthy
It can be all too easy for someone from your team to get burned out by working too hard on a software development project. Many sleepless nights spent working can cause more damage than people realize, which is why it is always a good idea to exercise moderation. One of the secrets to software development lies in being thorough and taking as much time as possible to get the job done.
While a hard worker is always lauded, overwork can cause the decisions they make during the process to become twisted. It is the reason why you see so many companies fail due to crunch time. Ensure that your team is getting enough rest, and remind them to take time for themselves. Crucial things to keep in mind include:
- Getting 8 hours of rest at the very least
- Getting enough food to remain energized throughout the workday
- Letting the rest of the team know in the event of family emergencies
The problem that comes with working on software development at home is the fact that stress can build up and become a much bigger problem before you realize it. The same thing goes for your development team. Ensure that you take care of them to get the best results.
Follow the schedule, but be prepared for changes within the software developer team
Some things can happen during the development cycle of software that no-one can expect or account for. It can be challenging, which is why it is important to expect the unexpected. You can lower the risk by providing a roadmap for the rest of your development team to follow, but some things can derail a team that relies too much on a strict schedule. It would be a good idea to be lenient when it comes to the amount of work necessary, and to take your time to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
After all, working from home and dealing with a team of software developers is not at all easy. All you can do is provide as many resources and opportunities as possible.
Related Content: Structuring Your Dedicated Software Development Team to Boost Performance
Be as active as you can when it comes to communicating with your software developer
Last but not least, it is crucial that you stay as active as possible when it comes to leading your development team. Besides, the end goal is to complete the development life cycle successfully. Problems with communication are typically the first things to occur before a project derails. As much as possible, communicate with every member to get their input. This will ensure that they are on the same page as the rest of the team.
A good idea would be to have an online course pointing out the overall development plan of your project. That way, everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, as well as the current stage of development in the software’s life cycle. It might take a lot of work to stay active and keep things in order, but it is necessary to get the job done.
For honorable mentions, keep in mind that your workspace is crucial to dealing with responsibilities quickly and efficiently. Keep your workspace free of clutter to help deal with distractions. Just as you urge the software developer team not to overwork and get enough rest, the same thing applies to you. With enough patience and effort, the development life cycle will go off without a hitch, and your software will undoubtedly be a success.
