You can be a Rockstar developer

Anyone can be a "Rockstar" developer, but there's only one way to do it.

You have to stop being content with a surface level understanding of the technologies you work with. It takes a desire to learn and the hard work to perservere.

Most developers allow Google and StackOverflow to do the thinking for them. A quick search for an exception and the configuration / code block appears to magically solve their problem. I've certainly done it plenty of times. You just need a quick fix so you can move onto more important things.

• Read the manual (RTM)
• Read books from the experts
• Dig into the source code
• Experiment
• Make changes to the source
• Submit PRs
• Write about it
• Speak about it

You'll be amazed at what happens:

• You write less code to solve the same problems
• Your development velocity goes way up
• Fewer defects in your code and solving them becomes easier
• Your team members start coming to you for answers
• You get assigned the "interesting" tasks and projects
• Other technologies start to make more sense
• You realize your value just went up $$$

So remember...

Most developers are content with a surface level understanding. Don't be. Your future self will thank you.

Want to know more? Leave it in the comments.