The Art of Discernment

Written by

Carissa O'Connell

July 15, 2024

As a software engineer, developing a program is not just about writing code; it's about making deliberate decisions that impact the entire development process. Exercising discernment means being able to distinguish between what's essential for the program, prioritizing tasks, and making informed decisions that drive the project forward. In this blog post, we'll explore the different aspects of discernment that a software engineer needs to develop a program, and tips on how to cultivate this essential skill.

• 1. Understanding the Problem Domain
• Before starting to code, a software engineer needs to have a deep understanding of the problem domain. This involves discerning the requirements of the project, identifying the key stakeholders, and understanding their needs and expectations. A good software engineer must be able to ask the right questions, gather relevant information, and analyze the data to develop a clear understanding of the problem.
  • Tip: Conduct stakeholder interviews, create user personas, and develop a clear problem statement to ensure you understand the problem domain.
• 2. Prioritizing Features
• When developing a program, it's essential to prioritize features based on their importance and complexity. A software engineer must discern which features are must-haves, nice-to-haves, and nice-to-have-but-not-essential. This involves evaluating the impact of each feature on the overall project, assessing the technical feasibility, and considering the resources required.
  • Tip: Use the MoSCoW method to prioritize features, and create a product backlog to visualize the prioritization process.
• 3. Choosing the Right Technology Stack
• The technology stack is a critical aspect of any software development project. A software engineer must discern which programming languages, frameworks, and tools are best suited for the project. This involves evaluating the pros and cons of each technology, considering the learning curve, and assessing the compatibility with existing systems.
  • Tip: Research different technology stacks, create a pros and cons list, and consider the long-term implications of each choice.
• 4. Designing the Architecture
• The architecture of a program is the foundation upon which the entire system is built. A software engineer must discern the best architecture for the project, considering factors such as scalability, maintainability, and performance. This involves evaluating different design patterns, assessing the trade-offs, and making informed decisions.
  • Tip: Create a high-level architecture diagram, evaluate different design patterns, and consider the non-functional requirements of the system.
• 5. Writing Efficient Code
• Writing efficient code is essential for any software development project. A software engineer must discern the best approach to writing code, considering factors such as performance, readability, and maintainability. This involves evaluating different coding techniques, assessing the trade-offs, and making informed decisions.
  • Tip: Follow best practices, use design principles, and consider the long-term implications of each coding decision.
• 6. Testing and Debugging
• Testing and debugging are critical aspects of any software development project. A software engineer must discern the best approach to testing, considering factors such as unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. This involves evaluating different testing frameworks, assessing the trade-offs, and making informed decisions.
  • Tip: Create a testing strategy, use testing frameworks, and consider the importance of debugging in the development process.
• 7. Collaborating with Team Members
• Software development is a team effort, and collaboration is essential for success. A software engineer must discern how to work effectively with team members, considering factors such as communication, feedback, and conflict resolution. This involves evaluating different collaboration tools, assessing the team dynamics, and making informed decisions.
  • Tip: Establish clear communication channels, use collaboration tools, and foster a culture of feedback and respect.

Discernment is a critical skill for any software engineer, and it's essential for developing a program that meets the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders. By understanding the problem domain, prioritizing features, choosing the right technology stack, designing the architecture, writing efficient code, testing and debugging, and collaborating with team members, a software engineer can make informed decisions that drive the project forward.

Discernment is not just about making decisions; it's about making deliberate decisions that impact the entire development process. By cultivating this essential skill, you'll become a better software engineer, and you'll develop programs that make a real difference in the world.