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What Makes a Good Developer? (Hint: It's Not Just Coding)
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What Makes a Good Developer? (Hint: It's Not Just Coding)

DevDaddy Team
January 16, 2026
3 min read

If you're looking to hire a devving company to build your website or software, you might wonder what really makes a developer stand out. The best developers offer more than just technical coding chops; often it's the "soft" skills like understanding your needs, communicating well, and working smoothly with others that makes the difference.

Communication and Listening Skills

Good developers don't hide behind jargon or keyboards, they communicate. This means actively listening to your ideas and concerns, asking clear questions, and explaining technical stuff in plain English. Effective communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps a project on track. In fact, communication skills are often cited as the number one quality employers look for in devving companies. A developer who can talk through challenges, give you clear updates, and translate geek-speak into everyday terms is invaluable.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Writing code is a means to an end; the end goal is solving a problem. Great developers approach your project with a problem-solving mindset. They take time to understand what you're trying to achieve and why it matters for your business. Instead of just blindly coding to a spec sheet, they think critically about how to achieve the best outcome. This might involve suggesting a better approach, spotting potential pitfalls early, or creatively overcoming roadblocks. Ultimately, a developer who loves a challenge and can adapt when things change will deliver a more effective solution for you.

Understanding the Business

An exceptional developer doesn't just care about code, they care about your business and users. At DevDaddy, we emphasise that understanding the client's industry and goals is key to building the right solution. When a developer "gets" the bigger picture, they can make smarter decisions during development. For example, knowing your target audience or revenue model helps them prioritise features that add real value. By asking questions and learning about your objectives, a good developer ensures the software or website they build truly serves its purpose—not just technically, but in meeting your business needs.

Teamwork and Collaboration

No software project is an island. Great developers excel at working with others whether it's other developers, designers, or project stakeholders. Collaboration means being open to feedback and able to work in sync with different people. A collaborative developer respects others' ideas and contributes to a positive, solution-focused atmosphere. This kind of teamwork not only speeds up development but also leads to a better final product. If you hire DevDaddy for a project, our developers will coordinate with you and any other team members seamlessly. We use tools and regular check-ins to make sure everyone stays on the same page.

Conclusion: It's More Than Just Code

Technical skills are essential, but what truly makes a "good" developer great is everything else they bring to the table. Communication, problem-solving, business insight, and collaboration are the qualities that lead to successful projects and happy clients. At DevDaddy, we pride ourselves on having developers who embody these traits along with top-notch coding talent.

Ready to turn your idea into reality with a team that's as skilled in communication and strategy as they are in coding? Get in touch with DevDaddy today and let's build something great together!


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