5 Time management tips for software developers

The software development industry has a vast pool of talent. But the developers who stand out are the ones who have mastered time management. Companies understand that technical skills alone will not get the job done; a programmer must be skilled in managing time.

As you progress in your career, you will face more daunting tasks and optimal time management will ensure you deliver results by the deadline every time. Software developers juggle dozens of jobs at a given time. Keeping your head above water will be impossible without ongoing time management.

This article summarizes top time management tips for software developers to help them succeed in their careers.

1. Up your time management game through training

A successful software developer can get multiple things done consecutively. According to the Academy of Management Study, some people are naturally better at time management; nevertheless, it is a skill that can be nurtured with practice. The study concluded that people who trained in time management felt less stress under pressure and were in more control of their time than those who did not get the training.

However, you must be clear about what training can help you learn time management. Maura Thomas, a productivity thought leader argued in her Harvard Business Review publication that “traditional” time management courses are no longer relevant for today’s workers. For software developers, she recommends a time management training that incorporates these components:

• Focus on role priorities rather than specific task priorities
• Training for attention management skills rather than “time management” skills
• A comprehensive workflow management system

Therefore, investing in a high-quality time management course is crucial. Here is a list of top time management courses on Udemy.

2. Have a plan

For software developer productivity, planning is everything. It is a known fact in the software development industry that 80% of a developer’s time is spent on research, while only 20% on writing code. But when you add planning to the mix, you can better manage your time to complete tasks without delays.

Plan your day every morning to sort through all crucial tasks according to priority. You can create an Excel list to keep tabs on all necessary tasks you must achieve within the day. Interruptions are inevitable. An emergency client meeting can distract you from the keyword, or something personal might come up, but you must return to the task at hand as soon as possible.

3. Use time tracking tools

Another practical time management tip is to use time tracking tools on the job. Time tracking software like Focus Keeper and Smarter Time can help you automate the tracking requirements. With these tools, you can easily track how much time you spend on various tasks associated with the project across devices. 

They can also track your time on social media sites to help you understand your time-spending behavior. You can combine this time tracking app with a high-quality task manager to get real-time analytics of how focused you are and how you can manage more efficiently. It is essential to be mindful of where your time is going and how you can optimize it for productivity.

4. Keep distractions away

Distractions are one of the biggest time killers for software developers. A study from the University of California, Irvine, found that when a person is distracted, they need 23 minutes and 15 seconds on average to get back in the zone.

Considering the findings of this study, you can easily anticipate how much time you would be wasting if you were distracted a few times a day. To make things worse, software developers work on devices with an Internet connection. If you are a social media user, you are bound to receive daily notifications that distract you from the assignment.

Fortunately, keeping distractions at bay is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is turn off notifications of all your social media accounts except the ones you need for your work. If you’re working from home, create personal office space so that you are on the daily distractions. Keeping distractions away will improve your productivity and work quality.

5. Take regular breaks

Humans only have limited willpower to stay disciplined throughout the day. Breaks are essential to staying productive. Software developers should take frequent breaks to rejuvenate their creative juices and focus more on work. The Pomodoro technique is one of the most popular techniques to boost software developer productivity through regular intervals.

It is a five-step process known to keep you relaxed and mentally fresh. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Pick a task

Step 2: Set the timer for a 25-minute reminder

Step 3: Be focused on your task until the reminder sets off

Step 4: Take a break for 5 minutes and then return to work

(This is a Pomodoro set)

Step 5: After every 4 Pomodoro sets, take a 20-30 minutes break.

Although a simple technique, it can keep you fresh for an extended period and help prevent mental exhaustion.

Conclusion

Time management is not a sprint but a marathon. It is a skill that takes time to master but serves you lifelong. The time management tips above can help software developers become more consistent, resilient, and committed to their work.

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