The question of whether writing is an essential skill for software engineers has long lingered in my mind. Some argue that writing is not a critical skill for software engineers and that other skills, such as programming and problem-solving, are more essential for the job. However, others argue that writing is a necessary skill for software engineers, as it plays a crucial role in various aspects of the job.
One argument against the thesis that writing is essential for software engineers is that not all software engineers must write extensively. Some engineers may work in specialized areas that only require a little writing. However, it’s important to note that writing is not only about writing code; it’s also about documentation and communication. For example, even if an engineer is not working on the front-end of a project, they still need to be able to write clear and concise documentation for their code and communicate effectively with their team and stakeholders.
Another argument against the thesis is that writing may not be considered as essential as other skills, such as programming and problem-solving. However, it’s important to note that writing and programming are not mutually exclusive. In fact, writing can help software engineers to improve their programming skills. For example, writing can help engineers clarify their thoughts and process information, leading to better problem-solving and more efficient coding. Additionally, writing can also help engineers to improve the readability and maintainability of their code.
Despite these arguments, there are several reasons why writing is an essential skill for software engineers. One of the main reasons is that writing allows engineers to clarify their thoughts and process information. When engineers write, they are forced to organize their thoughts and think through the logic of their ideas. This can help them understand a problem better and develop a solution more efficiently. Writing can also help engineers process information and form coherent thoughts, which is crucial for any software engineer.
Another important reason writing is essential for software engineers is that it helps them better understand the topics they are writing about. When engineers write about a specific topic, they are forced to research and learn about it in more depth. This can help them to become more knowledgeable about a specific subject, which is always beneficial for a software engineer.
Writing also helps software engineers to develop communication skills, which are critical in software engineering. As a software engineer, you need to communicate your ideas and solutions effectively to your team and stakeholders. Writing can help you improve your communication skills, making it easier to convey your thoughts and ideas to others.
Another important aspect of writing is its role in remote work and asynchronous communication. With the growing trend of remote work and distributed teams, written communication has become increasingly important. In a remote work environment, engineers can rely on face-to-face communication less and must rely on written communication to convey ideas and information. Asynchronous communication, which allows team members to communicate and work on their schedule, also relies heavily on written communication.
To succeed in a remote work environment, software engineers must communicate effectively through writing. This includes writing clear and concise emails, documents, and other forms of written communication. Engineers must also be able to understand and respond to written communication from others, which can be challenging when the context and tone are only sometimes clear. By honing their writing skills, software engineers can improve their ability to communicate effectively in a remote work environment, leading to better collaboration and productivity.
Lastly, making a habit out of writing can help software engineers with other writing tasks, like creating documentation and writing better code. Writing regularly will help them develop their writing skills and make writing clear and concise documentation for their code easier. It can also help them write more readable and maintainable code.
In a recent survey on LinkedIn, I asked the question, “Is writing an essential skill for software engineers?” and the results were 52% voted “It’s absolutely essential.”, 33% voted “Important, not essential.”, 15% voted “Not important, but useful.”, 0% voted “Not needed for an SW Engineer.”. This survey shows that most people in the software engineering field consider writing an essential skill.
Writing is an essential skill for software engineers. It allows them to clarify their thoughts, process information, understand the topics they are writing about, develop communication skills, and make it easier to write documentation and code. Creating a writing habit can help them improve in all these areas. It’s worth investing time in honing this skill as it can help to make a big difference.
As you read this article, did you agree or disagree with the thesis? Why? What do you think about the importance of writing skills for software engineers? Are you taking action to improve the writing skills of engineers in your team?
Also, if you haven’t already, start writing yourself. It can only benefit you in the long run.
Jakub Krzaczek 