The Importance of Writing for Software Developers
Tags: writing, career
Published: 2020-12-17 13:20:19

Programming engineers are today’s movers of new technologies. Once the developer completes his work on the software, he must pass the word to the masses on what the new software is about. For the developer, writing as a communication tool cannot be underestimated.
[Programming languages](https://dev.to/aman246149/top-programming-language-when-and-how-to-use-them-23l6) differ from day to day communication language and through writing, developers can communicate on how and when to use them. When the developer writes his thoughts and guides on software use, the end-user connects easily with the functions of the software.
###Reviews for other developers
The software developer can capitalize on writing reviews for others in his field. Currently, a majority of software developers have not yet learned the art of writing. 
When they notice an expert in software development who doubles as a writer, they can give them writing assignments because they can relate well. Software reviews help to sell the work done by software developers.
###Circulation of newsletters
The software developer who learns writing as a way of marketing can send [quality newsletters](https://dev.to/aminarria/a-sponsorship-manager-for-your-newsletter-171m) to the email lists and update the clients of what’s upcoming or on any upgrades to existing software. 
It helps you in getting new clients if you work as a part-time or freelance software developer and builds trust with your follow-up emails. When you launch a startup, it always helps to have a ready customer base.
###Better placed to answer questions
According to academic writing experts on [AssignmentHolic](https://www.assignmentholic.co.uk/), a software developer writer will connect with their technical teams and the non-technical teams. People with little or no understanding of software engineering language may have lots of questions that need layman’s answers.
The developer who knows how to write can tackle the questions and answer them in a language understandable by the non-technical teams or clients.
###Instructions for users
Every software should have [instructions for end-users](https://blog.screensteps.com/10-examples-of-great-end-user-documentation). Without instructions, the ender use may keep juggling with the software and understand how to use it. If the developer does not have the writing skills, they might not be able to give clear instructions on how to use the software.
Lack of user information could mean the user will look for another option and deny the developer business opportunity. 
###A way to save money
Software developers who do not have writing skills often outsource for technical writers to help them convey their thoughts into a written piece. In most cases, how to use literature pieces are long with a range of between two thousand to five thousand words. 
The cost of writing one piece for a single software could range anything between $500-$1500. If the developer had writing knowledge, they could save a lot of money and instead use it to improve their software development skills.
###It’s only you who understands the software better
Before software development, the developer begins by analyzing a problem and then thinks about the solution to the problem. By the time they come up with a complete piece of the program, they have taken time thinking about how the program will solve the problem.
Any third-party writer who comes in to write about the software will, in a greater percentage, rely on the developer to understand his mind on the software. If the developer writes about their product, they give the piece their full thoughts and emotions and can easily convince the end consumers to buy. 
###Inter team communication
The [process of software development](https://stackify.com/what-is-sdlc/) may involve different teams in the same location or virtue teams in different locations. If it’s open software, the teams must communicate at each phase on the progress and do tests if the need arises.
The developer who knows to write will effectively communicate with their teams and the software development process will run smoothly without hindrances and interruptions. The end product will serve the intended purpose and may not receive complaints from the users. 
###You become marketable
You are better placed in the job market if you know how to write and are skilled in software development. The job market for software developers is competitive and any developer who has learned the skills of technical writing is better placed.
Software development companies would be more interested in a developer who can save them money by writing on a program they develop. Since work in a company involves teams, your teams will find joy to work closely with you and you will likely be retained even in difficult financial times. 
###You improve your writing skills
The best way of learning is by doing what you learn practically. No one starts as a perfect writer, but perfection is attained along the way. When the software developer keeps writing on different software, they become better writers, and eventually, they can be classified as expert writers. 
There is an added advantage to writers who double as software developers. They not only become experts in writing but also experts in software development. During the writing process, the developer’s thoughts become active on the program they developed, whether alone or in a team. 
The writer will gain a better understanding of the software than the non-writer and if improvements need to be done, the writer may do better. 
###Better in problem-solving
The main reason why software developers do their work is to offer a solution to a problem. Before the solution is thought over, it is preceded by questions either from the public or the developers. 
The software developer who knows to write can first answer these questions on pen and paper and use the answers as a springboard to the software development. The end program will contain most or all the answers the developer answered on paper. 
One quality of a writer is good listening skills because unless they listen, they might not be able to write the thoughts of the person who assigned them. Good listening skills can be applied by the software developer and come up with a unique program. 
###Conclusion
The skills of writing might not be given to everyone, but if a person commits themselves to learn them, it will be possible to attain them. The writer communicates thoughts through writing and whenever the thoughts are read, the developer gets a chance to get more business. If possible, the skills of writing should be embraced by every software developer.