Software developer: how to train and review the role
Writes, tests and fixes code for client projects or the firm's own product. Works in a small team on tasks from a ticket board, reviews others' code and fixes bugs found in testing. Reports to a technical lead and joins client or product calls as needed.
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Share your requirementsWho usually fills this role
Mostly engineering or computer science graduates, MCA holders, and self-taught developers from bootcamps. Some come from other service firms with experience. At hiring, test a small coding task, reading of someone else's code, git habits, clear explanation of choices and willingness to ask for help early.
Skills ladder
Stage 1
New joiner
- Completes small, well-defined tickets with review
- Uses version control and the team's branching rules
- Writes basic tests for their own code
Stage 2
Independent
- Delivers features end to end and fixes defects
- Reviews peers' code with useful comments
- Explains status and risks clearly
Stage 3
Senior or lead
- Designs modules and guides technical choices
- Mentors juniors and leads reviews
- Talks to clients or product owners on scope
Training path
First weeks
- 1
Environment and code walk
The tech lead sets up the development environment with the joiner and walks the main modules and coding standards. The joiner builds the project locally and explains the module layout.
- 2
First tickets with review
The joiner takes small bug fixes. A senior reviews each change in detail, explaining style, tests and naming. Reviews are recorded in the repository.
- 3
Team ways of working
Teach the board, daily call, branching, release and incident routine. A buddy checks that the joiner follows them for the first sprints.
First year
- 1
Feature ownership
The lead gives a feature with clear acceptance points. The developer writes tests and demonstrates it, and the lead reviews design before coding.
- 2
Debugging and reading logs
Use real defects to teach reproducing, tracing and fixing. The developer writes a short cause note which the lead reviews.
- 3
Code review practice
Teach reviewing for correctness, readability and security. The developer reviews peers' work and the lead gives feedback on the comments.
Towards senior
- 1
Design and estimation
The senior developer writes a short design note and estimate for the lead to challenge. Accuracy is reviewed after delivery.
- 2
Mentoring
The senior developer pairs with juniors and gives written feedback in reviews. The lead checks junior progress.
- 3
Client and product conversations
Teach clarifying requirements and saying no to scope creep. The lead joins the first calls and gives feedback.
Performance review
A fortnightly 1-to-1 with the tech lead, a short review at each release and a written half-yearly review that draws on code reviews and delivery notes.
What to measure
| Measure | How it is seen |
|---|---|
| Quality of delivered work | Defects found after release and review comments |
| Code review contribution | Quality and tone of reviews written |
| Delivery reliability | Ticket completion and estimate versus actual |
| Technical growth | Skills shown in tougher tickets |
| Communication | Status updates and clarity on blockers |
| Team practice | Use of version control, tests and documentation |
Evidence to bring
- Repository history and review comments
- Defect list linked to tickets
- Sprint or board summary
- Design notes
- Client feedback
Questions to ask in the review
- Which ticket taught you the most this period?
- Where did your estimates miss?
- What defects came from your code?
- What did review comments teach you?
- What are you unsure about in the codebase?
- How do you ask for help?
- What would you like to build next?
Pitfalls
- Judging by lines of code or hours at the desk
- Reviews that only point to faults
- Giving juniors no review at all in a rush
- Moving developers between projects with no handover
Questions about this role
Use common themes such as quality, reliability and communication, and compare against project difficulty.
Yes, with a buddy, review and limited scope. Share only what the contract allows. Confirm confidentiality terms with your adviser.
Use clear tickets, regular calls and written updates. Keep reviews based on work records.