Development levels

I've been enamored with computers since childhood, captivated by images of people typing away on TV. Yet, it wasn't until 2000, during high school, that I delved into programming. From that point on, computers became an integral part of my life. I often found myself searching for a clear roadmap of career paths and levels for programmers like myself, but my efforts often ended in vain.

Over the years, wearing various hats—from a coder to a solutions architect, and even owning a development company—I've experienced many roles in the web and application development process. Drawing from this rich tapestry of experiences, I've structured the career progression into 20 distinct levels:

  • Level 1: Acquired foundational logic and programming knowledge.
  • Level 2: Engaged in hands-on programming practices and problem-solving.
  • Level 3: Underwent training in an established development company.
  • Level 4: Addressed standard tasks with some guidance.
  • Level 5: Completed standard tasks independently.
  • Level 6: Addressed complex tasks or functions with assistance.
  • Level 7: Tackled entire complex tasks or functions on one's own.
  • Level 8: Gained a diverse technical skill set, exploring different resources to piece together elements of a small project.
  • Level 9: Grasped comprehensive technical skills, equipping oneself to lead a small project to completion.
  • Level 10: Spearheaded small projects as the primary technical lead, albeit with some oversight.
  • Level 11: Oversaw entire small projects as the autonomous technical lead.
  • Level 12: Grasped the nuances of performance issues and their theoretical solutions.
  • Level 13: Successfully delivered on 30 to 50 real projects, cultivating a deep understanding of user requirements and the technical nuances of web/app development.
  • Level 14: Demonstrated the ability to swiftly comprehend user business needs, translate them into technical requirements, advise clients on holistic solutions, and lead the development for small projects.
  • Level 15: Delivered on several projects in the capacity described in Level 14.
  • Level 16: Seamlessly translated user business needs into technical requirements for more intricate projects, guiding clients through comprehensive solutions and leading the development process.
  • Level 17: Delivered on several projects in the capacity described in Level 16.
  • Level 18: Offered comprehensive consultancy for large or multifaceted projects and steered them to fruition.
  • Level 19: Completed several projects in the role described in Level 18.
  • Level 20: Ascended as a development maestro, capable of morphing any real-world business operation into a sophisticated software system.

This list is the culmination of my personal journey and insights. I eagerly await the wisdom and experiences that you might share.

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