Developer experience, or DX for short, describes the overall feelings and perceptions a developer has while interacting with a language, tool or technique. The easier it is for a developer to work with the language, tool or technique the higher their sense of DX is. In this blog, I will briefly touch on DX but will also focus on experience in a broader meaning within software engineering.

A Software engineer focuses on three aspects of DX: usability, discoverability, and credibility. Usability is how easy your language, tool or technique can be used. Discoverability is how quickly and easily users can find the functionalities they are looking for. Last but not least, credibility, is that your users trust your language, tool or technique to solve their problems. DX is added to trial in the sixth edition of the JDriven Tech Radar

Besides DX your overall experience as a developer is crucial to the success of any project you work on. But how do you measure your experience, and how does it compare to others in the field?

One way to measure your experience is by the number of years you have been working as a developer. While this is certainly an important factor, it is not the only one. Your level of expertise in specific programming languages, frameworks, and technologies can also play a significant role in determining your experience.

Another way to assess your experience is by looking at the projects you have worked on and the challenges you have overcome. Have you tackled complex problems and delivered solutions that exceeded expectations? Have you taken on leadership roles and mentored other developers? These are all signs of a well-rounded and experienced developer.

But even with all of these factors considered, your experience as a developer is ultimately determined by the value you bring to the table. As the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan once said, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." In other words, it’s not just about what you know, but how you use that knowledge to contribute to the success of the team.

So, what does all of this mean for you as a developer? It’s simple: don’t be satisfied with just being good at what you do. Continuously strive to improve your skills, take on new challenges, and work as part of a team to deliver the best possible results. This is what will set you apart and make you a truly experienced developer.