I got the job. First day. New Team. What now?
Chronicle of a good start.
Embarking on a new role can be both exciting and challenging. As you navigate your first day and beyond, remember that learning is a continuous process.
Reviewing codebases and platforms
Your first task as a new team member is to familiarize yourself with the codebases associated with the platforms you'll be working on.
However, it's essential to adopt a structured approach to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Review one codebase associated with one platform at a time.
Start by focusing on one codebase and platform at a time. By breaking down the task into manageable chunks, you can systematically delve into the intricacies of each system.
Simplifying complex platforms
In today's interconnected world, it's common to work with multiple platforms that interact with one another. To avoid frustration, it's crucial to keep things simple, especially in the beginning.
When faced with complex platforms, resist the temptation to tackle everything at once. Instead, identify the critical components and functionalities that you need to focus on initially. This can be accomplished by reviewing documentation, tests, and asking colleagues around when you face a road block.
Is worth to mention, most companies (the ones that really care about their newcomers) use a buddy system or similar, where one of the more experienced colleagues will guide you through your first weeks and assist you in matters that might seem quite complex for you but in the end, you need to know, all complexity becomes simpler when time and effort is applied into it.
Exploring APIs (Application Programming Interface)
APIs play a vital role in modern software development, acting as the bridge between different systems and services.
All roads lead to... API endpoints
Familiarizing yourself with these API endpoints is key to understanding the overall architecture and functionality of the platforms you'll be working on.
Begin by reviewing the available endpoints and the resources they expose. Pay attention to the authentication and authorization schemes employed, as they significantly impact the security and access control of the system.
Final thoughts
Embrace this opportunity to expand your knowledge, collaborate with your team members, and seek guidance whenever necessary.
Over time, you'll become increasingly comfortable with the platforms, codebases, and API endpoints, enabling you to contribute effectively to your team's success.
As always, keep collaborating, keep writing, keep learning and building something you're proud of.
Stay safe,
Juan.