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Developer experience - the unsung hero of software quality
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Developer experience - the unsung hero of software quality
Matt Saunders
8 April 2025
4 min read
Matt Saunders
8 April 2025
4 min read
Explore how developer experience improves software quality, reduces bugs, and streamlines workflows.
Hugely amplified by the DevOps revolution of the 2010s, engineers and managers have been on a quest to specifically improve quality with improved techniques such as continuous integration, branch-based development and new and specific tools to test software at a unit, acceptance and integration level. However, despite such initiatives, 41% of respondents to a survey included in our DevEx Evolution playbook, created in conjunction with Network Perspective, reported that quality is the biggest challenge facing them in delivering software. The reality is that this isn't just a technical problem; it's a complex issue rooted in aligning technical quality with user value and, ultimately, a company's mission and goals. Arguably, all of these improvements should improve a developer's life, but what's prompted the emergence of Developer Experience as a discipline in its own right?
Developer Experience reflects the manifestation of software quality positively and progressively. A key to unlocking this is to make it easy for developers to do the right thing. Gathering insights from developers about things that slow them down–the little paper cuts that affect most development practices–and working to resolve these can dramatically improve the development process.
So, how do we link Developer Experience to software quality in a positive and progressive way? It's about shifting the focus to the developer's journey – how they interact with people, metrics, tools, and processes to help them make software that works well. When developers are empowered with the right resources and a streamlined workflow, they're better equipped to build high-quality software. This ultimately leads to fewer bugs and well-written and maintainable code, thus setting up a developer's "future self" to succeed in building reliable quality software.
The findings in the playbook suggest that high-performing teams understand that quality isn't just about the final output; the whole process needs to have quality built-in for long-lasting secure software, and companies with DevEx initiatives are seeing tangible results. Companies doing well in this area are starting to find ways to measure the developer experience and leveraging these to find ways to mitigate risks in delivering quality software. They are investing in tools that simplify workflows from a developer's perspective and empower developers to make decisions on quality.
In conclusion, the interplay between Developer Experience and software quality is a dynamic and evolving landscape that requires ongoing attention and commitment. By prioritising the developer's journey and ensuring that they have the right tools, processes, and support, organisations can foster an environment where quality is not just an end goal but an integral part of the development process. As we continue to explore and refine these practices, the companies that embrace and invest in Developer Experience will not only enhance their software quality but also cultivate a culture of innovation and resilience. It's a journey worth embarking on, as it promises to yield benefits that extend far beyond the code itself, ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of the organisation.
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Developer experience - the unsung hero of software quality
Explore how developer experience improves software quality, reduces bugs, and streamlines workflows. Learn to empower developers for better results.
Written by
DevOps Lead
From a background as a Linux sysadmin, Matt is an authority in all things DevOps. At Adaptavist and beyond, he champions DevOps ways of working, helping teams maximise people, process and technology to deliver software efficiently and safely.