Hi Folks.  If you read last Friday's MSDN Flash you will have seen these "Pearls of Wisdom" from some very successful Developers but, they're so good I want to ensure my Blog "followers" got them AND there's a chance to win a web cam when you share yours!!  So here they are...

Andrew Parsons, MVP, Education Evangelist, Readify
"Be Humble"
A successful developer realises and recognises their limitations and doesn't impose themselves on others. They don't approach programming with arrogance. I'm quite happy to say "I don't know", but I'm also prepared to say "but I'll try to find out". This is often followed by the cry of "help!!!" with the people I work with.

Dr Neil Roodyn, Regional Director, Independent Internet Consultant, Trainer & Author
"Learn the fundamentals and build on them"
To even consider calling yourself a computer programmer, learn how a computer works. Learn how to place values in a register and call machine instructions to manipulate them. Learn how to optimise the memory management in your code and how to increase performance at a fundamental level. Learn how to serialize data in and out of ports. Once you have a strong understanding of the fundamentals, start learning the basics of abstraction, data hiding, responsibility partitioning and polymorphism. Once you have these basic programming skills, learn to work with other people. Software is an output of the team working on it. A solid team builds solid software.

Andy Coates, Developer Evangelist, Microsoft
"Have an Insatiable thirst for Knowledge"
For me, the most important characteristic of a successful developer is an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Take the time to deeply understand the tools and technologies you use. Read blogs from the people who develop and maintain the tools. Take a course from a visiting expert. Ask questions in online forums. Read in-depth books about the field.

Craig Bailey, MVP and Technical Director, Elcom
"Practice! Practice! Practice!"
Craig went all philosophical on me and really researched the answer to this question. He points to some fantastic blogs that also contemplate this question, but inspired by the blog post of Jeff Atwood (Coding Horror) it all boiled down to:
"Successful developers are people who practice."

Mitch Denny, MVP and Principal Consultant, Readify
"Learn Something New Everyday"
Be part of the Developer Community: It comes in blogs, in user groups, in person. Attend, present and communicate.

Roger Lawrence, Group Manager for Developer Evangelism, Microsoft
"It's not a Technology Project, It's a Business Project!"
Successful Developers remember that there is no such thing as "an IT Project" but a "Business Project that relies upon great technology. When programming, always think about the impact your solution will have on the business and the people who will use it.

Bronwen Zande, MVP and Director, Soul Solutions
"Love Learning"
We can't always be on the most exciting project with the latest and greatest technology so look for the learning opportunity in every project be it a new technical skill, a new business domain, or an interpersonal skill.

Tatham Oddie, Developer Consultant
"Learn through sharing"
If you haven't already, contribute to your local user group, and start a blog. To find out why I think these are all important, read why on my blog.

Dr Greg Lowe, Regional Director, Managing Director, SolidQ
"Learn from Other People's Code!"
I think the most important thing that a developer needs to do is to read other people's code. Just like an author doesn't get much better without reading other people's books, a developer can take an awfully long time to learn things the hard way. Reading other people's code can make all sorts of little ideas pop into their heads.

Finula Crowe, Marketing Manager - Designer & Developer Community Microsoft
"Keep reading MSDN Flash - the best way to stay on top of all that is going on at Microsoft for Developers". (Shameless "plug" for MSDN Flash, I know! ;-))

If you have a "tip" you would like to share, post it here and I will award the three most original tips a fabulous Microsoft LifeCam. Entries must be posted by 5 July. Winners will be notified by 7th July.

Good luck!!  Fin