If you are a professional programmer, how will you get the first pot of gold in your life? A qualified indie developer needs to possess a set of skills and take certain actions to successfully manage an indie developer career. Here are some key steps and suggestions:
1. **Technical Skills**:
- Continuously improve programming skills, including mastering multiple programming languages and frameworks.
- Learn how to design, develop and maintain full-stack applications.
- Master source code management tools (e.g., Git) to better manage projects.
2. **Project Management**:
- Learn project management methods, such as agile development, SCRUM, etc., to ensure that projects are delivered on time and completed within budget.
- Use tools to track tasks, project progress, and time management such as Trello, Asana, JIRA, and more.
3. **Self-promotion**:
- Establish a personal brand, including personal website, social media and platforms such as GitHub.
- Create a personal portfolio to showcase your projects and skills.
- Participate in technical communities, developer conferences, and networking forums to network and share knowledge.
4. **Financial Management**:
- Learn basic financial management, including budgeting, taxes, and cost estimating for developer tools.
- Create a financial plan to ensure you can manage your personal and project funds.
5. **Customer Relations**:
- Build strong customer relations skills, including communication, negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
- Ensure that the client understands the goals and progress of the project, and maintain frequent communication with the client.
6. **Law and Contracts**:
- Understand the legal aspects, especially regulations related to contracts and intellectual property.
- Use professional contracts to protect your rights and ensure there are clear agreements on the project.
7. **Self-Study**:
- Invest time to learn new skills