What is a pro coder’s most important tool?

It’s not a grab bag of programming languages, though speaking multiple languages is useful.

It’s not that shiny new M3 Max MacBook Pro maxed out in cores & RAM with the 8 TB internal drive either. (Want to see how quickly Apple turns this article from edgy to antique with their high speed rollout of Apple silicon?)

And it’s CERTAINLY not that that Samsung 49” curved monitor (which can double as a boat anchor in an emergency!)

Nope.

While those are powerful tools, there is something else of much greater value. In fact, it’s such a powerful tool, you can’t buy it. At least not directly.

This asset that will pay ever increasing dividends for the life of your career can only be possessed when you invest your own personal time.

Professional relationships.

The people that you meet and serve as you forge your path are the most important thing you can add to your portfolio.

Remember how I said you can’t buy it with money? That’s true. Only an investment of genuine and sincere time will grow this bountiful asset.

You see, the thing this world runs on isn’t money or greed, though it’s easy to see the cynical side of things. This world runs on value creation.