Laravel is a PHP web application framework that provides web developers with the tools and foundations to get a web app up and running in no time. Over the last decade Laravel has become one of the most popular web development frameworks in use today. This article is focused on helping stakeholders in their decision making process while hiring qualified Laravel developers. Here are Curious Minds, we’ve been working with Laravel since it’s earliest versions, and we’ve been deeply involved in all aspects of managing and staffing Laravel projects. So no matter if you are planning a new web app, or maintain an existing one, this guide will help you with your staffing decision. So what should you look for when hiring a Laravel developer for your next project?
Laravel development standards
Laravel is a flexible framework, and developers have many options when building out features within the framework. That being said, some of these methodologies are better than others. Trying to work against this framework, or being unaware of the proper usage during the development process will lead to unmaintainable code. It’s important that a candidate developer on for your next project has a deep understanding of the intention and underlying philosophy of the framework.
In addition to core framework knowledge, a new hire needs to be able to communicate these development practices to the team. This is how practices become standards. The development of standards in the organization and project, lead to maintainable codebases. Maintainable code is the holy grail of all development processes, and should be on of the main focuses of the development team throughout feature build-outs.
So how does the stakeholder who might not have first-hand knowledge of a framework like Laravel judge the ability of a potential candidate? One of the most important tools a stakeholder can leverage is fractional CTO services. Fractional CTO services allow project owners and small to mid-sized business leverage the expertise of seasoned developers who can help with candidate evaluation and selection process.
In addition to our CTO services, our team of skilled Laravel developers possesses a deep understanding of the framework's intricacies, leveraging its powerful features to build robust, scalable, and efficient web applications. With years of experience, we have honed our Laravel skills to deliver exceptional results.
On-shore and in-house.
Sometimes success on a project is as simple as having a team or individual asset that lives and works in the same timezone as the rest of the team. Even if you are hiring outside help, recruiting local development resources are always a good idea. When the development team is working in the same timezone, the development tempo is increased, communication is faster. Here at Curious Minds we’ve found a direct correlation between code quality, development tempo and the and usage of on-shore Laravel development resources.
Additionally, because it occurs enough to comment on it, project managers need to be aware that some Laravel development shops consist of an on-shore manager fronting off-shore resources. While this type of operation presents a good front, over time the diminished code quality and development tempo, and communication difficulties tend to overshadow the initial presentation.
At Curious Minds Media, our on-shore development team is dedicated to delivering top-notch quality in every project we undertake. From the initial concept to the final deployment, our rigorous development process ensures that your Laravel application is stable, secure, and performs flawlessly. Moreover, our dedicated support team stands by your side, providing ongoing maintenance and updates to keep your application running smoothly.
Active communication
Communication tempo is often one of the most overlooked aspects when hiring a Laravel development resource. The idea is the same if you are hiring an agency or individual. By what channels and at what tempo will the developers communicate progress and roadblocks with the rest of the team?
Regular communication with stakeholders, such as clients, end-users, or product owners, is vital for software development success. Engaging stakeholders helps developers gather feedback, align the product with their expectations, and address any concerns or changes in requirements promptly. It ensures that the final product meets the stakeholders' needs and increases their satisfaction.
In our view, communication needs to be multivariate, and active. This is especially important in today’s remote workplaces. Communication is not just Slack messages or email, but also GitHub comments, and standup meetings in the workplace. Defining this tempo, and organizational communication standards before hiring Laravel development assets is an important step in setting the stage for successful engagements.
Active communication enables transparency in project status, progress, and challenges. Regular updates, status meetings, and progress reports keep all stakeholders informed about the project's timeline, milestones, and potential risks. Transparent communication helps project managers make informed decisions, manage expectations, and adjust plans as needed. Daily standup meetings should be the minimum, with the addition of early and often code commits.
We believe in the power of collaboration. We work closely with you throughout the development process, fostering open communication and transparency. Your ideas and feedback are highly valued, ensuring that the end product perfectly encapsulates your vision.
Project planning
Software development projects often involve complex and evolving requirements. It can be difficult to accurately estimate the effort required when the scope is not well-defined or changes frequently. Unclear requirements lead to uncertainties, making it challenging to gauge the time and resources needed.
Does the a Laravel development candidate have the experience to step outside of the individual feature request of the project and see the bigger picture? Can they help navigate and develop a minimally viable project?
Additionally, does the prospective developer have the experience to calculate level of effort, and give accurate estimates of development time and deliverables. This is a surprisingly difficult skill to acquire, one that is honed after hundreds of hours being exposed to complexity in various projects. Without it, project managers and stakeholders can be in for nasty budgeting surprises.
While estimating the level of effort in software development projects can be challenging, there are strategies to mitigate the difficulties. Breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks, leveraging historical data, involving experienced team members in estimation, and regularly revisiting and updating estimates based on progress and feedback can help improve the accuracy of effort estimation. It's important to approach estimation as an iterative and collaborative process, taking into account the uncertainties and risks inherent in software development.
At Curious Minds, we’ve done our homework. We’ve developed a keen eye for estimating cost and complexity in software development projects. Our developers can ballpark cost estimates, and level of effort for new feature requests, as well as additions and refactoring of existing codebases.
Finally
Are you seeking a reliable and experienced Laravel development company to bring your web application dreams to life? Look no further than Curious Minds Media. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional Laravel solutions, we are dedicated to helping businesses like yours thrive in the digital realm.
We understand that each business has unique requirements. At Curious Minds Media, we take the time to thoroughly comprehend your goals and tailor Laravel solutions that precisely align with your needs. Whether it's e-commerce, SaaS, CRM, or any other application, we have the expertise to build a customized solution just for you.
Here at Curious Minds, we’ve been developing web applications for over 20 years. We know what it takes to bring a project to the finish line. We offer a full suite of development services including Laravel, WordPress, and support plans of all sizes.
Don't let your Laravel development needs go unmet. Choose Curious Minds Media as your trusted partner and let us turn your ideas into reality. Give us a call today and find out what Curious Minds can do for your business.
