Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House

This interview is with Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House.

Shehar, welcome to Featured! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a software development expert?

My journey into software development began in high school, where I discovered a passion for coding. Since then, I have never ventured into any other field. Throughout my adult life, I have been fully immersed in software development, dedicating myself to creating innovative solutions.

For the past decade, I have focused on building mobile apps and various system and web software for companies around the world. This experience has not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of different industries and their unique needs. Founding my own software house has been a particularly rewarding endeavor, allowing me to lead a talented team and bring impactful projects to life. My journey has been driven by a commitment to leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives.

Your experience in software development is impressive. Can you share a pivotal moment or project that solidified your passion for this field?

One of the most pivotal moments in my career was the development of a mobile app for a healthcare startup. The project was challenging, requiring intricate functionalities to ensure patient data security, real-time communication between doctors and patients, and a seamless user experience.

The turning point came when we received feedback from a user whose life had been significantly improved by the app. This individual, living in a remote area, was able to access medical consultations and manage their health effectively for the first time. Hearing how our work had made such a tangible difference was incredibly fulfilling and reaffirmed my passion for software development. It highlighted the profound impact technology can have on people’s lives, solidifying my commitment to creating solutions that matter.

Thinking back to your early days in software development, what was one of the biggest challenges you faced, and what key learning did you take away from that experience?

Reflecting on my early days in software development, one of the biggest challenges I faced was managing client expectations while delivering a complex project. Early in my career, I was tasked with developing a custom software solution for a major client. Despite having the technical skills, navigating the client’s evolving requirements and tight deadlines proved daunting.

This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and setting realistic expectations from the outset. It highlighted the need for robust project management practices and the ability to adapt to changes without compromising on quality. Ultimately, it reinforced the value of maintaining a balance between technical expertise and effective client relations, a lesson that has been fundamental throughout my career.

You mentioned using open-source tools to enhance IT operations cost-effectively. Can you elaborate on a specific open-source tool that has significantly benefited your workflow, and provide an actionable tip for our readers on how they can implement it?

One open-source tool that has significantly benefited our workflow is Docker. Docker has revolutionized the way we handle development, deployment, and scaling of applications by enabling containerization. This approach allows us to package applications along with their dependencies into containers, ensuring consistency across different environments.

An actionable tip for implementing Docker is to start by containerizing a small, non-critical application. This will help you understand the basics of Docker, such as creating Dockerfiles, building images, and running containers. Once comfortable, you can gradually move to more complex applications. Additionally, leveraging Docker Compose can simplify the management of multi-container applications, making it easier to define and run applications with multiple services. This incremental approach allows you to integrate Docker into your workflow smoothly, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Automating tasks is a game-changer in software development. Can you share an instance where you successfully automated a repetitive process, and what advice would you give to developers who are just starting to explore automation?

One instance where I successfully automated a repetitive process was in our continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipeline. Previously, deploying updates to our applications involved several manual steps, including code integration, testing, and deployment, which were time-consuming and prone to errors.

We implemented Jenkins, an open-source automation server, to streamline this process. By configuring Jenkins to automatically build and test our code every time changes were pushed to the repository, we ensured that only tested and verified code was deployed. This not only reduced the time spent on manual deployments but also significantly improved the reliability and speed of our release cycles.

For developers just starting to explore automation, my advice is to begin with identifying the most repetitive and time-consuming tasks in your workflow. Start small by automating a single task or a part of a process. Tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or CircleCI are excellent for setting up CI/CD pipelines. Additionally, learning scripting languages like Python or Bash can be incredibly useful for writing custom automation scripts. Gradually expand your automation efforts as you become more comfortable, always focusing on areas that provide the most significant impact on your efficiency and productivity.

Data security is paramount in today’s digital landscape. How do you prioritize and implement robust security measures throughout the software development lifecycle?

Data security is indeed critical, and prioritizing it throughout the software development lifecycle is essential. We follow a multi-layered approach to ensure robust security measures are in place at every stage of development.

First, we adopt a security-first mindset from the planning phase. This involves conducting threat modeling to identify potential vulnerabilities early on. During development, we implement secure coding practices and leverage tools like static code analysis to detect and rectify security issues in the codebase.

Regular code reviews and security audits are integral to our process. We also use dynamic application security testing (DAST) and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in running applications.

In addition, we prioritize data encryption, both at rest and in transit, to protect sensitive information. Access controls and authentication mechanisms are rigorously enforced to ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical data.

Finally, we stay updated with the latest security trends and vulnerabilities by participating in security communities and continuous learning. For developers just starting out, my advice is to integrate security practices early and consistently, leverage automated security tools, and stay informed about emerging threats and best practices. This proactive approach helps build resilient and secure software from the ground up.

The tech world is ever-evolving. What emerging trends in software development are you most excited about, and how are you preparing for their impact?

The rapid evolution of the tech world continues to bring exciting developments in software development. Currently, I’m particularly excited about the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the growth of serverless architecture, and the increasing adoption of blockchain technology.

AI and machine learning are transforming how we approach problem-solving and automation. We’re preparing for their impact by integrating AI-driven analytics and automation into our projects, ensuring our team stays up-to-date with the latest advancements through continuous learning and training.

Serverless architecture is another trend that’s reshaping the landscape, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions without the need to manage infrastructure. We’ve been adopting serverless frameworks like AWS Lambda and Azure Functions to enhance our application’s efficiency and scalability.

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing data security and transparency. While still emerging, we’re exploring its potential by experimenting with blockchain-based solutions for secure data transactions and decentralized applications.

To stay ahead, we prioritize continuous learning, invest in training programs for our team, and actively participate in tech communities and conferences. This proactive approach ensures that we are well-prepared to leverage these trends and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients.

Looking back at your career, what advice would you give your younger self just starting out in software development?

Looking back at my career, I would tell my younger self to embrace the journey with patience and curiosity. The world of software development is vast and constantly evolving, so it’s essential to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Focus on building a strong foundation in the basics of coding and problem-solving, as these skills will serve you well throughout your career. Seek out mentors and be open to feedback—learning from others’ experiences can accelerate your growth.

Lastly, remember to balance work with self-care. Burnout is real, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term success and well-being. Stay passionate, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of creating and innovating with technology.

Finally, what’s next for you in the world of software development? Are there any exciting projects or goals you’re working towards?

Next in my journey in software development, I’m particularly excited about diving deeper into the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize various industries, and I’m eager to explore innovative applications that can make a tangible difference.

One of the exciting projects I’m currently working on involves developing an AI-driven platform to enhance remote collaboration. This platform aims to integrate intelligent features like real-time language translation, automated task management, and predictive analytics to streamline workflows and improve productivity for distributed teams.

Additionally, I’m committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within my team. We’re investing in advanced training programs and exploring cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead of the curve. My goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology, always with a focus on creating solutions that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

One thing I’d like to add is the importance of staying passionate and curious in this ever-evolving field. The tech industry moves at a rapid pace, and it can be both exciting and overwhelming. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and never stop learning.

Also, remember the human element in technology. Behind every line of code, there’s a potential to impact someone’s life positively. Keep that in mind as you develop solutions and strive to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. The most rewarding part of this journey is knowing that our work can help create a better, more connected world.