This week marks National Coding Week - a time to celebrate the problem-solving and innovation that coding makes possible. Coding is at the heart of how we grow and deliver value at TelXL: it powers the technology that helps businesses communicate seamlessly and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Beyond the code itself, it’s the people behind it who make all the difference. Our Developers turn ideas into reality every day - solving complex challenges, building innovative solutions, developing new features, and shaping the way organisations connect with their customers.
Getting into technology is incredibly challenging at an apprentice/ graduate level and furthermore the learning never stops the experienced Developers with new tech stacks and frameworks frequently being released.
This week, we asked two of our Developers, Garry and Marek, to share their experiences, achievements, and advice for anyone looking to excel in coding. From their personal journeys to the skills they value most, here’s what they had to say:
1. How long have you been at TelXL and how many years of coding experience do you have?
Garry: I have been at TelXL for over 5 years and have 31 years of experience. I started on languages like Clipper and Foxpro before moving on to VB and later, the wider Microsoft stack of .NET-based languages like C#, JavaScript and other web technologies.
Marek: I have been at TelXL for over 2 years and have many years of programming experience in both low- and high-level languages including Intel 8080, Z80, Motorola 6800, Fortran, Prolog, Lisp, Pascal, and Delphi. I now focus on the Microsoft tech stack and cloud technologies like C#, SQL and many more!
2. What project or piece of code are you most proud of, and why?
Garry: I’m proud of the first code I wrote that actually got used in a live situation. It was probably something quite simple and mundane, but it worked - and it became a useful, maybe even an essential, part of the design process.
Marek: I’m proud of developing an integrated fault location system for EFTRONIK-M industrial PCB controller packages. This was a very complex and demanding task: I designed the test methodology, solution architecture, hardware (Z80 microprocessor and I/O cards), custom tests, user interface, and also managed the project from start to finish.
3. What advice would you give to someone looking to get into coding?
Garry: For beginners, it’s crucial to learn the basics of how programs work i.e. variables, loops, datatypes, etc. Understanding this basic knowledge will pay off in the long run, as it can be applied to pretty much any language or framework. Use online tools such as VS Code (or any of the many alternatives) to practice building small programs to accomplish basic tasks. Research into the languages and frameworks that will be most useful for employment and use free online resources to learn as much as you can. Online courses are helpful for honing skills, although these may require some financial outlay.
Marek: Programming is a formal science, similar to mathematics. Learning programming follows a logical pattern: you cannot master advanced skills without first mastering the basics. For example, mastering multiplication requires first mastering addition and subtraction. The same principle applies to programming – without a solid grasp of foundational concepts, it’s impossible to progress to more complex topics.
4. What skills do you think are needed to excel as a developer?
Garry: A creative approach to problem solving is essential. Some exposure to database technologies (like SQL Server) and how to get/manipulate data from them is also necessary. Basic design skills may also be useful if you plan on working on user interfaces.
Marek: Problem-solving, abstract thinking, imagination, curiosity, patience, persistence and not being discouraged by failures.
"Every day I see the dedication and talent our developers put into their work, and it's rewarding to see the difference their work makes at TelXL. Tech is an ever-evolving industry and through our current projects, has enabled our developers the chance to keep growing and honing their skills. National Coding Week is a reminder of how important their contribution is and a chance to celebrate those efforts. It's also an opportunity to highlight that coding is a skill anyone can learn and with commitment, use to make a real impact."
Darren Kangurs, Chief Technology Officer
Celebrating Coding at TelXL
National Coding Week reminds us that coding isn’t just about technology – it’s about creativity, learning, and teamwork. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, the skills and mindset behind coding opens doors to learning, building and making an impact.
We’re proud of our developers, not just for the code they write, but for the impact they make every day in helping businesses deliver outstanding customer experiences.
Happy National Coding Week from all of us at TelXL!