Stepping into Code: My Transition from Docs to Dev

When I joined DevRev a year and four months ago, I never anticipated that my role would transform so quickly or so profoundly. Starting on the knowledge staff, I worked closely with Atul and Ben, our tight-knit team of three, crafting every piece of public-facing documentation for DevRev. Fast forward to today, and I’m fully immersed in frontend development as part of the social team—a transition that’s been as exhilarating as it has been challenging. Here’s how I went from documenting DevRev’s features to building them.

A Foundation in Curiosity

My story in tech began with a curious spirit, a degree in data science, and a lot of free time during COVID. With the world in lockdown, I jumped into hackathons, participating, winning, even hosting some. I also got involved with open-source communities, spending hours contributing to projects that excited me. In my second year, I was selected for Google’s Season of Docs, a six-month program for tech writers to support open-source documentation. That experience was a game-changer, deepening my appreciation for clear, accessible documentation and helping me land my first role at DevRev.

At DevRev, I was thrilled to work with the knowledge team, taking complex features and making them user-friendly through documentation. Each project felt like a chance to connect with users, helping them get the most out of our product. But as I spent more time understanding the product, the curiosity grew—what if I could build some of these features myself?

Embracing the Change

Making the switch from documentation to development wasn’t an easy decision, but it was one I couldn’t resist. I started by exploring small tasks here and there, looking through channels for anything I could help with. Eventually, I expressed my interest in transitioning to development, and the response was amazing. My manager and Akansha, one of my mentors, were incredibly supportive, offering guidance, advice, and making sure I felt equipped for the move. It’s thanks to them that this shift felt exciting rather than daunting.

The last three months in the front end have been a whirlwind of new skills and constant learning. Every day brings something new—whether it’s mastering a tricky piece of code, tackling a bug, or seeing how my work connects to the user experience. My team has been a steady support, offering feedback and cheering me on every step of the way.

Learning From Every Angle

What makes DevRev truly unique is the collaborative culture that gives you insight into the product from every angle. During my time here, I’ve worked with the marketing team, product managers, writers, and developers. Each role has its own approach and priorities, and together, they create a complete view of how our work impacts users. This exposure has given me a holistic understanding of what it takes to deliver value—it’s not just about the code; it’s about understanding the “why” behind every feature and decision.

I feel like I’ve gained two years of experience in just one, thanks to this 360° perspective. My initial motivation to document my own feature is still strong, and now I’m one step closer to that goal.

The Power of Possibility

Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for DevRev’s gr.ai.ce initiative, which encourages and enables transitions like mine. If you’re someone who’s interested in making a shift in tech, know that it’s possible with the right blend of curiosity, resilience, and a supportive network. Use every opportunity to deepen your skills—whether it’s hackathons, open-source contributions, or learning from your peers.

My journey at DevRev has shown me that growth comes when you’re ready to stretch your boundaries, and it’s only just beginning. For anyone looking to make a change, remember: sometimes, the best learning happens when you’re brave enough to step into the unknown.