How do software engineers reach the level of excellence? How much time does it take? What do they focus on? Why do some good developers work years on end and never turn senior? Most importantly, how can you advance from junior positions to leadership roles and enjoy the ride? The book Unlock The Code will answer these questions. The author digs for real-life examples from his own experience and those who surrounded him during more than a decade in software engineering. This practical guide is a must-read for everyone who starts an exciting journey as a software engineer and prefers to learn from somebody else's mistakes rather than their own. Senior developers will also find it useful for a deeper understanding of established practices in the industry and reflecting on their experience from a different perspective. The reader will not only learn how to master technical skills. This book covers many more layers of a great software engineer: an agile mindset, proactive communication, team collaboration, mentoring and knowledge-sharing, self-improvements. It leads through the following topics: Essential hard skills for every engineer What is product thinking and why it is important for engineers How to collaborate effectively How to keep learning even when you know too much Growing by sharing knowledge with others Basic skills of project management Ways for becoming a good leader Unlock the Code is a long-awaited practical guide on how to grow professionally as a software engineer. The actions suggested in the book are not 'nice to haves' but real conclusions the author made based on his own successes and failures. They are structured in a convenient way for the reader. Unlock the Code will help you reach new heights and realize your potential, bringing not only external success but also deep internal satisfaction!