A senior developer is more focused on the WHY rather in the HOW. So, a senior could write a sh*** code like everybody else. The difference is he/she is achieving the WHY over the HOW, for example, what if we need a fast code?. of what if we need a code that just-works? or if we need a code no matter if it is unsafe or not?. So, the “WHY” is important more than the code.

For example, what if we need to develop a project in a week. A senior developer won’t spend time on Unit Test.

Also, it’s not his/her responsibility to train the juniors, he or she could help but it is not their duty.

In a nutshell:

• A senior knows how the business works.
• A senior is invited to the meetings, not the technical meetings but the other meetings.
• A senior earns more because he (or she) knows how the business works
• A senior receives the worst projects (with more difficulty) and he has more responsibilities.
• A senior is not micromanaged anymore. He (or she) has the freedom to act. It means more responsibilities so it is not a PLUS.

Novice vs average vs seasoned programmer