Network Up
Most software developers are already hesitant to network, so this is more difficult than your average “Network More”advice.
Networking with peers is fine but the ability to network one or two levels above your position is going to give you the most benefit in your career. Most individual contributors - your peers as a software developer - aren’t going to be the hiring manager when its time for you to get a new job.
Instead, your goal should be to network with those who will be the hiring managers in the future when you’re seeking your next opportunity. If you’re early in your career; team leads are a good place to start… their careers will grow over time. Engineering Managers will move on to other positions as Directors, so getting to know them and keeping in touch will also be useful.
Network with the hiring managers of the future.