Being a software developer is enjoyable and feels like having a superpower, allowing us to construct things through computers by writing and reading code. We are fortunate to have one of the best jobs in the world, in my opinion. However, like any other profession, it has its challenges.
It often seems like a new front-end framework or technology emerges every week, which can be overwhelming. This may lead us to feel the need to catch up constantly and learn what we've missed, fostering a sense of inadequacy if we don't know everything.
Nonetheless, it's crucial to maintain continuous growth as a developer. Learning how to acquire new skills efficiently and discerning what to focus on, while filtering out distractions, is a key skill for achieving success in this field.
In this post, I aim to explore considerations for learning new things, discuss strategies for efficient learning, and emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive mindset without succumbing to stress over not knowing everything.
We Don't Need to Know Everything
First and foremost, there's no requirement for us to be familiar with every new thing that emerges. It's beneficial to possess a strong foundational skill set and build upon that. No developer has a comprehensive knowledge of every technology, spanning from back-end to front-end—it's simply impractical.
While some developers may boast a broad skill set, they might lack specific expertise in certain areas. On the other hand, there are developers who focus on fewer technologies but specialize deeply in a particular domain.
It's crucial to identify our preferences and interests, distinguishing between passing trends and enduring technologies. Frequently, newly introduced technologies are heavily promoted, only to be forgotten over time.
As a junior developer, there's often a temptation to dive into every exciting new technology. However, with experience, we develop a sense of discernment, recognizing when something is merely hyped at the moment. It becomes prudent to wait a bit before fully embracing or learning the ins and outs of the latest trend.
Tutorials vs. Personal Projects
It's easy to fall into the trap of "tutorial hell," where we endlessly watch tutorials and replicate what instructors build, limiting our creativity and independence in project development.
While tutorials have their place, it's essential not to get stuck in this cycle, continuously consuming without applying the knowledge to our own projects.
How to Maximize Tutorial Benefits: One approach is to modify the tutorial application. For instance, if we're learning to build an e-shop for clothing, we can create our own twist by developing an e-shopping application with a completely different UI that focuses on selling food. This way, we're not just mimicking the teacher's work; we're absorbing essential information and techniques and applying them to create something unique.
Maintaining a personal project, unrelated to our daily work, is invaluable. Such a project serves as a platform for experimentation and problem-solving, fostering growth and continual learning as developers.
Seasoned Developers and Tech Trends
Experienced developers possess a practical insight into distinguishing genuine technology trends from mere hype. There are specific reasons why seasoned developers exercise caution before hastily adopting every new technology:
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Practical Experience: Having witnessed trends come and go, experienced developers, who were once junior enthusiasts themselves, learn from their past mistakes. This accumulated experience enables them to compare new technologies with existing solutions, evaluating whether they genuinely offer improvements or are simply iterations of the past.
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Understanding Core Principles: Years of coding and problem-solving contribute to a profound understanding of fundamental programming principles. This knowledge allows experienced developers to discern the practical benefits of new technologies and make informed decisions about their relevance.
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Time Efficiency: Learning and implementing a new technology can be time-consuming. Seasoned developers prioritize efficiency and avoid investing time in technologies that may not address their specific challenges. Instead, they may choose to investigate and draw conclusions based on the practical merits of the new technology.
In summary, the decision of experienced developers not to hastily embrace every tech trend stems from practical wisdom, a deep understanding of core principles, and a strategic approach to technology adoption aligned with individual and business objectives.
Learning from Code Exploration
A key practice in my learning process involves regularly delving into others' code to gain insights into diverse problem-solving approaches and construction methods. At work, I often review pull requests to observe different problem-solving strategies employed by my colleagues. This not only provides inspiration but also offers varied perspectives on what constitutes readable and high-quality code.
When incorporating open-source third-party libraries, I make it a habit to examine the codebase. This allows me to understand the author's coding style and, at times, motivates me to explore the possibility of creating my own version. Reading through code, whether from colleagues or open-source projects, serves as an effective technique to draw inspiration and discover novel problem-solving methods.
Working on coding challenges, such as those on LeetCode, can be valuable practice. Whether we successfully solve a problem or encounter difficulties, reviewing solutions from other developers is an excellent method for learning and gaining inspiration on different approaches to problem-solving.
All about building good habits
Creating positive habits is crucial. Our focus should revolve around establishing an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. While acknowledging the challenge, our goal is to consistently surround ourselves with optimal conditions and effective tools. This approach ensures that we maximize the use of our time and consistently strive for improvement.
Understand and not memorise
When delving into new concepts, prioritize comprehension over memorization. Avoid rote learning and instead focus on understanding the intricacies of the code or technology. Developing a robust mental model contributes to easier learning, providing clarity on where a concept fits and its applications.
Consider the scenario of grappling with a bubble-sort algorithm. While numerous implementations exist, it's counterproductive to simply copy solutions without understanding the underlying logic. Instead, invest time in comprehending the solution by scrutinizing each line's purpose.
Mere imitation offers no substantial benefit. Dedicate efforts to unraveling the logic behind the code. Enhance your understanding by actively engaging with the material. Take a pen and paper, visualize the list of numbers, and sketch how the list evolves with each iteration. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Sharing Technical Knowledge
A valuable practice you might be familiar with is sharing your knowledge with others. Teaching is a powerful method to reinforce our understanding and assess our mastery of a subject. If we struggle to convey a topic to someone else, it serves as an indication that we need to revisit and deepen our understanding.
Various approaches can be employed for this purpose. One method involves maintaining a private working journal where we document and articulate the tasks we are engaged in or have completed. Another effective strategy is to create a blog, offering a platform to articulate and share knowledge. By writing about topics we are passionate about and explaining concepts in our own words, we not only solidify our understanding but also contribute to the collective knowledge pool.
Embrace Mistakes for Learning
A crucial aspect of learning new things is the willingness to make mistakes. Fear of making errors should not hinder our progress. It's in the process of recognizing and correcting mistakes that concepts truly stick in our minds. Experimenting with code without fear is a valuable approach.
Avoiding mistakes due to fear keeps us in the comfort zone, a place that hinders progress. Stepping out of this zone is essential for growth and advancing our skills.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
It's crucial not to be too harsh on yourself because everyone faces challenges. If mastering programming were effortless, everyone would grasp it instantly. Learning, especially when tackling something new, can be challenging. Treat yourself with kindness and allow for breaks, even extended ones like a few days. Recalling the information becomes easier each time we revisit what we're trying to learn.
A positive mindset is a vital factor in the learning process, aiding in better retention of new information.
Conclusion
In the realm of software development, continuous learning is an inherent aspect of our roles. While it adds an enjoyable dimension to our work, there are moments when grappling with new technologies can be challenging.
Developing effective strategies to facilitate the learning process is crucial. Learning how to discern between technologies that are currently essential or those that don't align with our current goals is a valuable skill. This skill not only streamlines our learning journey but also enables us to focus on technologies that are pertinent and align with our interests at a given moment. As software developers, honing this skill contributes significantly to our professional growth and efficiency.