Mastering the Unknown: How Exceptional Developers Navigate Challenges
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Unknown
During a recent sprint planning meeting, a manager introduced a ticket from the backlog, sparking a moment of laughter when he asked, "Who knows how to do this?" The tech lead quickly responded, reminding us that in the world of programming, encountering unfamiliar territory is a common occurrence. What truly matters is our ability to seek out solutions!
In this article, I aim to share insights into the behaviors of outstanding developers when confronted with obstacles.
Refer to Documentation
As a novice developer, I had the privilege of working alongside an expert in PHP. I was astonished by his efficiency and ease in creating applications. Driven by curiosity, I inquired about his expertise. He simply pointed to the PHP documentation. I was taken aback to find comprehensive examples readily available.
Documentation serves as an invaluable resource, whether you’re integrating an API or developing a new design system with emerging tools.
Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others
During sprint planning, if I were to evaluate a ticket and my tech lead assessed it differently, it would be understandable. I once paired with him and noticed how he approached tasks distinctly. This highlighted an essential truth: developers possess varying skill levels and backgrounds.
It's crucial to acknowledge that not all junior, mid-level, or senior developers are on the same page. However, overlaps in knowledge can exist, so it’s vital to refrain from self-comparisons.
Don’t Shy Away from Challenges
In one of my assigned tickets, I discovered it involved backend modifications. As a frontend developer, I initially thought, "Not my responsibility." However, I felt a sense of duty to understand the task. I accessed the backend repository, which was written in JavaScript—something I could handle.
By exploring the repository and experimenting, I successfully submitted a pull request. Though challenging, I persevered and learned the importance of tackling problems head-on.
Commit to Continuous Learning
No one possesses all knowledge—this is an undeniable truth. My tech lead, despite being incredibly skilled, admitted he often dedicates evenings or weekends to learn new concepts. Once he grasps these concepts, he applies them effectively.
Learning is an ongoing journey for developers. As new tools emerge, such as ChatGPT, we must stay curious and open to expansion.
Keep Everyone Informed
To ensure we’re progressing correctly, it’s essential to communicate openly. Our team typically holds a tech huddle after daily standups to discuss task statuses, approaches, and hurdles. This creates a supportive environment for sharing knowledge and seeking assistance before the sprint concludes.
Understanding the Problem Before Diving In
Approaching a complex task without preparation can lead to frustration. During a pairing session, my senior colleague advised me to visualize the problem. Once I envisioned the data flow, I drafted a plan to tackle the issue.
The takeaway: taking time to comprehend a challenge is often half the battle.
In conclusion, it's essential to recognize that no developer, regardless of experience, knows everything. We frequently face new challenges. Fortunately, documentation and community resources like Stack Overflow can provide guidance. When those aren’t available, self-reliance becomes key. After all, the joy of development lies in exploring the unknown!
A Developer's Advice: Embrace the Unknown and Keep Learning
Honest Advice on Why Self-Taught Programmers Often Struggle
Thanks for reading!
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