Re:Effective Learning Strategies for Programmers
by tunesmith on Sunday October 11, 2015 @06:18PM
(#10371330)
A lot of this advice seems mental/emotional, but as far as tactical approaches go, I think it's important to actually practice, like how a musician does. Like when you're not at work, actually practice doing things like set up a git repo, create a random silly MVP from scratch, solve a one-hour problem in a new language, practice a new programming technique, etc. Or, practice while pretending you have an audience, and if you get hung up on something, learn it until you wouldn't get hung up the next time.
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Re:Effective Learning Strategies for Programmers
by danieltillett on Sunday October 11, 2015 @06:56PM
(#10371476)
Yes practice is the key, but don’t just spend your time doing the software equivalent of scales, actually try and build something that is difficult and complex. I have always learnt the most when I am trying to solve real problems rather than toy problems, plus I am more motivated when I know the effort is going to result in something useful.
Re:Effective Learning Strategies for Programmers
by clay_to_n on Sunday October 11, 2015 @08:12PM
(#10371765)
I mostly agree, but for some types of projects I think the initial setup phase can be worth doing as a scale, because it's important and often under-practiced.
Server deployment, setting up a build system, wiring up some system that you know you'll do again, etc - there are benefits to knowing a process that works, rather than stumbling through it each time and thinking it's magic. Another thing that helps is just writing down all the steps you did, after going down a windy path that eventually worked.
Re:Effective Learning Strategies for Programmers
by danieltillett on Sunday October 11, 2015 @08:43PM
(#10371866)
I agree 100% with documenting what you did when setting up a system/server. I do this (most of the time) and the ability to go back and look at what was done is invaluable. I just wish I did it more often - I something think something is so obvious that I don’t need to write it down and 6 months later I kick myself for being so lazy!