If I could give advice to myself when starting as a software engineer

Summary

In this reflective video, a seasoned programmer shares lessons learned over nearly two decades in the field. Recalling moments from his early years in college, he highlights how his initial resistance to learning Linux and command-line tools hindered his growth. Through a pivotal job interview experience, where he failed to recognize the power of simple tools like `grep`, he learns the value of stepping out of his comfort zone. The message is clear: embrace challenges, try new tools, and recognize that growth comes from experiencing different solutions to problems, a lesson that separates junior from senior engineers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace discomfort to grow as a programmer and expand your skills.
• 😀 Don’t shy away from difficult or unfamiliar tools—using them can pay long-term dividends.
• 😀 Confidence should not lead to complacency; always remain open to learning from others and new experiences.
• 😀 It's important to try different approaches to problem-solving, as this broadens your understanding.
• 😀 Relying on the tools you know well can limit your ability to solve problems creatively.
• 😀 A specific interview experience revealed the value of simpler tools (like `grep`) over complex solutions.
• 😀 The more diverse tools and methods you experiment with, the better engineer you'll become.
• 😀 Avoid the mentality of thinking you are always right—being open to different perspectives helps you grow.
• 😀 Junior developers often lack experience in diverse solutions, which separates them from senior engineers.
• 😀 Trying new editors, languages, or frameworks enhances your ability to tackle problems in unique ways.
• 😀 It’s not about finding the fastest solution but choosing the one that will benefit you in the long run.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial mentality about programming tools and technologies?

The speaker initially believed that using certain tools like the command-line interface (CLI) or Vim were outdated and unnecessary. He preferred graphical interfaces and IDEs, assuming they were faster and more efficient.

How did the speaker's college experience influence his programming choices?

In college, the speaker was exposed to Linux-based systems like CentOS but continued using Windows at home due to his preference for gaming. This led him to avoid fully embracing Linux or its tools like the CLI, which he found uncomfortable.

What was the significance of the 'Life in America is Hard' website?

The 'Life in America is Hard' website was a project the speaker started in 2008, showcasing small struggles in everyday life. It symbolized his initial foray into programming outside academic settings, but also marked his early limited engagement with Linux and its tools.

What realization did the speaker come to regarding his earlier mindset about difficult tools?

The speaker realized that avoiding difficult tools like the CLI or Vim because they seemed slower or harder to use was a mistake. These tools, while uncomfortable at first, have long-term benefits and can make someone a better programmer.

How did the speaker's overconfidence affect his professional growth?

The speaker’s overconfidence led him to believe he was always right, which hindered his ability to learn from others and explore alternative methods. He was good at his job but didn’t appreciate the value of expanding his skill set until later in his career.

What lesson did the speaker learn during his job interview with the directory task?

During the interview, the speaker wrote a complicated Java program to solve a task, but the interviewer pointed out that using `grep` would have been a much simpler and more effective solution. This experience helped the speaker realize that simpler, more efficient tools could often achieve the same results.

What advice does the speaker give to those just starting their programming journey?

The speaker advises beginners to try new tools and languages outside their comfort zone, such as using Vim or Emacs instead of just relying on popular IDEs like VS Code. Exploring different tools and frameworks will help broaden their perspective and improve problem-solving abilities.

What is the difference between a junior and a senior developer, according to the speaker?

The speaker believes that the difference between a junior and a senior developer lies in experience. A senior developer has encountered a wider range of challenges and solutions, giving them a more diverse toolkit to approach problems.

What does the speaker mean by 'long-term dividend play' in programming?

The speaker refers to choosing tools or approaches that may seem slower or harder at first but offer greater benefits in the long run. By investing time in learning these tools, programmers can gain deeper insights and skills that will pay off over time.

Why does the speaker recommend exploring alternative frameworks like Vue or Solid?

The speaker encourages exploring alternative frameworks to gain exposure to different problem-solving approaches. By trying new technologies, developers can expand their understanding and improve their ability to solve problems creatively.