What books would you use to improve in problem solving?

Summary

In this video, Frederick discusses the most effective approach to improving problem-solving skills. He argues against studying general problem-solving theories and advocates for tackling specific, real-world problems instead. By solving concrete problems, you'll naturally acquire the necessary tools and knowledge. He emphasizes that mastering a particular skill, such as writing modular code or understanding mathematics, leads to transferable insights across disciplines. Frederick concludes that consistent practice and iteration are key to becoming an effective problem solver, as they lead to wisdom that can be applied to a variety of challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid learning problem-solving techniques in the abstract; focus on solving concrete problems to build real-world skills.
• 😀 Theoretical problem-solving frameworks aren't as effective as tackling specific, practical challenges that require you to apply and refine your skills.
• 😀 Solving a concrete problem will naturally teach you transferable skills that can be used in other areas or similar challenges.
• 😀 Iterative practice is key to becoming proficient at problem-solving. The more problems you tackle, the more experience you gain.
• 😀 Wisdom in problem-solving comes from experience and repeated problem-solving, not from just learning theories or reading books.
• 😀 General problem-solving books may give you ideas, but they won’t teach you how to solve real-world problems like hands-on experience will.
• 😀 Becoming a great problem solver means diving into specific issues, solving them, and learning from the process to grow your skill set.
• 😀 Every time you solve a specific problem, you're likely to gain insight into related fields, enhancing your overall problem-solving capabilities.
• 😀 Mastering a particular skill, such as clean code or system architecture, often builds skills applicable to other complex challenges in the same domain.
• 😀 Don’t focus on becoming generally good at problem-solving; instead, focus on solving specific problems, and over time, you will naturally build broader problem-solving expertise.

Q & A

Why does Frederick suggest focusing on solving specific problems rather than learning general problem-solving techniques?

Frederick believes that learning to solve specific, concrete problems is more effective because it forces you to acquire the tools and skills necessary to address those problems. This approach provides practical experience and results, which is more efficient than learning abstract problem-solving methods without context.

What is the issue with learning problem-solving in a general sense, according to Frederick?

Frederick argues that learning general problem-solving techniques in isolation is not effective because it doesn't lead to practical application. Solving specific problems directly teaches you what tools and skills are needed, making it a more productive approach to gaining meaningful expertise.

How does Frederick compare mathematics to problem-solving in software development?

Frederick uses mathematics as an analogy, explaining that while mathematics can provide general frameworks, it only becomes truly useful when applied to concrete problems such as physics or economics. In the same way, problem-solving in software development is best learned through practical application, not theoretical study alone.

What example does Frederick use to illustrate how mastering specific skills can lead to broader expertise?

Frederick uses the example of becoming a senior software developer. He suggests that if you focus on mastering skills like writing clean, modular code, you'll naturally develop an understanding of broader concepts like system architecture or microservices. This is because solving concrete problems often overlaps with other areas of expertise.

How does Frederick explain the relationship between well-structured monoliths and microservices?

Frederick explains that the difference between a well-structured monolith and a microservices system is not as significant as it may seem, particularly in terms of business logic. Both require good modularization and abstraction. The main difference lies in the infrastructure (networking, servers), but the core concepts of system design are similar.

What does Frederick suggest for front-end developers who want to become more efficient?

Frederick suggests that front-end developers should focus on writing maintainable code and implementing proper testing. This will not only improve their coding skills but also prepare them for leadership roles, as the problem-solving and organizational skills required for writing quality code overlap with those needed for effective team leadership.

What is the key to becoming proficient in problem-solving, according to Frederick?

Frederick emphasizes that the key to proficiency in problem-solving is consistent practice. By continually tackling different problems, even if they're only slightly different from one another, you will gain experience and wisdom, which will help you solve increasingly complex challenges.

How does Frederick define wisdom in the context of problem-solving?

Frederick defines wisdom as the ability to apply learned skills and concepts across various problems. The more problems you solve, the more wisdom you accumulate, which allows you to handle different challenges more efficiently. Wisdom comes from experience and recognizing patterns across problems.

Why does Frederick advise against simply becoming good at problem-solving in a general sense?

Frederick believes that trying to become generally good at problem-solving without a clear focus leads to superficial understanding. Instead, he advises focusing on solving specific problems, as this will lead to deeper understanding and better skill development, which can then be applied to a wider range of challenges.

What does Frederick mean by 'iteration' in the context of improving problem-solving skills?

By 'iteration,' Frederick refers to the process of repeatedly attempting to solve problems, refining your approach with each attempt. This continual cycle of trying different solutions, learning from them, and improving your methods is what helps you develop expertise and become more effective at solving problems.