What books slash resources would you recommend to improve problem solving in general?

Summary

In this video, the speaker emphasizes that instead of learning general problem-solving techniques, professionals should focus on solving concrete, field-specific problems. Using the example of software development, they explain how mastering practical skills like writing clean, modular code leads to the development of broader problem-solving abilities. The speaker advocates for learning through hands-on experience, iterating on problems, and applying gained wisdom across a range of challenges. Ultimately, real-world problem-solving helps professionals grow, refining their skills and broadening their expertise in their respective fields.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on solving specific, concrete problems rather than learning general problem-solving theory.
• 😀 Practical experience and hands-on problem-solving are more effective than abstract learning in developing problem-solving skills.
• 😀 By solving real-world problems, you will naturally pick up a broad range of relevant skills.
• 😀 The process of learning by doing and iterating on solutions leads to wisdom and better problem-solving abilities over time.
• 😀 General problem-solving books and trivia puzzles provide limited value compared to targeted, applied problem-solving practice.
• 😀 When you focus on a specific problem (like becoming a senior software developer), you will learn the specific skills needed to master it.
• 😀 Mastering one skill, like writing clean modular code, can inadvertently teach you other valuable skills, such as system architecture.
• 😀 Learning through practical application is more efficient and effective than focusing on general problem-solving techniques.
• 😀 Iteration and practice are essential in improving your problem-solving abilities. Keep solving problems and refining your approach.
• 😀 The more problems you solve, the more transferable your skills become, allowing you to tackle diverse challenges.
• 😀 True wisdom in problem-solving comes when you focus on specific problems and continuously learn from your experiences.

Q & A

Why does the speaker suggest not trying to learn problem-solving in general?

The speaker believes that learning problem-solving in general is inefficient because it doesn't focus on practical application. Instead, it's better to focus on solving concrete, specific problems, which will naturally help develop problem-solving skills in context.

What is the difference between learning problem-solving in general and focusing on a specific problem?

Learning problem-solving in general is abstract and theoretical, while focusing on a specific problem provides a hands-on experience that leads to acquiring the necessary tools and skills to solve that problem effectively.

How does solving a concrete problem help in acquiring broader skills?

When solving a concrete problem, you must learn the tools and techniques relevant to that specific issue. This practical experience often overlaps with other areas, helping you gain broader skills applicable to different problems.

What example does the speaker use to explain how solving concrete problems leads to skill development?

The speaker uses the example of becoming a senior software developer. By focusing on mastering skills like writing clean, modular code, you will naturally acquire knowledge applicable to other areas like system design, microservices, and scaling.

Why does the speaker emphasize practical experience over learning theory?

The speaker argues that practical experience forces you to engage with real-world issues, which leads to a deeper understanding of the tools and skills necessary for problem-solving. In contrast, learning theory without application can be inefficient and disconnected from actual challenges.

What is the connection between learning to be a physicist and mastering mathematics?

To become a physicist, you need to master certain mathematical concepts, as mathematics is an essential tool for expressing and solving problems in physics. This process shows how mastering a specific skill is necessary to solve concrete problems in any field.

How does the speaker explain the overlap between a modular monolith and microservices?

The speaker suggests that the difference between a well-structured modular monolith and a microservices system is not as great as people think, especially in terms of business logic. Both require good abstractions, and learning how to create modular code can naturally translate into building microservices.

What advice does the speaker give to front-end developers to become effective team leads?

The speaker advises front-end developers to focus on writing maintainable code and ensuring proper testing. By mastering these skills, they will naturally develop the broader skills needed to become effective team leads, as they will understand the complexities of managing a system.

What mistake do people commonly make when trying to improve problem-solving skills?

Many people mistakenly believe that being good at general problem-solving is the key to solving any issue. However, the speaker advises that you need to solve specific problems, as this iterative process is what ultimately leads to proficiency in problem-solving.

What is the importance of iteration and practice in becoming a skilled problem solver?

Iteration and practice are crucial because they allow you to learn from each problem you solve. Over time, you build experience, gain wisdom, and develop the ability to tackle a wide range of problems effectively.