What Makes A Great Developer

Summary

The speaker reflects on the challenges and joys of being a self-taught developer and the importance of sharing knowledge despite criticism. They advocate for beginners to teach in a way that acknowledges their limits and to embrace saying 'I don't know.' The discussion also delves into the reasons why experienced developers may not create educational content, suggesting that they might have other interests outside of coding or struggle with communication on camera. The video encourages finding balance, exploring passions beyond coding, and taking time off to enhance creativity and prevent burnout.

Takeaways

• 📚 Embrace learning and sharing knowledge, even if you're new to a field. The speaker started sharing coding knowledge early on and faced criticism but continued because experienced developers were not creating content.
• 🗣️ Be cautious when teaching if you're new, as you might not have the answers to every question. It's better to admit when you don't know something rather than trying to bluff your way through.
• 🚀 Encourage new developers to create content and share their learnings, as it fills gaps in educational resources and helps others learn from their journey.
• 🔍 Question the absence of experienced developers from educational content creation. The speaker wonders why those with extensive knowledge don't share it through channels like YouTube or blogs.
• 📈 Recognize the value of persistence and initiative in learning and creating content, even if it's not perfect. The speaker appreciates the tenacity of new developers who try to make things work and share their process.
• 🤔 Consider the changing landscape of content creation, from blogs to YouTube, and the importance of adapting to new platforms for sharing knowledge.
• 🎓 Understand that books have long served as a form of 'original blog' for knowledge sharing, providing comprehensive insights into specific topics or experiences.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Realize that many experienced developers may have other interests outside of their profession, which can lead to a more balanced life and prevent burnout.
• 🛠️ Acknowledge the importance of taking time off from coding to maintain a fresh perspective and passion for programming, similar to the concept of 'deloading' in physical training.
• 🌱 Encourage the pursuit of hobbies and interests outside of coding to enrich one's life and provide a break from the intensity of programming.
• 📚 Suggest that reading widely, beyond one's immediate field of interest, can help expand one's worldview and contribute to personal growth.

Q & A

What was the initial motivation for the speaker to start teaching coding?

The speaker felt compelled to share everything they were learning in coding, even elementary stuff, to help others who were following in their footsteps as a self-taught learner.

What criticism did the speaker face when they started teaching coding?

The speaker faced criticism for being new to development and lacking real-world experience, with critics arguing that they were not teaching correctly or effectively.

What is the speaker's view on experienced developers creating educational content?

The speaker believes that while there are many experienced developers, they often do not create content or teach, leaving a gap that they themselves are trying to fill.

What is the potential issue with new developers trying to teach others?

New developers might not have the depth of knowledge to answer questions effectively, which can lead to a loss of credibility and trust when they cannot answer questions posed by others.

What advice does the speaker give to new developers who want to teach?

The speaker advises new developers to teach in a beginner-friendly way and to be honest by saying 'I don't know' when they lack knowledge on a topic, rather than trying to bluff their way through.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of saying 'I don't know'?

Saying 'I don't know' is important because it maintains credibility and trust with the audience. It also acknowledges the complexity of teaching and the limits of one's own knowledge.

What does the speaker suggest as a counter-argument to the criticism of new developers teaching?

The speaker suggests that new developers can teach in a way that is more relatable to beginners, acknowledging the difficulty of teaching and the need for humility and honesty in the process.

What is the speaker's opinion on the role of great developers in the community?

The speaker believes that great developers should be contributing to the community by sharing their knowledge and creating educational content, as it can benefit many people.

Why does the speaker mention the era of blogs and books as precursors to modern educational content?

The speaker mentions blogs and books to highlight the historical context of knowledge sharing in the tech community, showing how content creation has evolved over time.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of having interests outside of coding?

The speaker believes that having interests outside of coding is crucial for maintaining a balanced life and preventing burnout. It also enriches one's experiences and conversations beyond the realm of coding.

What does the speaker suggest as a method to prevent burnout in programming?

The speaker suggests taking time off regularly, engaging in other interests, and focusing on activities that bring satisfaction and results to prevent burnout in programming.