Why I focus on patterns instead of technologies

Summary

The speaker discusses the evolution of their programming mindset from focusing on technical details to recognizing patterns across languages and technologies. They emphasize the importance of understanding core concepts such as typing, memory management, and paradigms, which simplifies learning new languages. The video also highlights the significance of patterns in various programming aspects, including web hooks, observer patterns, and asynchronous programming, illustrating how recognizing these patterns can elevate a developer's skills from junior to a more advanced level.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Understanding core programming concepts allows for easier learning of new languages, focusing on syntax rather than fundamental concepts.
• 🧠 The 'third eye' in programming refers to seeing patterns instead of technical details, leading to a higher level of consciousness and problem-solving.
• 📋 When learning a new programming language, consider whether it's statically or dynamically typed, strongly or weakly typed, and its paradigm (e.g., object-oriented, procedural).
• 🔧 Strongly typed languages like Python enforce type constraints, preventing operations like adding a number and a string, which results in an error if attempted.
• 🌐 In weakly typed, dynamically typed languages like JavaScript, operations that would cause errors in strongly typed languages are allowed and executed without runtime errors.
• 🔄 The web hook pattern is a client-server communication method where the server is notified of an event, with fault tolerance through retries for cases like server downtime.
• 🛠️ Recognizing patterns across different programming concepts, like pull vs. push in pub/sub systems and web sockets, simplifies understanding and application of these concepts.
• 📈 The importance of patterns extends beyond coding to other areas like APIs and databases, where understanding of static vs. dynamic typing and schema definitions is crucial.
• 🔄 Pub/sub systems can be set up for either pushing or pulling data, showing the versatility and prevalence of these patterns in distributed systems.
• 🔄 Asynchronous programming concepts are widespread, with similar challenges appearing in databases, client-side applications, and other areas, emphasizing the repetition and pattern in problem-solving.
• 🧠 The value of recognizing and remembering patterns in programming is highlighted by the ease with which syntax can be forgotten, but patterns remain ingrained and applicable across various contexts.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by 'opening your third eye' in the context of learning programming languages?

The speaker uses the phrase 'opening your third eye' metaphorically to describe a state of heightened awareness or understanding. When one starts to see patterns instead of focusing solely on technical details, they are able to grasp the underlying concepts that apply across different programming languages, leading to a deeper level of consciousness and proficiency in programming.

What are the key characteristics of a statically typed language?

A statically typed language determines the data type of a variable at compile time, which means that the types are checked before the program is executed. This can prevent type mismatches and errors that may occur at runtime, as the types are enforced by the language's rules.

How does a strongly typed language differ from a weakly typed one?

In strongly typed languages, the type conversions are strict, and the language enforces type rules to prevent operations that could lead to unexpected results, such as adding a number to a string. Weakly typed languages, on the other hand, are more lenient with type conversions and may allow operations that could lead to type coercion, potentially resulting in runtime errors if the types are not compatible.

What is the significance of understanding memory management when learning a new programming language?

Understanding memory management is crucial because it affects how a program allocates and deallocates memory for variables and objects. Knowing whether a language uses garbage collection or requires manual memory management can impact the performance, complexity, and potential for memory leaks in the code.

Can you explain the web hook pattern mentioned in the transcript?

The web hook pattern is a way for a client to receive notifications or responses from a server after an event occurs. Instead of the client continuously polling the server for updates, the server sends data to the client when the event is triggered. This pattern is useful for handling asynchronous events and can improve fault tolerance and efficiency in communication between client and server.

What is the Observer pattern, and how does it relate to the web hook pattern?

The Observer pattern is a design pattern in which an object, called the subject, maintains a list of its dependents, called observers, and notifies them automatically of any state changes. It is related to the web hook pattern in that both involve a system where changes or events in one part of the system (the subject or server) trigger notifications to other parts (the observers or clients). This pattern promotes loose coupling and can be used in both object-oriented and distributed systems.

What does the speaker mean by 'pull versus push' in the context of programming?

In programming, 'pull versus push' refers to two different methods of data exchange. 'Pull' means that a client actively requests data from a server when it needs it, while 'push' means that the server sends data to the client without a request. Understanding this concept is fundamental as it affects how systems communicate, handle updates, and manage resources.

How does the use of JSON in APIs affect type safety?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. However, because JSON is dynamically typed, it does not enforce type safety at the schema level, which can lead to potential issues in APIs where data types need to be strictly enforced to prevent errors and ensure compatibility.

What is the difference between a statically typed and a dynamically typed database?

A statically typed database, like SQL-based relational databases, requires a predefined schema where the types of data are specified in advance. This ensures type safety and helps prevent type mismatches. On the other hand, a dynamically typed database, like MongoDB, allows for more flexibility in storing data with varying types without a strict schema, which can be more forgiving but also less strict about type enforcement.

Why are patterns important in programming and software development?

Patterns are important in programming because they represent solutions to common problems that occur across different contexts and technologies. Recognizing and applying these patterns allows developers to solve new problems more efficiently by building upon existing knowledge and avoiding reinventing the wheel. Patterns also promote best practices, improve code maintainability, and facilitate communication among developers.

How does the speaker's experience with memory and syntax relate to the concept of patterns in programming?

The speaker's experience highlights the importance of focusing on patterns rather than specific syntax details. While syntax details can be forgotten, patterns are more enduring as they transcend specific languages and are applicable across various programming scenarios. This approach allows developers to adapt more quickly to new languages and technologies by understanding the underlying principles rather than memorizing every detail.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Understanding Programming Concepts and Patterns

The speaker discusses the importance of recognizing patterns in programming rather than focusing on technical details. They share their approach to learning new programming languages by understanding core concepts such as typing, paradigms, and memory management. The example of Python's strong typing is contrasted with JavaScript's weak typing, highlighting the challenges in debugging when type awareness is lacking. The speaker also emphasizes the value of patterns in software development, such as the web hook pattern and the observer pattern, and how understanding these patterns can elevate one's programming skills from a junior to a more advanced level.

05:02

📚 Learning and Applying Patterns in Software Development

This paragraph delves into the common complaint about the vast amount of knowledge required to be a software developer. The speaker argues that understanding the underlying patterns in programming, APIs, and databases can simplify the learning process. They compare statically typed data formats like Protobuf with JSON, and contrast SQL with MongoDB, illustrating how type safety varies across different technologies. The speaker also touches on asynchronous programming concepts and their widespread application, suggesting that recognizing these patterns is key to overcoming the challenges faced by junior developers and to retain knowledge beyond syntax, which can be easily forgotten.

Keywords

💡Consciousness

In the context of the video, 'Consciousness' refers to a heightened state of awareness or understanding when perceiving patterns in programming concepts rather than focusing on technical details. It suggests a shift from basic comprehension to a more intuitive grasp of programming languages and paradigms. The speaker implies that reaching this level of consciousness allows for a more profound and holistic understanding of programming, which transcends the memorization of syntax and details.

💡Statically Typed

A 'statically typed' language is one where the variable types are checked at compile-time, meaning that the type of a variable is known and fixed when the code is written. This can help catch type-related errors before the program is executed. In the video, the speaker uses the concept of static typing to illustrate the differences between programming languages and how understanding these differences is crucial for learning new languages.

💡Dynamically Typed

A 'dynamically typed' language does not require explicit type definitions for variables; instead, the type is determined at runtime. This offers more flexibility but can lead to runtime errors if types are mismatched. The video script uses the example of JavaScript to explain the potential pitfalls of dynamically typed languages, such as type-related bugs that may not be caught until execution.

💡Strongly Typed

A 'strongly typed' language enforces strict rules about operations between different data types. In the context of the video, the speaker uses the term to describe languages that prevent operations that could lead to data type conversion or loss of precision, such as adding a string to a number. This helps maintain data integrity and catch potential errors early in the development process.

💡Weakly Typed

A 'weakly typed' language is more lenient with type conversions and allows for operations between different data types without raising errors. This can lead to unexpected results at runtime if the developer is not aware of the types being used. The video script uses JavaScript as an example of a weakly typed language, where operations that would cause errors in strongly typed languages might execute without raising an error.

💡Paradigm

In programming, a 'paradigm' refers to a fundamental approach or philosophy to writing code, which includes the principles and methods that guide the structure and elements of a programming language. The video script emphasizes the importance of understanding the paradigm of a language, such as whether it is object-oriented or procedural, to grasp its core concepts and learn it effectively.

💡Memory Management

Memory management in programming refers to the way a program allocates, uses, and frees memory for data storage and processing. It is a critical aspect of software development, as it affects performance and can lead to issues like memory leaks or insufficient resources. The video script touches on memory management to highlight one of the key considerations when learning a new language, such as whether it uses garbage collection or requires manual memory management.

💡Garbage Collection

Garbage collection is an automatic memory management process that reclaims memory allocated to objects that are no longer in use. This feature is present in some programming languages and helps prevent memory leaks by managing the lifecycle of objects without requiring explicit memory deallocation from the programmer. In the video, the speaker mentions garbage collection as part of understanding how a language handles memory, which is crucial for writing efficient and stable code.

💡Web Hook Pattern

The 'web hook pattern' is a design pattern used in web development where a client sends a request to a server, and the server sends back an event or data to the client. This pattern is often used for asynchronous communication, allowing for fault tolerance and retry mechanisms in case of failures. In the video, the speaker uses the web hook pattern to illustrate how understanding such patterns can lead to a deeper comprehension of programming concepts across different technologies and applications.

💡Observer Pattern

The 'Observer pattern' is a software design pattern in which an object, called the subject, maintains a list of its dependents, called observers, and notifies them automatically of any state changes. This pattern is used to implement distributed event handling systems and is closely related to the pub/sub model. In the video, the speaker draws a parallel between the web hook pattern and the Observer pattern, emphasizing the similarities in how they handle events and notifications.

💡Pull vs Push

In the context of programming and web development, 'pull' and 'push' are two methods of data communication. 'Pull' refers to the client requesting data from the server, while 'push' involves the server sending data to the client without an immediate request. Understanding the difference between these two approaches is crucial for efficient data transmission and is a fundamental concept that appears in various forms across programming, such as in APIs, web sockets, and distributed systems.

Highlights

The concept of seeing things in terms of patterns rather than technical details leads to a higher level of consciousness and understanding in programming.

When learning a new programming language, understanding its typing system (static or dynamic, strong or weak) is crucial for grasping its fundamental concepts.

Python is used as an example of a dynamically typed, strongly typed language where variables can change types but certain operations like adding a number and a string are not allowed.

JavaScript is mentioned as a language without static types and with weak typing, which can lead to runtime errors when type mismatches occur but are not caught by the language itself.

The importance of understanding memory management in programming languages, such as whether it is garbage collected or if the language is compiled or interpreted.

The web hook pattern is explained as a way for a client and server to communicate asynchronously, with the server being notified of events and handling retries for fault tolerance.

The Observer pattern and the pub-sub pattern are highlighted as similar concepts to the web hook pattern, showing the prevalence of certain patterns across different programming paradigms.

The push and pull concepts in programming are fundamental, with examples like WebSockets being push-based and HTTP polling being pull-based.

The idea of patterns in programming is emphasized as a way to move from being a junior to a more experienced developer by recognizing the repetition of certain problems and solutions.

APIs commonly use JSON format, which is dynamically typed like JavaScript, and the pain points associated with this are discussed.

Alternatives to JSON in APIs, such as Protocol Buffers, are mentioned as having similarities to static typing, offering type safety in data transmission.

Databases are compared in terms of typing, with SQL and MongoDB being contrasted as statically typed and dynamically typed, respectively.

Asynchronous programming concepts are discussed, with problems like race conditions being prevalent across various programming areas.

The importance of recognizing patterns in programming is emphasized as a key to improving and leveling up as a developer, as patterns are difficult to forget unlike syntax.

The speaker shares a personal experience of not seeing code anymore, but rather recognizing patterns and concepts, which signifies a deeper level of understanding.

The idea of learning programming languages by understanding the big concepts rather than just syntax is presented as a more effective approach.

Transcripts

when you start seeing things in terms of

patterns rather than technical details

you've opened your third eye you will

reach a new level of Consciousness

whenever I learn a new programming

language the first questions I ask

myself are is it statically or

dynamically typed is it strongly or

weakly typed what's the Paradigm is it

object oriented is it procedural and

there's a few other questions like how

does memory management work is it like

garbage collected is it compiled is it

interp Ed and the reason is that when

you really understand what these things

mean learning a new programming language

is pretty trivial conceptually all you

really have to do is learn like the

syntax how it works because everything

really boils down to these big concepts

for example in a language like python

there is no static typing we can do

something like this have one variable

set to a number have another variable

set to a string and we can reassign it

like we can now set a change the type we

can set it to a string but assume I

don't do that what if I try to add these

together A and B you shouldn't really

try adding a number with a string but if

you don't know the types we don't we

didn't know what these types were we are

technically allowed to run this code but

when you run it you see we get an error

because this is a strongly typed

language it doesn't have static types

but it does have strong typing now God

forbid you try to do the same thing in a

language like JavaScript no static types

and weekly typed so let's give it a try

one plus a string and you run it and no

runtime error it works so you'll have a

bug when you're not aware of what the

types are of certain variables in

JavaScript and there's no strong typing

so you don't even get a runtime error

the program works it just doesn't work

as expected and that's painful to debug

that's why nowadays nobody really does

vanilla JavaScript people will recommend

you use a linter such as just typescript

and a lter is basically made to inform

you about certain errors that can occur

at runtime even though the program does

technically work but that's not it what

I'm talking about goes far beyond just

learning about programming languages

these things in programming are man-made

or human-made it's not an accident that

many Concepts in programming resemble

each other so in my opinion when you

start seeing things in terms of patterns

rather than technical details you kind

of see things from a higher level you've

opened your third eye you will reach a

new level of Consciousness like I've

gotten to the point where I don't even

see code anymore like I'm looking at my

screen half the day and I can't see the

code seriously maybe I need to go to a

doctor but I do see something I see the

web hook pattern for example let's say

you have a client and it makes a request

to some service suppose it's a payment

related service it's like stripe for

example and the client is going to

directly talk with the service now let's

say you own both the client and the

server the service stripe is going to

respond at some point either it's

success okay or there's some failure and

so then you have a choice from the

client you can directly communicate with

the server you can tell it now the

status of the event but we can do

something even more intelligent because

what if there's an edge case what if the

service responds but now the client is

isn't there anymore the transaction

happened but your server is not aware of

it the web hook pattern is pretty good

because not only will this service uh

potentially respond here but it'll

actually send an event to the server

what if the server is down or it can't

respond in many cases the web hook will

do something called a retry this is

pretty good for like fault tolerance

just because the server was down doesn't

mean the event was lost now this isn't

exactly the same as certain other

patterns but there are similarities here

the server is notified of an event this

is not so different from The Observer

pattern in object-oriented programming

it's not that different from the pubsub

publisher subscriber pattern in

distributed systems where we don't want

to lose an event so it can kind of be

stored permanently or temporarily

somewhere and things can be retried and

there's also this idea of pulling versus

pushing you can kind of see obviously

when you understand this concept pull

vers push such a fundamental Concept in

programming when you understand it you

see everything in terms of pull vers

push you tell me what's going on over

here is this pull or push obviously the

service is pushing now with pubsub you

can sometimes do both you can set it up

such that things are being pulled or you

can set it up such that things are being

pushed it shows up in many places

websockets does it remind you of

something websockets are generally push

based or you can do HTTP polling see it

from a higher level and then you'll see

every time you learn A New Concept

people complain wow there's like a 100

different things you got to learn to be

a software developer it's true it's not

easy to be a junior it's not easy to

learn programming nowadays but when you

uh stop seeing things in a lowlevel way

and you see it higher you see actually a

lot of these patterns aren't very

different and I'm not even close to done

yet we talked about static typing in

programming languages but this concept

applies in many places let's talk about

apis in general apis most commonly use

Json format you tell me is that

statically typed no it's JavaScript it's

in the name it's not statically typed

and that's part of what can make this

painful sometimes but there are

alternatives there are something called

protuff that's the one I'm most familiar

with but there's many different types of

data formats you can send in apis proto

Buffs have something that is similar to

static typing when you receive a

protocol buffer you know what the type

is that's like the whole point of grpc

at least one of the points this notion

of type safety and it exists in more

than apis as well what about databases

you tell me look at SQL a SQL relational

database MySQL compare it to mongod DB

you tell me which one of these is

statically typed and which one of them

is similar to like JavaScript objects

this is Javascript this is statically

typed because you have a schema you

define the type

before you can actually insert data

generally speaking you can I think store

Json in relational databases if you want

to and honestly I'm not even close to

done I could be here all day telling you

about other things that are similar to

each other like you could talk about

asynchronous programming Concepts

problems with asynchronous programming

show up in many places in databases in

uh just client side applications you

might get a race condition and so many

problems are repeated and there's a

reason CU they follow the same pattern

the concept of certain events being

executed out of order and this is in my

opinion a way to kind of improve from

like being a junior to leveling up a

little bit it's not any different than

leak code actually when you start out

solving leak code every problem is

difficult every problem teaches you

something new but after a while you look

back you zoom out and you realize that

many of the problems you solved were

actually the exact same problem just

with different words just with a

slightly tweaked solution but they boil

down to the same patterns that's why

patterns are so important with leak code

with distributed systems with

programming languages literally

everything unfortunately I have a poor

memory I will forget the syntax of a

language 5 minutes after I just learned

it but patterns are pretty difficult to

forget