I've been a programmer for over five years now but still feel like a junior because I've changed fields within computer science multiple times. I've tried to adopt best practices and understand concepts like performance, readability, and maintainability. However, I've recently received feedback on several of my commits from a senior colleague that was quite thorough yet discouraging. It feels like I'm making decisions based on careful thought but sometimes get contradictory advice from different team members. For instance, one person says to wait for features until they are really needed, while another recommends making things configurable to prepare for the future. I'm wondering, is there a fundamental rule that can guide me through these varying opinions? Or is it really just a matter of gaining more experience to naturally know what to do?
5 Answers
There's no quick fix here. The real challenge lies in communication rather than just coding. You should always seek clearer specifications and better documentation so that it’s clear whether to configure settings or hold off on extra features. You’ll often find it helpful to reach out to seniors when making decisions to clarify expectations. Learning when to take the lead and when to follow guidance is a skill that develops over time.
It's also important to remember that specs are often just guidelines; be proactive in seeking out clarity.
Getting feedback is part of the growth process. Just remember, everyone has their own opinions, and you won't always find a single correct answer. Engaging in open discussions helps you learn the senior dev's reasoning, builds rapport, and sharpens your social skills too. That's crucial, since many developers struggle with communication.
This is so true! It's helped me realize that building relationships can foster a nicer work atmosphere.
I find that asking why they're suggesting something really helps a lot!
One major takeaway is understanding that the real benefits of testing come when you write them. If your tests are easy to write, chances are your code is clean as well. Think of testing as a way to document your intent. It gives you deeper insights into how your code functions and can also guide others.
Exactly! Documenting through tests is so beneficial for future references.
Absolutely, writing tests can really help clarify your thought process!
You'll often face different opinions on any given issue. What matters is keeping the big picture in mind and knowing what your project requires at any moment. The key is learning to navigate these differing viewpoints and adapting your approach. Communication becomes crucial in resolving discrepancies between suggestions.
Yes! I think keeping the project's goals as the guiding star can really help.
It's all about balance! Collaboration and communication are essential.
Try to avoid unnecessary complexity in your code. Strive for simplicity, readability, and maintainability. Code is meant to be human-readable; if it’s complicated just to show off your skills, it’s probably not the best approach. Keep your functions small and meaningful, and ensure your variable names convey their purpose.
Preach! Simple code saves so much time down the road.
Yeah, focusing on clear naming can save you a lot of headache later!
Totally agree! Having those initial conversations can really clear things up before you even start coding.