Hey everyone! I'm a beginner programmer who's done a few courses in C++, Python, Javascript basics, and some web development. As I dive into a bigger project, I keep hitting roadblocks with problems I'm not sure how to solve. When I encounter a challenge, I typically Google it, find a library, and spend hours trying to understand the documentation to get it working. This process is fine, but I often stumble upon better or more efficient tools later on by chance or from recommendations. It raises an important question for me: How do experienced developers discover existing tools, libraries, or techniques without constantly reinventing the wheel? Is there a method or habit that helps with this, or is it mostly just gained experience over time?
5 Answers
What you're experiencing is pretty common! Many of us find libraries either by searching online, getting recommendations from others, or just through trial and error. It's essential to stay up-to-date; browse forums, follow influential developers in your field, and participate in conversations to learn what’s being used. That way, you won’t get stuck on outdated libraries or feel the need to continually chase after the hottest new thing.
Honestly, it takes time and exposure. You won’t know the best libraries for every situation at first. Just keep looking through documentation, GitHub issues, blog posts, and tutorials to see what others are using.
You’ve got it right! When looking for specific functions, search the relevant package repositories. For example, if you're searching for a Bloom filter, look it up in npm, NuGet, maven, etc. Review the API docs for different options and get a feel for what might work best for you. This process will soon become second nature!
I recommend checking out GitHub's advanced search feature. You can find the top repositories based on stars, which can help you quickly identify leading libraries in your target programming languages. For instance, if you're working in C++, look for repositories with more than 10,000 stars. Additionally, the Apache Software Foundation has a wealth of well-maintained projects worth exploring.
Another good strategy is to analyze the dependencies in popular tutorials or job postings. There's nothing wrong with coding things from scratch at first; it helps you develop a strong understanding of how more complex dependencies function.
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