What books can help a junior developer learn better software design?
I've been working professionally for about a year and a half, and I've designed and implemented one project largely on my own. Looking back, I can already see…
software design
Why use classes when functions can be nested inside other functions?
I'm new to programming and trying to understand why classes are considered useful when functions can contain other functions. Couldn't I organize a program with one larger function…
Is it okay to reuse an existing file extension for a project format?
I'm developing a program that uses project files to store structured project data and a project manifest. I currently use the .dcproj extension to match the naming scheme…
What’s the cleanest way for nested classes to access related objects?
I have several classes that compose other class instances as properties. For example, ClassA contains ClassB, ClassC, and ClassD; ClassD then contains several more objects, including ClassD9. When…
Are Labels on UML Class Diagram Arrows Acceptable?
I've learned to create UML class diagrams using standard notation, and I was taught that arrows generally shouldn't contain explanatory text. However, I'm not convinced that the notation…
How Do You Go From Knowing the Basics to Building Complete Projects?
I'm comfortable with Python and SQL and understand the fundamentals and syntax, but I still struggle to turn that knowledge into a complete project. I can use the…
Is it okay to label arrows in UML class diagrams?
I've learned the standard UML conventions, and I was taught that arrows and relationships should generally be left unlabeled. However, a diagram does not always communicate the design…
How Can I Build Stronger Software Architecture Skills While Using AI?
As AI tools become capable of generating boilerplate, implementing features, and writing tests, I'm wondering how developers can use them without weakening their own system-design and architecture skills.…
When Is Object-Oriented Programming Actually Useful?
I learned object-oriented programming in Python and completed several projects, but I rarely felt the need to define my own classes, use inheritance, or build elaborate object hierarchies.…
When Is Object-Oriented Programming Actually Useful in Python?
I learned object-oriented programming in Python a while ago and completed several projects, but I rarely felt the need to define my own classes, use inheritance, or apply…
How Do You Build Software Without Getting Stuck Chasing the Perfect Design?
I have about seven years of formal IT education—four years of secondary school and three years studying for a bachelor's degree. I've been exposed to many areas of…
How Do You Approach Software Design Without Getting Stuck on Perfection?
I have about seven years of formal IT education, including four years of secondary school and a three-year bachelor's degree. During that time I worked on many different…
How Do I Move From Learning Python Syntax to Building Useful Programs?
I've completed a beginner Python course and can write simple programs, but I'm struggling to turn that knowledge into something useful. When I look at a larger programming…
How do you decide when a data storage format is final?
I keep running into the same problem whenever I need to freeze a data format for an application, engine, or other project. I start worrying about every possibility…
Can you review my proposed binary data format?
I've been drafting a binary format for describing, storing, and transmitting data, mainly for future personal projects. I plan to write a parser for it eventually, but before…
Should I use simple conditionals or a declarative registry to select file hash algorithms?
I'm writing a Python application whose main job is computing hashes for files. The hashing algorithm may depend on both the file's properties, such as its MIME type,…
Why is Object-Oriented Programming Considered Difficult?
I've been diving into Java lately, and honestly, it seems pretty fun and not that hard. I've already got some experience with Python and JavaScript, so maybe that's…
What Should I Focus on Next in Java After 5 Years of Spring Boot Experience?
I've been working with Spring Boot for about 5 years, and I've learned a lot about backend development. I'm curious about what new areas in Java I should…
Are Interfaces in Java Just Abstract Methods?
I understand that interfaces and classes are fundamentally different in Java. However, at a very basic level, can we think of the methods defined in an interface as…
What Projects Help Understand OOP in Python?
I'm teaching myself Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) using Python, but I'm struggling to effectively integrate the concepts into my projects. Even with small programs, my code ends up being…