What's the Best Way to Train New Programmers on the Job?

I think a great way to engage new programmers is to assign them simple, manageable bug tickets first. It allows them to dive into the codebase with a clear goal in mind. Make sure to have quality documentation that guides them through understanding the tech stack. And hey, don’t shy away from having them debug existing code as it's a good learning tool!

A unique approach I’ve seen is to use a hands-on method with lab-style assignments where you guide them through tech they’ll be using. This breaks down learning into digestible pieces and lets them practice before they jump into actual projects.

Pair programming is excellent, but it can be slow, so it might not be suitable right away. Instead، I suggest teaching them about source control and the app's overall architecture first. After that, get them working on small bugs to explore the code with a specific goal, and be there to answer any questions they have along the way.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach; it really depends on whether you're dealing with greenfield projects or legacy systems. For new hires, after a few days of getting acquainted with the app and tools, you could consider letting them try out easier tasks from your task tracker, review the code, and even debug a bit. It gives them exposure without overwhelming them right off the bat.

When I was in training, I was tasked with doing tech support tickets to learn the codebase, which was tough but made a huge difference. Sometimes, work that feels tedious can really speed up the learning process!