Lizyl Failano

Learning from Good and Not-So-Good Examples

31 Aug 2023

Picture this: You’re deep into a complex software project, working hard with coffee as your companion, your keyboard making music like an old-fashioned typewriter. But suddenly, a roadblock appears like a detour on a trip, stopping your progress. What should you, as a coder, do when this happens? No worries – you’re not alone in this coding adventure.

Think of two important things: clearly talking to others and asking questions when stuck. These tools can help you find your way again when facing a tough part of your coding journey. Remember, it’s totally okay to ask for help when you need it. Even experienced coders ask questions sometimes. So, let’s use these tools to solve coding challenges and come out successful on the other side.

In the world of software engineering, it’s like a well-coordinated team effort. Imagine code as the building blocks and algorithms as the steps taken. Communication acts as the coordinator of this teamwork. Just as a craftsperson uses tools, your code is your tool here. But your questions play a role, like fine-tuning adjustments, ensuring everything fits perfectly. How you ask questions can be like a helpful guide or leave you feeling stuck in a code puzzle.

Get ready because we’re about to go on an adventure, like figuring out old writings to discover hidden treasures. We’re diving into the puzzle of asking smart questions – those crucial questions that unlock the doors to digital wisdom. Our compass for this journey? The stories of two courageous programmers on a mission for knowledge, all thanks to a special tool called Stack Overflow.

Smart Question: Making Sense in Chaos

Question: Load Excel data sheet to Oracle database

Link: Stack Overflow - Smart Question

This is how you ask a question wisely – like a light in a fog of code. The clever programmer, inspired by advice from Eric S. Raymond, does a great job:

  1. Exploring First: They share what they’ve tried like a traveler sharing their journey.

  2. Keeping It Simple: The question is clear, focusing only on the main issue, like a shining gem in a pile of rocks.

  3. Adding Details: They mention the important stuff – Python and the data size – which helps others understand.

  4. Making Code Clear: The code is shown in a neat way, easy to read, like a treasure displayed in a museum.

  5. Being Polite: They’re polite and thank the community for their time. Politeness is like a good oil that keeps teamwork running smoothly.

Response: And the community reacts! People come with answers and solutions, like a team of helpers gathering. They suggest methods and ideas, and the problem is solved. The lesson? Asking a good question is like using a powerful tool – it gets things done quickly and precisely.

Not-So-Smart Question: Lost in the Mist

Question: HELP! My code’s broken. Need urgent assistance!

Link: Example - Not-So-Smart Question

Alas, we tread into the realm of confusion, where our weary traveler drops all signposts:

  1. Silent Echoes: The narrative begins without any context of prior efforts, akin to starting a story with “Once upon a time” without indicating where.

  2. Enshrouded Enigma: The problem is concealed in a fog, with no trace of the code. It’s like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Backdrop Blankness: There’s no setting – no programming language or context. It’s like sharing a story without introducing the characters.

  3. Format Fiasco: The code is jumbled, impeding comprehension. It’s akin to deciphering cryptic handwriting.

  4. Urgency Sans Etiquette: Urgency is voiced, but respect is absent. Imagine rushing into a library and shouting “Help!” without specifying the topic.

Response: And, silence reverberates in reply! The wizards plead for clarity, a map in the mist. Some offer vague potions of advice, yet our questioner remains marooned in the land of code-shadow. The moral? To ask is to receive, but the question is the very key. Without it, even the most skilled sorcerers falter.

Insights: Unlocking the Secrets of Questioning

As the two stories come together, the gap between asking smart questions and not-so-smart ones becomes wider. It’s not just a coincidence. Smart questions are clear and respectful, leading the way for helpful answers. But questions need to be clearer, with no answers echoing back. This is more than just talking; it’s the rhythm of communication. Asking questions is more than a skill; it’s a special thing that connects coders.

As we say goodbye, remember that questions go beyond just coding. It’s a skill that fits into all parts of talking with people. Asking well brings in knowledge, makes people work together, and connects with those searching for answers. While you go on your journey, remember these stories – the skill of asking smart questions. It’s like a tune that matches the music of life.