jasonCannot focus today. So setting programming aside to read the Pragmatic Programmer
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
Of course, none of this is true. There are no easy answers. There is no best solution, be it a tool, a language, or an operating system. There can only be systems that are more appropriate in a particular set of circumstances.
This is where pragmatism comes in. You shouldn’t be wedded to any particular technology, but have a broad enough background and experience base to allow you to choose good solutions in particular situations. Your background stems from an understanding of the basic principles of computer science, and your experience comes from a wide range of practical projects. Theory and practice combine to make you strong.
You adjust your approach to suit the current circumstances and environment.You judge the relative importance of all the factors affecting a project and use your experience to produce appropriate solutions. And you do this continuously as the work progresses.
Pragmatic Programmers get the job done, and do it well
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
We who cut mere stones must always be envisioning cathedrals.
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
There should be engineering in software construction. However, this doesn’t preclude individual craftsmanship.
Think about the large cathedrals built in Europe during the Middle Ages. Each took thousands of person-years of effort,spread over many decades. Lessons learned were passed down to the next set of builders, who advanced the state of structural engineering with their accomplishments.
But the carpenters, stonecutters, carvers, and glassworkers were all craftspeople, interpreting the engineering requirements to produce a whole that transcended the purely mechanical side of the construction. It was their belief in their individual contributions that sustained the projects
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
It’s a Continuous Process
A tourist visiting England’s Eton College asked the gardener how he got the lawns so perfect. “That’s easy,” he replied, “You just brush off the dew every morning, mow them every other day, and roll them once a week.”
“Is that all?” asked the tourist. “Absolutely,” replied the gardener. “Do that for 500 years and you’ll have a nice lawn, too.”
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
Either change things or be willing to walk away to start something new, or join a new band.
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
The first chapter really delves into agency and professionalism.
Not really making notes on these abilities, because these are innate to me.
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
The parable of the stone soup makes its way into a book about programming practice!
simply delightful! i read it as a kid in an Antony DeMello book, The Song of the Bird.
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes #mjbSyntopica .
Your Knowledge Portfolio
We like to think of all the facts programmers know about computing, the application domains they work in, and all their experience as their knowledge portfolios.
Managing a knowledge portfolio is very similar to managing a financial portfolio:
1.Serious investors invest regularly—as a habit.
2.Diversification is the key to long-term success.
3.Smart investors balance their portfolios between conservative and high-risk, high-reward investments.
4.Investors try to buy low and sell high for maximum return.
5.Portfolios should be reviewed and rebalanced periodically.
To be successful in your career, you must invest in your knowledge portfolio using these same guidelines.
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .
what’s the best way to go about acquiring intellectual capital with which to fund your portfolio? Here are a few suggestions:
- Learn at least one new language every year
- Read a technical book each month
- Read nontechnical books, too
- Take classes
- Participate in local user groups and meetups
- Experiment with different environments
- Stay current
#mjbRunningThoughts #Reading #mjbReading #ThePragmaticProgrammer #mjbBooks #mjbBookNotes .