Zed's Blog

The pattern I chose to explore is called "Your First Language" from Chapter 2, which focuses on the importance of choosing a primary programming language and developing proficiency in it. The pattern addresses a common concern for many aspiring software developers: the fear that job opportunities and success are contingent upon mastery of multiple programming languages. However, the pattern provides reassurance by emphasizing the significance of selecting a language and becoming fluent in it. This chosen language will serve as the foundation of your early career, and investing time and effort into mastering it will yield fruitful results. I found this pattern particularly relevant to my own journey as a computer science student. Like many others, I have dabbled in multiple programming languages during my studies. However, this pattern reminded me of the importance of honing my skills in one specific language, rather than spreading myself too thin across various languages. By ...

The Deep End is an important pattern to consider in any profession, especially in computer science. It reminds us that the only way to grow and improve our skills is to take on new challenges that may be outside of our current abilities. This can be daunting, but it is essential to keep pushing us to continue learning and improving. One aspect of this pattern that I found particularly useful is the suggestion to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. This not only helps to make the task seem less overwhelming, but it also allows us to focus on making small incremental progress over time. By taking small steps towards a larger goal, we can see tangible progress and stay motivated throughout the process. Another important point made by the pattern is the need to seek help and guidance from more experienced colleagues. It can be easy to feel intimidated or embarrassed to ask for help, but it is crucial to remember that everyone starts somewhere. We all have areas where we ...

In the early stages of a career, it is quite natural to feel like you don't know enough and to be intimidated by the tasks ahead. As an apprentice, you may feel like you have to prove yourself to your colleagues and bosses, which often leads to pretending to know more than you actually do. However, pretending to be an expert can lead to disastrous results and can harm the project in the long run. The “Expose Your Ignorance” pattern is a solution to this problem that many apprentices face. The "Expose Your Ignorance" pattern emphasizes the importance of being honest about your lack of knowledge, especially when it comes to software development. Being transparent about your ignorance is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it allows your team members and managers to understand the scope of your abilities. This pattern encourages apprentices to admit their lack of knowledge, ask questions, and share their learning process with their team. What I found interesting about this...