The best programmers I know (endler.dev)

Article summary

The article discusses the traits of exceptional programmers, including reading the reference, knowing tools well, breaking down problems, and never stopping learning. The author emphasizes the importance of patience, not blaming the computer, and not guessing. They also highlight the value of building a reputation, helping others, and writing well. The article concludes that becoming a great engineer takes time, dedication, and a willingness to learn and improve.

Main themes

• Best practices for programmers
• Learning and self-improvement
• Problem-solving strategies
• Communication and teamwork
• Career development and reputation

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that guessing is sometimes necessary and acceptable in programming, especially when time is limited or the problem is complex.
• Others believe that guessing can lead to incorrect assumptions and buggy code, and that it's better to take the time to understand the problem and find a solution.
• There is a debate about the role of AI tools in programming, with some seeing them as a useful aid to learning and others worrying that they may make it too easy for beginners to skip important fundamentals.
• Some commenters emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for a problem, rather than just treating the symptoms, and that this requires a deep understanding of the code and the tools being used.
• Others argue that complaining about a problem is not the same as giving up, and that it's possible to both acknowledge the difficulty of a problem and work to find a solution.
• There is a discussion about the value of reading documentation and understanding the tools and technologies being used, with some arguing that it's essential for becoming a good programmer and others suggesting that it's not always necessary or practical.
• Some commenters believe that the use of AI tools will change the way programmers work and learn, and that it's possible to use these tools to accelerate learning and improve productivity.
• Others are skeptical about the long-term value of AI-generated code and worry that it may not pass existing quality checks and tests.