The Bike Shed 472: What is the skill in software development?
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Sep 2, 2025 Sally and Joël explore the essence of developer skills beyond just writing code. They discuss the importance of context in problem-solving and the critical role of effectively reading error messages. The duo emphasizes the art of asking the right questions, whether to Google or AI. They dive into expert Googling, detailing the difference between reference lookups and exploratory searches. Mentorship and learning from PRs are highlighted as vital for juniors transitioning to senior roles, showcasing the dynamic journey of a developer.
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From C++ Index Bugs To Ruby Ease
- Joël recounts learning to avoid index bugs after moving from C++ to Ruby.
- He says Ruby's iteration constructs eliminated a whole class of off-by-one errors for him.
Core Skill: Evaluate And Solve
- Software development skill centers on evaluating information and solving problems.
- Sally Hall frames our work as critical thinking more than rote syntax knowledge.
Expertise Is Smart Googling
- Googling is not a weakness but a tool for reference and exploration.
- Joël Quenneville says experienced devs use searches to surface solution spaces, not memorize facts.
