Changelog Master Feed Discovering discovery coding (Changelog & Friends #80)
10 snips
Feb 14, 2025 
Jimmy Miller, a talented software developer and writer, shares his fascinating insights on discovery coding—a spontaneous approach to programming. He discusses the advantages of engaging with real code and addressing immediate issues, contrasting it with traditional methods. The conversation also touches on the evolution of AI in software development, emphasizing tools like Augment Code. Miller reflects on navigating coding complexities and the art of personal annotations, highlighting how these practices enhance creativity and understanding in coding workflows.
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Grandma Discovers Wikipedia
- Jerod Santo's wife's grandmother recently got a smartphone and discovered Wikipedia.
- She was amazed by the information available and now fact-checks everyone with it.
Design Doc vs. Coding
- Jimmy Miller was asked to write a design document for a complex problem with four potential solutions.
- While prototyping the chosen solution, he realized it was flawed and discovered a better approach through coding.
Adaptability of Discovery Coding
- Outliners often stick to their initial plan, even if flawed, while discovery coders adapt.
- Discovery coding allows the code to guide the solution, especially in complex systems.
