The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Discovering discovery coding (Friends)

10 snips

Feb 14, 2025

In this engaging talk, Jimmy Miller, a renowned software developer and insightful blogger, dives into the world of discovery coding. He shares his journey of intuitive programming versus traditional methods and discusses how creativity can enhance problem-solving. The conversation also touches on the evolution of tools like Augment Code and Notion, emphasizing their role in boosting productivity. With personal anecdotes about network challenges and organic coding, Jimmy's insights highlight the balance between theory and hands-on practice in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

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ANECDOTE

Packet Drop Woes

Jimmy Miller recounts struggling with unhelpful customer support representatives.
He created a program to graph packet drop, which finally convinced them to escalate his issue.

ANECDOTE

Discovery Writing Analogy

Jimmy Miller explains that he discovered the concept of "discovery coding" while listening to Brandon Sanderson's lecture.
Sanderson discusses "discovery writing", where authors discover the story as they write, similar to how Jimmy codes.

ANECDOTE

Design Doc Flaw

Jimmy was asked to create a design document for a complex problem with four potential solutions.
While prototyping the chosen solution, he realized it was flawed and discovered a simpler, more elegant approach through coding.

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Atomic Habits

James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Dale Carnegie

First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills. The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment. Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument. The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours. It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations[2][3][5].

Tools of Titans

The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers

Ryan Holiday

Mike Del Ponte

Therese Plummer

Ray Porter

Tim Ferriss

Kaleo Griffith

Kevin Rose

Jocko Willink

Tim Kreider

Tools of Titans is a comprehensive guide to achieving peak performance and personal transformation. The book is divided into three main sections: Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. It features insights and strategies from over 200 interviews with successful individuals such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ariana Huffington, and many others. Ferriss highlights common patterns among these high achievers, including daily meditation, disciplined routines, and the ability to turn weaknesses into strengths. The book is designed to be a resource for continuous learning and improvement, providing actionable advice and tools for readers to enhance their health, wealth, and wisdom.