I always use the evolutionary analogy: “punctuated equilibrium”—I don’t evolve much... and then I do a lot!
That is, I use my current tools, maybe make tiny tweaks here and there, and then one day it just hits me: I could be doing better with my tools. So, I make a concerted effort for a few days, or weeks, and usually am the better for it!
Seeing other people’s’ setups is always a good way to inspire me too.
Good question! Usually I had a concrete idea (I wanna learn more keyboard shortcuts, I feel like the way I debug is slow) so I could google and see what people had to say.
For me, screencasts we’re always helpful, even though usually I’m not a “visual learner” (I learn visually of course but prefer reading)
I think punctuated equilibrium is my M.O. also for the most part. I do add a few items to a learning list and work my through it over time. I just think its strange that as programmers, we are crafts(wo)men, and learning how to use tools isn't covered much in education, its down to you to explore the possibilities yourself. In physical trades, learning tools complements techniques a lot more
Yeah so true! I remember harboring resentments towards my math prof who had taught us how to code at uni—I felt like we should’ve spent more time learning tools. But then I realized that’s universal! Tooling is really a solo journey in many ways when it doesn’t have to be
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I always use the evolutionary analogy: “punctuated equilibrium”—I don’t evolve much... and then I do a lot!
That is, I use my current tools, maybe make tiny tweaks here and there, and then one day it just hits me: I could be doing better with my tools. So, I make a concerted effort for a few days, or weeks, and usually am the better for it!
Seeing other people’s’ setups is always a good way to inspire me too.
How did you improve your use of tools after realizing you could do so?
Good question! Usually I had a concrete idea (I wanna learn more keyboard shortcuts, I feel like the way I debug is slow) so I could google and see what people had to say.
For me, screencasts we’re always helpful, even though usually I’m not a “visual learner” (I learn visually of course but prefer reading)
I think punctuated equilibrium is my M.O. also for the most part. I do add a few items to a learning list and work my through it over time. I just think its strange that as programmers, we are crafts(wo)men, and learning how to use tools isn't covered much in education, its down to you to explore the possibilities yourself. In physical trades, learning tools complements techniques a lot more
Yeah so true! I remember harboring resentments towards my math prof who had taught us how to code at uni—I felt like we should’ve spent more time learning tools. But then I realized that’s universal! Tooling is really a solo journey in many ways when it doesn’t have to be