3 ms·
One big mistake that I would frequently run into as a novice is not using source control, or at least saving versions of my work. I would start making a complic
by Minor49er 5y ago
One big mistake that I would frequently run into as a novice is not using source control, or at least saving versions of my work. I would start making a complicated change, end up breaking some fundamental part of the program, and wouldn't have any way of going back to a version that worked since I would always just save in the same file. Things like version control might seem like a chore to someone who has not had their time adequately burned by their own mistakes.
- WalterBright 5y ago> Things like version control might seem like a chore to someone who has not had their time adequately burned by their own mistakes. Haha, that is true of advice in general. People generally do not accept advice until they have enough experience to recognize that the advice would have saved them a lot of grief: Year 0 - what's a buffer overflow? Year 1 - I'm too smart to be one of those noobs who have buffer overflows. I don't need X that prevents them Year 5 - wow, that's a great idea for preventing buffer overflows! I wish I knew about X years ago
- tsumnia 5y agoI think its a two-fold issue: 1) Version control adds ANOTHER concept to students that can be difficult to grasp/appreciate. Adding it in is great from a practicality standpoint but increases the cognitive load of students with ANOTHER new technology. 2) Sometimes, the code just hits a point where its no longer salvageable. It sucks to tell a student they should start over, but often times wiping the slate clean after making a mess can help consolidate their thought process.