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I think that sometimes just copying and pasting from stack overflow is not much better than using chatGPT. But I agree with you about reading documentation. Whe
by discreteevent 4y ago
I think that sometimes just copying and pasting from stack overflow is not much better than using chatGPT. But I agree with you about reading documentation. When you read the docs you build up a model of the system in your head. You can then play with this model in your head and come up with good solutions. This seems to be exactly what chatGPT can't do.
Also I'm senior and sometimes don't get to program for long periods of time. What I find is that when I don't program I get worse and solving higher level problems. The important part of programming is not about knowing APIs etc. It is modeling a problem and its solution in a domain that forces you to be precise. For that reason I would say to junior developers: Keep programming. It will make you a better problem solver and it will make you better at the things that chatGPT can't do.
- burkaman 4y agoEven for Stack Overflow, knowing what to copy is a learned skill. Stuff like "this accepted answer with 10k upvotes is 8 years old, I should scroll down and see if there's a newer answer with the right way to do it in $latest version". Maybe chatGPT can handle that, I don't know, I just think that finding the right answer within the right forum post is an important learned skill and I wouldn't want new people to miss out on it. It carries over to many other areas of your life.
- spaceman_2020 4y agoAs an aside, programming is the lowest "willpower depletion" activity I've ever done, apart from producing (i.e. in a software DAW) music. I can program for hours without getting particularly tired or feeling like I need a break. Have to say I'm a little jealous of people who get to do this for a living.