The Importance of Smart Questions in Software Engineering
08 Sep 2023
“Take your time. Do not expect to be able to solve a complicated problem with a few seconds of Googling. Read and understand the FAQs, sit back, relax and give the problem some thought before approaching experts.”
Recently, I embarked on an exploration of StackOverflow to uncover the impact of asking questions using Eric Raymond’s guidelines for smart questions. In this essay, I will discuss why smart questions are essential for software engineers, how two specific questions align (or don’t) with these principles, how the responses reflect the smartness (or lack thereof), and the valuable insights gained from this experience.
Smart Questions: Catalysts for Efficient and Effective Solutions
Smart questions play a pivotal role in the software engineering landscape as they enable efficient problem-solving and effective knowledge sharing within the developer community. Let’s delve into the analysis of two examples to grasp the significance of this concept.
Smart Question Example:
Question: Why is processing a sorted array faster than processing an unsorted array?
Summary: This developer presents a model smart question. They articulate a clear and concise query regarding the sorting of array. The question includes pertinent details such as code examples and the desired outcome, adhering to Raymond’s counsel of providing context and demonstrating effort. They also present some hypotheses to their own questions, attempting to figure out the answer to their question.
Responses: The community reciprocates with concise and effective answers, offering multiple well-documented solutions. These responses encompass explanations, code examples, and discussions of pros and cons. This showcase of valuable input from experienced developers reinforces the idea that smart questions yield helpful answers.
Insights: The exemplar of a smart question serves as a testament to the focused and valuable responses it attracts. It underscores the community’s preference for well-structured queries that streamline efficient problem-solving.
Not-So-Smart Questions: Impediments to Efficient Assistance
Conversely, posing questions in a “not so smart way” can introduce confusion and impede the community’s ability to provide effective assistance. Let’s examine a contrasting example.
Not-So-Smart Question Example:
Question: What are metaclasses in Python? Summary: In this case, the developer submits a vague question devoid of context. No code or specific issue is presented. This question falls short of Raymond’s principles as it lacks clarity and effort. This is something the user could have done some research on first to get some form of understanding on metaclasses, and then ask a more specific question about them.
Insights: Not-so-smart questions introduce frustration within the community, demanding additional effort to extract necessary information. This inefficiency often leads to incomplete or irrelevant responses, complicating the resolution of the issue at hand.
Conclusion: The Inevitable Challenge of Smart Questions
Asking smart questions stands as a fundamental skill for software engineers, fostering efficient and effective communication within the developer community. The StackOverflow examples presented highlight the importance of providing clear context, demonstrating effort, and structuring questions to encourage meaningful responses. Smart questions streamline problem-solving and knowledge exchange, while not-so-smart questions can hinder progress and create frustration.
In the grand scheme of software engineering, some challenges will always be inherently difficult. Building applications for human use, managing complex projects, and navigating intricate relationships with stakeholders will continue to be demanding endeavors. The difficulty arises from the involvement of humans and the need to cater to their needs and expectations.
In conclusion, the essence of being a club officer or asking questions on StackOverflow is that it is supposed to be challenging. These challenges, whether in programming, engineering, relationships, or other facets of life, prompt us to ponder, “Is it worth it?” The answer is context-specific and lies within the individual, but embracing the difficulty often leads to growth and meaningful outcomes.