Hey Everyone! In the nonstop pursuit of excellence, the “Learn How You Fail” pattern reminds us of a old forsaken truth: failure is not a curse but a catalyst for growth. It challenges us to confront our weaknesses head-on, to seek out the patterns and behaviors that lead to our missteps, and to use that self-knowledge as a powerful tool for transformation.
The whole point of this pattern means a lot to me deeply, as it recognizes that true creativity and work ethic are not born from a quest for perfection but actually a willingness to form somewhat of a imperfection. As Atul Gawande states, “Ingenuity is often misunderstood. It is not a matter of superior intelligence but of character. It demands more than anything a willingness to recognize failure, to not paper over the cracks, and to change.”
Personally, I find this pattern both humbling and it gave me a sense of confidence. After reading it a couple of times, it forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality that our successes are often counterbalanced by our failures and weaknesses. I’ve always related to the fact that you have to get out of the comfort zone otherwise you’ll stay there forever. Reason is, in that discomfort is the seed of growth – by consciously acknowledging our limitations, we open ourselves to the possibility of going past them.
This pattern has profoundly influenced my perspective on the intended profession. It has reinforced the idea that your craft is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. By embracing the idea of “learning how we fail,” we create a mindset of resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential in the ever-evolving landscape of software development, especially after reading about these patterns.
One aspect of the pattern that resonates particularly is the hard point on making conscious choices. By gaining self-knowledge about our patterns of failure, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions, sort of how some work better under pressure– whether to work on fixing those weaknesses or to acknowledge our limitations and focus our efforts elsewhere.
Lastly, the “Learn How You Fail” pattern is a powerful reminder that failure is not an enemy to be feared but a guide to be embraced. It is a call to take in vulnerability, to find the illusion of perfection, and to strive as more self-aware, adaptable, and the best version of ourselves we can be in and out of software development.
andicuni
May 15, 2024
Tag: CS-448
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Hey Everyone! The “Create Feedback Loops” pattern shines a light on this predicament, reminding us of the fundamental importance of going outside the box, objective feedback to fuel our growth and development.
At its core, this pattern challenges the idea that self-assessment alone is enough for recognizing our strengths and weaknesses. It acknowledges the built in biases and limitations of our own perspectives, which can be hooked by the very teams we work with or the environments we are around. The solution is in actively creating methods that provide us with a mirror, reflecting our true selves through the eyes of others.
What resonates with me about this pattern is its emphasis on the nature of growth. I’ve always been one to say how we never stop learning in this field and by requesting feedback early, often, and effectively, we can create a clean cycle – one where we become conscious of times where we lack understanding, take action to improve, and then seek further feedback to validate our progress. We need to understand there is nothing wrong with taking criticism. This continuous loop not only fuels our personal development but also helps search for a mindset of success and openness to learning.
Personally, I find the pattern’s recognition of the difference between useful and ineffective feedback is definitely a new way I would’ve originally thought about it. It highlights the importance of constructive criticism from distractions, separating obtainable data from well-meaning but misguided advice. This judgment supports us to focus our efforts on the feedback that truly matters, giving us a new way to make targeted improvements and avoid the mindset of false confidence or unnecessary self-doubt.
So to speak on how this impacted me, I like when the patterns give me a different influence on my perspective on the intended field in a positive way. It has strengthened the concept that true mastery is not a isolated push but rather a collaborative journey, where we actively seek out and embrace the perspectives of others. By creating feedback loops, we not only improve our own skills but also contribute to the growth of those around us, fostering a culture of mutual support and shared learning.
In conclusion, the “Create Feedback Loops” pattern is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking objective, actionable feedback in our quest for growth and mastery. It challenges us to be open to the idea of okay to listen, okay to fail, and okay to continue trying. By cultivating this cycle, we encourage our own development but also add to the supportive growth of our peers and technical community.
andicuni
May 15, 2024 -
Hey Everyone! As apprentices in the making , we spend countless hours absorbing knowledge, honing our skills, and making our craft as efficient as possible. However, the “Share What You Learn” pattern reminds us that true growth lies not just in getting knowledge but also in generously sharing it with others.
The essence of this pattern is fairly captured in the quote from Twyla Tharp: “Look at the luckiest people around you, the ones you envy, the ones who seem to have destiny falling habitually into their laps… they involve their friends in their work, and they tend to make others feel lucky to be around them.” This resonates deeply, as it highlights the equal relationship between sharing knowledge and creating a fulfilling, comfortable community.
Personally, I find this pattern both thought-provoking and inspiring. It goes against the idea of knowledge is a finite resource to be put aside, instead advocating for its free exchange and somewhat of distribution. By sharing what we learn, we not only empower others but also solidify our own understanding. As the saying goes, “When one person teaches, two people learn.” I’ve never resonated with a quote as much as that one. Teaching forces us to organize our thoughts, anticipate questions, and articulate concepts in a clear manner – a process that always deepens our understanding.
Moreover, this pattern has influenced my thoughts on our field. I now recognize that true mastery extends beyond individual expertise; it follows the ability to communicate effectively and uplift others. The pattern explains how a skilled craftsman who fails to share their knowledge ultimately limits their impact, while one who embraces this pattern becomes a trigger for collective growth, leaving a lasting legacy that goes past their individual contributions.
One aspect of the pattern that I agree with a lot is the perspective of knowledge sharing. It serves as a reminder that not all lessons are ours to share, particularly those that may harm others or breach confidentiality. This way highlights the importance of wisdom and care when sharing knowledge, ensuring that our actions contribute to a positive, trustworthy environment.
Overall, the “Share What You Learn” pattern has inspired me to embrace the joy of knowledge sharing and to view it as an important part of my professional journey. By defining what I’ve learned, I can make stronger connections within my community, validate my own understanding, and help to the collective improvement of our craft as we say how we never stop learning. It’s a upright cycle that benefits all involved, to continue to make an environment of continuous growth and mutual support.
andicuni
May 15, 2024 -
The “White Belt” pattern resonates with me on a personal level, as it summarizes the mark of maintaining a beginner’s mindset, a quality that I believe is crucial for continuous growth and learning in any field, especially in the realm of software development.
One interesting aspect of this pattern is the acknowledgment that expertise and mastery can sometimes become a double-edged sword. While we try to have proficiency in our field, there is a risk of becoming proud or developing a fixed mindset, where we rely too heavily on our existing knowledge and fail to embrace new perspectives or paradigms.
The analogy of “wearing the white belt” serves as a sad reminder that true mastery is not in holding to what we already know but in building a mindset of humility and openness to learning. It challenges us to overlook our assumptions and approach new challenges with a fresh and curious mindset, to a beginner’s eagerness to explore and discover.
What particularly resonates with me is the idea of “unlearning what we have learned,” as emphasized in the quote from “The Empire Strikes Back.” (Favorite movie haha) This concept challenges the work that our knowledge is lively and pushes us to question our assumptions and be willing to adapt and evolve our thinking as we meet new contexts or technologies.
Furthermore, the pattern’s point on approaching new domains with respect and curiosity, rather than assuming expertise, is rather more of a debate. The reason I say so is because it reminds us that true understanding often comes from collaborating with others and acknowledging the unique perspectives and realities they bring to the table.
One interesting aspect I find compelling is the idea of questioning how veterans in the field approached coding in the past versus how we approach it now. While we may be tempted to dismiss older methodologies or technologies as outdated, there is value in understanding the historical context and the challenges that shaped those approaches. By adopting a beginner’s mindset, we can explore these historical perspectives with an open mind, potentially uncovering insights or principles that remain relevant today.
In spirit, the “White Belt” pattern encourages us to have a mindset of continuous learning, humility, and adaptability – qualities that are essential for being advanced in the landscape of software development. It reminds us that true mastery is not a destination but a lifelong journey of growth and exploration, where we must be willing to use our preconceptions and embrace the wisdom of a beginner’s mind.
andicuni
May 5, 2024 -
Sprint Retrospective
Reflection on what worked well:
Hey Everyone! During this sprint, our team demonstrated effective communication and productive collaboration. We were able to complete our assigned issues on time, and each team member contributed by conducting individual research. The meeting with the professor provided valuable insights and guidance, particularly regarding the challenges we faced with Docker Compose and the startup process involving RabbitMQ.
One aspect that worked well in our favor was our ability to divide tasks and responsibilities based on individual strengths and interests. This allowed us to support each team member’s expertise and ensure that the workload was distributed evenly. Additionally, our regular check-ins and progress updates made the ideal coordination and helped identify potential obstacles early on.
Reflection on what didn’t work well:
Despite our best efforts, we encountered some difficulties with Docker Compose and the startup process involving RabbitMQ. Configuring the containers to communicate effectively and ensuring proper dependency management proved to be a great challenge. However, these obstacles presented valuable learning opportunities for our team, and we gained a better understanding of the areas that require further improvement.
Another area that could have been improved was our initial planning and estimation process. While we successfully completed our assigned tasks, there were instances where we underestimated the difficulty of certain issues, leading to potential time crunch or scope.
Reflection on what changes could be made to improve as a team:
To enhance our team’s performance, we could explore more effective ways to share and combine our research findings. By creating a collective repository or doing regular knowledge-sharing sessions, we can ensure that everyone is up-to-date with the latest ideas and techniques. This would not only help grow a collaborative learning environment but also prevent duplication of efforts and assist a mutual learning affair within the team.
Reflection on what changes could be made to improve as an individual:
As an individual, I could focus on improving my expertise in JavaScript linter tools and debugging utilities. By focusing time to hands-on practice and exploring more advanced features of the tools we’ve identified, I can better contribute to the project’s code quality and debugging efforts. This would not only enhance my technical skills but also position me as a valuable resource for the team, capable of providing guidance and support when needed.
Furthermore, I could enhance my documentation skills to ensure that my research findings and insights are effectively communicated to the rest of the team, clear the way for helpful information and collaboration. Clear and brief documentation can serve as a valuable reference for future sprints and aid in onboarding new team members.
We have provided a broad overview of our research on JavaScript linters tools and debugging utilities, which will be a valuable resource for future teams who tackle this. The dedication to exploring various options and understanding the strengths and weaknesses is what we want to leave our mark on.
Overall, I would say for Sprint 3 as a cleanup and research Sprint, it allowed our team to identify areas for improvement and gain a valuable experience into the challenges we faced. By implementing the suggested changes and continuing to collaborate effectively, we can enhance our productivity and deliver high-quality results in future sprints. Open communication, continuous learning, and the strive to move forward will be key to our success as a team.
andicuni
May 5, 2024
https://gitlab.com/LibreFoodPantry/client-solutions/theas-pantry/guestinfosystem/experiments/guest-info-backend-java-script-linter-testing-debugging-fork/-/issues/1 One of the issues I worked on was the JS Linters research. -
The “Rubbing Elbows” pattern advocates for software developers to actively seek out opportunities to work hands-on, side-by-side with other skilled programmers. The core premise is that certain techniques and micro-habits can only be absorbed through close collaboration on shared coding tasks. Practices like pair programming try this kind of knowledge transfer, but the pattern applies to any endeavor that allows you to observe the workflow and decision-making of an experienced developer.
I found this pattern incredibly insightful and motivating. As a software engineering student, I’ve already experienced how much more I can learn by watching lecturers code and explain their thought process in real-time, versus just reading examples. The “Rubbing Elbows” pattern highlights how that same example of accelerated learning through consistency well beyond the classroom.
The authors make an good point that there are “thousand little everyday moves” that skilled developers have pressed through years of experience. These small refinements may seem minor on their own, but include into real improvements in productivity, code quality, and problem-solving prowess. However, these micro-habits are nearly impossible to fully carry through written documentation or formal teaching. Rubbing elbows allows an apprentice to organically absorb them through repeated, intimate observation.
I’m reminded of when I pair-programmed on a school project with a talented classmate. While daunting at first to have my code exposed, I soon realized I was gaining insight into his mental models, techniques for juggling complexity, and little shortcuts that markedly lifted his coding flow. Rubbing physical and mental elbows enabled knowledge transfer that couldn’t have occurred through solo learning.
This pattern has inspired me to be a go getter about joining open source projects, participating in local meetups, and seeking out internships that enable close collaboration with experienced mentors. Identifying and creating these “rubbing elbows” opportunities will be important for go beyond my current peak and speeding my progression as a capable, well-rounded software crafter.
While the unusual feeling of being the “newbie” amongst experts is unavoidable, I’m excited by the authors’ advice: embrace feeling lost at times, ask questions, rotate pair partners if stuck, and record learnings to cement them. Absorbing the tacit knowledge of those further along the path is key to rapidly elevating my own skills.
andicuni
April 28, 2024 -
Hey everyone! In “Apprenticeship Patterns,” the authors present the pattern “Nurture Your Passion.” This defines preserving and growing one’s passion for software craftsmanship, even in unique work environments.
The authors acknowledge that as a software developer, your true passion lies in the craft itself. Unfortunately, the daily grind can decrease this passion, with factors like crushing hierarchies, “death marches,” abusive managers, and colleagues ruining your enthusiasm. The pattern suggests strategies to protect and add on to your passion. One is to focus on aspects you genuinely enjoy and dedicate time, even outside work, to pursuing these interests. The authors cite Paul Graham’s advice to “work on what you like.”
Another strategy is to seek out “kindred spirits” – joining user groups, participating in forums, and starting a blog to connect with others who share your passion. These interactions can renovate your thought process and provide a supportive community. The pattern also encourages studying the “classics” of software development literature, as you involve yourself in the great works can open your eyes to a more inspiring world.
Finally, the authors emphasize the importance of drawing your own map – being willing to move to an organization that better aligns with your goals, even if it means leaving a comfortable job. They warn about going against the “hero mentality” that leads to “death marches.”
As an aspiring software developer, I found this pattern insightful. The idea of caring one’s passion, even among adversity, resonates deeply. I appreciate the authors’ acknowledgment of the challenges and their suggestions for proactively addressing them. The priority on seeking kindred spirits and studying the classics is crucial. These activities can help renew my enthusiasm and provide a sense of purpose, even for future career challenges.
Additionally, the authors’ caution against the “hero mentality” and the importance of setting boundaries to protect one’s passion is a valuable lesson. I will be thinking of maintaining a sustainable pace and refusing to compromise my standards.
Overall, the “Nurture Your Passion” pattern provides a compelling framework for approaching my future career as a software developer. By actively protecting and growing my love for the craft, I believe I can navigate the profession’s ups and downs and maintain a granting, fulfilling, and consistent career. Thanks for tuning in! -
In our second sprint, the team made important progress on a variety of tasks related to the reporting backend, integration, and documentation. The specific work items we addressed included updating npm packages, improving documentation in the reporting backend, setting up Gitpod permissions, implementing hot-reload functionality with Nodemon, composing Docker files, verifying the testing suite, configuring linters and the pipeline, and fixing a build script. Overall, I feel our team had better communication and a more fair approach to splitting the work this sprint.
Reflection on What Worked Well
One of the key strengths of this sprint was the increased level of communication within the team. We made a better effort to stay in sync, share updates regularly, and support each other when needed. This led to a more collaborative and efficient workflow, as we were able to identify blockers early and provide assistance to unblock each other’s progress. I’d say that a fair distribution of work was also a positive aspect, as we made a combined effort to split the tasks more evenly and ensure that everyone had a manageable workload. This allowed us to make steady progress throughout the sprint, rather than having a last-minute crunch.Reflection on What Didn’t Work Well
While we did see improvements in our progress flow compared to the previous sprint, there were still periods where a significant amount of work was left until the final week. It gave a bit of pressure and gave an increase in the risk of missing deadlines or compromising on quality. Additionally, the team decided not to go forward the Kubernetes with Docker Compose YAML approach, as we don’t currently have Kubernetes set up. Instead, we focused on consolidating all the API Docker files into a single root deployment. The linter and extension setup was also split across multiple issues, which could have been better organized.Reflection on Changes to Improve as a Team
Moving forward, we should aim to distribute the work more evenly across the entire sprint duration to maintain a more consistent flow of progress. This may involve better planning and task estimation at the start of the sprint, as well as more frequent check-ins and adjustments throughout. Additionally, we should continue to keep our commit messages as clear as possible, especially for merge commits, to ensure the project history remains easy to follow.Reflection on Changes to Improve as an Individual
As an individual, I could have been more proactive in checking in with my teammates and offering assistance, even if it’s not directly related to my assigned tasks. I want to make sure I’m staying aware of the overall progress and roadblocks faced by the team, and I can provide support where needed. Additionally, I will learn and do what it takes to be better to complete my individual tasks as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress and make sure we meet our sprint goals.Work and Work Products
One of the key work products I contributed to this sprint was the update to the npm packages in the reporting backend, as well as the improvements to the documentation for recent changes. I also collaborated with Issac on writing documentation for the reporting backend and composing the Docker files. While I was involved in the initial stages of configuring the linters and pipeline in the reporting integration, Victor and Hieu took the lead on those tasks as they were more closely related to their other assigned issues.To speak upon the work and work products we are producing, we faced an issue with the guest info frontend not working due to a local host problem, and we worked to set up a solution where the application can check if it’s running in Gitpod and query the URL accordingly. We also identified the need to have a more stronger approach to setting up environment variables, rather than hardcoding them.
Overall, this sprint saw improvements in team communication and task distribution, but there is still room for us to refine our process and ensure a more consistent flow of progress. As we move forward, I am committed to playing an active role in supporting my teammates, completing my work efficiently, and contributing to the improvement of our team goals.
April 9, 2024 -
Hey Everyone ! As a computer science student embarking on my journey towards becoming a software development professional, the pattern “Unleash Your Enthusiasm” from the Apprenticeship Patterns book has matched deeply with me. This pattern emphasizes the importance of embracing and expressing the excitement and curiosity that often characterize the early stages of one’s career.
The pattern highlights the interesting attributes that apprentices bring to their teams, such as a fresh perspective, diverse ideas, and an exciting drive for learning. It acknowledges that while this level of enthusiasm may be seen as rare or even risky by more experienced team members.
What I found particularly thought-provoking about this pattern is the way it challenges the common tendency to conform to the norms of a team or organization. The pattern encourages apprentices to resist the urge to suppress their enthusiasm and instead to embrace it as a valuable contribution to the collective intelligence of the group.
Moreover, the pattern’s weight on the diversity of thought that enthusiastic apprentices can bring to a team resonates with my understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving and innovation. As I progress in my studies and eventually enter the workforce, I am eager to leverage my background and mindset to offer new upcoming solutions and challenge the current state.
In my own context, as a computer science student, I can see the value of this pattern in the classroom, where I can actively engage with my peers and professors, offering new ideas and questioning established practices. I am also excited to bring this mindset to any internships or entry-level positions I may pursue, with the goal of not only accelerating my own learning but also contributing to the growth and success of the teams I work with.
Overall, the “Unleash Your Enthusiasm” pattern has inspired me to embrace my natural curiosity and excitement for the field of software development, while also modifying that enthusiasm with an understanding of the importance of navigating team dynamics and building strong relationships with my colleagues. As I continue on my apprenticeship journey, I am committed to maintaining this balance, using my enthusiasm as a catalyst for learning and growth, and ultimately, becoming a valued contributor to the software development community.
April 7, 2024andicuni
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The Sprint-1 retrospective serves as a checkpoint for our team to reflect on our progress, identify areas for improvement, and pave the way for continuous growth. As we dive into our reflections, it becomes proof that Sprint-1 was characterized by both successes and challenges, providing valuable information and experience into our team dynamics and areas where we can improve our work.
One of the key highlights of Sprint-1 was our team’s ability to effectively address various tasks within the ReportingBackend, ReportingIntegration, and ReportingAPI epics. Through collaboration and concerted efforts, we managed to resolve a significant npm security vulnerability, as evidenced by our activity through GitLab.
Moreover, Sprint-1 witnessed a first start of progress on multiple fronts. Small issues were tackled with efficiency, with an impressive 75% completion rate. Our team meetings emerged as productive forums for brainstorming ideas, sharing updates, and fostering a culture of open communication. This facilitated a collaborative environment where team members felt empowered to voice their opinions and contribute meaningfully to discussions.
However, during our completions, Sprint-1 also presented us with challenges. The difficulties of Docker-compose configurations and outdated documentation came out as significant stumbling blocks, impeding our progress on certain tasks. Furthermore, the difference between the assigned weights of tasks and their actual difficulty levels led to an uneven distribution of workload among team members. This highlighted the need for a more refined approach to task allocation and resource management.
Looking ahead, there are several areas where our team can strive for improvement. Foremost among these is the developing of better teamwork and collaboration. Instead of individuals working on issues in isolation, we recognize the importance of fostering a culture where team members proactively support each other and collaborate on tasks as needed. By coming together and the collective expertise and insights of our team, we can tackle challenges more effectively and drive better outcomes.
Additionally, we aim to refine our understanding of GitLab processes and workflows, making sure that all team members are equipped with the necessary skills to find the platform efficiently. This includes up to date issue management, defining important details that are readily accessible, and distributing tasks more equitably among team members. By enhancing our proficiency in GitLab usage, we can streamline our development workflows and minimize blockage in the project lifecycle.
Individually, each team member also has a role to play in our collective journey towards improvement. Personal growth and development are essential to our success as a team, and it is critical that each team member takes ownership of their learning journey. For instance, one team member demonstrated initiative by conducting research on Docker-compose files and documenting their findings. This approach not only boosted our understanding of the topic but also contributed valuable insights that benefited the team as a whole.
In conclusion, Sprint-1 served as a valuable learning experience for our team, highlighting both our strengths and areas for improvement. By diving into a culture of continuous improvement, fostering better teamwork and collaboration, and prioritizing individual growth, we are in a good spot to overcome challenges and achieve greater success in the sprints to come.