Become a Better Developer with Asking Why

18 September, 2024

Have you ever wondered why some developers seem to solve problems so easily? Or why some teams work together like a well-oiled machine? The secret might be simpler than you think. It's all about asking "Why?"

What is "Asking Why"?

"Asking Why" is a simple but powerful tool. It's about not stopping at the first answer, but digging deeper. You keep asking "Why?" until you get to the root of a problem or idea. This helps you understand things better and find better solutions.

How Can "Asking Why" Make You a Better Developer?

Let's look at some real-life situations where "Asking Why" can help you grow as a developer.

1. Building Better Applications

Imagine you're building a shopping app. Your team leader says, "We need to add a wishlist feature." Instead of just nodding and coding, try asking why:

Why do we need a wishlist feature?
Why do users want to save items for later?
Why aren't they buying these items right away?

By asking these questions, you might discover that users find it hard to decide what to buy when browsing. Maybe what they really need is a comparison tool, not just a wishlist. By understanding the real problem, you can build a better solution.

2. Debugging Like a Pro

You're faced with a bug: the app crashes when users try to upload photos. Don't just dive into fixing it. Ask why:

Why does it crash only with photos?
Why does it happen for some users but not others?
Why did this start happening recently?

These questions might lead you to discover that the problem isn't in your photo upload code, but in how the app handles large file sizes on certain devices. By asking why, you find the real issue faster.

3. Working Better with Your Team

Your teammate, Alex, seems unhappy with the project. Instead of ignoring it or complaining, try asking why:

Why does Alex seem frustrated?
Why is this project different from previous ones Alex enjoyed?
Why might Alex feel this way about their role?

You might find out that Alex feels their skills aren't being used fully. This understanding can lead to a conversation about adjusting roles or finding new challenges, making the whole team stronger.

4. Learning New Technologies

You hear everyone talking about a new programming language. Instead of just jumping on the bandwagon, ask why:

Why is this language becoming popular?
Why might it be better than what we're using now?
Why would learning this benefit our team or projects?

These questions help you make smart decisions about what to learn, ensuring your time is well spent on skills that truly matter.

How to Practice "Asking Why"

Start Small: Next time you're given a task, ask one or two "why" questions before starting.
Be Curious, Not Critical: Your goal is to understand, not to challenge or criticize.
Listen Carefully: Often, the answers to your "why" questions hold valuable insights.
Don't Stop at the First Answer: Keep asking until you feel you've reached the core of the issue.
Apply It Everywhere: Use this method in coding, team discussions, and even when thinking about your career goals.

Wrapping Up

Becoming a good developer isn't just about writing code. It's about understanding problems, working well with others, and always being eager to learn. By making "Asking Why" a habit, you'll dig deeper, understand better, and create solutions that truly make a difference.

Remember, every great developer started by being curious. So next time you're faced with a challenge, don't just accept things at face value. Ask "Why?" and watch how it transforms your work and your growth as a developer.