What do you do if your programming decisions are constantly questioned?
As a programmer, you may face situations where your coding choices are challenged by your colleagues, managers, or clients. This can be frustrating, especially if you have invested time and effort in finding the best solution for a problem. However, instead of taking it personally or getting defensive, you can use these opportunities to improve your communication skills, demonstrate your expertise, and learn from different perspectives. Here are some tips on how to handle programming decisions that are constantly questioned.
Before you respond to any criticism or feedback, try to understand the context and the intention behind it. Is the person questioning your decision trying to help you, to learn from you, or to undermine you? What are their goals, expectations, and assumptions? How much do they know about the problem, the solution, and the trade-offs involved? By asking yourself these questions, you can tailor your response to the situation and avoid unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings.
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On getting the feedback one should not think of it as a criticism instead look it as an opportunity to learn and discuss. The other person might not be correct and you should be able to put your point on how it is not correct pr why you approach is correct. The time when you don't have any answer to WHYs you will be questioned
One of the most important skills for a programmer is to be able to explain your reasoning and logic behind your code. This can help you justify your decisions, clarify any doubts, and show your competence. When explaining your rationale, use clear and concise language, avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse your audience, and provide examples or evidence to support your claims. You can also use tools like comments, diagrams, or pseudocode to illustrate your thought process and make it easier to follow.
Another key skill for a programmer is to be able to listen to feedback and incorporate it into your work. Feedback can help you improve your code quality, learn new techniques, and discover new perspectives. When listening to feedback, be open-minded, respectful, and curious. Ask questions to understand the other person's point of view, acknowledge their input, and thank them for their time. You don't have to agree with everything they say, but you should consider it and evaluate it objectively.
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What I feel about this is, In the tech world, listening to feedback isn't just about hearing, it's about growth. Picture this: A software development team rolls out a new feature, only to face a barrage of user complaints about its usability. Rather than brushing off critiques, they dive deep, conducting user interviews and analyzing data. This feedback loop leads to crucial insights, prompting them to refine the feature's design and functionality. The result? A smoother user experience and heightened satisfaction. By embracing feedback as a catalyst for improvement, they not only win over users but also stay ahead in the game. In the fast-paced tech arena, listening isn't a choice it's the lifeline to innovation and success.
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It is always good to listen to people and their perspective before attacking them and proving your point. Criticism should always be welcome as it will help us identify different perspectives,if the feedback helps in identifying major bugs.The code quality always improves.so it is good to accept questions about your programming decisions.
Sometimes, you may encounter situations where your programming decisions are not accepted or approved by your stakeholders, such as your boss, your client, or your team. This can be challenging, especially if you are confident that your solution is the best one. However, instead of insisting on your way or giving up on your idea, you can try to negotiate a compromise that satisfies both parties. To do this, you need to identify the main issues, prioritize the most important ones, and propose alternatives or adjustments that can address them. You also need to communicate the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and be willing to make concessions or trade-offs.
Finally, you can use every situation where your programming decisions are questioned as a learning opportunity. You can reflect on what went well and what went wrong, what you learned and what you can improve, and how you can apply your insights to future projects. You can also seek feedback from others, such as your mentors, peers, or online communities, and ask for advice or suggestions on how to handle similar situations in the future. By learning from experience, you can grow as a programmer and develop your skills and confidence.
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