This is a Solved Problem
“This is a solved problem,” my colleague said. I stopped talking about whatever it was.. possibly cache invalidation. Clearly I'd been put in my place.
Today at a Glance
This is a Solved Problem
Poll of the Day
Ask Paul Anything
Bonus Link
This is a Solved Problem
Introduction
“This is a solved problem,” my colleague said. I stopped talking about whatever it was.. possibly cache invalidation. Clearly I'd been put in my place.
I'd expected an interesting and engaging discussion on the intimate details of some or other implementation, but my colleague thought otherwise. We moved on to another part of the discussion.
I never spoke to that colleague again. Not through any bad will, but just through circumstance. Whatever we were discussing never got implemented. But many years later, I’ve never forgotten that comment.
Why it matters
We don’t need to solve every problem by hammering out code. That’s what I learned that day and is something I see engineers getting stuck with regularly.
As someone that once “invented” the inverted index through sheer ignorance of its existence, this was a huge turning point in my career. Now I would start looking outside first.
Today, the opportunities have never been greater to use an off-the-shelf library, technology, or algorithm. Yet I still see time wasted discussing problems that are already solved.
How to apply it
Change your mindset! It really is as simple as asking the question, “is this a solved problem?” It can be used for your own work but also with colleagues.
The greatest achievement asking this question is perhaps not the technology, but rather, preventing the endless cyclic discussions on the best way to do X.
Ultimately, what my colleague was getting at many years ago was not technology related at all. Rather, what he meant to say was, why waste your time and energy on a solved problem?
Do you enjoy this newsletter? It would help me out if you could share it with a friend.
Poll of the Day
What are code reviews for?
Polls are anonymous and just for fun. Voting will show you the results, but you can also view results directly here.
Ask Paul Anything
If you have a question, large or small, you can send it here. It’s anonymous if you want.
Bonus Link
Hard things in Computer Science - A whole raft of difficult and interesting challenges. Not many answers, but interesting to be aware of.
Thank you for reading Paul Codes. If you know someone that would enjoy this newsletter feel free to forward it or refer them. Referrals earn rewards.
PS. If you’re a business and would like to sponsor this newsletter, please reach out!