The Art of Questioning
25 Jan 2024
Is there such thing as a stupid question?
Effective communication is the lifeblood of software engineering, and within the open-source community, the art of asking questions is paramount. Eric Steven Raymond’s “How To Ask Questions The Smart Way” provides guidelines crucial for meaningful interaction within this community. The ability to ask questions in a “smart way” is not just a formality; it’s a skill that can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of collaboration. In this essay, we delve into the importance of asking smart questions for software engineers, drawing insights from real-world examples sourced from the StackOverflow platform.
Smart Question
Question: How might I get detailed database error messages from dplyr::tbl?
In this Question, the user seeks guidance on obtaining more detailed database error messages from the dplyr::tbl function in R while working with a SQL Server database, specifically the Stack Exchange data dump. Encountering the error message “Statement(s) could not be prepared,” the user aims to receive more informative error messages directly in the R console, highlighting the need for efficient debugging. This question can be considered smart as it provides a clear context, articulates the problem, and shows the user’s efforts in debugging. The user also engages with other developers, demonstrating a willingness to learn and explore solutions collaboratively.
Not So Smart Question
Question: Can Someone help me with this class The user is encountering an issue with a Python class named “database” and its “insert” method. However, the question lacks specific details, making it not-so-smart according to Eric Steven Raymond’s guidelines on asking questions. The user mentions receiving an “unbound method” error without providing sufficient context, such as relevant error messages or the way they are calling the method. To improve the question, the user should include more specific information about the problem, the code snippets involved, and any error messages encountered, enabling potential helpers to better understand and address the issue.
Conclusion
The quality of assistance developers receive on platforms like StackOverflow is significantly influenced by the way they ask questions. Smart questions not only lead to more effective solutions but also foster a collaborative and positive community. This highlights the importance of honing the skill of asking questions intelligently for the growth and success of software engineers. The dichotomy between smart and not-so-smart questions is evident when exploring scenarios on StackOverflow. Smart questions foster a symbiotic relationship between the inquirer and the community, fostering efficiency and effectiveness in problem-solving. On the other hand, not-smart questions often elicit less helpful responses, creating barriers to effective collaboration. The art of questioning is not just a technicality but a cornerstone of successful software engineering in the open-source landscape.