As we all know, technology never stands still. Because of this, those of us working in the sector usually find our own ways to keep up and be learning all the time. It is simply part of the job.
If you want to know what that may look like and how to stay motivated, check out my post from 2019 on how to keep up with change. I’d probably revise it soon! Even so, most of it is still relevant.
Right now, I’m in the middle of reading two books:
- 99 Bottles, by Sandi Metz
- Nonviolent Communication: a language of life, by Marshall B. Rosenberg
99 Bottles
In the Ruby language world, Sandi Metz’s books and talks are a must. She is both a very experienced developer and brilliant at explaining all concepts in a clear, easy to understand way.
“99 Bottles” is about how to write code that is both extendable and clean, and how to approach refactoring in a thoughtful and systematic manner.
This is the second book I have read from her. The first, called “Practical Object Oriented Design”, is a very good guide to the SOLID principles of Object Oriented programming. So if you are not familiar with them or are curious to find out more, I’d recommend you start there.
Non-violent communication
Marshall B Rosenberg was a North American psychologist, peacemaker, and creator of the Nonviolent Communication (NVC) approach to enhance understanding and connection.
The NVC approach can be useful in many scenarios (workplace, community, family, etc.), and not just when conflict already exists. It teaches about using non-judgemental language, facts observed instead of evaluations, the influence of the words we use, and much more.
The book is both an easy read and a slow one. I find myself reading a chapter quite quickly and then spending a long time mulling over everything it says. Perhaps even re-reading it again, before moving onto the next chapter.
If you want to find out more, there is a recording of a workshop in San Francisco run by Rosenberg himself.
This book was a recommendation by my work colleague Julia Chan. Thank you, Julia!
And you? What recommendations do you have? Share them in the comments below!