How to Google as a developer
Most of us don't know how to effectively search for an answer. This makes it difficult to find a solution when you're using Google, or making the long walk to the development documentation center.
This post will teach you how to google as a developer. It is important that you take these skills with you into work. If you do not know how to search google effectively, it will be a struggle to find information on how to solve an issue.
This is a primer on google searching as a developer, but it's also important for the future of your career as a programmer.
Knowing how to google effectively will help you be better at what you do.
This skill is refined over time, but here is a few tips on how to save yourself some time.
Search error message
In the case of an error message, the easiest thing you could do is to just copy the error message and paste it on to google search box, it will return some results that will suit your query.
Use pretty error handlers
Try to use some error handling framework, which provides a pretty error interface that helps you debug your projects. You can just copy the error message it displays and paste it on google search box, 9 out of 10 chances you will find a solution.
If you write PHP code, I recommend using ‘whoops’, it is an error handler framework for PHP. Out-of-the-box, it provides a pretty error interface.
Keywords
If you’re debugging an error message, search using exact keywords. This allows you to get a wider range of results.
Describe the issues
Be descriptive in your search, try and pick out useful keywords from your error and include it in your search term.
Extra Tips:
Sometimes when searching on google feels less fruitful and you don't seem to find what you are looking for, These few tips below can also help you get a solution to your problem.
1. Ask your colleagues!
Most of the times, I try finding the solution on my own without the help of google. If I still don’t get it right, I discuss it with my colleague.
If you work remotely, ask on your company’s slack channel, or whatever communication method you use.
On the otherhand, there are many Slack groups that specialize in certain languages, with often fantastic communities who are incredibly helpful.
2. Explain it to yourself
Ever heard of ‘rubber duck debugging’ ?. This is where you explain the problem to a toy rubber duck on your desk.
You might just realize the solution to your problem halfway through explaining it.
3. StackOverflow
As you search for solution to your code problems, you must keep in mind some reliable website and online communities like, the trusty StackOverflow. Searching directly into StackOverflow brings up results hidden by Google.
In conclusion, never feel afraid to ask for help. The developer community is full of Love and many of us are more than willing to help you out, because we definitely have faced the same issues at some point.
If you have any tips of your own to share, do comment below!
