DEV Community: Axel Whitford

Does blogging make you a better developer?

Axel Whitford — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 00:40:12 +0000

Why should you start a blog as a developer? Does it actually have any benefits, or is it just one of those things people tell you to do to feel productive? Like making your bed. Although at surface level it seems scary and not worth the effort, there are actually quite a lot of benefits from doing so. There's a quote that floats around the internet and it goes.

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.

This means the opposite is also true, if you can explain it simply, then you do understand it. Having to sit down and write about a topic really highlights what you do understand about it and what you don't. This is great for finding what you excel at and what you need to buckle down and study.

Feynman Technique

There is a technique out there called the Feynman Technique, which is to write out the thing you're trying to learn as simply as possible. As if you were trying to explain it to a 12yr old. Then read back over it and find any flaws within the explanation, or any over technical jargon, and simplify it even further.

This process really highlights what you know about a certain topic, as well as if you understand the concept behind it or just the surface-level jargon. The funny thing about this technique is that it is incredibly similar to writing a blog. A simpler explanation about overly technical topics, condensed into an easy to read format.

Communication

Another reason to start a blog is to increase your writing communication skills. There's no such thing as being too good at communication. As you slowly develop your skills and start making the transition into a professional job, being able to sell yourself in written format will become crucial.

As well as being able to articulate your ideas and get them down on paper. Into a presentable form for that board meeting or startup pitch, you've been meaning to do. Communication is one of the most important skills someone can have, and having somewhere to practise it, such as a blog, is important.

Future Prospects

Future employers also want to see your work and ideas beforehand. Building a name for yourself. Showing that you are willing to put in the effort to educate not only yourself on a given topic but others. Taking a risk and putting yourself out there. These are all things employers look for in potential employees.

So take that risk, and start putting your pen to paper. Whats the worst thing that could happen?

My 4 tips for being productive in the afternoon.

Axel Whitford — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 04:26:25 +0000

We've all been there. It's 2 pm, you've just come back from lunch, the food is settling, the chair is comfy, and the last thing you want to do is work. Unfortunately, the papers are pilling and that to-do list won't do itself. Luckily for you, I've compiled these tips and tricks to get your energy pumping.

First tip: No Coffee

Now I know it's tempting to reach for another cup of liquid energy and power through this slump, but with great power comes great responsibility. You're probably sick of hearing "Don't drink coffee in their afternoons it ruins your sleep". This sounds like some new-age baloney because you sleep perfectly fine no matter what time you drink coffee.

This may be true, but various forms of research+ have found that even if you're falling asleep relatively easily your brain is still active, and the quality of that sleep greatly diminishes. This lack of quality is made up later the next day when your brain decides to shut down early and have a quick recharge, affecting your productivity.

Now that we've cleared up the fact you can't have coffee, what can you have? Well, tea is an excellent substitute, and can still contain some caffeine if you're looking for that, I personally pull out a pot of green tea. At this point, coffee had become a ritual to me, a reason to leave the desk and do something easy, and it was more the adventure away from the desk that I was craving.

Second Tip: Reset

Alright so now that we've decided coffee is a bad idea, what should you do? Well after working for most of the morning, eating and socializing for your break, or just getting home after the day, it's about time you reset.

You've probably built up a ton of stress throughout the day and now it's time to dump them and start the afternoon with a clean slate. There are many ways to reset and it will depend entirely on you as a person. Personally, I like to take a seat outdoors, maybe do some soft meditation/breathing. Another way if you can, is to go take a shower, refresh, and get clean.

Some people are even bold enough to attempt the fabled afternoon nap. Which for me has always been a 50/50 of feeling completely refreshed or crashing even harder, and is a risk I solemn take these days.

Third Tip: Get the blood pumping

It's time to get outside, got to remind your body who is in charge and that the sun is still shining, and it's time to get back to work. The intensity of the workout is completely up to you, a light stroll through the park or a complete one-hour powerlifting session at the gym.

Either way, contrary to popular belief the more energy your body expends the more it decides to produce. So go out there and produce a rush of endorphins that will get you through your afternoon slump

Fourth Tip: Refocus

Alright, you've reset, you got the blood pumping, now it's time to get yourself back in order. If you still have that to-do list from the morning, this is your chance to re-write it, prioritize the hours you have left in the day, and get it done.

What is SVG?

Axel Whitford — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 06:22:37 +0000