To All Aspiring Programmers in the Gaming Industry

Reflecting on my early days, I can relate to your current position.

The first month of my new job was a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety. It took me about three months to truly feel like a programmer, a realization that felt both strange and exhilarating.

The Value of First Experiences

Have you ever binge-watched a series? Remember the bittersweet feeling when you reached the last episode? Before finishing, your mind was clear, free from any spoilers or preconceived notions. Watching a show for the first time is a unique experience; once it's over, you can't recapture that initial excitement.

Programming is similar—your fresh eyes see things differently than anyone else on your team. This is the perfect moment to share your ideas and suggestions. As Robert C. Martin wisely noted, “Honesty in small things is not a small thing.” If you have questions or need clarification, now is the time to ask. Don't hesitate to voice your queries, no matter how trivial they may seem. However, always make an effort to find answers independently first.

Growing as a Developer and Individual

You might be surprised at how often I've asked what some might consider "silly" questions, even after several years in the field. Clear communication is essential; what seems straightforward to one person may not be to another.

“It is not the language that makes programs appear simple. It is the programmer that makes the language appear simple!” - Robert C. Martin

I’m not concerned about others thinking my questions are irrelevant. If it contributes positively to the project, that's what matters. If I struggle to grasp certain parts of our documentation, I believe it's likely that other junior developers face the same challenges. This is a good opportunity to voice those concerns to the team.

Cultivating New Connections in Your Mind

Don’t hesitate to ask about the fundamentals. If something seems unclear from a beginner's perspective, share your thoughts openly and respectfully, welcoming feedback. With no one imposing rigid structures on your coding style, you have ample mental space for new ideas and approaches.

“It is a myth that we can get systems ‘right the first time.’ Instead, we should implement only today’s stories, then refactor and expand the system to implement new stories tomorrow. This is the essence of iterative and incremental agility.” - Robert C. Martin

Your untainted vision is your greatest strength. Use it to your advantage, and countless opportunities will arise.

The Most Detrimental Action You Can Take as a Programmer

Please, avoid making the mistake that could alienate your peers.

All quotes from Robert C. Martin are sourced from his book "Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship," which I highly recommend.

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