Notes on Software Development Guide by Nate

Introduction to Nate

• Nate is a beloved anime character, referred to as N9.
• The lecture discusses a non-comprehensive guide on entering software development, primarily focusing on back-end development.

Getting Started in Software Development

1. Install Arch Linux

   • Suggested as the main OS for all tasks.
   • Helps understand computing environment and command line usage.
   • Learn to write shell scripts for customization.
   • Arch Wiki is a good resource for debugging.

2. Read "Automate the Boring Stuff"

   • A free Python book that teaches automation of repetitive tasks.
   • Great starting point for programming basics and developing personal scripts.
   • Emphasizes the importance of modular scripting with standard input/output.

3. Choose a Text Editor

   • Recommended editors: Neovim (personal choice), Emacs, VS Code.
   • Emphasizes productivity tied to text editing efficiency.
   • Understanding tools is crucial.

4. Create a GitHub Profile

   • Learn version control with Git.
   • Store all code on GitHub for visibility to employers.
   • Regular use of Git improves understanding and collaborative skills.

5. Learn Markdown

   • Useful for documentation and widely used in software communication.
   • Common format in tech circles.

6. Engage with Tech Communities

   • Start lurking on platforms like Hacker News and Lobsters.
   • Gain exposure to tech discussions and in-group terminology.

7. Build and Host a Website

   • Gain understanding of web structures and hosting.
   • Suggested platforms: DigitalOcean, AWS EC2.
   • Encourage self-learning by not providing step-by-step instructions.

8. Write a CLI Program or Web Server

   • Essential for understanding software concepts.
   • Practical projects teach fundamental skills.

9. Learn Go Programming Language

   • Increasingly relevant in corporate programming.
   • Suggested as a strong programming language for job seekers.

10. Explore Functional Programming

    • Encouraged to write a program to understand different paradigms.
    • Emphasizes gaining new perspectives on programming.

11. Practice with LeetCode

    • Solve problems to expose oneself to common algorithms.
    • Important for programming interviews.
    • Avoid becoming solely focused on LeetCode problems.

Additional Insights

• Experience Over Perfection

  • Focus on building complete projects rather than aiming for groundbreaking ideas.
  • Experience gained is more valuable than the project scale.
  • Suggested to identify annoyances in daily computing to inspire personal projects.

• Niche Specialization

  • Finding a niche can lead to better job prospects.
  • Encouraged to become proficient in specific areas rather than general tasks.

• Timeframe for Learning

  • Expect to spend about a year to become job-ready.
  • Willingness to help and answer questions is encouraged.

Conclusion

• The advice provided is practical and emphasizes a broad understanding of software development.
• Encourages self-direction and exploration in learning.
• Concludes that this guide is one of the best resources encountered.