How to google for your programming experience.

Felix Chan
Sep 4, 2018 · 3 min read

If you are a novice or veteran in coding or every internet user chances are, you googled your way out or search some random memes.

Google is a powerful tool for programmers. Probably the most powerful tool all programmers have, but not all have mastered.

Here are some tips to master the six elements to become the avatar of google.

  1. You have to use specific keywords and leave out unnecessary words. You have to google relevant words. For example, in Ruby, if you want to search for how to change the variable in an array you don’t google “I want to change a thing to a thing in an array.” you want to google “how to change an element in an array Ruby”. If you google vague words google will give you vague answers.

Usually, if you follow Object + Verb + Programming Language you will find most answers.

2. Look below:

3. If you really can not find the answer you are looking for Use Advanced search as a checklist is the answer. In the top right-hand side of your screen, you will see a cog (see below):

Advance Search!!! For all your earthly desires!

4. Last but not least Stack overflow

  1. In stack overflow, there will be many answers. The green check mark answers the op question but not necessarily answer your question.
  2. Comments under the answer are sometimes where the answer lies. It also gives you additional information about an issue(s). It can also warn you about the complexity and the vulnerability about the answer given.
  3. Posting your own question on Stack Overflow is the last resort. Someone else out there will already post it with the same problem you have. But if you cannot find it and you are desperate then you have to follow the stack overflow rules. Like googling the code you have to be precise and informative about your questions as well as put you errored code because without that how else will they know.

Extra help:

  • Googling is a learning opportunity. Google is a tool to teach yourself how to do something or refresh your memory on the thing you have not done in a while. Googling is not a weakness it is a strength. Even the best have to google sometimes.
  • Googling your problem is not to find the solution to your problem but understanding why it is your problem. Once you understand your problem you will remember it and in the future, if you come across this problem again you can solve it. (or re-google it)
  • Documentation helps you wrap your head around how this particular program works especially if you are a beginner at coding.
  • Here are some all-purpose googling tricks that you can use.
  • Remember that we cannot remember everything, utilize google to your advantage and master the art of googling will help you tremendously in your programming journey!
  • And of course google.com

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