RailsConf 2023 - Deep End Diving: Getting Up to Speed on New Codebases by Allison Hill

Learn how to effectively onboard into a new codebase by pairing with experienced developers, seeking online resources, and fostering a growth mindset, all while mitigating stress and embracing mistakes.

Key takeaways

Define what “up to speed” means in a new codebase
Get familiar with the codebase by pairing with a more experienced developer
Use online resources like documentation, tutorials, and Stack Overflow
Collaborate with teams through code review and sharing knowledge
Provide feedback and checkpoints for team members to course-correct
Mitigate stress by breaking tasks into smaller chunks, and focusing on progress rather than perfection
Use humility to recognize when you don’t know something, and ask for help
Develop a growth mindset, and view challenges as opportunities for growth
Use a “rubber duck” or a coding buddy to talk through problems and share knowledge
Learn by doing, and make mistakes
Seek out mentorship from more experienced developers
Focus on readable patterns and clear documentation to help others learn from your code
Prioritize communication and transparency in the onboarding process
Create an onboarding plan that includes coding with a mentor, and providing regular feedback and check-ins
Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing between team members
Provide opportunities for progress and autonomy, and recognize individual contributions
Use a “training wheels” approach to onboarding, and provide support and guidance as needed
Recognize that stress is a natural part of the learning process, but can be managed through balanced stimulation and stress
Focus on creative and holistic problem-solving, rather than just following patterns or syntax.

RailsConf 2023 - Deep End Diving: Getting Up to Speed on New Codebases by Allison Hill

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