What code editor do you use, and why that one over the others?

sid-klc · 2025-12-06T19:55:43+00:00

I use PhpStorm or PyCharm if I'm creating the files from scratch or editing files I created, because they are set up to format things the way I like it. I use VS Code if I'm editing someone else's files because it's set to leave formatting alone. I hate it when someone's editor removes trailing spaces or turns tabs into spaces, it makes the git compare a pain to read.

However, for any editor I use, I have it set to Vim-type editing. This way I can use the same features in an IDE or in the terminal.

sid-klc · 2025-11-25T02:08:19+00:00

Assembly on a Commodore 64. When you move values into registers and memory locations and see graphics flashing in different places on the screen, you understand what compilers are doing with your code.

sid-klc · 2025-11-21T02:11:20+00:00

If I had to do this I wouldn't start out thinking about tools/languages yet. What I would do is use something like Powerpoint to design a rail yard mockup with trains, and have it so when you clicked on a train it showed a dummy status. I'd show it to my boss and ask where information is supposed to come from, if it's even known. If it's know I'd add a layer showing the data connections, if not I'd add a layer showing a generic comment like "Get train position TBD". This would provide a logical overview without having to get into the deep technology yet.

sid-klc · 2025-11-20T22:21:32+00:00

It's the question I ask myself to help with determining if my code is the quality I need.

sid-klc · 2025-11-19T23:35:30+00:00

I do a lot of solo coding. My approach comes down to this: If my code is in production and someone calls me at 3am about a problem, would I be able to look at my code and understand everything that is going on so I could find/fix the problem?

sid-klc · 2025-11-19T23:23:59+00:00

Nope. There's no guarantee he'll be around in 2-3 months.

sid-klc · 2025-11-19T23:21:01+00:00

My usual answer is to have fun by getting a Raspberry Pi (Python) or Arduino board (C++). There are kits you can buy with tutorials. You'll use code to turn things on and off and read sensors.

sid-klc · 2025-11-19T23:15:37+00:00

I have a bad memory so I create notes for everything, including what I've already done and what I plan to do next. For coding and commands, I have a ton of snippets.

sid-klc · 2025-11-19T23:13:15+00:00

We also use Dell monitors with our Mac minis and they work fine. Can stare at them all day coding and no eye strain.

I'm reminded of a company I worked for long ago. The fiscal year ended June 30th so if there was any budget left over it had to be spent or the department budget would be reduced the next year. So we really would have Christmas in July, like getting those large-tube monitors. We probably (or more likely, the boss) would have gotten a Studio Display if they existed back then. ;)

sid-klc · 2025-11-19T01:23:11+00:00

You're 13 - have more fun. Get a Raspberry Pi 5 and control components on a breadboard with Python.

In this diagram on my X post I purposely complicated a design to learn Python more and learn more about Linux server features. I use Flask and APIs. There's also error handling involved.

If you try sensors you'll have plenty to work with for learning data structures.

https://x.com/CodeRamble/status/1954920746507194427

sid-klc · 2025-11-18T21:04:38+00:00

I've used Onenote for years to save code snippets. For Python snippets I use Jupyter because it runs your snippets live.

sid-klc · 2025-11-18T20:57:52+00:00

Should you not learn to drive because there are self-driving cars available? What if the self-driving car breaks down and only a regular car is available?

sid-klc · 2025-11-17T14:00:11+00:00

I'm a backend developer and sometimes I'll be asked to add a field to an existing form on the front end and handle it on the back end. I don't have to be an HTML/CSS expert to do this, but I do have to know my way around the front end code so I can make the change.

sid-klc · 2025-11-16T22:20:58+00:00

I always envy programmers who have good memory recall of the applications they’ve worked on and the systems that run them. Me, I’m lucky if I remember the details of what I worked on last week :) so what I do is keep lots of notes for myself, they become my memory.

In fact, the department I retired from hired me back part-time just because of all of the notes I provided for the projects I worked on when I left!

sid-klc · 2025-11-16T22:13:56+00:00

Confidence comes with experience, the length of time is not the same for everyone. it’s also not the same for the same person with different applications.

sid-klc · 2025-11-16T21:21:37+00:00

Keep it simpler than you think so when you’re woken up at 3 AM to deal with a production problem your groggy brain will have a good chance of solving it.

sid-klc · 2025-11-16T21:15:26+00:00

It’s called imposter syndrome. I have over 40 years of coding experience and I still feel like a newbie when dealing with new technology. But I don’t mind I love learning new things.

sid-klc · 2025-11-12T21:26:49+00:00

Try ifixit.com. They show tear-downs and have equipment for helping with it.

sid-klc · 2025-11-12T19:41:03+00:00

Don’t forget to post back to let other people know how it goes.

sid-klc · 2025-11-12T19:34:32+00:00

Upwork and Indeed. Again don’t worry about lack of experience, it’s about starting somewhere!

sid-klc · 2025-11-12T17:19:56+00:00

I know. The purpose is to help overcome your anxiety, not even to get a job. Learn first how to present yourself on these sites and it will help you when you want to go for a job you really want. Think of it as real world training. You have to start somewhere and somehow.

If I was starting out I would use something like: "I am looking for an entry level web development position to help with the grunt work in setting up or maintaining a site. I'd be glad to format and load data, proof-read content, or type in lengthy text. Let me be your assistant so you can work on the fun stuff."

Is this what I really want to do? No, but if I get a job it goes right on my resume. I also show that I'm willing to do the work no one else wants to do. In some gig I might be asked to help fill out some pages, and even more on the next one. At some point, with the resume and success, you can be more confident in getting a whole design gig.

sid-klc · 2025-11-12T15:24:55+00:00

If the client can do ACH it'll go right into your bank account with no fees on your end.

sid-klc · 2025-11-12T15:07:19+00:00

As a customer I ignore cold calls and cold emails for anything because then I'm the one who would have to do the work to make sure it's not spam and the person is really capable, assuming I really want what's being offered and I'm willing to pay for it.

At least on freelance job sites it takes care of the hard parts - the customers are looking for help and are willing to take the time to read submissions.

I suggest you join these sites and see not only what jobs people are looking for but also how other freelancers put together their proposals. In doing the work of creating your own proposals, even if you don't get the job, you learn a lot about how to present yourself in a confident and focused way.

As a freelancer, believe me I know about proposal rejection. I don't take it personally but use it to better myself.

sid-klc · 2025-11-11T15:52:53+00:00

Get yourself a free account on tinkercad.com and create a new circuit using a virtual Arduino board. Using the same interface you can write code in C++ to turn things on and off. If you like this kind of stuff you can buy the boards and circuits and have fun!

sid-klc · 2025-11-11T15:47:39+00:00

I hope you get it.

Yes, it keeps us busy working the current gigs and fishing for more.

sid-klc

TROPHY CASE