Nus Information overload is a massive problem in software engineering. There is so much new information, research, data, tutorials, guides, and the like that come out every day that the entire industry is awash with the stuff.
Now, I’m not saying that information is bad because it most certainly is not and it’s needed for our field to continue to evolve and grow. However, when I find myself spending more time trying to keep on top of the latest developments in the SE industry than working on my projects it can feel like I’m drowning.
Fortunately, I’ve developed some strategies to help myself stay afloat in the vast and ever-changing sea of information on SE, and these tactics can help you too. Just keep reading to find out what they are.
Settle On Sources Before Searching
I’ve found this strategy very useful in managing information overload when it comes to the software engineering field. All I do is make sure I research my sources beforehand and only choose to read and assimilate the most trusted ones.
This can help me fight the urge to read absolutely everything that comes up online about a topic, and with the fear that I’m missing some vital insight. Instead, I know that the info I’m consuming is good quality and will likely cover most of the key points in the area that I’ll need to do my job well.
Skim Articles
Skimming has been a crucial skill in fighting software engineering information overload. This is because instead of demanding of myself that I read every article, and guide all the way through, I can use it to quickly judge whether there is anything useful.
To skim effectively, I look for titles, and subtitles that are relevant to the specific topics that I am interested in. Then If I do find something useful, I’ll go back and read that part again, often expanding to the parts around it, and sometimes, the whole article if I think it’s worth my time.
Subscribe To Summary Emails Or Newsletters
Shssssh! I have a big secret to tell you concerning how to beat information overload in the world of software engineering! It’s to pick a few high-quality emails or newsletters like the ones you will find discussed here, that summarize the latest trends and developments.
I’ve found that by doing this I can read a lot less, and consume a lower volume of info but still stay up to date enough to be able to hold conversations about what’s news with my colleagues. Additionally, these emails and newsletters are a great place to discover things that I want to read about in more detail, as long as I am careful to not pick so many things as to make it overwhelming.
Final Thoughts On Mastering Information Overload in the World of Software Engineering
Software engineers use and create tools all the time, yet we often forget that information is also a tool. To that end, we need to manage information and the parameters of how we will access and use it carefully. Only this will make sure we do not drown in an evergrowing and everchanging sea of info!
