Asking Smart Questions

24 Jan 2024

Smart Questions in Software Engineering: A StackOverflow Analysis

Introduction

Effective communication is paramount in software engineering, and asking questions in a smart way plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and problem-solving. In this essay, we explore examples from StackOverflow to understand the positive outcomes of smart questions and the challenges associated with questions that don’t adhere to established guidelines.

Section 1: Smart Question Example

Question Title: How to quick view tables in DataGrip?

Smart Question Image

In accordance with Eric Raymond’s principles, the question demonstrates several positive aspects:

Eric Raymond’s Principle: “Be clear, concise, and contextually rich in your question.”

Section 2: Smart Question Responses

Examining the responses to the smart question, we observe how they align with the benefits of asking questions in a smart way, as per Eric Raymond’s principles:

Answer 1 (moscas’s answer):

Smart Smart Answer Image


Positive Aspects:

Eric Raymond’s Principle: “Be gentle. Problem-related stress can make people seem rude or stupid even when they’re not.”

Answer 2 (mucio’s answer):

Smart Answer Image

Positive Aspects:

Eric Raymond’s Principle: “Be gentle. Problem-related stress can make people seem rude or stupid even when they’re not.”

Answer 3 (Ramin Melikov’s answer):

Smart Answer Image


Positive Aspects:

Eric Raymond’s Principle: “Answer the actual question! If the querent has been so thorough as to do his or her research…”

Overall Assessment:

The community’s engagement and the quality of responses reflect the collaborative and informative nature of the platform, aligning with Eric Raymond’s principles for effective communication within the open-source community.

Section 3: Not So Smart Question Example

Question Title: I want to clear an exam , help me anlaysing patterns

Not Smart Question Image


Summary: The question revolves around the user’s preparation for the JEE exam and their request for assistance in analyzing patterns and probabilities in previous year question papers. However, the question lacks specificity, providing vague criteria for analysis and making an overwhelming request for multiple aspects.

Analysis:

Eric Raymond’s Principle: “If you can’t get an answer, please don’t take it personally that we don’t feel we can help you. Sometimes the members of the asked group may simply not know the answer.”

Why It Deviates: The question deviates from smart questioning principles by being vague, lacking clarity on specific requirements, and presenting a complex and overwhelming request.

Section 4: Not So Smart Question Responses

Evaluation: The question received no responses, indicating a lack of engagement from the community. The absence of adherence to smart questioning principles, such as clarity and specificity, may have influenced the quality of help received. Potential challenges in the interaction include:

In summary, the not-so-smart question’s lack of clarity, complexity, and specialized nature may have contributed to its receiving no responses.

Section 5: Insights and Reflection

Insights:

Conclusion

As software engineers, the ability to pose smart questions is paramount in fostering productive interactions within the developer community. Raymond’s principles provide a valuable framework for effective communication, ensuring that questions are clear, detailed, and presented with respect. The contrast between smart and not-so-smart questions on StackOverflow highlights the tangible impact of question quality on the quality of responses and community engagement. By internalizing these principles, software engineers can enhance their communication skills and contribute to a collaborative and supportive developer ecosystem.