Developer Fundamentals

Question 1

Data Structures

Answer 1

an expert programmer is able to understand what the tradeoffs are of each data structure and understanding which data structure to use

when to use a list: when order matters.

when to use a dictionary: unordered. holds more information than lists.

Question 2

What is good code?

Answer 2

1. is your code clean code?
2. is your code readable?
3. is your code predictable?
4. is your code DRY?

Question 3

Pros and Cons of libraries

Answer 3

a developer uses the different tools available to them. Libraries are different sets of tools. It is up to the developer to know which tools to use.

it is up to the developer to know when to build something from scratch vs when to utilize a library that already has it built.

So, a good amount of the work is knowing how to make the pieces fit together.

The idea is to never recreate the wheel if you don’t need to. If the task is too time consuming or is not within your area of expertise (or interest) then use a package/library/module

Cons: libraries can add extra weight and code to your program. Making it more difficult to maintain and reducing the performance of memory and speed.