Reflect on smart questions
23 Jan 2025
Are There Stupid Questions?
In the world of software engineering, the value of asking questions cannot be overstated. Questions help clarify concepts, solve problems, and foster a collaborative learning environment. However, the quality of questions varies greatly, and while some may seem “stupid,” most are simply poorly constructed. It is important to differentiate between these two types of questions, especially within the realm of programming and software development. A well-constructed question can lead to clear solutions, while a poorly constructed one may waste time and lead to confusion.
A Well-Formulated Question
In software engineering, a well-formulated question provides enough context for others to understand the issue and offer a helpful response. For example, the question, How do I add a watermark inside an SVG without covering the entire bounding box? is a clear and specific inquiry. It indicates that the user is working with SVG graphics, wants to include a watermark, and has a specific constraint (the watermark should not cover the bounding box). Such a question allows others to quickly grasp the problem and provide relevant solutions, such as adjusting the positioning of the watermark or using specific SVG properties like viewBox or preserveAspectRatio. This question is effective because it identifies the software (SVG), the goal (adding a watermark), and the issue (not covering the bounding box), which makes it easy for someone knowledgeable in the field to offer solutions.
A Poorly Constructed Question
On the other hand, a poorly constructed question can be vague and provide little direction. For instance, Can someone help me with this class? does not offer any meaningful context. It doesn’t specify which class the person is referring to, what language or framework they are using, or what specific help they need. Without this information, anyone trying to assist would struggle to provide relevant advice, wasting both their time and the time of the person asking. A well-constructed question in this context could be: “I’m having trouble understanding how inheritance works in JavaScript classes. Can anyone explain how to use the super keyword properly in a subclass?” This provides the necessary context (JavaScript, inheritance, super keyword) to guide others in giving a focused, helpful response.
Conclusion
The concept of “stupid questions” in software engineering is a bit of a misnomer. While there are no truly stupid questions, the way a question is formulated can make a big difference in how efficiently it can be answered. A well-constructed question provides enough context, specifics, and clarity, making it easier for others to respond with useful guidance. On the other hand, a poorly constructed question can result in confusion, miscommunication, and inefficiency. To get the most out of a collaborative learning environment, developers must learn how to ask clear, concise, and well-thought-out questions that help others help them.
Acknowledgement: Chatgpt and other online sources were utilized to provide information and insight, to improve grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.