Let’s say I don’t know what class constructors do within javascript. So I look it up and find it:
“The “class” construct allows one to define prototype-based classes with a clean, nice-looking syntax. It also introduces great new features which are useful for object-oriented programming.”
Next, I don’t know what construct, prototype-based, object-oriented programming mean. I then look up those terms again. And so I can go on and on…
Do I really need to learn on a need-to-know basis? Where exactly is the border?
Hey there!
This feeling of not knowing is 100% part of being a software developer, and it will virtually never go away. You’ve got to become comfortable in this place of not knowing, and still be able to make progress. At this point, just go as far as your curiosity takes you, and when you begin to get overwhelmed – take a step back. It’s ok – it’s normal.
Next time it comes up, maybe go one layer deeper, as you’ll be familiar with more terms and will not fatigue as quickly. Over time, you’ll build up a vocabulary of these domain-specific terms and will get used to it. The more you use the words and see them, the less cumbersome they are on your vocabulary or day to day use.
Hope that helps!
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