Question

I have been working with Java for the last 3 years. I think I’m okay at developing and writing code. But recently I took a new job and have found two major problems:

1. Reading an trying to understand other peoples code, it’s a different domain, and this could be the reason why I’m struggling. but I’m really struggling to understand the code.

2. Writing production quality code, I keep being told to improve my code. I never had any problems with it prior.

Any helpful hints and tips as to what I can do please.

p.s. I read and practice all the time, the standard books: Effective Java, Beginning Java, ooad, Design Patterns… etc.

Answer 1

1) Reading an trying to understand other peoples code, its a different domain, and this could be the reason why im struggling.. but im really struggling to understand the the code.

Its never easy, even after 20 years of development. The best you can do is to learn to make your code as simple to understand as possible. 😉

2) Writing production quality code, I keep being told to improve my code.. never had any problems with it prior.

That can mean any number of things. I suggest you try to learn their practices. e.g. do they mean they expect more unit tests, code reviews, different structures of code. It could be that they are having trouble reading your code. 😉