Software developers face an ever-changing and ever-expanding technology landscape, which can appear as intimidating as Mt. Everest to newcomers. Developing technical skills is vital, but there are dozens of soft skills and learning techniques you need if you're to grow and succeed professionally.
Honing those soft skills is a big part of what "Apprenticeship Patterns" is all about. Authors Dave Hoover and Adewale Oshineye, both formerly of the global IT consultancy ThoughtWorks, have cataloged dozens of patterns of behavior to help software developers hone their craft. Developed through years of research, a multitude of interviews, and feedback from O'Reilly's online forum, these patterns address difficult situations faced by entry-level programmers, system administrators, and database administrators. Each pattern has a memorable name to help point you in the right direction when you need it most. Examples of common obstacles and their solutions include: burned out at work? - learn how to 'Nurture Your Passion' by finding a pet project to help you rediscover the joy of problem solving; feeling overwhelmed by too much new information?
