Does reading books help with programming?
The act of reading changes people, even programmers. In spite of recent changes to reading habits, it is still beneficial to read. This does not only refer to technical manuals, monographs, and scientific books. Reading novels can also be helpful in a programming career. Do you not believe us? We have compiled some arguments here for you.
1. Reading novels helps to relax
The right amount of rest is essential! Unfortunately, many programmers do not know how to use their free time efficiently. This means appropriate rest. Reading novels solves this problem. You don't have to figure out what to do to relax - you just pick up a book. A good book is a good springboard out of the programming everyday life. Of course you can watch a movie or play one of many video games, but with these things you're ultimately staring at a screen again, like at work. Reading a good book is like entering another world and focusing on another activity than the one that is done every day. A novel helps with relaxation. On top of that, you also have potential conversation starters.
2. Reading promotes empathy
Reading is said to often increase one's ability to feel. Additionally, it also is said to increase empathy and show how to see the world from another perspective - that of the author, or the characters. In a book, one concerns themselves with the problems of the characters. They root for the protagonists to successfully overcome their struggles.
In a similar way, empathy can also be helpful for a developer's work. Intuitively, a developer will focus more on his tasks because he wants to create something valuable for his customer - a product, help with a certain problem, time-saving functions, etc. A study conducted by Dutch scientists Matthijs Bal and Martijn Veltkamp shows that novels evoke empathetic behavior in their readers. There is only one condition - a book must be interesting.
3. Reading novels encourages creativity
Books can introduce developers to new ideas and ways of thinking that can serve as a catalyst for personal reflection. The ability to translate ideas into innovative concepts is perfect for the world of technology. Science fiction novels play a particularly important role in inspiring new solutions. Futuristic concepts are illuminated and reading about them can quench the inner craving for "completion." Most of the time, while reading, one is already thinking about all the loose ends of the plot, how they could continue, how they could come together, how they could be brought to an end. Even while reading, one is very creative here, these creative patterns of thought can also continue in other areas.
4. Reading changes the state of the brain
A study on the subject of novels and their effects on the brain showed fascinating results. The aim was to monitor the brain with fMRI after reading it every day. Scientists observed growing activity and connection in different parts of the brain. The part responsible for language processing became very active. This may be obvious - of course, when reading, you process language - but this area of the brain can also be very useful in everyday work life. If this part of the brain is "warmed up", writing emails to customers will become an easier task, and it will be easier to reach an agreement with the project manager.
When we read, another part of our brain is activated which is responsible for our senses and movement. This means that we picture ourselves as characters in a book and move around mentally.
The study also found that empathy was enhanced, as well as the ability to read others’ minds – what we call Theory of Mind. This makes it easier to understand why a colleague might have a bad idea: maybe they’re tired, distracted or just don’t know any better.
These changes in brain areas were already evident within five days of regular reading. This means that you should read novels regularly.
5. Reading novels enriches the language
One advantage of reading novels is that you expand your vocabulary. However, it is not only about learning new words. Reading novels also improves your speaking habits, expands your knowledge and speeds up your thinking processes. The ability to speak increases self-esteem and, as a result, accelerates the development of your career.
Furthermore, reading in a foreign language helps to learn it more efficiently. As early as the 1930s, the famous American writer Napoleon Hill recommended in his book "Think and Grow Rich" that people should expand their vocabulary, which would reflect success in their professional and private lives. The larger the vocabulary is, the easier it is to explain one's own ideas, build relationships with colleagues and contact new customers.
Which of these skills are not valuable for a programmer? Effective relaxation means going to work relaxed and full of energy. Empathy helps to understand colleagues better. The role of creativity in programming is obvious, and a better memory makes learning new subjects easier and faster. An enriched vocabulary and a higher quality of language mean better communication.
Do you still believe that reading is unnecessary for software developers? If not, then take the time to read a book!
