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Kate Gregory

This course explains how Stack Exchange sites work and how to structure your questions and answers so you get what you want from Stack Overflow, Server Fault, Super User, or the over one hundred other sites in the network. Whether you need to solve an immediate problem, learn more about a technology, or establish yourself as an expert, knowing how the sites work is the key to getting what you want from them.

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This course explains how Stack Exchange sites work and how to structure your questions and answers so you get what you want from Stack Overflow, Server Fault, Super User, or the over one hundred other sites in the network. Whether you need to solve an immediate problem, learn more about a technology, or establish yourself as an expert, knowing how the sites work is the key to getting what you want from them.

For developers and administrators today, the first place to look when you're having trouble is one of the Stack Exchange sites: Stack Overflow for developers or Server Fault for administrators. There are dozens of more specialized sites too, for programming on specific platforms like Android or Raspberry Pi, for specific libraries and frameworks, or technical expertise areas like security or data. Unfortunately, many newcomers to the Stack Exchange family of sites don't get all they could from these sites because it's not obvious how they work. This course will show you what you need to know to find the answers you need for your urgent problems, build up an online reputation as a knowledgeable developer or administrator, and enjoy using this amazing resource to its fullest. It even covers how to get involved and help to run the sites you use regularly.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Searching
Asking Your First Question
Managing Your Question
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When Things Don't Go Smoothly
Answering Questions
Voting, Reputation, Privileges, and Other Features
Helping to Moderate

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explains how to get the most out of StackExchange, a popular Q&A platform for developers, administrators, and others
Provides guidance on asking effective questions, managing your questions, answering questions, and voting on questions
Covers StackExchange's reputation system, privileges, and other features
Taught by Kate Gregory, an experienced instructor in computer science and technology
Explores how to effectively use StackExchange for problem-solving, learning, and building a reputation
Offers insights for both developers and administrators on how to leverage StackExchange for their work

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Using Stack Overflow and Other Stack Exchange Sites with these activities:
Review and Organize Course Materials
Improve comprehension and recall by organizing and reviewing essential course materials before the start of the course.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, such as syllabus, lecture notes, and assignments.
  • Create a structured filing system for easy access and retrieval.
  • Review the materials to familiarize yourself with the course content.
  • Highlight or annotate important concepts and sections.
Follow a Tutorial on Effective Question Asking on Stack Exchange
Develop strong question-asking skills by following a guided tutorial to ensure your questions meet community standards and increase their visibility.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on writing effective questions for Stack Exchange.
  • Read the tutorial carefully and take notes on key points.
  • Apply the techniques you learned to a question you plan to ask.
Create a Stack Exchange Account and Build a Reputation
Gain a practical understanding of how Stack Exchange works by creating an account and actively engaging with the community.
Show steps
  • Create a Stack Exchange account and choose the relevant communities.
  • Start asking and answering questions related to your areas of expertise.
  • Participate in discussions and upvote high-quality content.
  • Monitor your reputation and aim to improve it over time.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Art of Asking Questions' by David Allen
Enhance your question-asking skills by reading a book dedicated to the subject, providing valuable insights and techniques.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book 'The Art of Asking Questions'.
  • Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key principles.
  • Apply the techniques mentioned in the book to your own question-asking practices.
Practice Answering Questions on Stack Overflow
Reinforce your understanding of Stack Overflow's question and answer format by practicing answering questions.
Show steps
  • Browse the Stack Overflow website and find a question related to a topic you're familiar with.
  • Read the question and try to understand the problem being asked.
  • Write a concise and helpful answer.
  • Submit your answer and wait for feedback.
Participate in a Q&A Session with a Stack Exchange Moderator
Gain insights and best practices directly from a Stack Exchange moderator to enhance your understanding of the platform and its expectations.
Show steps
  • Find a Q&A session hosted by a Stack Exchange moderator.
  • Attend the session and actively participate by asking questions and listening to the moderator's responses.
  • Take notes on key takeaways and follow up with the moderator if needed.
Attend a Stack Exchange Meetup
Connect with other Stack Exchange users in person to exchange knowledge, learn from their experiences, and build your network.
Show steps
  • Find a local Stack Exchange meetup group.
  • Attend a meetup and introduce yourself to other attendees.
  • Participate in discussions and share your own experiences.
  • Follow up with connections made at the meetup and stay in touch.
Contribute to an Open-Source Stack Exchange Project
Gain practical experience and contribute to the Stack Exchange community by assisting in the development or maintenance of an open-source Stack Exchange project.
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source Stack Exchange project that aligns with your interests.
  • Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
  • Follow the project's guidelines and contribute code, documentation, or other resources.
  • Seek feedback on your contributions and make necessary revisions.

Career center

Learners who complete Using Stack Overflow and Other Stack Exchange Sites will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Scientist
As a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for data scientists. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest data science trends and best practices.
Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for software engineers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest software engineering trends and best practices.
Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for data analysts. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest data analysis trends and best practices.
Database Administrator
As a Database Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for database administrators. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest database trends and best practices.
Web Developer
As a Web Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for web developers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest web development trends and best practices.
Network Administrator
As a Network Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for network administrators. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest network administration trends and best practices.
Product Manager
As a Product Manager, you will be responsible for planning, developing, and launching new products. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for product managers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest product management trends and best practices.
IT Manager
As an IT Manager, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems for an organization. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for IT managers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest IT trends and best practices.
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing and editing technical documentation. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for technical writers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest technical writing trends and best practices.
Systems Administrator
As a Systems Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems and networks. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for systems administrators. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest systems administration trends and best practices.
Software Developer
As a Software Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for software developers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest software development trends and best practices.
Web Designer
As a Web Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing websites. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for web designers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest web design trends and best practices.
Security Analyst
As a Security Analyst, you will be responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from security threats. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for security analysts. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest security trends and best practices.
Computer Programmer
As a Computer Programmer, you will be responsible for writing and maintaining computer programs. This course will help you build a foundation in using Stack Overflow and other Stack Exchange sites, which are essential resources for computer programmers. The course will teach you how to search for answers to your questions, ask effective questions, and answer questions from other users. This knowledge will help you stay up-to-date on the latest programming trends and best practices.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Using Stack Overflow and Other Stack Exchange Sites.
Practical guide to writing clean code. It covers topics such as naming conventions, code organization, and refactoring.
Classic in the field of software design. It describes a number of design patterns that can be used to solve common problems in software development.
Popular introduction to the Java programming language. It uses a visual and interactive approach to teaching Java, making it a good choice for beginners.
Comprehensive reference guide to the Java programming language. It covers all aspects of Java, from the basics to more advanced topics such as concurrency and networking.
Good introduction to the Java programming language for beginners. It covers the basics of Java, such as data types, variables, and control structures.
Classic in the field of computer science. It describes the C programming language, which is the basis for many other programming languages.
Good introduction to data structures and algorithms in Java. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic data structures such as arrays and linked lists to more advanced algorithms such as sorting and searching.
Classic in the field of algorithms. It covers a wide range of algorithms, from basic algorithms such as sorting and searching to more advanced algorithms such as graph algorithms and dynamic programming.
Classic in the field of computer science. It covers a wide range of mathematical topics, from basic algebra to more advanced topics such as graph theory and combinatorics.
Classic in the field of algorithms. It covers a wide range of algorithms, from basic algorithms such as sorting and searching to more advanced algorithms such as graph algorithms and dynamic programming.
Classic in the field of algorithms. It covers a wide range of algorithms, from basic algorithms such as sorting and searching to more advanced algorithms such as graph algorithms and dynamic programming.
Good introduction to data structures and algorithms in Java. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic data structures such as arrays and linked lists to more advanced algorithms such as sorting and searching.

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