When watching a webinar or coding course on a subject you already know well, it’s tempting to seek only confirmation of your existing technical decisions. This selective attention means you only listen to parts that reinforce your own vision, returning to work with the validation that your methods are correct. You might even ask questions at the end just to bolster your beliefs.

You may think you know everything about a subject and feel you can skip the webinar or course altogether. Taking time to watch others code can seem like a luxury you don’t have.

However, a more beneficial approach is to watch with an open mind and look for differences in the host’s or instructor’s methods. Coding is about conventions understood by other developers, so watching experts can be highly instructive. They often present standard methods thoughtfully prepared for their audience. This can enrich your practice with new techniques. Even if the alternative approaches lead to the same result, they can remind you why you do things a certain way.

Even if you don’t learn anything new, the presenter’s enthusiasm can reignite your passion for the tools you use. Sometimes, improving your developer experience involves discovering new shortcuts, plugins, or simpler tools. Watching a craftsman at work gives you the chance to adopt aspects of their approach.

Ultimately, the value of a webinar or coding course lies in the opportunity to broaden your perspective. Even if you’re familiar with the content, observing different approaches can enhance your skills and remind you of the joy in learning. By embracing new methods and tools, you can continue to grow as a developer and stay engaged with your craft.