“What We See Changes What We Know. What We Know Changes What We See”

~ Jean Piaget

These timeless words from Jean Piaget resonate far beyond the realm of cognitive science—they also capture the essence of a software developer’s journey. Technology is a fast-moving river, and as we navigate it, Piaget’s insights into how we learn and adapt serve as a valuable compass.

Piaget’s theories, particularly assimilation and accommodation, shed light on how we absorb and adjust to new information. And while these concepts were first crafted for understanding human learning, they fit perfectly into the dynamic world of programming. Let’s explore how these ideas apply to developers like us, offering a framework to evolve in a field that’s always changing.

What Are Assimilation and Accommodation?

Here’s the gist:

• Assimilation is when we take new information and slot it neatly into what we already know.
  Imagine learning to drive a different type of car—same rules, just some tweaks to adjust to the new vehicle.

• Accommodation, on the other hand, happens when new information forces us to reshape our mental framework.
  Think about moving to a new country. Suddenly, your old assumptions about customs and norms need an overhaul.

Both processes are essential in programming, where we’re constantly learning and adapting. Now, let’s break them down in the context of coding.

Assimilation in Programming

Assimilation often takes center stage when you’re starting out or adding incremental knowledge. It’s like weaving new threads into the tapestry of what you already understand. For example:

• Grasping loops might remind you of repetitive tasks in daily life, like following a recipe.
• Transitioning from JavaScript to Python means applying familiar programming concepts in a slightly different syntax.

It’s about building on your foundation—taking what’s familiar and layering new knowledge on top.

Accommodation in Programming

Accommodation is where things get more intense. It happens when new concepts challenge or even break your existing understanding. You don’t just add a new layer; you remodel the whole structure. For example:

• Shifting from functional programming to object-oriented programming (OOP).
• Transitioning from monolithic applications to microservices architecture.

These shifts require a deeper mental reorganization and often feel like learning from scratch. But this is where real growth happens.

How Assimilation and Accommodation Shape Developers

The balance between these two processes evolves as you grow in your programming career:

• Juniors are mostly focused on assimilation—learning the basics and slotting them into their mental framework.
• Mid-level developers start accommodating new, more complex ideas like architectural patterns and agile workflows.
• Senior developers are masters of both: they integrate new technologies (assimilation) while redefining paradigms (accommodation) to stay ahead of the curve.

Of course take it with a grain of salt.

Real-World Examples

Let’s look at how these concepts play out in practice:

From JS to React (or any other framework)

When transitioning to React, you assimilate its JavaScript-based syntax easily. But accommodating its component-based structure and one-way data flow? That requires a shift in how you think about building user interfaces.

Moving to Cloud Computing

Using cloud services like AWS or Azure might initially feel like running local servers with some added features (assimilation). But fully embracing cloud concepts like serverless computing or scalable architecture? That’s pure accommodation, reshaping how you view infrastructure entirely.

Why This Matters

As developers, we’re in a constant cycle of learning and adapting. Balancing assimilation and accommodation isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about transforming our understanding to meet new challenges. This dynamic interplay keeps us relevant, resilient, and innovative in a world that never stops evolving.

So the next time you’re grappling with a tough new concept, remember: growth isn’t just about what you learn. It’s about how you let it change you.

Sources

Jean Piaget Quotes on Child Psychology and Development
Simply Psychology: What Is Accommodation and Assimilation?