I was speaking with an engineer friend of mine the other night, and I asked him what reference does he use most during development. To my surprise, he uses his old college text books. He said, "the books always have a clear explanation of whatever the challenge might be." "The Internet," he went on, "is usually convoluted, not clear, or about one specific part, and almost never tells me how and why I should use any one particular method." My friend, here, was the type that never rushed to sell back his $100 dollar book for $15. He kept every last one. I still have a few left over, but now I am thinking I should go buy recent copies of every EE class's book. I often spend a lot of time sorting through expansive forums for the smallest bit of info.
Another friend of mine is all about the Internet reference. He always consults Wikis, forums, school websites for all his information. On occasion, he would spend most of the day researching a design online, and come back with examples and preliminary. He has said, "everything I need is there [on the Internet]. Even actual real world examples, samples, and even complete designs." I will admit to doing this at some of level for projects, especially with code.
Everyone has their own method for design. Ultimately, whether you are by the book or gleam from web, you have to deliver on the project. Weigh in on which side you choose, and why.
Cabe
