You might be surprised how limited some otherwise very competent people's understanding of dev tools is. Console being such a primary example probably isn't an accident; tons of people don't know what it's capable of.
I suspect people don't RTFM because frankly there are so many Ms to R. It's overwhelming at times.
Many carpenters can get by without learning little tricks here and there while still being excellent carpenters overall. I think it's the same in software. We tend to focus on doing what we know best, and sometimes that means we skip the odd manual here and there.
Perhaps true. I would extend this to say that RTFM by attaining drips through blog posts that summarizes the M would lead to good competent developers over time, but this exclusive approach would create knowledge gaps (or “secrets”) that would make them excellent developers if they had RTFM otherwise.
Carpentry is an ancient profession, and still respected to this day. Though modern carpentry is a complex profession akin to engineering, it is colloquially viewed as simple enough for laymen to understand its concepts and tools.
Additionally, carpentry as a hobby is relatively popular both for its practicality and its relatively low bar of entry, with much room to develop and expand.
I personally like to find parallels between trades and crafts to help connect my thoughts and experiences to the more abstract world of software. I started my life in carpentry and joinery so it seems to be where my mind finds it’s foundations when thinking in systems and patterns.
I suspect people don't RTFM because frankly there are so many Ms to R. It's overwhelming at times.
Many carpenters can get by without learning little tricks here and there while still being excellent carpenters overall. I think it's the same in software. We tend to focus on doing what we know best, and sometimes that means we skip the odd manual here and there.