But here’s the catch: not everyone Googles like a dev. Some people type “my code is not working,” while pros search like detectives.
1. Don’t Search Questions—Search the Error
When your code throws an error, don’t waste time typing a long question like
“Why is my React app not working with Firebase?”
Instead, copy the exact error message from your console or terminal:
"FirebaseError: Missing or insufficient permissions"
Google works best with exact error strings. Bonus points if you:
Remove anything unique (file paths, IDs)
Include the tech stack (like React, Node.js, Firebase)
2. Be Ridiculously Specific
Vague searches return vague results.
Instead of:
“Login system tutorial”
Try:
“Next.js Auth.js login system with MongoDB 2025”
Mention:
- The framework (Next.js, Laravel, etc.)
- The library (Auth.js, Stripe, etc.)
- The exact issue or action you're stuck on
3. Use Site-Specific Tricks
If you want answers only from StackOverflow, use
site:stackoverflow.com
Need to dig through GitHub Issues?
site:github.com is:issue react router dom not rendering
You’ll instantly filter the results and land on high-signal, low-noise content.
4. Think Like a Dev, Not a User
Instead of typing something casual like
“How to make a button do something when clicked?”
Be precise:
“JavaScript onclick event listener example”
Use terms like
- event handler
- API response
- async function
- memory leak
- rate limit
You're writing queries for a search engine trained on dev docs—use technical language.
5. Explore GitHub Like a Treasure Hunter
A lot of real answers are buried in GitHub Issues or open-source projects.
Search GitHub directly with:
“Stripe webhook error site:github.com”
Or use GitHub Code Search at https://cs.github.com.
6. Don’t Just Copy-Paste—Understand the Snippet
Everyone copy-pastes. It’s fine. But don’t paste blindly.
Before using any code:
- Read it
- Understand what it’s doing
- Adjust it to your context
Debugging someone else's snippet without context is worse than writing your own.
7. Save What Works
Found a command or regex that solved a major issue? Save it somewhere.
Create:
- A “Code Snippets” doc in Notion or Google Docs
- A folder of helpful tips on your desktop
- Your own Code snippet collection
This helps avoid repeating the same Google searches again and again.
Final Thoughts
Googling isn’t cheating—it’s part of the craft. But doing it right? That’s what separates someone who just dabbles from someone who actually builds.
Next time you hit a wall, pause, think clearly, and search smart.
You're not just fixing bugs. You're building experience—one search at a time.
