Why Are Programming Questions Often Asked on Quora Instead of Stack Overflow?

When it comes to seeking answers to programming questions, many have wondered whether questions posed on Quora would be more appropriate than those asked on Stack Overflow. Here, we explore the nuances between these two platforms and why some programming questions might gravitate towards Quora.

Stack Overflow’s Policy on Programming Questions

Stack Overflow, being a QA platform primarily focused on software development, has specific guidelines for the types of questions it allows. Questions like, "How does this work?" or "How do people typically do this task?" are typically well-accepted on platforms like Quora. However, Stack Overflow has stricter rules and often discourages the following types of questions:

Questions that are too open-ended and subjective Questions without a specific problem or challenge to be solved Questions that seem to be more discussion-based rather than seeking a concrete answer Requests for opinions rather than objective solutions

Stack Overflow’s basic rules clearly outline that users should only ask practical, answerable questions based on actual problems that they face. Questions that fit into categories such as 'chatty,' 'subjective,' or those that don’t provide a way to receive an actionable answer are likely to be flagged or closed.

Quora: A More Welcoming Environment for Programming Questions

Quora, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed stance on the types of questions it allows. Users can ask a wide range of questions, often leading to multiple opinions and perspectives. This environment is particularly inviting for questions that are more open-ended or require subjective answers. Here are some examples of questions that are more suitable for Quora:

What should I learn first: Java, C, or C ? What are the best ways to learn C? Why do you think this solution is a good idea?

While these questions might not be entirely appropriate for Stack Overflow, they fit well within Quora's broader scope of allowing subjective and discussion-based queries.

Differences in Community Dynamics

The community dynamics also play a significant role in the type of questions asked. Stack Overflow has a review mechanism designed to keep the platform focused on practical, answerable questions. However, this system can sometimes be harsh, with new users often facing a hostile reception:

Questions may be downvoted or closed based on first impressions, without a thorough review. Reviewers may dismiss questions as 'stupid' or 'too basic,' leading to frustration for the asker.

In contrast, the Quora community is generally more welcoming and open to discussion. Users can specifically request answers from experts or individuals with relevant experience, making it a more interactive and less formal environment.

The Uniqueness of Quora in the Programming Community

There are more programming questions asked on Quora than on Stack Overflow due to the platform's broader encompassing nature. While Stack Overflow seeks to create a database of practical, well-defined questions and answers, Quora allows a wider range of discourse, including:

Opinions and personal experiences Discussion of multiple possible solutions or approaches Questions that explore the reasoning behind a particular solution

These aspects make Quora a more suitable platform for certain types of programming questions, especially when seeking a broader range of insights and opinions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both Stack Overflow and Quora serve the programming community in different ways, the nature of the questions asked on these platforms reflects their distinct purposes and user expectations. Stack Overflow excels in providing clear, practical answers to specific problems, whereas Quora offers a platform for more open-ended discussions and diverse perspectives. Understanding these differences can help programmers decide which platform is best suited for their needs.

Keywords: programming questions, Quora, Stack Overflow