Every Tool's a Hammer
by Adam Savage · first published 2019
86% recommend14% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Practical, enjoyable look at how a maker approaches tools, projects and workflow, from Mythbusters and Tested host Adam Savage; suits hobbyists and makers who like concrete, hands-on ideas.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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Mentions per year
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Not specifically about programming, but "Every Tool's a Hammer" by Adam Savage was really good. Tons of good information in here, and it tickles the Mythbusters itch. Are you looking for books about a programming language? or about methodologies, patters, best practices,…
on “Ask HN: Do you know any good audio books for developers?” ↗…different take on leadership than I've read previously, once you get through the first couple bits on "we're SEALs and badass" sort of stuff there's some amazingly good leadership qualities on display. - Every Tool's a Hammer - Adam Savage: As a weekend warrior maker, this book speaks to my soul. It gives my brain permission to make mistakes and learn in a way that few others have. - Michael Pollan: pretty much anything…
on “Ask HN: What are some must read books?” ↗…project work. It can be hard for others to follow, but it's very concise and scannable (just read the first indentation level for the top-level idea). To paraphrase Adam Savage from his excellent book, Every Tool's a Hammer, lists [of lists] are very powerful way to tame the inherit complexity of any project worth doing.
on “Faster CPython 3.12 Plan” ↗…digitization -- a fair shake. Sometimes I find my brain needs the tactile/concreteness to really build motivation. Even just checking a box on paper! No book is going to solve the problem for you, but "Every Tool's a Hammer" (Adam Savage, of Mythbusters and Tested fame) I found to be a great little memoir about learning how to be a self-directed maker.
on “Ask HN: Solo developer, what's your recipe to start working?” ↗…Rising, which is another fantastic series judging by the first book. Deep Work by Cal Newport - Going through this book to help my focus, especially in the super-connected world we find ourselves in. Every Tool's a Hammer by Adam Savage - Huge fan of Adam Savage and it is fun reading stories about him establishing himself and his views on making. I'm also planning a reread of "Fall; or, Dodge in Hell" by Neal Stephenson…
on “Ask HN: What are you reading?” ↗"Einstein's Fridge" was great to learn about the history and development of thermodynamics at a fairly high level. "Good Inside" on becoming a better parent was also great and taught me a lot. "Every Tool's a Hammer" on becoming a better maker. "Crafting Interpreters" on learning about and building compilers. All were really great reads.
on “Ask HN: What is the best thing you read in 2022?” ↗…was essentially nil (the absolute worst-case scenario was an automated process took a few extra seconds and cost a couple cents a day). No reason to overoptimise. 0. Adam Savage even titled his book "Every Tool's A Hammer"!
on “AWS Amplify Is a Grift” ↗