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A Software Engineer’s Guide to Reading Research Papers

Reading research is now essential for engineers: Staying current with technical progress means engaging directly with academic papers.

Don’t expect instant understanding: Papers are dense by nature; the frustration is normal, and a structured reading method helps.

First pass = bird’s eye view: Focus on Abstract, Intro, Results, and Conclusion to see if the paper is relevant and valuable.

Second pass = detailed scan: Read the rest without stressing about full comprehension. Note unknown terms and important references.

Investigate unknowns: Look up definitions and cited works. This research builds the base knowledge needed for deeper understanding.

Third pass = connect the dots: Revisit technical sections with your new knowledge to grasp the deeper mechanisms and reasoning.

Test your understanding: Reproduce results, simulate algorithms, or even implement techniques from the paper.

Teach others to cement your grasp: Explaining the paper helps clarify your thinking and exposes remaining gaps.

Carefully integrate AI tools: Don’t rely solely on them—AI can hallucinate. Use them to challenge and refine your reasoning.

Build your own reading framework: Adapt this method to your needs, but the key is to stay consistent and keep reading.