For you to become a great and better programmer, you have to be really very good when it comes to the data structure, algorithms, design employing OOPS, multi string as well as several other programming concepts, for example, recursion, divide and then conquer, prototyping as well as unit tests. Programming requires combining various skills or abilities, implying that it’s not possible to learn to program in a short time. Rather, it’s a process that involves time and experience and will not happen automatically.
You can spend five years doing a Java programming project without being a great programmer because most Java programmer job interviews focus on theory rather than basic programming skills. Few programmers practice the basics of programming.
If there were a mandatory programming exam on how to solve problems, I would bet that the average training of programmers would be much better, but you can learn online with Zeqr. Anyway, there goes my list of how to improve as a programmer:
#1. Pica Code: Chop And Chop And Chop
Why do I sting code in the first place on my list of tips? Because it’s the most complicated and at the same time is the key aspect of programming. When you hack code, you realize the errors that you make when designing, in the management of bugs, in the creation of threads and then you return on each of those skills to improve. You cannot just focus on designing solutions; you have to program to produce an application, which is important to master to be successful.
And since you are not pairs after solving a problem of the code, it’s always better to discard your first development, which will almost always be a prototype, and it’s your second development that should support the problems and functionalities that you lost sight of when programming.
#2. Read Programming Books
Chopping code is easier said than done, and there is a big difference between good code and poor code. This is obvious, but how can you distinguish them? Until you see with your own eyes, good code is difficult to understand. And this is where the books are very useful since most of the times the authors are great programmers.
They offer all their experience in book form. I love books, but there is one that has helped me especially, Uncle Bob’s Clean Code. When reading this book, I have discovered defects in my code and how to solve it thanks to the advice it offers. My advice is that if perhaps you can get with programming books, do not hesitate. I also recommend reading more classic books and use them as reference books. Another very useful book is Joshua Bloch’s Effective Java, which is packed with good advice. It’s on my list of books essential for Java programmers. Also, in reading, you are learning from another person’s experience, and there are only two ways to improve: either through your own experience (which is limited) or through the experience of others (which is unlimited).
Remember that the one who covers a lot squeezes a lot, instead of you reading five books, it’s better to read two, they actually serve you several times.
#3. Contribute To Open Code And Register In Mailing Lists
If you contribute to open source projects, especially Apache, Google and a few others, it’s another way to improve your skills as a programmer. The simple fact of registering with mailing lists and following the debates and the current situation teaches you a lot. Because most of the discussions are good programmers, when you pay attention you understand the problems and the approach they give them, the solutions and points of view, etc.
Over time you are automatically acquiring good programming habits. To get the most out of them, ask questions, give your point of view if you can, but also weigh and ponder the views of others.
#4. Practice Data Structure, Algorithms, And Problems Related To The Design
I was going to put this point in second place, but in the end, it’s the fourth. In my very candid opinion, this is one of the most critical things when it comes to becoming a better programmer. Most of the good programmers I’ve seen and known are good at a data structure, algorithms, and fundamentals. By mastering them, you can make the most of everything available.
Because the data structure is a fundamental part of any program, its domain is very useful when solving problems. Similarly, a sound knowledge of programming principles, search algorithms, and other typical algorithms will help you improve your skills as a programmer.
#5. Read Good Blogs
Reading good blogs is like reading a small part of a book. How can reading blogs help you become a better programmer? Well, it just does. Because most blogs are written by programmers, and most give their personal opinion, their experience, are often relevant. Also, blogs are small information pills, so they digest well.
Blogs also help to learn about new technologies and new developments in languages and APIs that already exist. I have often seen subtle things or things that I have overlooked from some really familiar aspect in Java described in a small blog post.
#6. Read Code
If reading blogs helps you become a better programmer, reading code helps you even more. The problem is that reading blog is much easier than reading code. Does it hurt you? Then you have to insist. Read open source project code, your fellow programmer’s code, your own proprietary code, Java SDK code and try to understand why and how they work. Find the patterns, develop your ability to browse and look for things.
At first, it will be boring and difficult, but over time you will develop a good sense of the code, which will alert you when you make a mistake by biting and helping others find Bugs Having a good sense of code is a sign of being a good programmer. They see what others overlook.
#7. Write Unit Tests
Unit testing complements the process of thinking and picking code, and consequently helps you design your applications better. Anything that is difficult to prove can be improved. Also, when doing unit tests, improvements to make abstractions, interfaces and improve the code in general. But just like designing and hacking code, doing unit testing is also hard work for the average programmer and will most likely be complex.
Some programmers do trivial testing instead of doing tests thinking about the true use that the user is going to make that application. Remember that there is no substitute for testing since it makes you think of the application from a global point of view in a user scenario. It’s another opportunity to find bugs and gaps in your code.
#8. Review Code
Like unit testing, revising code is another thing that can come in handy when upgrading as a programmer. Code review is beneficial to both the author and the reviewer. The reviewer eventually takes a good sense of the code and is in an optimal place to give genuine advice, while the author learns from his mistakes.
Sometimes a code that you think is perfect has bugs that only clean eyes of a third party can see. Four eyes see more than two. If you work in a company that tests drive and tests the software, checking the code already makes you a better programmer.
#9. Talk To Other Developers And Developers
Reading is a passive exercise compared to talking. Talking about a development and discussing it with a partner often results in better development and better application. And it’s normal because in speaking your mind is more involved in the matter. I often encounter bugs and gaps when discussing my developments with other developers.
In the software industry in which programmers often work isolated on their computers, chatting and doing sessions on the whiteboard helps a lot. Do not sit down and crack the code; you should also listen, think and spend time with your fellow developers.
#10. Participate In Forums And Comment On Blogs
This is another form of activity that helps you to review your own knowledge. By sharing your knowledge, the first person who benefits is the one who shares. The world of programming is huge, and you tend to forget about things you do not use beyond three months.
Participating in, say, forumOverflow and solving others’ doubts, commenting on blogs and forums is a good way to review what you already know and at the same time correct your own doubts.
Finally, every programmer wants to improve as a programmer, but not all are capable. In addition to natural talent and being able to solve problems, it requires a lot of work, continuous training and constancy to become better.
