7 Habits that will make you a better programmer.
One step is to decide to do something, another step is to do it better. If you have chosen to become a programmer, you want to become a better one. In this article, I will share with you 7 habits that work for me and a few other successful programmers I have interfaced with as a software developer.
“Depending on what they are, our habits will either make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do.” ―Sean Covey
1. Code consistently
Consistency is an essential ingredient in the making of a better programmer. We will eventually become what we give most of our time to. You need to master your programming language, its syntax, coding convention, and other best practices. This takes moments of consistent practice.
It is important that you adhere to best practices of code conventions. For instance, if chose a camel casing or a particular naming convention stick to it.
Here are some resources/websites that can help you code consistently: scrimba weekly dev challenge, #100daysofcode, hackerrank, codewar, leetcode, coderbyte.
2. Network with other programmers
Active professional networking is vital to becoming a better developer. You don’t only build long-term relationships, you share ideas. If you already working, your network can be an excellent source of new perspectives and ideas to help you in your role. Exchanging information on challenges, experiences, and goals is a key benefit of networking because it allows you to gain new insights that you may not have otherwise thought of.
As a software programmer, engaging in professional discussions in your stack brings out the best in you. It installs in you the hunger and quest for knowledge. You will become more visible and it opens doors for other opportunities.
Social media websites such as LinkedIn and Twitter help you build your professional network.
3. Leveraging online community
Don’t code in isolation.
If you want to become a better programmer, I can’t over-emphasize the benefits of joining a programmer community. You have unlimited advantages, from peer-programming to sharing knowledge, mentorship, sharing support, sharing tools, code reviews, answering questions, and much more.
The StackOverflow community is the widest of them all. However, you can visit this link to learn more about other communities that might suit your need.
4. Keep up-to-date with programming technologies
Technology is of the things that evolve speedily. There is always a new version or update almost on daily basis. This has created the need to keep learning. Because tools and methods are changing on a regular basis, you are required to keep updating yourself with the recent technologies.
You need to stay relevant with the new release of programming languages, new libraries, and trendy new ways of coding.
5. Code for others or offer mentorship
Giving back to the community is one essential aspect of becoming a better programmer. Take up some open source projects. Assist some young programmers in figuring out why their code isn’t working and help fix it. Offer share your experience with upcoming programmers and give mentorship support.
Better programmers do not just grow, they take others along with them. They are supportive and they take responsibility. Mentorship is great responsible that builds you up.
6. Put first thing first (focus on what matters)
The world is full of distractions more so in this century where tech is the way of life, social media has become the new playground. With the amount of distraction available at your disposal, it’s incredibly hard to stay focused. The countless emails, Whatsapp, Facebook, and Slack messages. Some of these communication channels may represent an important part of our work, Not everything is important or urgent. Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.
Your ability to distinguish between what’s important and what isn’t will always make you a better programmer. Delegate less important tasks and focus on what’s important and necessary. Make the most of your time by putting first things first on your to-do list.
7. Learn to take critical feedback
“Taking feedback ultimately fosters, Open-mindedness, Honesty, Creativity, Listening skills and Boosts your Interpersonal skills”
Don’t be afraid to share your work within and outside your network and to seek constructive criticism. Feedback helps know the areas to improve on and the areas you are doing well.
Conclusion
While you work on cultivating these habits, do them consistently and patiently. Habits are powerful, most programmers with success stories share some common values that we can all learn from. The good news is, we can always emulate good habits to make ourselves better and reach our goals.
I would love to hear from you about some habits that have worked for you or somebody you know and have made them better programmers. Please leave a comment in the comment section below.
Thanks
