Becoming A Great Programmer

So how do you become a great programmer? Is it speed? Is it knowledge? Is it memorization? Maybe its all about keeping up to date? In this article we will go through some of the attributes that are necessary to becoming a great programmer.

Speed. Programming quickly can be an asset. But fast does not equate to quality code. Its always good to keep a good balance between great coding and quick coding. With great coding always coming in front. For the most part, when working on a project, programmers are given adequate time to finish their work. So speed by itself, does not make a great programmer.

Memorization can be a great advantage. Memorization and speed can sometimes work together, since you dont have to stop and look up whatever code syntax you had in mind. Remembering syntax details and past projects solutions can always come in handy.

Reading the latest programming news is always helpful. It allows you to keep up to date. To find new solutions to old problems or gives you new tools that make programming more efficient. This is essential for any programmer. The IT industry moves in light speed, so keeping current is extremely crucial.

Knowing a lot is also important. If you only know a part of a programming language, youre not really taking full advantage of its strengths. The more you know the better solutions you can come up with.

Although all qualities mentioned above are important, I find that there are two that are vital to becoming a great programmer.

• Experience
• Logic

These 2 traits separate a good programmer from a great programmer. Experience gives you the ability to compare your past projects with your new ones. Therefore assuring that you dont commit the same mistakes twice. It also works the other way around. It allows you to use successful past ideas into your new projects.

Logic is something that is also extremely important. Thinking logically can help you solve complex problems. It can help you find better more efficient solutions. Logic is what will make employers take notice of you.

All the traits mentioned are important to becoming a great programmer. For the most part you can gain these traits with time. Once you do, there will be changes in your career life. Such as respect from peers, better projects, more responsibility and maybe even a better salary increase.

Adrian Soto is a veteran of the IT industry. You can read more articles from him at www.javacareertips.com The goal of the site is to offer tips on how to advance your Java Career

Study Techniques
Study Techniques