The task of a master programmer is tough and involves long processes, but it's doable.
| When they start out, every programmer feels lost at some point. While some find it difficult to remember all the commands, others find it hard to grasp the concepts. The path to becoming a good programmer is not the easiest one, especially because it involves a process of trial and error. It is very easy to fall off the wagon and just forget that you ever wanted to do it. But if programming is your strong suit, then there’s nothing that can earn you more money. So, here are some tips on how to become a masterful programmer. |  |
1. Accept that it takes time to become a truly masterful programmer. Programmers usually measure things in the number of hours that they work and it may take you 10,000 hours. Patience is of utmost importance. Even guys like Linus Torvalds were noobs one day. They waited it out and bettered themselves everyday.
2. The second thing to understand is that any programming language can be very intimidating at first. Not just that, a computer itself presents a lot of things that you have to learn. It takes time and like we said in the point above, prepare yourself for the three d’s — diligence, determination and dedication.
3. If you have the means, then move to Silicon Valley. That brings you in contact with many more programmers and by extension job opportunities. This helps you make progress at a much faster pace. Alternatively, if you’re say in a different country and can’t move to Silicon Valley, then there are other options like internet forums etc. Basically, interact with as many programmers as you can and discuss what you know and don’t know.
4. Reading is always a good habit. With programming also, you should try and pick up as many books on the subject as possible. Almost every book is going to add something to your arsenal. Use the internet forums you joined in order to learn about the best available books. Ask for recommendations from other programmers. It all helps.
5. It’s always to know older and more advance programmers. If there’s one thing that is true about this community, it is that they are willing to help each other. Google is a very good source of information, but it is time consuming. Becoming a master programmer is anyway a tedious process, so finding yourself a mentor is a very good idea.
6. Object Oriented Programming. If you haven’t heard of this term, then get to know it. This is the basis of almost everything in programming. If you are to be a coder, then you must have this etched onto your brain. Practice and practice some more, before you know the concepts completely.
7. In the early days of coding, it is very important to publish your code on public forums. This gets you a lot of insight and criticism on you work, which may be irritating at first, but it is highly useful in the long run. When you get more proficient at it, you will know good from bad yourself too, but still, publishing your work is important as long as you haven’t become an absolute pro.
8. When you’re starting out as a beginner programmer, try to work on your own ideas too. Yes, you will be doing what is needed to learn. But try and code your own ideas. Not only does it make the process more interesting, you will find it much easier to relate to what you do. It brings up the understanding quotient by a huge amount.
9. When you’re done writing a code, rework on it and make it as easy to read as possible. Well, written code is much appreciated in the community and otherwise. A truly great code is one that is easy to understand even for a complete layman.
10. Some of our readers may think that this last point is because we put a lot of emphasis on open source. Well, it’s not. Look around you and you will see Linux everywhere. You’re probably reading this article on an Android powered smartphone. Google’s Android OS is also a Linux-based distribution. Learning Linux is almost an essential for any programmer to become a true master.
