If you like programming and you are wondering how to improve as a programmer, you are in the right place! We tell you how you can improve yourself and continue growing.
At KeepCoding we have seen many programmers grow and we have seen how some outside the world of programming became developers. Analyzing a large number of our students and contacting them, we asked them what advice they would give someone to improve their programming career.
There have been all kinds of different answers that, perhaps, would fit more into a list of little tricks to improve as a programmer, or be part of the 10 life hacks that Chema Alonso recommends. However, other answers were repeated over and over again, making it clear that these common points are the best tips to optimize and improve your programming career and improve day by day, because, in the end, that is what this profession is all about, Nope?
We believe it’s not what you know or what skills you have, it’s what you do with it all. Let’s break them down one by one, from programmer to programmer.
Know How To Use Version Control Software
To improve as a programmer, you must learn to use version control software. Although it is not the foundation of a programmer, it is one of the foundations of a good programmer.
A version control offers you the total security that all your lines of code and all the versions will be there forever. Creating backup folders has passed away. That is if you work alone, and if you work in a team it is even more necessary.
Implement different functions in parallel, upload code to production without fear of destroying everything or sharing the bug fix among several people… And, as an extra tip, we recommend using Git, one of the most popular software today.
This key is the first thing we teach in our programming Bootcamps, with 8 hours of class on the same weekend.
Have A Profile On Github
Since we use Git, let’s also exploit GitHub.
There is an idea that GitHub is the LinkedIn of programmers. But nothing to see. Especially since very few recruiters are able to understand the code. GitHub is a collaborative community, it’s a learning network, and it’s a portfolio.
GitHub’s goal, or so I see it, is to create or improve new technologies and tools to support each other and establish mutual learning. Whoever accepts your lines in their projects learns from you. And, without egos, in this community, you can always learn from others and help improve your programming career.
As rewards are the creation of relationships —and friendships—, continuous improvement, and being part, however small or large, of important projects.
Industry Connection
Use GitHub to sharpen your skills, but stay connected to the tech world for news, trends, and twists.
In a sector that changes so quickly, obsolescence arrives earlier, and knowledge that could be a great solution for a moment can become the next Cobol in the following years.
Follow gurus and specialists, but have your own criteria, apply that information to your environment and draw your own conclusions. Many programmers and weight companies recommended and bet on Ruby to the detriment of Python.
We decided to support Python and time has proven us right, Python being one of the most used languages in different fields such as Big Data, the financial sector, or web solutions.
Our next bet is to do without Java in our Mobile Programming Bootcamp and use Kotlin. Risky? It may be, but it is the path we have decided to take. Does what happened to Flash ring a bell?
So educate yourself, compare, trust, but ultimately, be the one to make the decision. Through our newsletter, you will be informed of everything.
Take Actions Towards Continuous Learning
Once you make the appropriate decisions, you have to take action. One step is worth a thousand thoughts.
Many people get stuck in this zone, believing that simply by being informed and having some knowledge about the subject they are making progress. They think they are out of their comfort zone because unconsciously they think they are doing something useful, but this is a deceptive zone that makes us feel that we are progressing, but with the advantage of not taking any risks.
Events
To learn something new and improve your programming career, takes many hours of dedication, well, and immersion. Like Luke on Dagobah until he mastered the force. But you also have to get out of the cave to meet new people and opportunities. And for that, there are events, Meet Ups, workshops, talks, etc. You will not only gain knowledge about new or already known things, but you will also make contacts, and meet other programmers and, in this sector, this is extremely important, for two main reasons.
On the one hand, you are going to enter the contact list of the other person with all that this entails: work, opportunities, and, why not, going out for a drink. On the other hand, there have been many cases of collaborations in projects. Some non-profits (or at least at first) and others are more oriented to exploiting a good idea. Be that as it may, all knowledge is good.
Practice What You Have Learned
It is somewhat obvious, but sometimes, the obvious for being obvious is forgotten. So apply what you learn, either in your work or in parallel.
I love to read, I devour books, and every day I learn new words. I try to apply the ones that have the most interesting meanings for me. Yesterday’s were “hypostasis” and “tautology.” So far I have only used one of them in the office, to the “WTF” face of my colleagues. And now I have another chance to do it. It’s the way that they are not forgotten and integrated into my lexicon after several uses (according to some studies, you need to use them 6 times).
Applying what you learn both online, on GitHub, in a course, in a MeetUp, or because someone has explained it to you, is mandatory to continue growing and improving your programming career. The best way is to do a little project with it.
You may like to read https://lazyweb.org/web-design-ideas-to-create-your-website-or-blog/
