Things Every Programming Beginners should know
Have you just started with programming? There are some basic things you should always keep in mind if you want to have a very successful career in this field.
What are the Qualities a Programmer should possess?
1) Enthusiasm
This is the one important advice I can give to someone who is just started with programming. Unlike other professions, the changes coming in the IT industry is rapid and one should always have the enthusiasm to learn all the new technologies and keep up with the pace of the ever changing Industry.
2) Passion
This is one quality that is required for being success, be it in any profession. A passionate worker would not work from 9–5 or they wouldn’t even work at all. They enjoy their profession. Yes, if we have the passion for programming, we would not even keep track of the time, instead just enjoy and get the things done (that satisfaction you get after working for so long 💃).
3) Independent Learning
Unlike majority of the other professions, one of the unique quality a programmer should possess is that, he/she should be able to learn things independently. The reason is that, it is a vast area of study and one cannot teach you all the stuffs you need (though basic things can be taught, one should have the ability to learn new things and think differently). There are lot of study materials, video lectures are available in the internet for free of cost.
4) Communicating Ability
Be it in the Industry or in college project, we will be working on a large number of big projects and will be working with lot of peoples. Therefore, it is possible that we will be working with someone else’s code or sometimes, some one else will be working on our code. Hence, it is essential that we should be able to communicate with them all the things they need to know about or ask what we need because a small misunderstanding of a small feature can have a huge impact on the project.
5) Problem Solving
One important skill every programmer should have. We might be working on different real life situations and should have the ability to technically tackle the problem. Problem Solving ability is not a skill that one gets when they born or can achieve overnight. It is a skill that is developed as a result of weeks, months and probably years of practice. One can always look for problems in platforms like [hackerrank.com], [codeforces.com], [hackerearth.com], [codechef.com] and try to compete in weekly or monthly contests to enhance their skills.
Misconception people have about Programming
When talking about Programming Profession, people have so many misconception that I have heard people talking about.
1) It is for people having very good Mathematical Skill
Programming is not only based on Mathematics. I would rather say, one should have the ability to think logically to find a solution. If you are the sort of person, who don’t get disheartened when not reaching any solution and keep trying until you get the desired output, then it does not matter what your mathematical skill is.
2) All Programmers are anti-social or Introverts
Mostly, it is because you require a lesser amount of interaction with other people to get the job done. It is true that you need to have interaction with your client and teammates to get your facts right. But, once that phase is over, you can work remotely from literally anywhere — be it the basement of your home.
3) You need to have a high technical or computer skills to be a programmer
I don’t agree with this at all. If you are a daily user of smartphone, computer or literally any electronic device, then you can make a good programmer. Apart from that, for doing anything technical other than coding, all one need to know is to search it in the web because you have all the answers to build a computer, format it, recover it or fix it.
(PS : You can connect with me on Linkedin at : linkedin.com/in/sankar-ramaswamy-499a67195)
