How to get good at programming? ?

Question

Some people just read books, study coding style, some take open source programs and see what other developers do, but not really work on them.

To the experienced coders out there, what did you guys/girls do to get good at programming?

Answer 1

I have a friend who's an absolutely amazing guitar player. One time I was hanging out with him and somebody asked him "How do I get to play guitar like that?"



He paused for a moment, and said:



"It's pretty simple, really. Start twenty-five years ago, pick up the guitar every single day, and try to learn something new each day."



That's the best way to get good at programming, too. I think. I'm still not sure how good I am at it, even though I've written a dozen books on the topic, and taught computer programming about as long as my friend has played guitar.

Answer 2

All you need to do is practice. Set goals for yourself like memorizing all 72 w3 approved elements or creating a email or chat program. I don't know about studying coding style as use should make your own style. I would look at what other programmers do so you can find interesting pieces of code you never believed was possible in your programming language.

Answer 3

Always do pseudocode first.

If you do this well enough, then the only thing that you really have to worry about when you actually write your program is syntax.

Don't rely on the compiler too much. Take a step back, and figure out why your program isn't working.

Again, don't try to do the whole "trial and error" where you change one thing to see if it works. Just look at it, and if you can't figure it out, read about it online or on a textbook if you have one.

Answer 4

Lots of hours spent trying, failing, and learning.



Find some piece of software you want to write, and start writing it. Every time you don't know something, research and learn until you do.



Spend time learning about correct code formatting and style, as that can really make your code more readable.



Time, reading, and experience are the only solution. It just doesn't come overnight.

Answer 5

The number one thing you have to do to get good at programming, is to program. Reading, studying other programs, and having good mentors is important but you learn the most by actually doing it. The more you program the better you will become at it.

Answer 6

Same as anything else -- practice.

Only when you do then can you appreciate why some things are coded in a certain way.

It's like "Oh so you can do it this way", the "Oh" only comes if you have been there before, otherwise it's "Err, ok."

Answer 7

Practice , Practice & Practice

Answer 8

don't just read, Type it.

the more you type it, the more you'll get used to it, the more you'll remember how to work with it.

do it over, and over, and over, and over again.

and the most important thing is, have fun while doing it :D