11 Mantras To Become A Better Programmer
Tags: beginners, career
Published: 2020-06-12 15:43:45

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_Learn how to become a better programmer in your daily life. Do you want to make yourself a better programmer?_ Here are some tips which can guide you on the way.
## 1. Never Fear From New Things

You should  _never fear to do anything new_  in this world of Software Engineering. If you are not open to trying your hands on something new, it's very difficult to grow as a programmer and  _you may get lost in the crowd_.

On the other hand, if you are open to new things you will find your knowledge increasing, confidence rising, and appreciation coming on the way.

> Nobody, nobody knows everything, at some point people have to start something from scratch.

## **2. Learn Different Programming Language**

It's okay if your project requires to need you to know Java. One may think if I learn some parts of Java he/she will survive. Sorry but that’s a very wrong notion. What if that project gets closed, what if there are no more projects based on Java (all on web dev in your department). So never ever limit yourself to that one programming language that your project requires.

> You must know the basics of  _at least three programming languages in which you should be master of one_. Like you know Java, JS, and Python but you are a master in java.

## 3. Clear Your Basics

This is one of the biggest mistakes which people do is they directly jump to the framework instead of studying the basic building behind that framework.

Not even framework, even if you are working on some projects which have some hi-fi code of JavaScript you must first clear your basics of JavaScript then proceed with it. Because when things get complex believe me these basics will come in handy.

> It’s very good to know jQuery, but if you  _don’t know the basics_  of JavaScript on which it is built it may become  _difficult to handle if things get complexed_  in the jQuery framework.

## 4. Data Structures

Here comes the thing which many don’t bother to even look at. But the world is changing, nowadays if you don’t have an understanding of some common DS and Algos its difficult to even clear the first/second coding rounds on interview.

Some may say what’s the use of it, I am not going to use it in my coding. DS is not like any programming language, knowing DS & Algos helps you to think  _better structure, solution, the efficiency of the code_.

> Knowing DS will help in your daily basis work, we can give a  _more efficient solution_  instead of just giving the solution.

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## 5. System Design & System Architecture

Lots of companies have their own engineering blog, study them. You will learn how people build their  _complex architecture_, how they  _scale_  their system to  _match such a huge load of customers_  and also new technology which is in fashion.

Here are some of them  [Zomato](https://www.zomato.com/blog/category/technology),  [Swiggy](https://bytes.swiggy.com/),  [Instagram](https://instagram-engineering.com/),  [Facebook](https://engineering.fb.com/).

> You will understand complex architecture, how to scale a system, solution specific to scenarious.

## 6. Read Code From Github & Try to Understand

Take your favorite language and search in GitHub for open source projects based on that language. Choose any one of an open-source projects, clone it, import it in your favorite IDE. Also, you will learn new frameworks which they may have used with your favorite programming language.

Plus you can also  _contribute to these open source project_, there is no better way to learn than contributing to open source projects. Your code may not get accepted in the first term (if they have high standard) but it's fine that’s how you learn isn't.

> These open-source projects have a  _lot of beautiful code_, you will learn a lot of new ways to solve things.

## 7. Always in Learning Mode

Sometimes people get lazy and think now they know what requires them to perform and they stop learning. It may happen you are working on Java 8 and suddenly after some years, you found some new X version is released and you are way behind it.

Industry always demands you to be  _updated with the latest_  at least in the technology you worked on.

> Keep reading blogs, keep yourself updated with  _any new feature or version_  of your favorite programming language.

## 8. Build POCs

It’s doesn't matter if someone is watching you or not, do this for your better future. Build POC’s on the new thing you learned, create your repo on Github, and push it. At least you will have something to show in your resume that makes you  _stand different from the crowd_.


## 9. Practice Makes You Perfect

You learn something new today, you tried a basic code it ran now you think you know that stuff and you never checked it back again. Sorry, that’s a wrong belief. It’s very easy to forget the syntax of a new programming language, so try to  _practice_  that code  _three-four times on different days_.

> Keep practicing it will make you efficient, increase your productivity, and you will have fewer errors.

## 10. Look For A Mentor

If you want to excel in something, look for a mentor whom you think can guide you or who is  _subject matter expert_  of it. As they have already gone through that path of mastering they know what mistakes one should avoid, what one should study.

> Never feel ashamed of learning from someone who is of lesser experience then you,  _learning is never about age, it’s about sharing experience_. If you are getting something new go for it.

## 11. Help Others & Let Them Help You

Last but not least if you are a master of something if you know something which others don’t please  _share your knowledge_. Don’t let your attitude and ego come over it. Organize KT, Bootcamp within your team, department it will help others in gaining knowledge and you gaining recognition.

Answers questions on tech social platforms that you know about, write blogs that can help others. Share knowledge it will grow :).

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Thank you._

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