21 Rules to follow if you want to be a great programmer

Programming is a very challenging activity, it requires to stay focused and solve different kind of problems with the language, which only computer understands.

It is pretty similar to the situations where a person is abroad in the foreign country and he has to solve some kind of a problem, speaking in another language.

Why to follow some rules while programming?

Above question can be asked by a lot of the newbies, why to follow them at all?

Nobody teaches “the rules” in the tutorials, there is just a piece of code, which gives amazing results. Everyone says to just copy that and paste to solve your problems.

The similar situation is with seeking a way for debugging in forums.

The beginner developer pastes the error message to the google bar and copies the code from the first position in the forum. if it works, it is ok, problem solved. If not, let’s go to the second position and try that.

Rules are crucial to maintain a clean and functional code. Moreover, following them can boost your programming skills to an incredibly high level.

What is more, being strict to the rules helps in developing yourself. These programmers have the specified path of learning and are better coders with every working day.

Programming rules:

1. Write code three times.

What exactly does it mean? Writing code three times? It is crazy, but not in this simple way.

Firstly, write a piece of code to prove that the solution can be solved. It should be like a proof of concept, unpolished diamond.

Secondly, make the code “understandable” and working like it meant to be. Implement all the required solutions.

At the end, make it cleaner, more efficient and ready for merging.

2. Write less lines of code.

Junior developer tries to figure out what to write in the code, senior developer tries to figure out which lines of code do not write.

It is essential, use the syntax of the code, algorithms to shorten functions, declarations, iterations, etc.

The same result with less amount of code is generally always better.

3. Make sure your code is “understandable”.

Less amount of code leads to quicker and more efficient understanding of a program.

Moreover, in professional development it is required to code clearly so that another teammates can contribute and cooperate without further problems like duplicating bugs, etc.

4. Contribute to open source projects.

Nowadays the most of programmers use open source libraries and packages. Practically, it is inefficient to code alone everything and not use ready and tested solutions.

Contribution to open-source is not difficult at all. Find a repo which is coded in your level of coding skills and just contribute.

It can boost skills immediately and teach serious development with latest technologies.

5. Read a lot of code from other more experienced developers.

This point can be proceeded with the latest one. While contributing it is necessary to get acquainted with the style of coding of more experienced developers.

Reading the well coded programs is always beneficial. Dedicate few minutes everyday, build a habit and develop yourself.

6. Write a proper documentation.

For a long time I have underestimated this activity. I thought that is is a waste of time, but my opinion has dramatically changed.

It is highly recommended to document the code not only for yourself, but maybe for future contributors. Moreover, this kind of habit leads to better understanding of a written code.

7. Use a code formatter.

Just install extension like prettier, configure formatting “on save” and thank me, it is not a big deal. Just do it and do not waste your time on deleting spaces, enters, removing tabs, etc.

8. Write comments in your Pull Requests.

In professional development there is always a moment to push your branch with changes to online repo.

Creating pull request is easy, but doing it right can be a little more difficult.

Adding comments in a doubtful lines is crucial for other colleagues to review the code correctly. What is more, it is saved as a documentation for future.

Sounds great? Let’s make it properly.

9. Plan your work.

If you do something without a specific plan, you are heading to nowhere. The goal should be described even if it is a small step or really long term.

Plan your work daily, define the small tasks like creating a component, debug some functionality, etc.

Plan your development, improvement of skills.

Plan your career.

10. Stick at reviewing a code.

Reviewing the code is very underrated, but impactful for the programming skills.

Make it carefully, follow every function and iteration, understand the way of coding and highlight some doubtful lines, then learn from them.

11. Use version control system.

Complex development can not be processed without controlling the version of a code.

Using GIT is crucial, getting acquainted with basics commands with details scale your apps to a higher level. Below are represented the most commonly used:

• git init,
• git add,
• git commit,
• git push,
• git fetch,
• git rebase

12. Deploy your portfolio.

Creating portfolio is the key to getting hired in a new job, but why not share it with others by deploying it?

Create separate repos with documentation and deploy to free hosting. Save the links and add to your landing page, blog, CV.

13. Make your own blog.

Once I have read that every programmer should have own blog. Blog can share your knowledge with a huge audience, but beginnings are very though.

It is not super important how big reach you have, but how often you write.

Good, regularly written articles are showing your knowledge in one of the best ways. Connecting with social medias and repos makes it so powerful.

Create some tutorials, explanations, tips for less experienced developers and just enjoy sharing knowledge.

14. Teach others.

Teaching others is not only beneficial for students but also for a teacher. These benefits are implemented not only by additional income, but also by improving memory and knowledge from a specific branch.

To be capable of giving a value it is demanded to have every informations well organized. When I teach somebody, I care a lot about the most essential topics, which are given in the simplest and possible way.

15. Train your memory.

In 2017 I started training memory like it is a sport. After reading many books I improved my memory so much, that I participated in a national memory championships hosted in Poland.

The clue is that with a great memory, the work is a lot easier. Memory can be scaled and improved like a muscle. Regular trainings from “Tony Boozan” books are the best way to start.

After years of training I start a day with solving Rubik’s cube blindfolded. Sounds impressive? It is not hard at all. I claim, that it is the matter of consequence - small steps, big result.

16. Read a lot of books.

Books are the source of knowledge from centuries. The Internet changed it for many developers but it still should be number one. Great book gives a huge value in life, improve focus and mental health.

Reading trains imagination, imagination make a code outstanding.

Read a lot, not only tech books but also about health and hobbies.

17. Follow latest updates of the technologies and tools you use.

As a programmer you usually use some technologies and tools. It could be not responsible if the tool is updated with new functionalities and you will not even read about that.

Make yourself a pleasure and get familiar with latest news, read proper blogs and listen podcasts.

18. Use helpful extensions in your IDE.

There are plenty of effective and very helpful extensions which can scale work, save time, etc.

One of the most useful extensions in vscode are: prettier, gitgraph, ecmascript(for react) and others. These extensions really helped in my development process.

19. Plan your path of self development.

It is one of the most important things to do regularly. Constant development in different areas in life is crucial. Do not neglect this process.

Create your own dedicated roadmap of learning technologies, improvements in areas you are the master and then update it regularly.

Dedicate few days a year to plan your development!

20. Take care of your health.

Without a healthy body there is no coding.

This phrase describes current point in 100%. Take care of your diet, sleep a proper amount of hours, listen to your body and be efficient.

21. Exercise minimum twice a week.

I have added this point in a separate one, because it is not only super healthy, but it really helps in a development process.

Exercising helps to not be constantly focused on a work all the time. When you face some big and complex problems, it is better to take a break, also from thinking about that. Then go back with a fresh mind, which was stimulated while exercising.

Conclusion

To sum up, concrete and well defined rules can improve a development process very quickly and what is more important, consequently. Practically since I follow them all, I made a big progress.

Not all rules are about coding and learning new technologies, it is also required to take care of a mental and physical health. It can be achieved by practicing, for example running, lift weights or just going out with friends, caring about relationships.

If head is strong, body is healthy, it is extremely easy to develop yourself and improve programming skills.