Essential Programming Skills for Today's Developers
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Chapter 1: The Critical Skills Lacking in Programmers
In my observations of less effective programmers, it’s evident that they often share a common deficiency. This fundamental skill is conspicuously absent even among some seasoned tech leads and high-performing individual contributors. It’s astonishing to witness individuals in the tech field struggle with such a basic skill when interacting with technology.
My Experience
Throughout my career, I've encountered various coders entering the field without the essential skills necessary for success. A particular senior developer, whom we'll refer to as Oliver, stands out in my mind. Oliver believed they were highly competent after taking a mathematics course at a reputable university. However, they conveniently omitted the fact that they dropped out and faced unemployment afterward. Ultimately, they were not the most effective developer, lacking several abilities, but one skill in particular significantly diminished my respect for them.
Missing Skill 1: Programming Proficiency
Oliver had relied heavily on a YouTube series created by two amateur coders, treating their advice as gospel. This misguided belief led to an inflated sense of superiority, as they insisted on updating the codebase to align with these questionable standards.
#### Sane Analysis
Consultants can be brought in at any point for guidance, even if the cost seems prohibitive. Alternatively, hiring a recent university graduate or a coding bootcamp alumni could suffice to fill gaps in knowledge.
Missing Skill 2: Collaborative Skills
Collaboration is undeniably crucial. One way to enhance these skills is through constructive code reviews. Oliver maintained that their code was superior but neglected to review the contributions of others. They claimed to be the best coder in the room while failing to share knowledge with the team.
#### Sane Analysis
In today's tech landscape, teamwork skills are becoming increasingly vital. Yet, some programmers manage to work independently without issue.
So, What’s the Core Skill?
While the aforementioned skills hold importance, there is one skill that stands out as truly essential.
One Skill That Matters
There exists a singular skill that intertwines code quality, focus, efficiency, fewer errors, and professionalism. Mastering this one ability can lead to significant improvements across the board.
Sounds Too Good to Be True?
It may seem unbelievable, but it’s a skill every developer should actively seek to enhance.
What is this Core Skill?
Typing.
Yes, you read that correctly. Let’s delve into the reasons why proficient typing is crucial for a programmer.
#### Why Typing Proficiency is Essential
- Increased Productivity: Faster typing speeds enable programmers to write and edit code more efficiently, enhancing overall productivity.
- Enhanced Focus: Efficient typing allows developers to concentrate on coding rather than the mechanics of typing.
- Reduction in Errors: Accurate typing decreases the likelihood of typos and syntax mistakes, streamlining debugging efforts.
- Improved Time Management: Swift typing helps programmers achieve more in less time, facilitating better project management.
- Higher Quality Code: Proficient typists tend to produce cleaner, more organized code, making it easier to maintain and update.
- Professionalism: The ability to type quickly and accurately reflects a level of competence that is highly valued in the programming field.
The Twist
This narrative dates back a few years, and here’s the twist: this particular developer was my boss. Despite not being the most skilled coder, their inability to type effectively revealed a level of junior status that was unexpected.
It seems that their typing struggles stemmed from the same lack of motivation that led to their decision to leave their mathematics program unfinished. They simply lacked the intellectual curiosity to see tasks through to completion.
Conclusion
While I did not have a favorable opinion of my boss, that sentiment was likely evident to you already, right?
About The Author
Professional Software Developer “The Secret Developer” can be found on Twitter @TheSDeveloper and regularly publishes articles through Medium.com.
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Chapter 2: Enhancing Your Programming Skills
The first video discusses the most crucial programming skill that every developer should cultivate. It emphasizes the importance of foundational skills and how they contribute to overall success in programming.
The second video covers the actual skills that define a competent programmer, highlighting the essential abilities that can elevate a developer's career trajectory.