Monday, June 23, 2008

Coding keeps me fit

Exercise keeps you fit physically and what about your programming skills? Code regularly?Yes, to some extent. But good programmers keep practicing. Practice is the key to a good developer.

It is so unfortunate that coding is considered a menial task in companies around and good developers have become a rare thing in the market. The common misconception is after 3 years of experience you should do less coding and try to become a team lead, and eventually the damager (umm Manager!). The FAQs are "You have x years of experience (x > 5, btw) and do you still code?" Damn! and another question - "You are an architect, do you still code?" What the heck!

Considering all these, how to be a better programmer, follow these simple steps:
1. Read books (hmm, I know you have given up reading, but read Code Complete atleast)
2. Read blogs and keep yourself up to date on the happenings in the industry
3. Be a problem Solver
4. Practice, Practice and Practice.
5. Visit codekata and solve the katas.
6. Understand the dynamics (NOT politics) of the organization.
7. Do not get carried away by the misconception of becoming a damager.
8. Last but not least, code regularly.

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