How To Think Like A Programmer

Understanding the Programmer Mentality

Think of programming as a form of communication. When you speak, your goal is to convey your ideas effectively to others. Similarly, programming is about communicating with a machine. You don’t need to know every single detail of a programming language; you just need to grasp the fundamentals and apply them to convey your ideas clearly.

Programming involves breaking down problems into smaller, manageable pieces and applying basic principles to solve them. It’s not about memorizing code snippets but about understanding how to approach and solve problems.

Breaking Problems Down

To illustrate, imagine explaining to a machine how to open a jar of pickles. You can’t just say “open jar”; you need to provide step-by-step instructions:

1. 1. Pick up the jar with your left hand.
2. 2. Place your right hand over the lid.
3. 3. Tighten your grip with both hands.
4. 4. Rotate your right hand counterclockwise and your left hand clockwise.
5. 5. Continue rotating until the lid separates from the jar.
6. 6. Release your grip.

Breaking Problems Down

1. 1. Talk Through Problems Aloud

Explain the problem and your approach to someone else, or even to yourself out loud. This helps clarify your thinking and identify gaps in your understanding.

2. 2. Collaborate with Others

Programmers often work together to solve complex problems. Pair programming, where two programmers work together at one computer, can be particularly effective. One writes the code (the driver), and the other reviews and guides (the navigator). This helps you learn different approaches to problem-solving

3. 3. Take One Step at a Time

Large problems can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on solving each piece individually, which makes the overall problem less daunting.

4. 4. Start with Simpler Problems

Solve a simpler version of your problem first. Gradually introduce complexity until you tackle the original problem.

5. 5. Practice, Don’t Memorize

Focus on understanding the principles behind programming rather than memorizing code. Regular practice will reinforce these fundamentals, making it easier to tackle more complex problems over time.

6. 6. Don’t Worry About Syntax

Even experienced programmers look up syntax. What’s important is understanding the concepts. Look up syntax as needed without feeling inadequate.

7. 7. Avoid Shortcuts

Resist the temptation to rely on quick fixes or others’ solutions. Solving problems on your own helps develop your problem-solving skills and deepens your understanding.

8. 8. Seek Help When Necessary

If you’ve tried various approaches and still can’t solve a problem, ask for help. Consult a colleague, a mentor, or an online forum. It’s important to try your best first, ensuring you learn as much as possible before seeking assistance.

9. 9. Embrace Debugging

Debugging helps you identify and understand your mistakes. Analyzing errors and correcting them improves your problem-solving skills and helps you avoid similar issues in the future.

10. 10. Read Documentation

Learning to read and understand programming documentation is crucial. It’s like a recipe that guides you on how the code should work, helping you apply it effectively.

Putting Your Skills into Practice

To start practicing, explore resources and forums where you can apply what you’ve learned. Focus on problem-solving and continuous learning. Remember, there’s no single "right" way to solve a problem. With practice, you’ll develop your unique programming perspective.