How to become a good programmer — Fundamentals

8 min readDec 6, 2022

This image is not an example for good code.

To be a good programmer, there are several key skills and qualities that can be helpful to develop. First and foremost, it is important to have a strong foundation in computer science and a deep understanding of the principles and concepts of programming. This can help you write good codes, and understand the underlying logic and structure of a program. Additionally, it can be helpful to have strong problem-solving skills, as programming often involves solving complex and challenging problems.

A strong foundation in computer science: Having a solid understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science is essential for writing effective and efficient code. This includes a deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, and operating systems.
Strong problem-solving skills: Programming often involves solving complex and challenging problems, and having strong problem-solving skills can help you design and implement effective solutions. This includes the ability to break down problems into smaller, more manageable pieces, and to think logically and systematically.
Attention to detail: Writing code is a precise and exacting task, and attention to detail is essential for writing programs that are correct, efficient, and easy to maintain. This includes the ability to carefully read and understand code, to spot errors and inconsistencies, and to test and debug programs.
The ability to learn and adapt: The field of computer science is constantly evolving, and being a good programmer means being able to keep up with new technologies, languages, and techniques. This includes the ability to learn from others, to experiment and try new things, and to be open to new ideas and approaches.
Strong communication skills: Programming is not just a solo activity, and being a good programmer often means being able to work effectively with others. This includes the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, to collaborate and share ideas, and to explain complex concepts in simple terms.

The Foundations

ENIAC the first programmable general-purpose electronic digital computer

The foundations of computer science include a wide range of topics and concepts, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, computer architecture, and operating systems.

These concepts form the building blocks of computer science and provide the foundation for more advanced topics and applications. To be a good programmer, it is important to have a strong understanding of these fundamental concepts. Some of the key areas of study in the foundations of computer science include:

Algorithms: Algorithms are step-by-step procedures for solving problems or performing tasks. In computer science, algorithms are used to design and implement solutions to a wide range of problems, from simple mathematical operations to complex data analysis and artificial intelligence.
Data structures: Data structures are ways of organizing and storing data in a computer. Different data structures are suitable for different types of data and applications, and choosing the right data structure can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of a program.
Programming languages: Programming languages are the languages used to write programs and specify instructions for a computer to follow. Different programming languages have different syntax and features, and choosing the right language for a given task can have a big impact on the ease of development and the performance of the final program.
Computer architecture: Computer architecture is the design and organization of the hardware and software components of a computer system. Understanding computer architecture is important for writing efficient programs that make the most of a system’s resources and capabilities.
Operating systems: Operating systems are the software that manages the resources and operations of a computer. Understanding how operating systems work can help you write programs that are efficient and compatible with a wide range of systems.

Data Structures

Data structures are ways of organizing and storing data in a computer. Different data structures are suitable for different types of data and applications, and choosing the right data structure can have a significant impact on the performance and efficiency of a program. Some common data structures include:

Arrays: Arrays are ordered collections of data elements that have the same type. In programming, arrays are often used to store lists of items or collections of data that need to be processed in a specific order.
Linked lists: Linked lists are collections of data elements that are linked together using pointers. In programming, linked lists are often used to store data that can be added or removed dynamically, or to implement data structures that need to be able to grow or shrink over time.
Stacks: Stacks are collections of data elements that are organized according to the last-in, first-out (LIFO) principle. In programming, stacks are often used to implement undo or redo operations, or to evaluate expressions.
Queues: Queues are collections of data elements that are organized according to the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle. In programming, queues are often used to manage tasks or events that need to be processed in the order in which they were received.
Trees: Trees are hierarchical data structures that consist of nodes connected by edges. In programming, trees are often used to store and organize hierarchical data, such as the structure of a file system or the structure of a database.

Computer Architecture

Computer architecture is the design and organization of the hardware and software components of a computer system. Understanding computer architecture is important for writing efficient programs that make the most of a system’s resources and capabilities. Some key aspects of computer architecture include:

CPU: The CPU, or central processing unit, is the main processing chip in a computer. It is responsible for executing instructions and performing operations on data.
Memory: Memory is the storage space in a computer where data and instructions are kept while they are being processed by the CPU.
I/O devices: I/O, or input/output, devices are the hardware components that allow a computer to communicate with the outside world. Examples of I/O devices include keyboards, mice, displays, and printers.
Bus: The bus is the communication channel that connects the various components of a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
Operating system: As we said earlier, It provides a platform for running programs, and it provides services that make it possible for programs to access and manipulate the hardware components of a system.

The principles and concepts of programming

The principles and concepts of programming are the fundamental ideas and techniques that are essential for writing effective and efficient programs. These principles and concepts are used to design, implement, and test programs, and they form the basis for more advanced topics and applications in computer science. Some of the key principles and concepts of programming include:

Abstraction: Abstraction is the process of representing essential features of a problem or system without including unnecessary details. In programming, abstraction is used to simplify complex concepts and make them easier to understand and work with.
Control flow: Control flow refers to the order in which the instructions in a program are executed. In programming, control flow is used to specify the sequence of operations that a program should perform, and to determine which instructions should be executed in response to different conditions or inputs.
Data types: Data types are the ways in which data is represented and manipulated in a program. Different data types are suitable for different kinds of data, and choosing the right data type can have a big impact on the performance and reliability of a program.
Functions: Functions are modular units of code that can be called and reused in different parts of a program. In programming, functions are used to organize and modularize code, and to make it easier to write, test, and maintain complex programs.
Logic: Logic is the study of reasoning and the principles of correct reasoning. In programming, logic is used to design and implement algorithms and control structures that make it possible to solve problems and perform tasks in a reliable and predictable way.

Coding conventions

Programming conventions are the agreed-upon standards and guidelines for writing and formatting code. These conventions can help make code more readable, maintainable, and consistent, and they can make it easier for multiple programmers to work on the same codebase. Some common examples of programming conventions include:

Naming conventions: Naming conventions specify the rules for naming variables, functions, classes, and other entities in a program. These conventions can help make code more readable and self-explanatory, and they can prevent naming conflicts and ambiguities.
Formatting conventions: Formatting conventions specify the rules for indenting, spacing, and aligning code. These conventions can help make code more readable and visually consistent, and they can make it easier to scan and understand the structure and logic of a program.
Documentation conventions: Documentation conventions specify the rules for writing comments and documentation in code. These conventions can help provide valuable context and information about the purpose and operation of a program, and they can make it easier for other programmers to understand and use the code.
Coding standards: Coding standards are a set of rules and guidelines that define how code should be written and organized in a particular programming language or project. These standards can help ensure that code is consistent and of high quality, and they can make it easier for multiple programmers to work together on the same codebase.

In general, programming conventions are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended for the sake of readability, maintainability, and collaboration. Different programming languages and projects may have different conventions, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the conventions that are relevant to your work.

Maintenance of code

Maintaining code can involve a variety of tasks and activities, such as fixing bugs and errors, improving performance, refactoring or reorganizing code, adding new features, and updating code to keep up with changing requirements or technologies.

Maintaining code is important for several reasons. First, maintaining code can help ensure that a program continues to function correctly and efficiently over time. This can help prevent problems and disruptions, and it can help ensure that a program continues to meet the needs and requirements of its users.

Second, maintaining code can help prevent the accumulation of technical debt, which is the cost associated with using shortcuts or quick fixes instead of properly addressing problems or improving the quality of code. Over time, technical debt can make code more difficult to work with, understand, and maintain, which can lead to more problems and inefficiencies.

Third, maintaining code can help improve the reliability, performance, and maintainability of a program, which can make it easier and more efficient to develop and modify in the future. Overall, maintaining code is an essential part of the software development process, and it can help ensure that a program continues to function effectively and efficiently over time.

And this is not the end but a starting point for a longer journey into the Abyss of computers, i would like to recommend a book for everyone preparing for this journey. The Pragmatic Programmer by Andy Hunt and Dave Thomas.

Happy coding to all of you.