Stop 18 Programming Mistakes!!!
Introduction
Learning to code can be both challenging and exciting. As a beginner, it is easy to fall into some common traps and make mistakes that can hinder your progress. In post, we will explore 18 mistakes that beginners of programming often make and provide advice from experts on how to overcome them. From mastering your language and avoiding mixing technologies to backing up your work and practicing consistently, these tips will help you navigate the learning process and make the most out of your programming journey. By becoming aware of these common mistakes and implementing the suggested strategies, you can set yourself up for success and achieve your goals in programming.
1. Focus on Learning
One of the common mistakes made by beginners in programming is the tendency to focus on learning just one programming language. While this approach may seem reasonable, it can be detrimental in the long run. By limiting yourself to one language, you miss out on the benefits of learning how other languages work, which can expand your skillset and make you a more versatile programmer.
As noted by Indian entrepreneur and tech expert Vijay Shekhar Sharma, “Learning multiple programming languages will help you to think in different ways and make you a better problem solver.” Similarly, foreign tech personality Jeff Atwood advises that “learning multiple programming languages is a great way to expand your mind and develop new problem-solving skills.”
To overcome the tendency to focus on one language, beginners should make a conscious effort to learn multiple languages. This can be achieved through online courses, books, and tutorials. Resources such as Codecademy, Coursera, and Udacity offer a wide range of programming courses in multiple languages, while sites like GitHub can provide opportunities to collaborate with other programmers and learn from their experiences.
Another useful strategy is to focus on languages that have different programming paradigms, such as functional programming or object-oriented programming. This can help you develop a deeper understanding of how programming languages work and make you a more versatile programmer.
While it may be tempting to focus on one programming language as a beginner, doing so can limit your growth as a programmer. By taking a broader approach and learning multiple languages, you can expand your skills and become a more versatile and effective programmer.
2. Embrace your journey
Beginners in programming usually compare their progress with others and feel inadequate or discouraged. However, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique journey when it comes to learning programming. Embracing your journey and focusing on your own progress can help you stay motivated and achieve your goals.
As Indian entrepreneur and tech expert Naveen Jain notes, “The biggest mistake beginners make is comparing themselves to others. Everyone has their own unique journey, so focus on your own progress.” Similarly, famous tech personality Steve Jobs advises that “you have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
To overcome the tendency to compare yourself to others and embrace your journey, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself and track your progress regularly. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you experience setbacks or make mistakes.
One resource that can be helpful in staying motivated and embracing your journey as a beginner programmer is online communities like Reddit’s r/learnprogramming, where you can connect with other learners and share your experiences. Another resource is the book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck, which explores the importance of having a growth mindset and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Embracing your journey and focusing on your own progress is key to success as a beginner programmer. By setting realistic goals, tracking your progress, and connecting with other learners, you can stay motivated and achieve your goals.
3. Clean, comment, indent!
Beginners in programming often neglect to properly format their code. Failing to clean, comment, and indent code can make it difficult to read and understand, both for yourself and for others who may need to work with your code in the future.
As Indian software engineer and entrepreneur Girish Mathrubootham notes, “Well-formatted code is easier to read, easier to understand, and easier to maintain.” Similarly, founder of Linux OS, Linus Torvalds advises that “good code is its own best documentation. As you’re about to add a comment, ask yourself, ‘How can I improve the code so that this comment isn’t needed?’”
To overcome the mistake of neglecting proper formatting, beginners should make it a habit to clean, comment, and indent their code as they write it. This can help make the code more readable and easier to debug, as well as making it easier for others to understand and modify the code if necessary.
Resources such as the PEP 8 Style Guide for Python and the Google Java Style Guide provide guidelines for formatting code in those languages. Additionally, tools like linters and code editors can help identify and correct formatting errors in code.
Neglecting to properly format code is a common mistake made by beginners in programming. By making it a habit to clean, comment, and indent their code, beginners can make their code more readable and easier to maintain.
4. Consistent Naming Convention
Beginners in programming usually fail to use a consistent naming convention for variables, functions, and other elements in their code. Inconsistent naming can make it difficult to read and understand code, and can also make it harder to debug and maintain.
As Indian software engineer and author Sandeep Panda notes, “Naming conventions should be consistent and meaningful. The names should accurately represent what the variables, functions, and classes are responsible for.” Similarly, Martin Fowler advises that “good names are a key to good code. Choose names that reveal intent.”
To overcome the mistake of inconsistent naming, beginners should adopt a naming convention and stick to it consistently throughout their code. Common conventions include camelCase and snake_case for variables and functions, and PascalCase for classes and interfaces.
Resources such as the Google Style Guides for different programming languages provide detailed guidelines for naming conventions, as well as other formatting and style recommendations. Additionally, code editors and IDEs often have features that can automatically suggest and enforce naming conventions.
Using a consistent naming convention is an important aspect of writing clean and maintainable code. By adopting a convention and sticking to it consistently, beginners can make their code more readable and easier to understand and maintain.
5. Master your language
Beginners in programming do not take the time to truly master their chosen programming language. Rushing into coding without a solid foundation can lead to errors and bad habits that can be difficult to unlearn. They neglect the importance of computational thinking which is to understand how a computer applies logic.
As Indian software engineer and author Swati Jena notes, “Mastery in any programming language takes time, practice, and patience. Don’t rush the process.” Similarly, Steve Jobs of Apple advises that “it’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.”
To overcome the mistake of not mastering a programming language, beginners should invest time and effort into learning the language deeply. This includes not just syntax and basic concepts, but also best practices, design patterns, and common libraries and frameworks.
Resources such as online courses, textbooks, and online communities can help beginners deepen their knowledge and understanding of a programming language. Additionally, practicing coding challenges and building projects can help reinforce concepts and identify areas for improvement.
Mastering a programming language takes time and effort, but it’s an essential step in becoming a skilled and successful programmer. By investing in their learning and practice, beginners can build a solid foundation and avoid common mistakes.
6. Don’t mix technologies
Beginners in programming almost always mix different technologies without a clear understanding of how they work together. This can lead to code that is difficult to maintain and debug, and can also cause performance issues.
As Indian software engineer and author Shivansh Vij advises, “Stick to one technology stack until you master it. Don’t mix different technologies just because they seem cool or trendy.” Jeff Atwood observes that “the best code is no code at all. Every line of code is a potential bug.”
To overcome the mistake of mixing technologies, beginners should focus on mastering one technology stack before branching out to others. This includes not just the programming language, but also the frameworks, libraries, and tools that work together to build a complete application.
Resources such as online courses and tutorials, documentation, and online communities can help beginners learn the ins and outs of a technology stack. Additionally, practicing with small projects and getting feedback from more experienced developers can help identify areas for improvement.
Sticking to one technology stack and mastering it is an important step in becoming a skilled and successful programmer. By avoiding the mistake of mixing technologies and focusing on one stack at a time, beginners can build a solid foundation for their coding skills.
Learning multiple programming languages can provide a broader understanding of programming concepts and techniques. However, it’s important not to mix up languages when mastering them, as it can lead to confusion and errors. To reconcile these two pieces of advice, learners can focus on mastering one language at a time while being open to learning others. They should also be mindful of language differences and avoid mixing up syntax or concepts. Over time, learners can expand their knowledge by learning additional languages and exploring new programming concepts and techniques.
7. Debug with purpose
One of the most common mistakes beginners make in programming is not having a clear purpose when debugging their code. Debugging can be time-consuming and frustrating, and without a clear goal in mind, it’s easy to waste time and effort on the wrong things.
As Indian tech personality Ritesh Agarwal advises, “Always try to understand the root cause of the issue, rather than simply fixing the symptoms.” Software engineer and author John Sonmez notes that “debugging is like being a detective in a crime movie where you are also the murderer.”
To overcome the mistake of debugging without purpose, beginners should start by clearly defining the problem they are trying to solve. This includes understanding the expected behavior of the code, identifying any error messages or issues, and narrowing down the scope of the problem.
Resources such as debugging tools and techniques, online communities, and books on debugging can also help beginners improve their debugging skills. Additionally, pairing with more experienced developers and getting feedback on their approach to debugging can provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement.
Having a clear purpose when debugging code is an essential skill for programmers of all levels. By avoiding the mistake of debugging without purpose and focusing on the root cause of the issue, beginners can become more efficient and effective in their debugging efforts.
8. Test, Test, Test:
Beginners are lax in testing their code thoroughly. Testing is essential to ensure that code works as expected and to catch any errors or bugs before they make it into production.
To overcome the mistake of not testing enough, beginners should adopt a test-driven development approach, where tests are written before code is written. This helps to ensure that code is written with testing in mind and that all functionality is covered by tests. Additionally, beginners can use automated testing tools and frameworks to streamline the testing process and catch errors more efficiently.
As Indian software engineer and author Shubham Bhartiya advises, “Test your code as much as possible, and try to break it in every way you can think of.” Software developer and author Kent Beck notes that “If you’re not testing, you’re not developing software, you’re just typing.”
Resources such as testing frameworks, code coverage tools, and testing best practices can also help beginners improve their testing skills. Participating in online communities and seeking feedback from more experienced developers can also provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement.
Testing is a critical part of the software development process, and beginners must prioritize testing to catch errors and ensure code quality. By avoiding the mistake of not testing enough and adopting a test-driven development approach, beginners can improve their coding skills and deliver more reliable software.
9. Use version control
Beginners are reticent in using version control tools to manage their codebase. Version control is essential for keeping track of changes, collaborating with others, and rolling back changes if needed.
As Indian software engineer and entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo advises, “Use version control software from the beginning. Even if you’re working on a project alone, it will save you time and headaches.”
To overcome this mistake, beginners should start using a version control system like Git as early as possible. They should learn the basics of Git, including creating and managing branches, committing changes, and merging branches. Additionally, beginners should use a remote repository to collaborate with others and keep their code safe.
Resources such as online courses, tutorials, and books can help beginners learn Git and version control best practices. They should also seek feedback from more experienced developers and participate in online communities to improve their skills.
Version control is a critical tool for managing code, collaborating with others, and ensuring code safety. By adopting version control tools like Git and learning best practices, beginners can avoid mistakes and improve their coding skills.
10. Set realistic goals
Beginners are used to setting unrealistic goals, such as trying to learn a complex programming language or building a sophisticated application before mastering the basics. This can lead to frustration, burnout, and giving up on learning altogether.
As Indian entrepreneur and founder of Zoho Corporation, Sridhar Vembu advises, “Be patient, and set achievable goals for yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your programming skills.”
Beginners can overcome this by setting realistic goals that align with their skill level and learning pace. They should break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and focus on mastering the fundamentals of programming before moving on to more advanced concepts.
Resources such as online tutorials, coding challenges, and mentorship programs can help beginners set and achieve realistic goals. They should also track their progress, celebrate small wins, and seek feedback from more experienced developers to stay motivated and improve their skills.
Setting realistic goals is essential for making progress in programming and avoiding burnout. By focusing on the fundamentals and breaking down larger projects, beginners can build their skills and achieve their goals.
11. Conquer your fear
Beginner allow fear to hold them back. Programming can be intimidating, and it’s natural to feel afraid of making mistakes or not understanding concepts. However, letting this fear control you can lead to missed opportunities and slower progress. As tech entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg once said, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk…in a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
It’s important to acknowledge your fears and confront them. Break down challenging tasks into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate each achievement. Seek support from online communities, mentors, or peers. Remember, everyone started somewhere and mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.
One resource for overcoming the fear of programming is the book “The Imposter’s Handbook” by Rob Conery. It provides practical advice and guidance for programmers at all levels to overcome their fears and improve their skills. Another helpful resource is online coding communities such as Stack Overflow or GitHub, where beginners can connect with experienced programmers for support and guidance.
12. Consistent case style
Consistency in case style is important in programming to ensure readability and maintainability of code. Unfortunately, it’s a mistake that many beginners make. Mixing different case styles (e.g. camelCase, PascalCase, snake_case) can create confusion and make it harder to identify variables, functions, and classes.
As computer scientist Edsger Dijkstra once said, “Program testing can be used to show the presence of bugs, but never to show their absence!” Consistent naming conventions can prevent bugs in code by making it easier to read and understand.
It’s important to establish a consistent case style early on and stick to it. Choose a case style that works for your language and team, and document it in a style guide or README file. Use code editors or IDEs that support automatic case formatting to avoid mistakes.
One resource for improving consistency in case style is Google’s style guide for various programming languages, which includes guidelines for variable naming, indentation, and case style. Another useful resource is the book “Code Complete” by Steve McConnell, which provides practical advice on naming conventions and other programming best practices.
13. Comment strategically
One of the usual mistakes beginners make while programming is not commenting their code strategically. It’s essential to add comments in code to make it more readable and understandable. However, excessive or insufficient comments can also make the code less readable. As Bill Gates said, “Measuring programming progress by lines of code is like measuring aircraft building progress by weight.” Therefore, it’s essential to comment the critical parts of code rather than every line.
It’s recommended to follow the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle while commenting the code. As suggested by Steve McConnell, “Good code is its documentation,” so write code that is self-explanatory and requires minimal commenting. A simple and concise comment can save a lot of time and effort in understanding the code.
Some resources that can help improve commenting skills are “Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship” by Robert C. Martin and “The Art of Readable Code” by Dustin Boswell and Trevor Foucher. These books provide practical tips for writing readable and maintainable code. Additionally, following coding standards and practices, such as Javadoc or Doxygen, can also help in writing useful comments.
14. Back up your work
Beginners in programming mostly forget to back up their work. This can lead to the loss of important data and a waste of time and effort. As Indian entrepreneur and investor, Naveen Jain said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” Therefore, it is essential to keep a backup of your work to avoid losing it.
Start creating a backup of your work regularly. You can use cloud-based storage solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, which offer free storage space for your files. Additionally, you can also use version control software like Git to keep track of changes made to your code and maintain a history of your work. By doing so, you can ensure that your work is always secure and easily accessible.
Resources and references to improve on this mistake:
How to Use Google Drive to Backup Your Data by TechBoomers;
Dropbox Tutorial 2018 — Quick Start by Anson Alexander
Git Tutorial for Beginners: Command-Line Fundamentals by LearnCode Academy
15. Humility breeds growth
One common mistake that beginners of programming make is not recognizing the importance of humility in the learning process. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the vastness of the field, but the key to growth is acknowledging that there’s always more to learn and seeking out opportunities to do so.
As Simon Sinek, an American author and motivational speaker, says, “The only true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis.” In the context of programming, this means that true growth and leadership come from facing challenges and being open to learning from them. Similarly, Indian entrepreneur Naveen Jain advises, “Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.”
Beginners should approach programming with an open mind and a willingness to learn from mistakes. They should seek out feedback from more experienced programmers and not be afraid to ask for help when needed. Resources such as online communities, forums, and tutorials can also be helpful in developing a growth mindset and improving programming skills.
16. Conditional syntax mastery
Beginners struggle with conditional syntax. Conditional statements allow programmers to make decisions in their code based on whether a certain condition is true or false. Novices often find it challenging to master the correct syntax of conditional statements, leading to errors in their code.
As an Indian tech entrepreneur and software engineer, Nithin Kamath advises, “When working with conditional statements, take the time to understand the syntax and the logic behind them. Make sure you’re clear about what you’re checking, and what you want to do if that condition is true or false.”
It’s crucial to practice and test code snippets that contain conditional statements. Additionally, referring to language documentation and online resources such as StackOverflow or Codecademy can be helpful in reinforcing conditional syntax concepts.
17. Plan before coding
Beginners of programming do not plan before coding. Jumping straight into coding without proper planning can lead to inefficient code, confusion, and frustration. As rightly said by Steve McConnell, “Good code is its own best documentation. As you’re about to add a comment, ask yourself, ‘How can I improve the code so that this comment isn’t needed?’”
Experts suggest planning and outlining the project’s requirements, expected outcomes, and implementation strategies to avoid this mistake. As advised by Tom Cargill, “The first 90% of the code accounts for the first 90% of the development time. The remaining 10% of the code accounts for the other 90% of the development time.”
Use tools like flowcharts, diagrams, or pseudo code to map out the project’s structure and workflow. It also helps to break down the project into smaller, more manageable tasks to make coding less daunting.
Resources such as “Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship” by Robert C. Martin and “Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction” by Steve McConnell can provide more insight into planning before coding and other software development best practices.
18. Practice makes progress
Beginners in programming often make the mistake of thinking that they can learn everything from reading books or watching tutorials without putting their knowledge into practice. This mistake can hinder their progress and slow down their learning process. As the saying goes, “practice makes progress,” and this is especially true for programming.
As advised by Bill Gates, “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” Therefore, it is essential to practice regularly and not be discouraged by failure. It’s important to keep practicing and learn from the mistakes made along the way.
One resource to improve programming skills through practice is HackerRank, a website that provides coding challenges and assessments to improve programming skills. Another helpful resource is LeetCode, which offers a range of coding problems and solutions to practice with. By consistently practicing, one can make steady progress in learning programming and avoid the mistake of neglecting practical experience.
Conclusion
Learning to code can be challenging, especially for beginners. However, by avoiding common mistakes, beginners can accelerate their learning process and become proficient programmers faster. The 18 mistakes discussed in this article cover various aspects of programming, from setting realistic goals to mastering syntax and debugging. Following the advice of programming experts and personalities, as well as utilizing resources and references, can help beginners overcome these mistakes and develop a strong foundation in programming. With consistent practice and dedication, beginners can go from making these common mistakes to writing efficient and effective code.
Thank you for reading! I would love to hear from you and will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you again for your time, and have a great day! If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below or email me.
Subscribe, follow and become a fan to get regular updates.
