What are the ways to become an efficient computer programmer?
It’s a common understanding that hurrying to finish a task can result in less than satisfying outcomes. This fact is particularly true in programming where developers frequently face the pressure of meeting strict deadlines. Although working extended hours and depending on caffeine and energy drinks to remain attentive might seem like the only solution to accomplish the job, this technique isn’t sustainable and is ineffective in the long term.
To enhance productivity in a programming atmosphere, it’s crucial to adopt a thoughtful approach, understand one’s abilities, and recognize the objectives of the company.
We conducted an interview with Rafael Henrique Tibaes, a Cloud Vision Engineer at Logitech, and Joo Ferreira, a Senior Software Engineer at Foursquare. Both of them secured their current roles through Works. The aim of the interview was to investigate whether efficiency is a requirement for a prosperous programming career.
Speed isn’t the only thing that matters
Tibaes emphasizes that it’s crucial to understand that the assumption of outstanding programmers being ten times faster than others is deceptive. This is because it assumes that the term “speed” refers to how fast they can generate code.
Producing code quickly doesn’t always lead to quicker outcomes. Even developers may find it difficult to understand their own code if they revisit it after a month. Writing code hastily is only advantageous in a competitive environment. Therefore, hastily written code can result in problems later on which someone else would have to address.
Furthermore, Tibaes clarifies that the converse is right as well; if a developer takes longer than usual to deliver the code, it may indicate that they are not performing as efficiently as they should. If it’s not vital, it isn’t necessary to use C for every code aspect.
It’s crucial to strike a balance between the code delivery speed, code quality, and ease of maintenance. To sustain success, companies require developers who can assess these variables and make appropriate decisions that will help the organization continue to progress.
In summary, start-ups ought to be capable of swiftly introducing a product to the market, even if it isn’t flawless. However, bigger, well-established companies should aim for excellence right from the start to guarantee that their systems and services are working correctly.
Ferreira is of the opinion that programming and playing the guitar share many similarities.
Although someone who plays the guitar rapidly may appear impressive, it does not always make them a guitar ‘expert.’ Sometimes, they might be trying to conceal their lack of knowledge with impressive methods.
Being a programmer can be tough, considering that there is a possibility that a manager may erroneously assume that quicker code will lead to faster outcomes, whereas it may simply lead to quicker failure.
How can you measure efficiency?
The challenge that all programmers face next is how to measure productivity.
Ferreira underlines the significance of not relying on a single metric when gauging programming productivity. Time is not the only factor to take into account; the code quality and number of issues that emerge post-release are equally important metrics to track. Failing to meet the standards can have adverse consequences for you and your business.
Tibaes underscores once again the importance of linking one’s productivity metrics to the employer’s objectives. To measure productivity effectively, it is crucial to be aware of the organization’s objectives. Is the goal to swiftly develop a minimum viable product, or to build a sturdy platform capable of handling millions of users without crashing? Agile is gaining traction among businesses; its core tenet is that the focus should be on finishing vital work to accomplish the organization’s objectives, rather than on completing as many tasks as possible within the shortest duration possible.
Ferreira and Tibaes agree that it’s difficult to measure success without periodic evaluation. “Using only a deadline as a metric can be perilous. In my experience, soliciting feedback has been the most effective method for measuring productivity. By regularly requesting feedback, I was able to not only determine areas for enhancement, but also discovered that my audience was eager to stay connected.”
Five Tips for Novice Programmers
Newbie programmers may find some valuable guidance from Ferreira and Tibaes:
Keep the larger picture in mind at all times.
Prioritizing personal and professional goals while not at the cost of one’s health or safety is essential. Extensive work hours may sound remarkable, but the resulting physical and mental fatigue is not worthwhile.
To put it plainly, you cannot do everything alone
If you aspire to be among their ranks, you need a team of superheroes.
Select the right tools to get the job done correctly.
Don’t push yourself to employ C language for all tasks when Python is more than sufficient.
Avoid narrow-mindedness.
It is vital to keep an open mind at the start of your career, even if you have a distinct objective in sight. You may discover that a different field of the company is more alluring and engaging.
- Make sure to get adequate rest, hydration, and nourishment.
If Rafael and Joo’s discussion was informative, we suggest registering for one of our upcoming live or on-demand webinars. For additional information, please see our blog.
Are you eager to progress in your software engineering career as a developer? Apply now to become a part of the Works Talent Network.
