Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#11

Post by techjuice » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:03 AM UTC

The first step is to insure that you have increased your regular typing speed (wpm or words per minute) by doing the regular keyboard speed tests. Keep doing these until your average speed is in the 200 range or higher.

By doing this you will also increase your reading speed which also helps increases your programming speed. Your mind is the fastest thing you have, it is the translating of what you are thinking or seeing to typing that slows one down. This is why there has been work on trying to use your brain waves as an output device so you can bypass having to type what you are thinking or reading.

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#12

Post by johannesboyne » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:04 AM UTC

It is a difficult question, and actually not quite clear in what context you want to gain speed. Is it the pure coding or is it the development of solutions? I'll go for the later ;)

Structure your work and try to develop a strategy. So think about (w)hat, (w)hy, ho(w), (w)here, (w)hen. - What: What is the core problem to solve? - Why: If it is a 'problem', why is it a problem, is there an existing solution? If not, why is the feature important - empathize with the feature request. - How: What is your strategy, how do you want to conquer this task? - Where: Where does the solution has to be implemented to fit best? - When: Programming is a process (a timely and logical sequence of activities which are required), thus define what step has to be done before the next. Example: one should not start with the development of a "user scores database" if the main objective is to build a jump-and-run game.

These steps are helping myself to be more productive.

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#13

Post by [deleted] » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:04 AM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#14

Post by chrisxcross » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:06 AM UTC

Don't google every error and use the top answer on stackoverflow to fix ist. Read the docs and try to understand why your solution didn't work in the first place. Basically this results in getting familiar with stdlibs and/or frameworks.

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#15

Post by lwh » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:08 AM UTC

Sit in a quiet room, alone

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#16

Post by eemax » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:08 AM UTC

Learn to use your tools (e.g. your text editor, shell, window manager, etc.) like a pro. Learn keyboard shortcuts and the advanced features, and customize them to make them your own.

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#17

Post by M8 » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:10 AM UTC

Forget about maintainability and pick a language that hides errors: Python is good, JavaScript is even better.

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#18

Post by therealidiot » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:11 AM UTC

Heavy use of IDE shortcuts can help

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#19

Post by AndersSandvik » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:13 AM UTC

Automate everything

Re: Ask HN: How do I become a faster programmer?

#20

Post by azam3d » Sat, Mar 21, 2015, 10:14 AM UTC

Tips to be competitive programmer

0. Type code faster

1. Quickly Identify Problem Types

2. Do Algorithm Analysis

3. Master Programming Languages

4. Master the Art of Testing Code

5. Practice and More Practice

Read more about competitive programming free PDF book here. The tips are on Chapter 1.2

http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~stevenha/myteaching/competitive_...