Becoming a Better Programmer

Introduction

You care about code. You’re passionate about programming. You’re the kind of developer who likes to craft truly great software. And you’ve picked up this book because you want to do it even better. Good call.

This book will help you.

The aim is to do exactly what it says on the cover: help you become a better programmer. But what does that mean exactly?

Pretty early in any programmer’s career comes the realisation that there’s more to being a great coder than a simple understanding of syntax and a mastery of basic design. The awesome programmers, those productive people who craft beautiful code and work effectively with other people, know far more. There are methods of working, attitudes, approaches, idioms, and techniques you learn over time that increase your effectiveness. There are useful social skills, and a whole pile of tribal knowledge to pick up.

And, of course, you need to learn syntax and design.

That is exactly what this book is about. It’s a catalogue of useful techniques and approaches to the art and craft of programming that will help you become better.

I won’t pretend that this is an exhaustive treatise. The field is vast. There’s always more to learn, with new ground being claimed every day. These chapters are simply the fruit of more than 15 years of my work as a professional programmer. I’ve seen enough code, and made enough mistakes. I won’t claim I’m an expert; I’m just well seasoned. If you can learn from the mistakes I’ve made and garner inspiration ...