A person who wants to become a computer programmer may want to know if there are problem-solving programs to suggest what will help them as a programmer. The ability to solve problems is a critical characteristic of a computer programmer. Knowing about the resources for developing logical computer programming skills and understanding how to solve problems will help a person advance their skills and enjoy more satisfaction in the profession of computer programming.
Writing Code Is an Exercise in Problem-Solving
“Everyone in this country should learn to program a computer because it teaches you to think.” This bit of wisdom from Steve Jobs is key to understanding what computer programming is all about and how a person can get better at it. According to Free Code Camp, it helps to have a framework. Just like coding requires a framework, so does the process of problem-solving. Developing a framework for solving problems will help anyone who wants to become a computer programmer. The framework should include understanding what is being asked, planning the solution, breaking up the big problem into manageable steps, debugging, reassessing, researching and practicing.
Try Some Low-tech Problem-Solving Skills
According to Alan Grossman, computers had their origin in military cryptography. This was done by hand before computers were available or widely available. A good way that a person can help themselves as a computer programmer is to try some low-tech problem-solving programs. These can include technology, but they do not have to involve programming. For example, video games are excellent for building problem-solving skills. Sudoku puzzles, crosswords, math problems and the game of chess are also some low-tech solutions that a person might want to try during their downtime or when they need a break from coding.
Focus on the Plan of Action
Spend 70 percent of your time thinking about how to solve a problem before jumping into it. This advice from Simple Programmer could help a person avoid a lot of wasted time. The best way to improve the ability to solve problems is to solve more problems. In order to maximize efficiency at problem-solving, spend most of the time creating the plan of action and the remainder of the time taking those actions.
Practice the Process of Solving Problems
Practice solving different types of problems. Taking time to understand the problem and what the question is can avoid a lot of wasted time and misunderstanding. Once a possible solution is reached, see if it can be simplified. Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest ones. Remember that the details come naturally over time. In computer programming, the syntax is often a hangup. Familiarity with the syntax simply requires practice.
Work Through the Hard Stuff
Michael Jordan, the famous NBA athlete, once said, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” A person cannot grow as a programmer if they give up the first time they fail. When an obstacle presents itself, either as an outright failure or as an inability to find a solution the first time, look for a new way. Computer programmers are known to be great innovators and creative thinkers, despite all of the logic and objectivity that is required in order to write code. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the ability to troubleshoot problems is critical for success in computer programming. Looking for errors and fixing them are required for the job. One easy problem-solving program to suggest for a person who wants to grow as a programmer is to join online communities or befriend other programmers and help them troubleshoot and debug their work. Solving their problems could help a programmer solve more of their own problems in the future.
Each person solves problems a little differently, and these tools could help a person develop their innate skills at critical thinking, logic and decision-making. Knowing how to solve problems and where to go in order to get help with problems is essential for new and experienced computer programmers alike. Knowing if there are problem-solving programs to suggest what will help as a programmer could help a person enjoy a more professionally and personally satisfying career in the field of computer programming.
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