self-improvement

Programming with OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder)

From wikipedia: The primary symptoms of OCPD are a preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, and schedules; being very rigid and inflexible in their beliefs; showing perfectionism that interferes with completing a task; excessive focus on being productive with their time; being very conscientious; having inflexib...

How do I get fluent in Python?

Once you have learned the basic commands in Python, you are often able to solve most programming problem you face. But the way in which this is done is not really Python-ic. What is common is to use the classical c++ or Java mentality to solve problems. But Python is more than that. It has functional programming incorporated; many libra...

What does it need to be a programmer?

What should I study in order to be a programmer. (except programming languages :) ) I know some C/C++ and some Java(, but I don't have the thinking of a programmer. I probably need to study some algorithms. What is your opinion? ...

looking for learning exercise: implement these monads

When learning about new programming subjects I usually follow a pattern: I read about it, I understand it, and then I code up a few examples to make sure I really get it. I've read a lot about monads, and I'm confident that I understand and get them. I'm now at a stage where I'd really like to code up a few monads to solidify my under...

How to deliver a done-done task

It happens to me many times to deliver some task Then it returns back to me to fix some 'minor' issues (or even major) I'm monitoring my delivery quality and trying to improve it as I can So, I'm maintaining a before-task-delivery checklist and trying to get the most out of it to enhance my overall quality/efficiency I think I'm not alo...

Roadmap to a better programmer

Hi, Its always said that more you program, the better you become. Sounds good and true. But I was wondering if there is a proven route to becoming a better programmer. Something like: Learn a Learn b Learn c > 'Now you are good to burn the engines' Try stuff around based on your learning. The answer might be similar to a CS course ...

I know how to program. Now how do I learn to design?

Hi, I'm a community college student graduating this year. Over the last couple of years I learned HTML, CSS, VB.NET, C#, PHP, and to a lesser extent some other languages. I have no problems whatsoever with assignments given in class. In fact, I always get A's and I'm never challenged. But when I to go ahead and try to write something big...

How to keep up to date on latest computer science?

I was re-reading some of my Steve McConnell books and this quote got me thinking 'scientists build in order to learn, engineers learn in order to build'. On the vein of 'learning in order to build' I was wondering: How are the software engineers keeping up to date on the latest technologies and research? It would seem that publications...

As a developer, is it worthwhile asking anonymous feedback from colleagues?

G'day, I'm always trying to improve my performance as a developer and, after listening to this interesting podcast on the topic, I was wondering if people think it is worthwhile asking for feedback from colleagues. I am thinking of obtaining feedback anonymously in the manner suggested in the podcast by using the Rypple site. And by as...

Depression after coding?

This happens to me most of the time. After I have finished writing some code, I get this feeling that it is not the optimum code or there is a better way of writing the same code. Perhaps someone else is more intelligent than me who can implement the same alogrithm in more smarter way. This sometimes let me down and sometimes leads to d...

Is there any self-improving compiler around?

I am not aware of any self-improving compiler, but then again I am not much of a compiler-guy. Is there ANY self-improving compiler out there? Please note that I am talking about a compiler that improves itself - not a compiler that improves the code it compiles. Any pointers appreciated! Side-note: in case you're wondering why I am ...

What else is there to do? A programmers guide to understanding himself

I have just recently graduated college with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and have joined the other millions in search for a job. I have took up, Assembly, Java and Scheme in college and have taught myself, PHP, HTML, CSS, Android and JavaScript on the side. My part-time job right now, I serve as a part-time web designer an...

What methods do programmers prefer to use when learning new subjects or technologies

When you are learning a new subject or technology what ways do you use to remember your achievements ? In the past I have used a variety of methods including some of the following :- Paper-based Journal (A4 paper cut in half with a guillotine, and bound with a plastic spine.) I keep this chronologically, and frequently reorder the pag...

How do you work on Strategic Development initiatives when Tactical work takes priority?

My day-to-day job consists of maintaining large volume websites and this has given me exposure to developing better methods to develop and maintain the code. This has also given me a large body of knowledge in the code base in terms of troubleshooting that is beneficial to the company. I'm also the maintainer of an IDE plug in I create...

How can one improve their Architecture skills ?

What are the things you would like to recommend to improve architecture and coding skills ? ...

Book or Teacher?

My friend wants to learn programming. Should he learn with a teacher, or learn alone from the internet or a book? Learning alone things can be a great skill in this era, but, is this actually good? Is it better than a teacher? Should he pay to a teacher, instead of learning alone? ...

Is it ok to learn computer science/programming concepts on your own outside of those being learned in class?

I realize that the answer to this question might seem obvious at first(who wouldn't recommend learning more?), however what I am asking is whether it is a good idea to learn concepts on your own when there is a high possibility you will cover it in class in the future. I am specifically referring to concepts covered in classes that are a...

How to become a good programmer in a different framework/language without a teacher or supervisor?

I hope this is not a repeat question, because I'm asking about a very specific scenario. A brief explanation: I learned LAMP development on the job by following the design practices of my supervisor. I've been exposed to plenty of open source platforms (eg. wordpress, code ignitor, joomla etc...) and left over php freelance assignment...

Resources for Game Artificial Intelligence

I would like to start building/developing a game AI that will allow me to play games like: Chess, domino, poker, and Texas hold'em against computer opponent. What are some of the books/resources are recommended to achieve that goal? Please give me the link with the books cover or something ...

Keeping skills up to date is more important to programmers than any other job?

I remember back in school, students use to say in a tiring tone, "Engineers and computer scientists must always keep apprised of new technologies and keep their skills up to date. If they don't they will be at risk of being laid off. It's easier to be something like an accountant because an accountant only needs to learn a finite numbe...