How to benchmark your progress as a programmer?

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+6 Q:

How to benchmark your progress as a programmer?

Is there any site / tool that'll let me check where I stand as a programmer?

AFAIK the development of programmer would include

Language Basics
Good coding standard (class level)
Design Patterns
Architecture

Is there a way to benchmark and check areas of weakness? For language basics, vendor certifications can help but other areas look difficult to test.

+8 A:

A very good overview gives Programmer Competency Matrix. After reading you know where you're.

stacker 2010-03-03 08:41:04

@stacker Looks good. I'm checking it out. It may also help during candidate interviews.

Padmarag 2010-03-03 08:43:37

The last time I looked at that map it revealed places where the author of the matrix lacked competency far more than it revealed places where I lacked competency. IOW, where my competency matched or exceeded the author's it was either accurate or contained glaring error. In places where the author's competency exceeded mine but was still less than expert, I have no way of knowing if it was accurate. That matrix would be more valuable after a few months being debated on a wiki or website like this one.

jmucchiello 2010-03-03 16:29:55

@jmuchiello: indeed it would, I've attained `level 3` on a number of rows despite being only a junior developer and I think having much to cover in these areas. However it's quite useful because it covers a lot of ground and not the bare minimum `Data + Algorithm`: real programmers need more than a Computer Science degree (I did not say they didn't need it!)

Matthieu M. 2010-03-04 08:03:48

I am marking this as the answer, because its the closest to what I wanted. Though the matrix is not perfect, it does provide direction. Thanks @stacker and all.

Padmarag 2010-03-04 12:55:52

BrainBench is one of such sites. The access is paid, but you can do a couple of tests for free. I know some employers which use these as a part of their recruitment process.

pajton 2010-03-03 08:42:33

While not a formal benchmarking tool, the Euler Project is another good way to test (and expand) your programming and logical / mathematical thinking skills

Kris C 2010-03-03 16:08:14

Nothing beats taking other programmers head on and competing real time.Topcoder really nailed online programming competitions.

Ravi Gupta 2010-03-04 05:44:59

ansaurus

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How to benchmark your progress as a programmer?

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