What makes you a better and competent coder

In this blog I would like to cover few key notes which will help any software developer to become a better and competent coder.

“Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.” — Martin Fowler

The above statement has changed my mind on how I should be writing a code such that it is effective and readable at the same time.

So, the below basic principles will help you to write an effective program.

• Programming standards – Following an established standards is crucial for creating high-quality, maintainable code. These guidelines will ensure that your code is consistent, readable, and easy for others to understand.
• SOLID principles – These are a collection of five design guidelines aimed at improving your programming skills. They focus on enhancing code maintainability, readability, and extensibility.
  • Single Responsibility Principle (SRP)
  • Open/Closed Principle (OCP)
  • Liskov Substitution Principle (LSP)
  • Interface Segregation Principle (ISP)
  • Dependency Inversion Principle (DIP)

• Design Patterns- Design patterns are reusable solutions to common problems that occur in software design. By understanding these patterns and applying them appropriately, you can create more efficient and maintainable code. They can be categorized into three main types.
  • Creational patterns.
    • Singleton: Ensures that a class has only one instance and provides a global point of access to it.
    • Factory Method: Defines an interface for creating objects in a superclass but allows subclasses to alter the type of objects that will be created.
  • Structural patterns.
    • Adapter: Allows classes with incompatible interfaces to work together by wrapping its own interface around the existing interface of the class.
    • Decorator: Adds new functionality to an object without altering its structure or changing the interface of the original object.
  • Behavioral patterns.
    • Observer: Defines a one-to-many dependency between objects, so when one object changes state, all its dependents are notified and updated automatically.
    • Strategy: Defines a family of algorithms, encapsulates each one, and makes them interchangeable, allowing the algorithm to vary independently from clients that use it.
• Naming Conventions – Choosing clear and descriptive names is an essential part of writing maintainable code. Good naming conventions improve readability, reduce confusion, and make it easier for others to understand and work with your code.
• Testing – Testing is a crucial aspect of software development that ensures the quality, reliability, and correctness of your code. There are different types of tests, each serving a specific purpose in validating your software.
  • End-to-End testing
  • Unit testing
  • Integration testing
• Speed and Time Management – In software development, it’s essential not to rush into finishing a project, especially if it’s a long-term one. Taking your time allows for a more thoughtful approach, helping you avoid potential pitfalls and technical debt. Remember that it’s unlikely you’ll get everything right on the first try, and slowing down can ultimately save time by preventing the need for extensive rework and refactoring later.