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Khoa Pham
Khoa Pham

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What defines a good programmer

I always found myself asking this question "What define a good programmer?"
I ask lots of people and the answers vary, they 're all correct for certain aspects

Good programmer is someone who has a solid knowledge of the "how-to" both in theory and in practices. Understanding customer requirements clearly and having the vision to fulfill it through dedication and execution!

Good programmer is one who has in-depth knowledge of one particular major and wide understanding of many things else

Algorithm

One of the answers I really like is responsibility

Thanks Uncle Bob for pointing it out in his experience sharing "The Professional Programmer" in the book 97 Things Every Programmer Should Know: Collective Wisdom from the Experts

The single most important trait of a professional programmer is personal responsibility. Professional programmers take responsibility for their career, their estimates, their schedule commitments, their mistakes, and their workmanship. A professional programmer does not pass that responsibility off on others.

  • If you are a professional, then you are responsible for your own career
  • Professionals take responsibility for the code they write
  • Professionals are team players
  • Professionals do not tolerate big bug lists
  • Professionals do not make a mess

Although he talks about a professional programmer, my intention in "good programmer" term is the same as that

Top comments (1)

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panditapan profile image
Pandita

If we ever get near a definition of a "good programmer", I'd like for it to include empathy for their users, their teammates and for everyone, stranger or not, in the industry.

I believe empathy leads to humility, which is also important.

Other than that, I'll leave the technical side to others who are more knowledgeable in that area :3