Created by: Codenga 12.11.2021

Is there a single thing that separates programming newbies from experts? Let’s find out!

It's not like we suddenly become experienced programmers. And it certainly doesn't happen overnight. Nevertheless, it is possible to define the difference between a beginner and an experienced person. This difference can be summarized by the following blueprint.

"A novice programmer follows instructions strictly. An experienced programmer can choose the right instructions, modify them, and even create his/her own."

How it works in practice?

Imagine that you are writing a piece of software and you want to create a system to send notifications. If you are a novice programmer and you don't have any experience in this topic, the obvious question will probably pop up: how to get started? And this is where all the fun begins. You just need to look for instructions, workflows, tutorials that will help you get started.

To achieve your goal you must follow these instructions because you simply have no other choice. This is the most difficult thing about being a beginner. You constantly have to look for instructions, hints or even ready-made solutions.

An experienced programmer, especially one who has created similar systems in the past, should not have much of a problem. An experienced person will understand the problem and will be able to find an efficient solution.

Of course, even experienced programmers need to tweak, test and learn something new. This is a normal part of the job. However, such a programmer can evaluate the pros and cons of a solution, can independently choose the optimal instructions and can modify them for a specific task. Unlike a beginner who has to do everything step by step according to the proposed scheme of action..

It works at every level

This pattern works everywhere. It works when implementing our sample notification system. It works when writing scripts that automate tasks. It also works when designing databases, creating a login system, and thousands of other tasks.

No matter what we do, a novice programmer follows the instructions closely. An experienced one, on the other hand, may diverge from these instructions or even build his own problem-solving patterns from scratch.

In fact, the same can be said for any more difficult skill. It works the same way if you're learning to play the piano, invest in the stock market, or cook. As beginners, we are always doomed to follow strict instructions. And this is a normal part of the learning process.

Main areas

Sticking to the programming, there are several areas where the differences between novices and experts are clearly visible.

Skills

Experienced programmers have a more extensive set of skills. They can write more efficient and robust code. They can write a code that is performant, stable and well-documented.

Knowledge

Experienced programmers have a vast knowledge of the languages, tools, frameworks and programming concepts. They are familiar with the most important programming concepts and paradigms.

Problem solving

Experienced programmers have a very efficient approach to problem solving. They can break down complex problems into smaller tasks. And they can use the right tools to solve those problems.

Code readability and maintainability

Experienced programmers have a very efficient approach to problem solving. They can break down complex problems into smaller tasks. And they can use the right tools to solve those problems.

Debugging and testing

Experienced programmers know how to find bugs in their code in an efficient way. They know how to write code that is testable.

So, when can I say I'm an experienced programmer?

Learning is a journey. It is not some point after which we suddenly become experts. Therefore, there is no magic moment that separates the beginners from the experienced.

But there is definitely a skill set that a programmer with experience uses efficiently. He can evaluate whether a given solution makes sense. Can modify ready instructions and adapt them to fit the problem best. Can build his own patterns of actions. Can omit some things because he knows how it will affect the final result. That is, everything we talked about in the previous paragraphs.

The more things you can work out on your own the more experience you gain. Work, create your own projects, gain experience. This is where quantity matters. With every solved problem and every completed project you slowly rise to the top. There is simply no other way