Introduction

It's almost every beginner's doubt: Do we have to memorize everything in coding to become a great coder? But the reality is different—you don’t have to learn any syntax, as it doesn’t matter. What truly matters is understanding the core concepts and the logic behind programming. Once you grasp that, everything else falls into place. Even the greatest coders in the world rely on documentation or Google.

How to be a good programmer?

Coding is not about memorization; it's about problem-solving. If you understand this rule, you're all set!

Rules to Be a Good Programmer:  

1. Write readable code: It's not about making complex code but keeping it as simple as possible while getting the task done efficiently.  

2. Use comments: Comments make your code more understandable for others and even for yourself when you revisit it after a break.  

3. Keep updating, or be ready to be outdated: In the fast-paced world of coding, staying up to date is crucial.  

4. Practice, practice, and practice: Consistent practice is the key to success.  

Tip from Pranav: Sometimes, when you get stuck on a problem in a program, just relax, take a break, go for a walk, or sleep. This can help refresh your mind and open up new solutions. In my case, it helps a lot, as my brain processes the problem in the background and eventually finds a new solution.

Real-life incident

While I was on my coding journey, I had to complete a project as part of the 100 Days of Python challenge by Angela Yu. I believe I was on Day 20, and that day's task was to build a snake game where the snake eats fruit in a GUI format.  

Converting a design into code has never been an area of interest for me, but I had to complete this task to stay on track. I got stuck in the design part, and it took me much longer than usual. Feeling frustrated, I decided to go for a drive.  

After the drive, my brain suddenly came up with a new solution, and the best part? It worked perfectly!

Conclusion

Becoming a great programmer is not about memorizing things but about mastering the art of problem solving and logical thinking. The ability to break down complex problems, write clean and efficient code, and continuously learn is what truly defines a skilled coder. Keep learning, keep practicing, and most importantly, enjoy the process of coding!