Programming Principles Beginners Must Know

Bryl Lim
2 min readDec 10, 2022

Programming principles are a set of guidelines and best practices that help developers write efficient, well-structured, and maintainable code. These principles can vary depending on the programming language and the specific context in which the code is being written, but some common principles include the following:

  1. Master the basics

Understanding the basic syntax and structure of the programming language you are using is important because it forms the foundation of your knowledge and ability to write code. Knowing how to declare variables, use loops and control structures, and write functions allows you to write code that is correct, efficient, and well-structured.

2. Develop good coding habits

Practicing good coding habits, such as using descriptive variable names, commenting your code, and using proper indentation, helps make your code easy to read and understand, which can be especially important when working on larger, more complex projects. It also helps you avoid common mistakes and bugs, and makes your code more maintainable and reusable.

3. Break it down

Thinking logically and breaking down problems into smaller pieces is a crucial skill for all programmers. It allows you to approach complex problems in a systematic and organized way, and helps you write code that is efficient and effective.

4. Test, test, and tests

Understanding the importance of testing and debugging is crucial for ensuring that your code is working correctly. Testing allows you to identify and fix errors and bugs before your code is deployed, while debugging allows you to find and fix any errors that may occur at runtime.

5. Be a lifelong learner

Continuously learning and improving your skills is important because programming is a rapidly evolving field. Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices can help you stay competitive and ensure that your skills remain relevant. Additionally, learning new technologies and techniques can help you become a more well-rounded and versatile programmer.

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