Code Complete by Steve Mcconnell : Chapter 31

In this chapter, the author explores the programmer character. The author cites a study saying there is an order difference in time required to write program between the best and the worst programmers. The author emphasizes the fact that more than intelligence, the character is the more decisive factor in the makeup of a superior programmer.

The author then provide some of the steps that programmers should take to learn:

• Build awareness of the development process
• Experiment
• Read about problem solving
• Analyze and plan before you act
• Learn about successful projects
• Read manuals
• Read other periodicals and books

The author then emphasizes on developing an intellectual honesty such as:

• Refusing to pretend you are an expert when you are not
• Readily admitting your mistakes
• Clearly understanding your program instead of compiling it to see if it works
• Providing realistic status reports

The author then talks about communication and cooperation among programmers in a team. The author then classifies programmer at different levels. The author emphasizes on putting creativity and maintaining discipline. The author suggests to avoid laziness that manifests in several things.

The author emphasizes the importance of persistence and experience but the author do warn against getting the same experience for many years. The author also talks about habit and its impact on good programming. The author suggests to learn good habits in the early part of career since that will prevail for the rest of your career.