Top 7 Beginner Coding Mistakes You Must Avoid
Programming requires consistency and efficiency, but while programming beginners make some mistakes if not corrected can slow down the process or it would lead to bad coding practise. Recognising the mistakes and learning from it makes a confident and an efficient developer
In this blog article we will dive into 7 common mistakes that beginners often make and how to fix them.
Jumping into Code Without Understanding the Problem
Read the problem statement thoroughly
Writing the flowchart or pseudo code
Break the problem statement into smaller parts
Identifying the input, output, constraints
Not Using Meaningful variable and Function Names
Use descriptive names like totalAmount, isLoggedIn or calculatePrice()
Making function names action oriented like getUserData(), getUserEmail()
Following a consistent naming style like camelCase or snake_case
Avoid abbreviations
Ignoring Code Comments
Writing a short comment on above the code makes it helpful for identifing the purpose of code
Use Inline comments for any complex logic
Using a consistent comment style like (
//for single line in most languages).In a team project commenting is crucial and it should be clear and to the point.
Breaking the DRY Principle (Don't Repeat Yourself)
Writing a short comment on above the code makes it helpful for identifing the purpose of code
Use Inline comments for any complex logic
Using a consistent comment style like ( // for single line in most languages).
In a team project commenting is crucial and it should be clear and to the point.
Copy Pasting Code Without Understanding It
Always try to write the code after learning the concept
If you are copying the code then try to understand each line and the reason of using it and if there's a better approach of doing then try to implement it.
Experimenting the copied code and observe the result
Use refrences but try to code in your own
Not Practicing Enough
Practice coding daily even for 30 minutes
Make it a priority and avoid procrastination
Try to build the project from scratch and practice coding problems.
Fix the schedule and allot a specific time for code
Ignoring Code Readability and Formatting
Follow Indentation and spacing.
Break down the long lines of code
Use consistent bracket placement
Group related lines together with blank lines in between.
Many beginners makes the mistake of doing code without knowing the problem, this leads to wastage of time, and feeling frustrated
How to Fix It:
Variables and function names should be meaningful as when after few years we look out the old codes we should be able to understand the codes. Using too long variable names also tends to mismatch
How to Fix It:
When coding many beginners don't write comments as without comments makes it harder for knwoing the purpose of code
If a short comment is added it will help to identify the purpose of the code later
How to Fix It:
Many beginners tend to use the same code everywhere instead of using loops or function. For example, to display cards for a service section from the database, instead of repeating code, use a loop to reduce redundancy and follow the DRY principle.
How to Fix It:
Beginner often start writing code by copy pasting which leads to not understanding the code and reduce the confidence of building any project from scratch.
How to Fix It:
Programming requires consistency if not done regularly you will feel less confident and make more mistakes.
How to Fix It:
Beginner often write code without proper formatting it leads to messy and makes it difficult to debug and understand.
How to Fix It:
Conclusion
We should remember making mistake is part of becoming a great programmer. We should not avoid the mistakes but to recognize them and learn from it. By avoiding the above 7 common mistakes you will make a strong foundation for writing clean, efficient code and remember that every great programmer was once a beginner who overcomes the mistakes and kept on improving
