More than a decade ago, embarking on my journey to become a proficient coder, I started with a simple Google search: “How to be a better developer.” Like many in the field, I felt that university, while foundational, hadn’t quite equipped me with the practical, day-to-day skills of a software engineer. The real learning, I realized, was just beginning.
My search results were a mixed bag of advice, many of which are standard recommendations in the software development world. I encountered suggestions like:
- Writing detailed specifications before coding
- Implementing unit tests to ensure code reliability
- Thoroughly documenting code for maintainability
- Exploring Functional Programming paradigms
- Striving for self-documenting code for clarity
- Diving into classics like “Clean Code”
- Starting a blog to solidify learning and share knowledge
The idea of starting a blog resonated deeply, and it’s what eventually led to the creation of this very platform. The unexpected joy I found in writing was a bonus.
Beyond Writing More Code: The Power of Reading Code
While all those suggestions have merit, the most impactful technique I’ve discovered for enhancing my coding skills isn’t just about writing more lines of code. It’s about actively reading code written by others.
An insightful former colleague highlighted this very point. It was his “secret weapon,” even as the team’s architect, a role you might assume is beyond needing further study. He understood the continuous learning nature of software development.
Therefore, I advocate for reading more code, but not passively. You can’t skim code like a novel. Effective code reading requires a structured approach:
- Select a Library of Interest: Choose a medium-sized library that you either use regularly or find conceptually interesting.
- Acquire the Source Code: Download the library’s source code to your local machine.
- Compile and Execute: Get the library up and running on your system to understand its operational context.
- Examine Unit Tests: Study the unit tests to grasp the intended behavior and edge cases of the library’s components.
- Debug a Feature: Step through the code of a specific feature using a debugger to see the execution flow in detail.
Pay close attention to how the library’s developers have implemented specific functionalities.
Whenever you encounter unfamiliar elements—be it a new keyword, a data structure, or a method from the standard library—take the time to investigate and understand it. Look it up, research its purpose, and ensure you grasp its function.
Once you feel you understand the implementation of a feature, challenge yourself. Try to recreate a simplified, “bare-bones” version of that feature from scratch, without referring back to the original code. This exercise is crucial for solidifying your understanding and truly internalizing the concepts.
This strategy proved invaluable when I was learning about the Specification pattern. I found a library that implemented it, delved into its source code, and after grasping the core concepts, I built my own simplified version. This hands-on approach led to a deeper understanding and eventually, a blog post explaining the pattern.
In conclusion, while writing code is essential, to truly accelerate your growth as a software developer and solidify your position in a field where Coding Is Still A Good Career Bet, prioritize active code reading. It’s a powerful method for learning best practices, expanding your knowledge, and ultimately, becoming a more skilled and valuable programmer.
