The KEY To Thinking Like a Programmer (Fix This Or Keep Struggling)

Is there something special to how programmers think that makes them good at what they do? In this video I detail how software developers think that allows them to solve complex problems and build robust applications.
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[@AndySterkowitz]

Do you have a better sense of what it means to "think like a programmer"?

[@elviskosgei5435]

Code is like a tool. You have to think like a carpenter who uses a hammer to nail wood

[@AndySterkowitz]

Definitely.

[@RR-gm7qj]

I think most people who are just getting into programming rush to the keyboard too soon and just want to write code as they go. They seem to underestimate the value of good old pen and paper (or dry erase board) to actually plan out your program and figure out what you want it to do and how to do it before you even get to the computer. They live by the motto of “Hours of coding can save you minutes of planning.”

[@collinssishenyi9580]

yes now that you have explained. it makes sense never thought about it in that way, scientific method

[@Robidu1973]

@@RR-gm7qj The problem is, that only works for people who can stabilize early in the work process and work with the existing structures. However, what are the ones to do who are stabilizing late in the process and tend to adapt to the progress of the work being done? I can tell you from my experience that even though I may have planned something on a project, the final result most of the times didn't have anything even remotely in common with the initial concept. That's why I have started to get at it from two directions: The superstructure (i. e. any interfaces that I want to expose) as that remains rather stable, and the elemental operations that need to be performed to receive certain results. The intermediate parts are usually established somewhere in between as they tend to shift and evolve a lot before the project is finished.

[@guitarman813]

In my opinion, programming is 20% code, 80% problem-solving. If you cannot solve the given problem in your mind, you cannot write the code for it. Therefore, think BEFORE you code!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Amen!

[@kyrierevival3658]

I think solution, therefore I code!

[@paulsonbob6679]

Beautiful

[@jhde9067]

"If you cannot solve the problem in your mind..." What does that mean in actuality? Is it me thinking of a way to be reminded of a task so I write a short script to my terminal? What does it mean?do you have a clear case? Can you elaborate like you were talking to a five-year-old. Thanks!

[@Fraket]

@@jhde9067 Being an Engineer requires being able to design highly scalable complex systems and solving problems. Actually writing code is just an artifact of the design. Really, coding is the easy part. Design is the harder part.

[@joeBalt279]

I learned that a big part of programming is identifying the problem and asking questions, even the wrong questions, until you arrive at the right question that will lead you to a solution.

[@bobbyrinehart1299]

I'm a chemist that is transitioning to a programming role where I work. After fixing several iterations of the same issues over and over again, I came to the same conclusion. On my whiteboard at my desk, I wrote: "The key to solving a problem isn't the solution itself; it is understanding the problem in the first place." Now I ask questions, and everyone gets mad at me. However, I'd rather ask a lot of questions and code something once than go back and forth a hundred times.

[@Compufreak]

I'd recommend reading up on active listening techniques, they will help you to get even more annoying - well they won't as you will get better on deeply understanding the problem with less iterations ;) But yeah, good software always follows this order in some way. Analyse Plan Implement Test Repeat

[@davew2040x]

@@bobbyrinehart1299 It’s certainly the case that some people will take offense to questions being asked, because it can certainly reflect poorly on them. Questions can imply that the product manager is doing a poor job of communicating the expectations or purpose of the project. They could suggest that earlier developers did a poor job of building a sensible architecture, so that it’s confusing and difficult for somebody to jump into it. People getting offended at questions is probably a sign that the questions needed to be asked.

[@satoshinakamoto7253]

Yeah the foundations of logic. What are the fundamental axioms ? Are they relevant to the question at hand? Am I making the right conclusions based on those axioms without violating any of the fundamental laws? Etc. Physics is great for that

[@satoshinakamoto7253]

@@bobbyrinehart1299 Yeah the foundations of logic. What are the fundamental axioms ? Are they relevant to the question at hand? Am I making the right conclusions based on those axioms without violating any of the fundamental laws? Etc. Physics is great for

[@wisdomminer5604]

Major Points / Summary 1) Know what programming is. It is writing code to solve a problem. To solve problems you need to think more methodically. (Orderly and structured thinking. e.g. like the scientific method) 2) Breaking down problems. Break a hard and complicated problem down into multiple easy and simple problems. (Decomposition) 3) Think algorithmically. Think about turning the solution into a a recipe. (simple step by step instructions)

[@afshah.7972]

Thank you 💓

[@mrwho.7163]

thanks pal

[@passportbro904]

Thanks bro.

[@alinho824]

thx

[@shieldanime6968]

arigathanks 👍❤️

[@OEThe11]

What really changed the game for me was actually planning the finished project and then working backwards to its most basic parts of that project. Really makes things much simpler and easier to manipulate. But you gotta know the tools and ingredients at your disposal. Once you get that down, it's not bad at all

[@AndySterkowitz]

Planning is key. The adage is minutes of planning can save hours of coding...or something like that 😊

[@atenleggedninja]

How to eat an elephant right? One bite at a time.

[@hanscarlsson7276]

@Alek WolfI think that what he OP really meant was to start with the deliverables and a deadline and work your way planning backwards from there. You may even start creating an empty setup.exe for you application and writing the user manual first. The user manual and a mockup UI is a great way to get stakeholders involved and reacting to your solution.

[@adipurnomo5683]

@@AndySterkowitz agreed

[@ironcladruffian1490]

I agree. I always thought projects are done this way, until I joined my current organization 4 years back. I have been trying to explain for the past 4 years to begin with the end on mind.

[@umziwoxolodlodlo285]

Now I get why Math is closely related to programming. They both contain the basics essentials of deep problem solving and algorithmic structuring of solutions.

[@future_teknokrat7585]

Because programming is a direct descendant of theoretical math. Programming was a technique mathematicians used to "apply" their hypothesis in the real world to solve problems. The math was always worked out first, then input into a machine, then the math was twerked to improve the results.

[@Cnupoc]

Programming IS math, its just that you organize the "math laws" in programming the way you want them to work together.

[@TitaniumTronic]

Hello, I'm a 14 year old and just trying out programming because I'm confused on what I actually want to become and this is the most interesting career path that I could think of, I started codecademy in python, but I have one problem, I suck at math and I don't think I am a very good problem solver, does the ability to problem solve improve overtime or am I never gonna get better because I don't want to decide on this and just realize that I can't keep up with everyone else, advice is appreciated, thank you!! :D

[@myth5002]

@@TitaniumTronic As long as you practice and breaking things down to small chunks and think it through before applying it you'll improve over time. As for how good or bad you are in math, you'll be fine so don't worry about it as long as you know the basics you'll improve over time :)

[@TitaniumTronic]

@@myth5002 Thank you!

[@thesavoyard]

The main thing is to not be intimidated. Take on tasks you may not be able to do. You get stronger when you struggle.

[@cybler]

This video is spot on, problem solving and decomposition are so crucial but so hard to teach people. I learned problem solving in my early 20s as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force. I've used these skills for more than 20 years in programming, operations, support, management and in many other parts of my programming career.

[@AIGMODEL]

This is sooooo helpful. I started a computer science degree ten years ago and was falling behind because I didn't understand these approaches. I'm trying my hand at programming again and I want to thank you for helping me see this now. I think I may have a chance with these tools

[@Troncoso01]

You know that you think like a programmer when every decision in your life mentally starts with "if this than that result else this other result" which has it's pros and cons

[@AnthonyNicholson]

I love the small parts breakdown idea. User stories were something I learned at my bootcamp and it's super helpful in getting me started on any project!

[@andyjohn907]

Awesome...

[@randomness361]

🔴 Please make a video about: When to know is enough learning, and get ready to take the first project as a freelancer

[@raphaelehindero1574]

In my opinion, i think the better approach would be to look for the projects that your present skill can solve, not really waiting to get to an hypothetical entrance point into coding. that way you can also be gaining some confidence as you learn.

[@ademineshat]

He already mentioned that many times!

[@gaureesha9840]

Learning never stops. Start doing projects alongside learning

[@OfoeNelson]

I think you'll never know enough especially with web development. So what I did was just start building projects or rebuilding projects and then tweaking things adding new stuff to it. That's how a lot of pro learn it but a few would want you to find your own path.

[@ademineshat]

Simple answer! Never, it will never be enough!

[@niyajackson8158]

I’m from a Linux background and just started programming 24hrs ago and realized that I needed to break the problems down. I thought it was just me and I found it easier so I’m glad you said this

[@johndoggett4657]

You speak the truth Andy. Once you step away from tutorials and start building stuff all of the points you just made start making sense.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Love to hear that! This has rang true from my experience....theory is important to learn but is difficult to grasp without reference experiences.

[@JeromePowerrr]

I have a physics background and just got more serious about coding, and indeed noticed that it is a lot more similar to math and physics than I initially thought. It’s high level problem solving!

[@hubertvelasquez1358]

I feel you touched on something very true. Programming felt tough at first but, with the added knowledge of discrete math, you start seeing how it is it is to solve problems when you take the time to structure and create algorithms, pick apart the problem into small bits and then it s just watching your syntax depending on the language

[@MephiticMiasma]

"When working with security, I use Discrete Mathematics. Yes, I am a discrete mathematician." -- Art Benjamin

[@ytbrowser6704]

Thanks for the video. As someone who has switched from a career in science to software development, you are spot on about the similarities with the scientific method.

[@OfoeNelson]

I learned something recently. Import code of a website template with CSS and JavaScript files included into one window of your text editor. Now start typing the code line by line into another window using the template as your reference that way you learn what every single line of code is doing. You can even rearrange the code to see if you end up with the same results. Hope this helped someone.

[@timharry5168]

Thanx

[@jsmythib]

*Edit* A great way to start programming. I have always been amazed at the vastness of code libraries and frameworks that now exist everywhere. Its a big field! Have fun :)

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

@@jsmythib how else can you enter code besides "manually" genuine friendly question not a challenge

[@jsmythib]

@@punkisinthedetails1470 It must of been late night! :)

[@myrandacolina]

How do you do that ?

[@mivids100]

Nice of you to drop in a new option... if coding fails, there is always alchemy! lol. Thanks for the videos Andy, they keep me motivated!

[@quieromambo]

I thank you a lot for everything you teach, I am in my beginnings as a self-taught software developer and by putting into practice what you say I see that it works and gives me confidence to continue without fear. THANK YOU A LOT! see you soon!!

[@paulsonbob6679]

Thanks for the great vid. Looking forward to next ones

[@dailymind2705]

Great video! Was starting to get into programming as a teen, but unfortunately gave it up to pursue other fields of IT like network administration. Now that I have those goals out of the way, I've come back to learning how to program again for my cybersecurity goals and this provided some great insight! Subscribed and can't wait to watch more.

[@sintelpaige]

Loved the video. I really appreciate that point made about how to take the next step beyond the syntax of a language and begin solving problems. I’m currently at that point now with python.

[@luissarabiahernandez]

I can definitely see how this would help me. I will now incorporate using a notebook to write my steps down and brainstorm before just diving in to the code and guessing on what to do. Thank you!

[@yagoaguero88]

Thanks for the video Andy! Really agree with all you said. I think that's what makes programming really fascinating.

[@rtwg605]

This was gold. You combined the elements of thinking like a programmer and made gold. Not impossible after all! Subscribed.

[@user-fh1do9xb4n]

Apreciate the concise manner you've presented the core concepts - 1) It's about problem solving 2) Holistic vs detailed approach ( big picture vs. 1 big problem = number small problems ) 3) Computers are dumb - so you must be pretty sure what you're telling them to do exactly - as oposed to what you want as a end result

[@glansingColt]

Data Structures and algorithms helped me a lot with my thought process

[@RVRayRay]

This content you are serving up is gold, sir! You made gold! 🏅

[@mosesmbadi4158]

Your delivery is top-notch. Thank you.

[@allenkim4776]

I absolutely agree to your thinking! I wish more people know this!

[@juanordonez5667]

I was honestly just thinking about this lol. Thanks for the vid Andy!

[@AndySterkowitz]

Cheers!

[@alfredoborroto7444]

This is the reason why I decided to become a programmer. It is who I am. I wish in school they would ask, who are you? instead of, what would you like to become. I still got some road ahead of me before I get there, but I am happy doing what I am meant to do. Thank you for the video.👍

[@shaunk6822]

The best math subject to study for coding is formal logic. It really helped me understand how to solve problems using a logic structure that's easier to code later. I agree with the video also, understanding the problem before you start programming is crucial.

[@robbybankston4238]

My favorite math course for CS and the one that was most useful was discrete math

[@imt3206]

Formal Logic? Do you mean the propositions, premises and conclusions kind of logic?

[@shaunk6822]

@@imt3206 Yep, that's the one.

[@maestro1168]

Formal logic and symbolic logic are courses from the philosophy department.

[@satoshinakamoto7253]

Yeah the foundations of logic. What are the fundamental axioms ? Are they relevant to the question at hand? Am I making the right conclusions based on those axioms without violating any of the fundamental laws? Etc. Physics is great for

[@somethingelse401]

Thank you for this video. This has helped me out so much not only in my programming life but also my daily life.

[@skylerdickson1411]

This channel and this advice is the perfect link between all the concept videos and tutorials to practical application of that knowledge. Your advice is helping me out a ton, love the content.

[@AbelKimutai-cp9gh]

me too here Dickson. good video

[@andresmillsgallego814]

Just found your channel Andy, love your videos!

[@lightningstriking7]

Brilliant!!! Slot of people would say that you think too much, but honestly I think you're hitting the mark every time.

[@JonRawlings]

That last piece of advice was exactly the advice i needed to hear. I was on the verge or thinking thats how to go about these programs but without guidance I couldn’t be sure , thank you

[@josgraha]

this is so well explained, thanks Andy!

[@orkheus]

Awesome timing on subscribe+like request from you Andy, I just clicked both buttons and then hear it. Just Wow. Great content by the way! Love your vids.

[@pvtbx4198]

I needed this. I failed data structures last semester and I'm coming back with a vengeance this fall.

[@1andrew123]

You got this!

[@calvinkoay1939]

Don't worry. You do not need to know how to build a linked list, build quick sort algorithm from scratch for example to survive as a programmer from 2010s. Nevermind. Most modern programming languages have all those data structures and algorithms built-in. For example, in Javascript, you can seamlessly create a linked list just by using Javascript array as the array is dynamic by default.

[@moizmirza9179]

maannn. Now I am doing data structure in this semester 😂

[@dimitrijemitic5408]

I share the same way of thinking. I never jump into coding at first, sometimes I spend 60% of exam time figuring out everything and seeing through the problem. Coding comes easy if you know the syntax, it's just the way to express your thoughts to the computer.

[@muhdmahmood]

wow Andy... i like what you just put out... looking forward for more content from you

[@hotflashfoto]

I do this all day, every day, and I enjoy my job. You hit the nail on the head.

[@derek2593]

My first app was a simple program that drew 3 dimensional surfaces (first one just drew a parabola using lines) on a TI-83 in high school. I made my first useful app on a TI-83 that solved the quadratic for me in college. Never went much further than that (on my own at least, just various courses otherwise). I think I should study up and switch careers (currently restaurants). Thanks!

[@danielg2967]

Thanks for the info! I'm new to coding and look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@BloodSoldierRB]

great vid btw, as a starting intern programmer im sure ill learn more along the way on how to warp my mind into every scenarios desired response.

[@GarimellaProduction]

Thanks for this video. I'm currently going through working on python. I"m coming up with problems I need to solve. I work as an editor and creative. I'm coming up with automation to help me organize the footage and rename files automatically to where I don't have to do things manually. I structured my naming conventions so that way when I run the automated scripts I don't run into problems.

[@laurabakyt7176]

Thank you! I’ve just found your channel and it really caught my attention 🤗

[@Scottyhutch1]

dude, do you have a podcast? I find your videos very informing but not overwhelming. You give just the right amount of information to take in without overloading my head haha. get that podcast rolling!

[@LordDewi]

I think that being a musician, having written some of my own music, has helped me tremendously with learning to code, and actually coding.

[@CptNelson]

This, and other way around as well. Learning programming has made me a better musician and composer.

[@greatbullet7372]

@@CptNelson Piano and Guitar here :D and TRUE

[@kaganozdemir4332]

Right?? It goes both ways. I think it has to have something with us loving to build things and that both are about transformation of data, that in music you transform a certain musical structure to another.

[@Gramasz]

im a musician too, not much a composer, I'm more into improvisation but I really like chord tones so not mindless pentatonic. I hope this can help me..I'm about to start learning code and I thought if what I did in the past could help me

[@jamessupakorn8280]

Thank you Andy help me a lot, cheer!

[@MwishaLudack]

I'm a total beginner and I'm glad you mentioned important steps to take. I had always thought the computer knows what I want it to do, now I'm exposed and can't escape but humble and learn to code. I need to know a little more from you, Andy. I'm desperate, I want to create an app for the school for teachers in my country but I have no idea how to start it. Your tips kinda moving me in a direction I wanna go right now. Thanks bud, you're awesome, just so you know.

[@calebfuller4713]

LOL The computer knows what you want to do exactly as much as the pencil knows what you want to draw, or the brick knows the house you want to build! It's amazing to think - all this machine does at the core is move around binary digits and perform simple logical manipulations on them, and we've built everything off that, piece by piece, up to a system where I can send this message across the world. A bit like that simple aforementioned brick, and wood plank, and iron girder, have built up enormous cities.

[@kenmurphy4259]

In a nushell you describe perfectly what it means to be a developer, best description I’ve heard to date

[@Jose_T131]

Excellent video brother, for those of us who are JR | Entry level I think this information is very useful and in which way we are realizing this while we gain experience

[@Nilslos]

Good video 🙂👍 When I listen to you the method "reduction" from theoretical computer science pops into my mind, like even if we are solving various different problems with computer programs, lots of them are just variants of the same basic problems like finding a route while minimizing some kind of costs, sorting something most effectively, ... Another thing which I think is very important is switching perspectives. Because even when you develop a program completely by yourself, that means you know everything happening there, you must know that there are scopes and that an object, whatever it is, doesn't know everything happening. So you need to give it the information it needs, you need to think about how the information changes, how to assure that changes get everywhere where there are needed (referencing correctly). Another key skill, which I cannot surely say that I already learned it as I am only starting my career is getting out from the microcosmos of solving problems in one programming language to developing whole software, which will need more than one programming language, additional software etc.

[@drew21t]

Very good tips. To enhance the skills, I'd suggest writing the simple app you come up with in one language then write the exact same app in another language. For example, a ToDo app in JavaScript and then also in PHP. This will really reinforce your understanding of the basics of thinking like a programmer.

[@gutchimoto2112]

Shout out to You Sir Andy Sterkowitz! all the way from SOUTH AFRICA🇿🇦. You Sir are brilliant! Everything you have just said makes a lot of sense!

[@squirrellordsgaming2772]

This was helpful, thank you.

[@NachoMan154]

2:42 it is possible to create Gold from other elements in a lab(using nuclear fusion or fission) but you get only small amounts, its extremly expensive and the gold is would be radioactive for a few hundred years.

[@johangustafsson6121]

I've been programming for decades so I thought I could just chip in with a small tip. Don't know how I ended up here exactly but anyway. First, realise that no one can make something good when they don't understand the problem space. If you never worked on a certain type of problem before, you are a beginner in that area, no matter how many years you have programmed. Don't fall for the KZbin videos where people write perfect code from scratch on hard problems, that never happens and you have no idea how long they spent working on that code before making the video. My work method in these cases are as follows: 1. Make it work 2. Make it better 3. Repeat It's important to as quickly as possible get something working. It doesn't matter if it's complete crap. When you reached that point you understand the problem better, what you can improve, what you need to rewrite or discard to solve the problem better. Then repeat that process until you're satisfied with the solution. Experience makes the process easier of course and what constitutes a hard problem, but what never works is just thinking about how to solve a problem, that's part of it but until you have something working you don't know.

[@newlinks883]

I agree

[@craftyrouze]

It's exactly how I approach programming. Been doing it for over 10 years, and found that my first "draft" is always messy, but it works and it really helps me think about the problem from different angles. Then polishing comes in, until I'm happy with the final result.

[@DailySnippet1]

Great Video, This Was Helpful!!

[@eukelardota]

I tend to see problems as a whole like you were talking about the thing that helps me change the most is just picking a starting point once ik where I’m going to start from then adding the other things into the plan step by step and looking at individual pieces is easier.

[@MrLiquitorleaveit]

When it came to think algorithmically and you compared it to creating recipes, I went out of full screen to subscribe instantly. Then I realized I already had... :D Great input Andy, helps a "young" programmer so much!

[@keithberjeron763]

I got about halfway through your video, opened up Pluma, and am having a huge brainwave about the type of program I want to develop. Thanks for talking about decomposition. It's getting Me to think both micro and macro. I've nicknamed the categories "moving parts" which are the raw technical components and "shiny parts" which are supposed to appeal to the user and UI. Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks a bunch!

[@milospesic7106]

This is gold, honest. Very simple and yet effective. Thank you.

[@AndySterkowitz]

Glad it helped!

[@cr4228]

It is true, not memorization, but application and practicing the concepts. Thank you.

[@RozzmanLists]

3:00 "That didn't work - WHY didn't that work?" is the key. Every mistake or mishap holds very valuable information. People who only want to make a mistake go away, miss the lesson this mistake teaches them. Whatever led to the (unexpected and undesired) outcome was a set of logical circumstances, not malice. If you make the effort to reveal the underlying logic and understand what caused the effect that you just observed, you'll learn a lot from it.

[@onizuka_bae]

Thank you a lot for this video ! I'll try my best

[@samunderwood1989]

This really helped. Thank you!

[@raykellfoster8461]

Good Stuff ! Thank you SO much !

[@BrandonNyman]

Talking aloud to a random object on your desk can be really helpful to decompose and solve your problem.

[@IObliviousXI]

Awesome Video definitely gonna take some of this advice when i start my next project

[@alexmaina2901]

Thanks for the vid, very informative.

[@synthoelectro]

I've always thought logically about many things. So computers were perfect for me long ago, since I always take things apart in my head. My problem is with programming, is I didn't know where to start. After 30+ years of living after childhood, I think I got it. So it's videos like these that help reinforce how it works. Building blocks help build a program.

[@zariyahcampos3565]

I really appreciate this, it made my mind more clearer.

[@theta2170]

A big part of professional programming is also understanding that some people are just really gifted and the rest of us are just scraping by. :D

[@Tom10]

Great analogy with science behind the scenes. If you do learn syntax of programming language, its the same as learning periodic chemicals table. Its good to know it, but solely knowing every piece good enough won't tell you alone what to do with that. And thats where methodic thinking and problem solving comes to life. Without them - you are destined to be an executor-only, which will sooner or later be too short.

[@senseibas8199]

I started as a software tester with no experience and now 4 years later I am a developer in the same company and I fully agree with you. When fixing a bug, or adding something to a feature more often then not I spend 80% of the time thinking and studying and 20% writing and testing the changes. Also on the todo list challenge when I first started I would think in the terms of checkbox and layout. Now I would start by drawing a user flow and discussing with myself if a single item should be a record in a related database or a json object. (I would now vote for the seccond)

[@gishaninethmini8424]

Thank you sir. I was struggling for longer period. Now I'll try this method.

[@socrates1796]

create checklist on the tiny part helps a lot, it helps you to not get overwhelm by how big the project is, and its really help you track how much you've done

[@francisjacquart9618]

EXCELLENT ADVICE! THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING ABOUT YOUR FIELD OF EXPERTISE! YOU GIVE A PRETTY ACCURATE IDEA OF WHAT PROGRAMMAING MEANS AND HOW PEOPLE MUST GO ABOUT DOING IT!.

[@ionutmuresan899]

Nice. You have my like and subscription. Keep up the good work.

[@santhoshn3766]

Thanks for sharing! .

[@yervandbaghdasaryan8156]

Thank You very much Andy! Peace ✌️

[@user-lp9cd7bd4n]

You are the most honest software developer on KZbin thank you I watch your videos since 2019 thank you

[@IuseArchbtw-di6cd]

The way you say algorithm is like a recipe, really got me thinking how simmilar the Chef and Programmer are Thank's it's really opening up a whole new knowledge for me, i'm gonna start with pygame right away!!!

[@wildebtw]

First video I've seen on the mic. Nice vocal mixing!

[@IMNODOCTOR]

Programming is all about understanding the BUSINESS of your customer and modeling portions of it to create something useful which meet or satisfy some very specific need(s).

[@Robidu1973]

One thing, though, that needs to be kept in mind is that your approach to solving problems greatly depends on the way how you are processing information. For example, you cannot force someone who is used to adjusting to the progression of the work into a strict structure as that would cause him to grind to an abrupt halt. On the other hand, someone who is relying on solid structures cannot be made to overhaul things on the fly as it tends to completely derail his thought patterns. Another point is, are you more of a team player, or are you showing your strengths when you are working alone or at most in a small group? Then, how is that particular individual picking up things and events in his vicinity? If he's going by the raw information and then figuring out how all that correlates, he can spin out completely new solutions to previously unknown or yet unsolved problems. If, however, he is looking for patterns, he would be a good candidate for finding existing solutions and adapting them to suit the problem at hand. The one thing that definitely is of an advantage is the capability to keep your own thought processes running even though there may be interference from the outside. Some people are better at it than others, however, that doesn't mean that theoneswho would easily get distracted by outside stimuli or their own imagination are incapable of thinking by themselves. They may rely on certain environmental conditions (i. e. no distracting stimuli) to be effective, and many times they have also found some means of mitigating their frequently fickle concentration (backgrounding certain thought processes is also a viable option). Plus depending on how these traits are prioritized, they may also result in some interesting thought processes and work styles.

[@argirismarmaras6578]

Thanks for sharing all this valuable knowledge.

[@recarsion]

One thing to add is thinking in terms of delivering a product to a customer. Because that's ultimately what we get paid for. That may sound obvious but for me it never really sunk in until I got my first proper dev job and the first thing we newbies were taught was not some fancy framework or coding practices or anything technical, but how the whole industry and the particular business works. How we interact with clients, how we make sure their needs are met and how what we end up doing is often decided by politics and the wish of the customer as opposed to what we would most like to do, or even what makes sense. It's also very important to practice team work, many beginners including me make the mistake of learning to code, doing their own little projects etc and not doing any serious team work. That can really cause a lot of frustration when you find out that you can't just sit in a corner and code. You have standup meetings, pair programming, demos, retrospectives, sprint planning etc, or even just the little coffee break chats, these things are a much bigger part of being a programmer than most newbies realize. Which is why the stereotype of the quiet, socially awkward guy isn't the best fit for a programmer in the real world, in fact I know very few programmers who are like that. There are many introverts, of course, but nothing like in the movies.

[@MephiticMiasma]

Definitely. Domain knowledge. And, to me, that is in the end the most rewarding part-- knowing that what you're doing is helping people in their everyday life do something easier, better, and more profitably because you gave them the tools to do it.

[@imclueless9875]

"need people to connect" made me chuckle , facebook is a giant cess pool. So glad i havent used that in years. Solid video

[@SilisAlin]

9:42 Great point. Computer doesn’t do what you want. It does what you told it to do.

[@johnjordan3552]

And children do neither

[@mattinykanen4780]

@@johnjordan3552 Programming humans is infinitely more challenging than programming computers, as challenging that might be.

[@saulolima6874]

Thank you Andy! U're Amazing!

[@Bm23CC]

This the best vid I have ever seen on this subject.

[@larsondavis8155]

I have actually been looking for somebody just like you. This is exactly why it turns out, coding is working for me. I'm beginning to get there. I think I'll be reaching out. Hope you're still active. Just found you.

[@rafapioli75]

Very accurate! Great video!

[@balazsio]

Great video. I would add 'Pattern recognition' which means for me a similar problem is solved by someone. The solution can be re-used with modifications if needed.