How to Code Fast: 7 Quick Tips to Increase Productivity

Whether you’re currently pursuing a degree in computer science, a veteran using the GI Bill to choose their next mission, an aspiring self-taught developer, or a coding boot camp student, mastering the craft of programming is a perpetual struggle. To assist in your learning, here are seven tips on how to code faster.

1. Learn How to Code Faster by Doing.

With every new subject, the sooner you start playing with the code, the faster you will learn the given concepts. Even if you blaze through an entire chapter of reading and a topic like for loops seems straightforward – so a monkey could do it – you’ll still be scratching your head when tasked to implement the code for the first time. You’ll think, “wait, what was that one piece of syntax again?” As the saying goes, you need to “use it or lose it”, because, despite the evolution of technology, this one’ proverb holds when learning to code.

Hint: Build a project as you go through the material. A personal project is often the best starting point.

2. Learn the Programming Fundamentals to Gain Core Knowledge

As elementary as they may appear at first, programming fundamentals always need to come first: the better you understand them, the easier it is to learn more advanced concepts. From my experience students who rush through the beginning of their courses are often the first to get stuck as they transit into more advanced material, such as back-end programming. So before you ditch the first class of computer science 101, or skip chapter one of an online tutorial, keep in mind that you are overlooking the most important step in your learning.

Hint: Read this great article about the 5 Basic Concepts of Any Programming Language

3. Code by Hand.

Computer monitors become thinner, hard drives lighter, and programming languages more powerful, but coding by hand remains one of the most effective methods to learn how to program. Be it on a whiteboard or notebook, coding by hand requires further caution, precision, and intent behind every line of code. Because unlike on a computer, you can’t run hand-written code midway through the sheet to check if the work is correct. Although more time-consuming, this restriction will mold you into a more fundamentally sound developer, both in the classroom and the job market.

For college exams and technical interviews – a critical component of the job interview process – you will have to code-by-hand, because not only is this good for learning but it’s universally known to be the ultimate test for a programmer’s proficiency. So start early and get used to this old-school practice.

4. Ask for Help Coding. You’ll Need It.

As awesome as it would be to become the next Steve Jobs on your own, the reality is that people learn faster with mentors and peer feedback. What may seem like an immovable bug or topic could be quickly alleviated by a fresh pair of eyes or a new interpretation of the subject? Whether it’s online or in-person, ignore the trolls, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, because every programmer has been in your shoes before. Besides, most developers love to code, and if there’s one thing that passionate individuals enjoy, it’s sharing their knowledge with others.

Word of Warning: I suggest using the 20-minute rule. Take at least 20 minutes to figure something out on your own before asking for help. There’s a good chance that the answer is already in front of you, and besides, struggling makes you a better programmer overall.

Hint: Stackoverlfow and learn programming are gold mines for online programming assistance.

5. Seek Out Online Resources

If a particular concept doesn’t make sense, be it in a textbook, or during a class lecture, maintain your confidence and look for alternate online resources to learn the same content. Everyone learns differently, and just because one source doesn’t make sense, doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It means that you’re not clicking with the delivery of the material. The online resources to learn computer programming are endless, and there are always tutorials or blog explanations that will make the material-at-hand crystal clear.

Hint: Don’t underestimate the power of search.

6. Don’t Just Read Sample Code, Tinker With It

Reading sample code is not enough to understand how it works. To develop a true understanding, you must run and tinker with the code. With the additions of comments and instructions, sample code is packaged to be by the reader; but in reality, it’s pretty difficult to replicate from scratch. Reading is not the same as understanding; trying to write the code yourself, or at least running it, will facilitate the learning process much more.

7. Take breaks when debugging

When debugging, it’s easy to go down the rabbit hole for hours, and there’s no guarantee that you will fix the problem. To avoid this, it’s best to step away from the task for a few hours and return with a fresh perspective. Not only is this a guaranteed way to help solve the problem, but you’ll also save yourself hours of headaches. So if help isn’t available – to touch on the previous tip about seeking advice – consider taking a break to clear your mind and return later. In the meantime, the bug won’t be going anywhere, and you’ll at least restore some needed sanity to improve productivity.

Conclusion: Keep Calm and You’ll Learn to Code Faster

Despite these 7 tips, remaining confident is the best way to learning to program faster. To do so, you should expect to fail repeatedly and be patient with your progress; because becoming an expert at anything requires hard work and time. And if a single doubt ever clouds your mind, remember that every programmer has had this path before. Whichever path you are currently on, be it college or coding boot camp, the only barrier to success is your work ethic and confidence to persevere.