What makes a programmer "good?"

To determine what makes a programmer "good," several key traits and skills are consistently highlighted across various sources:

Problem Decomposition and Modeling

A good programmer has the ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. This involves modeling the problem in a way that makes the resulting program easy to reason about, implement, and test1.

Logical and Organizational Skills

Good programmers possess strong logical and organizational qualities, allowing them to plan and execute projects efficiently. They can organize their work into small tasks and have a clear understanding of the project's direction3.

Attention to Detail and Precision

Good software engineers avoid "programming by coincidence," meaning they ensure they understand why their code works, rather than just accepting that it does. This attention to detail is crucial for maintaining precision and avoiding unnecessary complexity2.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to analyze tasks or projects objectively is vital. Good programmers can identify the issues that need resolving, anticipate potential problems, and have contingency plans in place3.

Consistency and Adaptability

Consistency helps in managing complexity by allowing programmers to see patterns and infer how things are named, used, and handled. Additionally, adaptability is essential in a constantly changing technological landscape, where new tools and technologies emerge frequently13.

Curiosity and Love for Learning

Good software engineers are curious and enjoy learning new technologies, approaches, and patterns. This curiosity helps them stay updated with the rapidly changing programming landscape2.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial, both in terms of coding (naming, consistency) and interpersonal communication. Good programmers can explain their code and work cooperatively with peers and coworkers14.

Persistence and Resilience

Good programmers are persistent and refuse to be defeated by challenges. They can handle frustrations such as debugging difficult issues or dealing with unexpected problems without giving up2.

Full Stack Capabilities

Being a "full stack" engineer, meaning having the skills to handle all components of a software project from database to user interface, is highly valued. This allows for the delivery of complete products without needing extensive external intervention2.

Business and User Awareness

Good software engineers think beyond the code, considering the users of the software and the broader business impact of their decisions. They understand that software must be useful and valuable to the users2.

Creativity and Visualization

Creativity is essential for developing innovative solutions and avoiding blocks in the development process. Additionally, good visualization skills help programmers to "see" how their code fits into the larger system, guiding their coding process1.

Good Attitude and Teamwork

A positive attitude and the ability to work well with others are important. Good software engineers are cooperative, helpful, and not insufferable to their peers and coworkers2.

By combining these traits, a programmer can deliver high-quality software consistently, adapt to new challenges, and contribute effectively to their team and organization.