You're a programmer trying to solve a problem. What are some common mistakes you should avoid?

Understand the problem: Read the question carefully. It's essential to comprehend the problem thoroughly before attempting to solve it. Plan your approach: Outline the steps you'll take to solve the problem. Write them out in plain language, making sure you understand each step before moving forward. Consider different scenarios: Think about various situations and constraints mentioned in the problem. This includes considering edge cases or special inputs that could affect your solution. Refine your solution: After testing your initial solution and verifying it works correctly, take the opportunity to improve it further. This might involve making it more efficient, easier to understand, or better equipped to handle different scenarios.

I have seen a lot of programmers misinterpret the exact requirements of the problem or jump into solutions prematurely. Both of them will lead to time wasted on the wrong solutions. Instead, we should clarify the problem statement and then break it into simpler subproblems which will give a good starting point for the solution. Start by solving the simplest subproblem first!

1. Underestimating Problem Analysis: Invest time in understanding the problem thoroughly. 2. Neglecting Constraints: Consider all requirements and limitations before proposing solutions. 3. Overcomplicating Solutions: Seek simplicity to avoid unnecessary complexity and bugs. 4. Skipping Incremental Testing: Test code iteratively rather than waiting for completion. 5. Ignoring Edge Cases: Account for edge cases to ensure robustness. 6. Avoiding Feedback: Seek input from peers to identify flaws and improve solutions. 7. Forgetting Refactoring: Refactor code for readability and maintenance. 8. Ignoring Error Handling: Implement robust error handling for unexpected scenarios.

When a programmer starts thinking about the problem.There are below things she/he should avoid . 1. Donot Jump straight forward to the solution means something you know the solution but everything what you think it is not correct 2.Donot forget to find root cause for the problem 3.Donot propose a single solution

One common mistake is trying to perfect the solution from the first try. Usually I would start with breaking it down into smaller problems. Then I would think of the implementation of each. After that I would implement it in the most basic way I can. After I get it to work I would reiterate and try to improve it. For simple tasks I might not need that but for complicated ones this technique works miracles.

Not planning your solutions before coding is indeed a common mistake that programmers make. Planning helps you think through your logic before coding, which can lead to more efficient and effective code. Although planning takes time upfront, it can save time in the long run by preventing you from going down the wrong path.

The best tool I use to plan the solution is a white board or a paper. I would try to translate my thoughts on paper first by writing or through sketches and sometimes I say them out loud either to a college or to myself. When I hear my thoughts in a discussion I get a clearer idea of how to implement my solution

In the planning phase, try to figure out the main points of the problem, then use comments or pseudocode to try to model your solution on basic test cases. Finally, write the solution code to test your idea.

When planning your solutions, talk to others and find out what systems might touch the problem code. The last thing you want to do is introduce a solution that creates problems for others. We would like to all think systems are bullet proof but the reality is that many solutions can be brittle, especially if the code has been around for a long time. Talk to those who know and ask for feedback on your solution planning.

Diving straight into code without a plan is like building a house without a blueprint. You might end up with something functional, but it could be messy, inefficient, and hard to modify later. Taking a moment to sketch out the approach (functions, data structures) can save you time and frustration in the long run.

Prepare the test strategy best suited to the requirement. Visualise the test execution using a Power BI or Azure DevOps board. Check if automation can be done in the test execution

Not testing your solution as a programmer can lead to an increased risk of bugs, inefficiencies in debugging, reduced confidence in your code, challenges in maintenance, and when you're working in collaboration also arise difficulties. Testing is an essential part of the software development process and helps ensure the reliability and quality of your code. The best practice to avoid these issues is to make good test cases for your code.

A common mistake is overlooking the importance of code readability and documentation. Failing to write clean, well-structured code and document it adequately can make it challenging for others to understand, maintain and extend your solution. It’s essential to follow coding standards and conventions, use meaningful variable names & comments, and provide clear explanations of the code’s functionality & purpose. Investing time in improving code readability and documentation can enhance collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the project. Prioritising readability & documentation as integral aspects of the development process can foster a more efficient and cohesive team environment.

Testing solutions can be a difficult task. One thing I always think about is how to test a piece of code or a solution in some form of isolation first. Is the solution a new function or class? Can you toss it into a small testing environment first to see if it works by itself? Then when you are confident, you can try it in integration tests. This is analogous to testing a sound system before you put it into your car. You don't want to wire it all up first and then realize it doesn't work only to wonder "Is it the sound system or how I wired it to the car that is the problem?"

Skipping testing is like launching a rocket without checking the fuel. Your code might seem perfect on paper, but errors can hide in unexpected places. Testing throws different scenarios at your code, exposing bugs and ensuring it actually works as intended before it causes real problems.

Create a C4 diagram to document the solution design. A C4 diagram covers the solution from context, container, component and Code

Neglecting to refactor your code regularly can lead to technical debt and hinder the scalability and maintainability of your solution. Over time, as requirements evolve and code accumulates, it’s essential to revisit and refactor your codebase to ensure it remains clean, efficient, and adaptable. By refactoring, you can improve code structure, eliminate redundancy, and enhance performance, making it easier to add new features or address changing needs. Prioritising regular refactoring as part of your development process can prevent code deterioration and mitigate the risk of future complications, ultimately contributing to the longevity and success of your project.

Skipping documentation is like working on a secret handshake with no instructions. You might understand it now, but anyone else trying to use your code (including future-you) will be left confused. Clear comments and explanations within the code will save you and others a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

The best way to improve with programming is to review and learn from implemented code and seek for chances to optimize the solution wherever possible. This is achievable by using logical reasoning skills. Analyze the statements in code that can be optimized, check if the code follows best coding practises and standards. For instance, analyze the code to see if it could be optimized using a different DS, will it speed up the code, will it make it cleaner and more readable, is the code self explanatory. Remember there is always room for improvement.

Been there, solved the bug, shipped the fix. But sometimes that quick win can mask a deeper issue. Let's take a step back and analyze the root cause of the problem. Was it a one-off error, or is it indicative of a larger design flaw? Documenting the issue and its resolution will help us avoid similar problems down the line. We can also share this knowledge with the team to prevent others from falling into the same trap.

Overlooking the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement can hinder your growth as a programmer. In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying updated with the latest technologies, trends, and best practices is crucial for remaining competitive & advancing your career. It’s essential to allocate time for ongoing learning, whether through online courses, books, tutorials, or attending conferences & workshops. Having a mindset of lifelong learning not only enriches your skills and knowledge but also enhances your problem-solving abilities & adaptability to new challenges. Prioritising continuous learning as a fundamental part of your professional development can empower you to tackle complex problems with confidence.

Failing to seek feedback and input from peers or mentors can limit your growth and development as a programmer. Collaborating with others allows you to gain new perspectives, learn alternative approaches, and identify areas for improvement in your solution. Therefore, it’s important to actively engage with the programming community, participate in code reviews, and seek advice and guidance when needed. Embracing collaboration not only enhances the quality of your solution but also fosters a supportive and enriching environment for personal and professional growth. Prioritising collaboration and feedback as integral parts of your problem-solving process can accelerate your learning curve and contribute to your success as a programmer.

In the realm of programming, it’s vital to embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced programmer, there will always be new problems to solve and skills to acquire. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, experiment with different technologies and methodologies, and learn from both successes and failures. Remember that every problem you encounter is an opportunity to sharpen your problem-solving skills and become a better programmer. Stay curious, stay resilient, and keep pushing the boundaries of what you can achieve in the world of coding.