Computer programming is crucial in today’s automated world. It makes it possible for people to interact with machines more efficiently and accurately. Computer programmers use a variety of computer languages to create codes that make it possible for computer applications to work effectively.

Programmers need to develop habits that enhance their productivity. Unfortunately, some of them create habits that affect their output. They work for many hours, fail to seek ideas from other experts, or copy the work of other developers. If you want to excel in the coding sector, you must avoid these ten negative coding habits.

1. Trying to master all languages

It is not bad to master multiple programming languages in your work. It helps you become better experienced in coding. The only challenge is that there are many computer languages used by developers. It is harder to learn all of them, and you might end up becoming a master of none.

Good programmers focus on one language and learn it in detail. After that, you can think about a second or third language. You become more productive and begin creating some of the strongest codes.

2. Consistently working for many hours

Overworking results in a productivity decrease, and you should avoid it at all costs. The main outcome is burnout which can have other serious implications. You become physically and mentally exhausted, and the number of mistakes that you make increases.

Your stress levels keep growing, and soon your body begins to feel sick. The use of a slow-working computer often leads to the need for overtime work. To avoid this, try to optimize your workspace and device. A good idea is to check if you have enough disk space on your computer and that your coding software operates smoothly.

3. Working alone all the time

The moment you start getting into the tech field, you will realise cooperation is something you cannot escape. It is okay to lock yourself in a room to focus on developing a demanding program. However, you still need to come out at some point and reach out to other developers.

They could be your teammates within the company or other like-minded developers in the coding field. The bottom line is not to give them your code structure but to get inspiration from them to improve your work.

4. Copying other developer’s work

Developers should always focus on creating original codes and applications. Copying is a serious offence that could lead to court battles. To ensure your codes are original, take these measures.

• Get inspired by another developer’s codes but use the inspiration to create your original
• Avoid copying and pasting codes when developing programs
• Spend 80% of your time developing and only 20% coding
• Use a code plagiarism checker to know if your code is original

5. Rushing to meet deadlines

Code development takes time, and this is something that every developer should know. You might be serving a client who wants everything done on short notice. If you are doing a coding assignment, you might find yourself rushing because you lack time. There is a way to develop coding discipline to escape rushing.

• Every time you get a coding project, give yourself enough time
• Do not wait until the deadline approaches to begin coding
• Keep communicating with your client on the progress.
• If you feel coding will take two weeks, add one more week as an allowance.

6. Allowing emotions during coding

You should never allow yourself to be led by emotions whenever you begin coding. Emotions lead to hasty decisions that leave you with a poorly designed application. Focus all your thoughts on the program you are developing but keep your heart away from it. Refuse to be controlled by feeling but only focus on where your thoughts are leading you.

7. Being overconfident about your code

It is good to develop confidence in your work to help you drive away any doubts that tell you that you cannot make it. Confidence has a maximum level, and when it exceeds it, you become overconfident. This results in the ego, which is often an obstacle to your productivity. No matter how confident you are with your code, agree to be corrected or to gather ideas from other developers.

8. Procrastination

You cannot become productive in coding if you are always postponing your projects. Technology in the digital world keeps changing all the time. When you are stuck in the same code for many days, you get overtaken by time and release a program that doesn’t meet the current needs. Your customer will get impatient with you and begin sourcing for another reliable coder.

9. You give up too soon and fail to ask for help

No programmer can excel without connecting with another programmer. They help you get fresh ideas that inspire you on your next level of action. The problem with refusing to ask for help is that you give up too soon. Productive coders have developed a higher level of resilience that helps them try hundreds of times until they get their codes right.

10. Using codes that you don’t understand

The aim of a developer is not to use any code they create or come across. The aim is to first understand how the code should work and then use it. If you use codes that you cannot explain how they work, your client will think you copied them. Take your time to understand your codes before applying them.

Summary

No developer learns everything in a single day. Everything is learned progressively, but you must develop the discipline of a good coder. Do not develop an ego and think you have all it takes in the coding field. Seek to consult with other developers whenever necessary. Learn to create originals to avoid copying other people’s codes. Test your codes using a coke plagiarism checker to ensure it is an original.