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Discussion on: How do I know if I’m good at programming?

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Joe Heyming • Edited

Asking if you are good at programming is like asking: "Am I good at writing a book?"

There are many ways to write books. Some books are short and to the point, and might be considered well written. Others are long and considered epic and full of details and intricacies that make the story fun to read.

I would first ask: Does my code work? If yes, then that's good.

Then I would ask: How can I improve my development process?
If the tools you are using enable you to get your job done, then how can you make them help you with the little annoying things you do every day. How can you test your code to help keep yourself from going insane during a large code refactoring.

Then I would ask: Am I good at communicating my ideas?
Do people understand you when you try to speak technically about a topic? Do you know enough to talk the talk? If you don't, then you need to brush up on basics or read up tech blogs about your specific area of emphasis. Become an expert.

Always keep learning.