Ask HN: Able to code fluently a special trait? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Able to code fluently a special trait?

I did competitive programming and being able to write extremly complex algorithm after studied 1 week for Python.

Then I started to write a 4000 lines of program for a personal project because I didn't know a shit about hashmap/function/class/importing/library. Using an extremely limited subset of the language still deliver the stuff. Cos I only know looping in that time, I can comprehend 6 layers of heterogeneous for loops, each layer doing different thing.

I can lay out the structure of code (100lines) in my head then write them out.

I can translate everything I want to do in code.

But then I meet other people in university labs, I find that people actually struggle in coding, even in top tier university's CS department.

How do you guys code?

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None of this would make me want to hire you.

My most productive devs were fine coders. Their important skills were:

- writing code that other people can read and maintain

- working collaboratively

- staying open-minded about alternate ways to do things

- making good trade-offs between "get it done fast" and "get it done properly"

- communication (understanding specs, asking for help, giving help, explaining problems)

Most dev time isn't writing code, and 0% of dev time is implementing data structures or basic algorithms.

Learning a new stack quickly is important. Writing code quickly isn't.

Actually, every single written line of code is a liability. It doesn't seem very obvious when you're working for someone else and for a code base that was already touched by hundreds.

But it becomes very obvious if and when you start writing code for your own - a side hustle or a hobby project.

Therefore, striking a balance of well engineered code and productivity is even more unavoidable. If you over engineer and over think, you want make much progress but if you just keep making rapid progress without any regard to the engineering, you won't be able to do much engineering sooner or later.

"I can translate everything I want to do in code."

This is a special talent since not all programmers can do the same. But when working in teams this will be a problem. You might be able to leave people in the dust but no single programmer can accomplish what a team can. Teams must be able to work together towards a goal but if they can't follow your train of thought then it will make working with you very hard. Also, you will have a hard time working with other programmers that can't keep up with you.

My advice to you is to find a very challenging project that will help solve a human problem. You can then create the skeleton of it and have other programmers fill-in the details with your help. You would be a very good candidate for a PhD. program but only if you can choose a project that's both challenging for you and solves a real problem under the guidance of a mentor.

It seems that you are still early in your studies so things might change as you progress and your way of thinking changes as the classes get more challenging. But keep the above in mind, it will help determine where you best fit.

Thanks for the advice!

Like any skill, you will find a spectrum of natural talent. For sports, only a few get to do it paid. In most professions, the best pull an order of magnitude better salaries.

With programming, probably less so. You will need interpersonal skills to be successful in a career. It's a good time to check the ego and develop the non-technical skills.

Another point, having taught first year programming, students learn at very different rates. Some excelled early with the easy stuff but had trouble making the transition to more complicated. Others struggled and then one day it just clicked for them. One in particular was struggling the whole way through, but came to office hours every day. By the end they were a top student. Effort to develop the skill of coding can pay off.

This ain't /g/, anon

>How do you guys code?

I don't think you care. I think you just made this because you want to be told you're special.

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