Tech tips for young programmes
In this conversation, our main focus will be on sharing valuable programming tips and tricks that are specifically tailored for beginners in the field of programming and individuals who aspire to work in the IT department. These insights are aimed at enhancing your skills and increasing your chances of securing a job in the tech industry. While individuals without basic computer knowledge may not find these tips as helpful, they are truly invaluable for those who are determined to excel in the field of IT. By implementing the strategies mentioned below, you will be able to refine your abilities and pave the way for a successful career in the world of technology. Additionally, we will also discuss the benefits of utilizing the Github platform, as well as the importance of code formatting and project organization.
Introduction
Hello there! I’m excited to present some valuable knowledge I’ve gained from my experience in the dynamic field of Information Technology (IT), designed especially for aspiring programmers. Let me introduce myself: I’m Richard. My interest in IT began over 5 years ago when I first started using a computer. At first, I was just a gamer, but my curiosity led me to wonder: How are these games created? This curiosity sparked a journey of discovery, learning, and practical projects.
As I advanced in high school, I decided to focus on informatics, delving deeper into this fascinating field. After graduating, I joined STU with a concentration in IT. The first two semesters were crucial as I gained hands-on experience, collaborating with experienced professionals. These experiences were priceless, providing me with practical insights that still influence my journey in IT.
Github account
Lots of businesses make use of platforms such as GitLab or GitHub for storing and organizing their projects. Familiarizing yourself with GitHub and its fundamental command line interface (CLI) commands is crucial, as you’ll be using them regularly. If you haven’t done so yet, I strongly suggest creating a GitHub account promptly. This platform acts as a great backup for your projects and enables you to display your work via public repositories.
SSH Github key
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to establish an SSH key on your computer that is connected to your GitHub account. This will provide an additional level of security and enhance your experience while using the platform. After successfully setting up the SSH key, you can proceed to create repositories and upload your past projects. It is advantageous to upload all the work you have done so far, as it enables you to easily revisit your projects and showcase them as examples of your skills on your CV.
In conclusion, GitHub’s collaborative nature is enhanced by the inclusion of a readme.md file in your public repositories. This file improves the accessibility and usability of your projects by providing a brief documentation that outlines the project’s purpose, setup instructions, and any other important information users may require. By taking the time to create a comprehensive readme.md file, you can make your projects more user-friendly and encourage collaboration and engagement from others.
Code formatting
When it comes to code formatting, it’s all about the style of your writing.
Let’s start by discussing the importance of consistency. Maintaining a consistent style throughout your project may seem challenging initially, but with practice, it becomes easier. Consistent styling not only makes your code smoother but also gives the impression that you are always in control. For example, in JavaScript, I make it a point to name everything without spaces and capitalize the first letter of each word. However, it’s not always a walk in the park, and sometimes I make mistakes by using underscores or other variations. The key is to keep practicing and strive to maintain this habit.
Another crucial aspect is naming your variables appropriately. When naming a variable, consider its purpose and choose a name that clearly reflects that. Opt for names that make it easy for others to understand how the variable is used in the code. Imagine a recruiter going through your GitHub repository. Clear documentation and functional code indicate a strong skill set. Consistently styled code that is easy to comprehend further enhances your reputation. It demonstrates professionalism and makes it simple for colleagues to adapt or collaborate with your code in the future.
Lastly, commenting is essential. Although it may feel tedious, adding comments to your code is crucial for understanding. You don’t have to comment every single line, but breaking your code into manageable sections and including brief, clear comments above each section can be immensely helpful. These comments should describe the functionality of the code and any important workarounds. By following these formatting tips, you not only improve your work but also present yourself as a valuable team member.
These formatting suggestions were among the first recommendations I received in my early career. By adhering to these habits, you not only enhance your work but also your professional image. When your team leader conducts code reviews, your well-formatted code makes their job easier and demonstrates your value to the team. Additionally, maintaining these habits ensures that revisiting or updating old projects is a breeze, as you can easily understand your previous work.
Your initial projects may seem overwhelming, resulting in some disorder. However, it is vital to strive for organization within your project directories. There are various directory structures you can adopt, depending on the nature of your project. For example, in web development, particularly with React, adhering to specific directory structures is crucial.
In a typical React project, you will come across a “public” directory that contains icons, SEO files, and similar assets. Then, there is the “src” directory, which houses the core code of your project. Within the “src” directory, it is beneficial to create subdirectories for static resources like images and styles. Additionally, consider organizing your code into directories that represent different sections of your website, such as the landing page or contact page. Each of these directories can contain multiple JavaScript files, each handling a specific part of the website, such as navigation, body, or footer.
Furthermore, if you aim to support multiple languages, consider creating a separate directory for language contexts. Here, you can store multiple JSON files that contain text in different languages.
Project organization
When writing the core functionality of your application, avoid cramming everything into a single file. Instead, break it down into multiple files, with each file responsible for a distinct part of the application. This practice greatly helps in maintaining project organization and clarity.
The example provided is just one approach, but maintaining organization is crucial, especially as projects become more complex. Consistently dividing files and directories based on their functionalities helps prevent conflicts and ensures smoother collaboration, particularly in larger projects.
Conclusion
To sum up, we’ve discussed the importance of having your own GitHub account, the value of code formatting, and the significance of organizing your projects efficiently. By following these suggestions, you can stand out in the job market and improve your chances of finding opportunities.
We’ll be exploring more on these topics in future conversations and sharing more tips and techniques in upcoming posts. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, feel free to contact us via email. We’re here to assist and ready to answer any queries you might have.
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