If you have been programming for a while and are interested in learning more, you may be wondering what makes a good programmer.

How can a graduate of computer science prepare for a profession in software development and programming?

What is required of a junior developer is a question I am frequently asked by students who follow me on Facebook and via email.

They are primarily college students who have access to a lot of material owing to the internet and are keen to prepare in advance for their programming job interviews.

In this essay, I will discuss ten things I feel every programmer should be aware of.

This includes a programming language such as C++ or Java, fundamental computer science concepts such as data structures, algorithms, and the fundamentals of computer networking, fundamental tools such as Git, Microsoft Word, and Excel, skills such as SQL and UNIX, editors such as Eclipse or Visual Studio, and text editors.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a solid starting point for programming knowledge.

Things Every Programmers and Developer Should Know

Without further ado, here is a list of things that, in my opinion, any programmer, regardless of his position, should know. These are fundamental abilities that will benefit you for a lifetime.

Any investment of time, money, and effort you make in acquiring these talents will pay off throughout your career.

1. Data Structures and Algorithms

There is no way around learning data structure and algorithms well if you want to become a programmer.

Real-world applications cannot be written without knowledge of fundamental data structures (e.g., array, linked list, map, set).

In computer science courses, every programmer should make a concerted effort to learn data structures and algorithms.

Even If you are a self-taught programmer, you must also be familiar with data structures and algorithms; in fact, many programming bootcamps will teach you these concepts first.

If you wish to learn it on your own, Data Structures and Algorithms: Deep Dive Using Java is an excellent starting point.

2. Source Control or Version Control System

If you want to become a programmer or software developer, you must be familiar with version control tools such as Git and SVN.

Fortunately, Git and Github have streamlined the market, and more than 70 percent of enterprises already use Git, so you can probably get by with knowing Git alone.

You should also be familiar with advanced version control principles like as branching and merging, as well as the command-line and graphical user interfaces of the Git programme itself.

The GitHub Ultimate: Master Git and GitHub is an excellent starting point for beginners.

3. Text Editors

As a programmer, I have never gone a single day without using a text editor. It is one of the most important tools for computer users who are not programmers.

I've primarily used NotePad on Windows and VI on Linux, but there are many IDE-like advanced editors available, such as Sublime and NotePad++.

I recommend that you devote some time to understanding your prefered text editor and keyboard shortcuts; productivity techniques can be learned. If you're a fan of Sublime, Sublime Text for Rapid Web Development is an excellent course to master these skills.

4. IDEs

Modern IDEs are the most essential tool for any programmer. The obvious choice for C, C++, and C# programmers is Visual Studio. And for Python coders, Jupiter Notebook continues to improve each time.

There are three primary IDEs available to Java programmers: Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA.

While Eclipse is my prefered IDE, IntelliJ IDEA is likely the most potent. If you're a fan of IntelliJ IDEA, I recommend reading IntelliJ IDEA Tricks to Boost Productivity for Java Developers to learn more about your IDE.

5. Database and SQL

SQL is a standard. It has existed for more than 30 years, and I believe it will continue to exist for another 30 years. Given the prevalence of databases, it is anticipated that a programmer is conversant with fundamental database principles such as normalisation and table design, in addition to SQL.

There are many databases, but knowing just one is enough. You should have a thorough understanding of the database. You must be able to insert, edit, and remove data as well as perform SQL queries to retrieve it.

The Complete SQL BootCamp is an excellent starting point if you wish to learn advanced concepts such as joining an aggregate function.

6. UNIX or Linux

Similar to SQL, UNIX has stood the test of time. It has also existed for more than thirty years, and I hope it will continue to exist for many years to come.

Since the majority of programmers must work on Linux workstations at some point, proficiency with the Linx command line is invaluable.

It allows for effective work. You may search for files, examine the CPU and memory consumption of the machine, and do both basic and advanced activities.

If you want to learn Linux commands, I recommend the Udemy course Learn Linux in 5 Days and Level Up Your Career.

7. Microsoft Excel

Excel is one of the premier programming, software development, project management, trading, and business applications. It is significantly more than just spreadsheet software.

It includes a vast array of features and operations for performing complex data analysis.

I have utilised Excel to monitor progress, reconcile data, perform data analysis, conduct data quality checks, and plan projects.

Excel has multiple applications, which is why I recommend every programmer to understand it well. Instead of simply copying and pasting data, you should be able to compare items using search, sort, filter, and VLOOKUP methods.

Microsoft Excel – Excel from Beginner to Advanced is an excellent starting point if you wish to learn Excel from scratch or expand your expertise.

8. Programming Languages

As a programmer, you must be proficient in a programming language, such as C++, Java, Python, or JavaScript. You're free to choose whatever you choose, but my recommendation is that you learn at least Java.

It is quite simple to get started with, making it a fantastic option for novices. It is also extraordinarily potent and enables you to achieve practically anything.

It offers libraries for performing activities as simple as web creation and as complicated as Big Data analysis. The Complete Java MasterClass is arguably the best place to start if you decide to study Java.

9. Networking Basics

Today's world is interconnected, and computer networks can be found everywhere, from your house, where you utilise Wi-Fi across several devices, through schools, colleges, and offices that use Local Area Network (LAN) to the Internet.

The majority of the applications you will create will be client-server applications in which the request is sent over the network to a server. Your application will be accessible from anywhere in the world.

You must understand the fundamentals of networking in order to comprehend, develop, and support your application. If you want to learn more, I recommend enrolling in the Udemy course The Complete Networking Fundamentals. It's an excellent starting point for novices.

10. Scripting Languages

You were requested to learn a programming language in point #8, so why am I now asking you to learn a scripting language? Why? Can the same programming language not also be used for scripting?

Python is one of the few languages that is suitable for both OOP programming and scripting, which is why I encouraged you to at least study it. But if you study C/C++ or Java, you won't be able to produce code as quickly as a Python or Perl developer.

If you want to study Python and require a course, The Complete Python Bootcamp is an excellent place to begin.

The scripting language facilitates the creation of tools and scripts that handle common programming issues. If you have a solid grasp of a scripting language like Python, you can easily automate tedious tasks.

Again, I recommend learning Python to kill two birds with one stone, and if you need further resources, this list of free Python courses is also quite useful.

Graduates of computer science and those aspiring to become programmers can use this list to learn about the things, tools, and skills necessary to become great programmers.

In addition, if you are interested in learning more about things programmers should know, there is a great deal of information available online, such as 97 Things Programmers should know, which is a must-read for every serious programmer.