Think like a programmer

People are often told that they need to think like a programmer. What exactly does this mean and how can it help you in creating logical, efficient and well structured code?

A few simple adjustments to our thinking and methodology will help us create modular, efficient and logical code.

This is a 166 page ebook which looks at ways to adjust your thinking so you can really start to think in the required manner.
You will meet many cases of program design, implementation, modification and debugging.

A programmer’s approach to problems consists of 4 basic processes.

1) the problem is broken down into a series of small steps.
2) code is written in a modular fashion to handle the small steps.
3) Thirdly we need to adjust our code to cope with bad user input and create user friendly output.
4) Final code is then thoroughly tested, debugged and amended before it is published.

In our ebook, “Think like a programmer” we take the student through a series of programs involving circumstances that all programmers will meet at some time, and this leads to development of the necessary skills.

Program examples are given and then discussed in great detail in the light of the 4 step methodology.

Whilst we are writing the code we will also highlight common pitfalls and oversights that manifest themselves as bugs.

A logical approach to programming minimises the chances of bugs appearing. Nevertheless bugs WILL appear. It is inevitable, and the longer the program the more there will be. But this is all part of programming and we just have to learn to sort them out.

The use of plain English, Lists, Diagrams, Flow charts, Procedures, Functions and Orchestrating logic in program development all lead to a well structured approach.

It may sound very technical but, in fasct, the techniques used in this ebook are very straightforward and learnrt friendly.
You will meet many different circumstances and be given every opportunity to develop things your own way.