What is Benchmarking?
This is the Make Me a Programmer glossary entry for benchmarking. What is Benchmarking? A Quick Definition In technology, benchmarking is the process of evaluating the performance of hardware, software, or systems by running standardized tests and comparing the results to established standards or competitors. It helps assess the speed, efficiency, and reliability of various components like CPUs, GPUs, databases, or entire computer systems. Benchmarking involves executing specific tasks or workloads and measuring how quickly or effectively a system completes them. The results provide valuable insights into a system’s capabilities and allow for performance comparisons. Tech professionals use benchmarking to make informed decisions, such as selecting the best hardware for a…
What is a Database?
This is the Make Me a Programmer glossary entry for database. What is a Database? A Quick Definition A database is a structured collection of information organized for efficient storage, retrieval, and management. It acts like a digital filing system, storing data such as text, numbers, images, and more. Databases consist of tables, each with rows (entries) and columns (attributes) to hold specific data types. They enable users to query and manipulate data using a specialized language called SQL. Databases ensure data integrity through constraints and ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability). They serve as the backbone for numerous applications, from websites and mobile apps to business systems, helping store and…
What is a Stack?
This is the Make Me a Programmer glossary entry for a stack. What is a Stack? A Quick Definition In programming, a stack is a data structure that follows the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle. It is a collection of elements where new items are added to the top, and only the topmost item can be removed or accessed. Stacks are commonly used in various algorithms and applications, such as function calls and managing program flow, due to their efficient insertion and removal operations. Think of one of those things you used to keep in your car to pay tolls. You’d push coins into them, and when you wanted to take a coin…
What is a Programming Language?
This is the Make Me a Programmer glossary entry for programming language. What is a Programming Language? A Quick Definition A programming language is a set of instructions and rules used to communicate with computers and create software applications. It provides a structured way for programmers to write code and give commands to a computer, enabling it to perform specific tasks and operations. Programming languages serve as a bridge between human-readable code and machine-executable instructions, allowing developers to build a wide range of software and applications. Programming Language, Explained Like You’re Five Imagine you have a magic wand, and you want to tell your toy robot or your computer what to…
What Is Polymorphism?
This is the Make Me a Programmer glossary entry for polymorphism. What is Polymorphism? A Quick Definition Polymorphism in programming is the ability of objects of different types to be treated as objects of a common parent type. It allows for the interchangeability of objects, enabling them to respond differently to the same method call based on their specific implementations. Polymorphism promotes code reusability, flexibility, and modularity in object-oriented programming. If that all sounds a little overwhelming to you, fear not. This is why we have a few levels of definition in these glossary entries. Polymorphism, Explained Like You’re Five Imagine you have a box of different toys, like cars, dolls,…
How to List Programming Skills on a Resume
Are you a programming enthusiast looking to land your dream job? As the demand for skilled programmers continues to skyrocket, it has become imperative to showcase your programming skills effectively on your resume. Employers not only want to see your educational qualifications and work experience but also want to know the specific programming languages, frameworks, and tools you excel in. In today’s competitive job market, simply listing programming skills on your resume is no longer enough. You need to strategically present them in a way that catches the attention of potential employers and sets you apart from other candidates. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices for…
What Is Foo in Programming?
Introduction to Foo in Programming Programming is a vast and ever-evolving field, with numerous concepts and terminologies that can often be daunting for beginners and even experienced developers. One such term that frequently arises in programming discussions is “Foo.” If you’ve ever wondered what Foo is and how it relates to programming, you’ve come to the right place. What is Foo? Foo is a placeholder term commonly used in programming to represent an undefined or generic object, function, or variable. It is typically used when discussing code examples or illustrating concepts without getting caught up in specific details. The term “Foo” is part of a set of placeholder variables, including…
What Are Some Benefits of Pair Programming?
Pair programming has become increasingly popular in the software development industry, revolutionizing the way teams collaborate and produce high-quality code. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the numerous benefits that pair programming offers and delve into the reasons why it has gained such widespread recognition. Introduction to Pair Programming What is Pair Programming? Pair programming is an agile software development technique where two developers work together on a single workstation. In this collaborative approach, one developer takes on the role of the “driver,” actively writing code, while the other assumes the role of the “navigator,” providing guidance, reviewing code, and thinking strategically about the overall design. By working together,…
What Is User Experience Monitoring?
This is the Make Me a Programmer glossary entry for user experience monitoring. What Is User Experience Monitoring? A Quick Definition User experience monitoring refers to the practice of continuously observing and measuring the interactions between users and a digital system, such as a website, application, or service, in order to assess and improve the overall user experience. It involves collecting data on various metrics, such as page load times, response times, error rates, and user interactions, to gain insights into how users perceive and engage with the system. By monitoring user experience, organizations can identify issues, detect performance bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to optimize their digital products or…
Do Programmers Need Math?
Programming and mathematics have often been intertwined, leading to the common belief that programmers need to have a strong foundation in math. However, this notion has also been challenged by some who argue that math is not a prerequisite for becoming a successful programmer. In this blog post, we will delve into the relationship between programming and math, exploring the importance of math in programming and examining its practical applications. By the end, we hope to shed light on whether or not programmers truly need math skills to excel in their field. Why the Debate? The debate on whether programmers need math skills stems from the diverse nature of programming…
