Can You Use Git Without GitHub?
Can you use Git without GitHub? The short answer is yes, you can. You can use Git with online services other than GitHub, with an in-house server, or on your local computer without any server at all. Git is a tool for revision control. GitHub is an online service that allows you to store, manage, and share Git repositories in the cloud. First, let’s look at what Git is. Then, let’s see what GitHub and other Git-hosting services have to offer. What Is Git? Git is a revision control tool. It’s most often associated with software development, but you can use it to track changes in any file. For example, Git…
What Is the Best Way to Learn C#? A Complete Introduction
Let’s talk about learning today. Specifically, let’s talk about learning a programming language. What’s the best way to learn C#? For the most part on this blog, we’ve answered questions that non-programmers might have about the world of programming when they’re thinking of breaking in. And while I suppose learning a programming language could fall into this category, it’s a little more specific. But I wanted to examine this topic with a blog post for a specific reason. I happened to Google “best way to learn C#” and find that something was consistently missing from the results. Don’t get me wrong. The results are helpful. It’s just that they seem to focus…
Is Programming Hard? Here’s What You Need to Know
Is programming hard? This is a question many non-programmers ask me. This makes it rank up there with questions like, “do programmers work from home” and “what kind of education do you need to be a programmer?” Inquiring minds want to know. But unlike some of those questions, this one is actually pretty tough. It’s a simple question, but the answer is very nuanced. So let’s dive into it, in detail, and help you understand whether programming is difficult or not. Is Programming Hard? The Short Answer So first off, let’s tackle the question with a short and direct answer. This will set the stage for the remainder of the…
Is Software Engineering a Good Career?
We all work a lot during our lives. But if we’re going to work our entire life, shouldn’t we do something that makes us happy? Let me introduce you a career you might not be expecting: software engineering. So, now you’re probably wondering if software engineering is a good career. Maybe you’re on your path learning how to program. Or maybe you’re not happy with your current job and decided to take a look out there to see if you’d find anything different. Whichever reason brought you here, you’re lucky: we’re talking about the pros and cons of a software engineering career. First, the Short Answer All right, before I…
What Is the Difference Between Coding and Programming?
Coding and programming are two terms used to describe the same process. There seem to be a lot of people out there writing very long posts attempting to explain the differences when, quite frankly, there aren’t any. At best, these people are splitting hairs so fine that an electron microscope would have a hard time seeing it. In this post, I’ll show you why coding and programming are functionally the same. I’ll also highlight a more important distinction to make: that between someone who codes and a professional programmer. Coding and Programming Defined Let’s start with the definitions of coding and programming from Oxford Languages via Google search: Coding the…
Improving Your Workflow: Steps to Becoming a More Productive Software Developer
Developers need to juggle tight deadlines, changing technology, and complex problems—all while trying to maintain their creativity and mental health. But what if there were ways to reach your full potential while remaining efficient and sustainable?In this post, we’ll discuss some techniques that will enable you, as a developer, to increase your productivity. We’ll look at approaches that go beyond merely “coding faster” and instead focus on developing your mindset, workflow, and environment. These methods will provide you with what you need to not only get things done, but do it with better focus, satisfaction, and a restored sense of purpose. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting out,…
How to List Programming Skills on a Resume
Are you looking to land a dream programming job? If you want to do that, it is important to show your programming skills effectively on your resume. Employers don’t just want to see your education and experience. They also want to understand which 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 best practices for listing programming skills on a resume to highlight your…
Do Programmers Memorize Code?
In the world of programming, one question that often arises is whether programmers actually memorize code or if they rely heavily on search engines and documentation. The ability to recall code quickly and accurately is often seen as a mark of expertise and efficiency in the field. Some argue that memorization is essential for effective programming, while others believe that understanding and problem-solving skills are more important. In this blog post, we will delve into the topic of whether programmers memorize code. We will explore the reasons why code memorization is advantageous, the ongoing debate surrounding memorization versus understanding, and strategies that programmers can employ to enhance their code memorization…
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…
