The KEY To Thinking Like a Programmer (Fix This Or Keep Struggling)

Summary

This video script delves into the mindset of a programmer, debunking the myth of a 'secret sauce' taught at elite institutions. It emphasizes that programming is fundamentally about solving problems through code. The speaker suggests adopting a methodical, scientific approach to problem-solving, breaking down complex issues into manageable parts—a technique known as decomposition. The script also introduces the concept of thinking algorithmically, akin to following a recipe, to achieve desired outcomes in programming. The speaker encourages viewers to apply these strategies to enhance their coding skills and potentially embark on a career in software development.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Thinking like a programmer is not about a 'secret sauce' taught at elite institutions but rather a set of tangible strategies and mindsets that can be learned and applied.
• 💡 The core of programming is problem-solving; programmers write code to address specific problems, whether they are small or large-scale.
• 🔍 Adopting a methodical approach to problem-solving is crucial for programmers, which involves having a structured and orderly thought process.
• 🔬 Drawing an analogy to the scientific method, programmers should approach coding with a hypothesis, experiment, and iterative refinement process.
• 📚 Learning the syntax of a programming language is essential, but it's equally important to develop an ordered and structured way of thinking about problem-solving.
• 📉 Decomposition is a key concept in programming; breaking down large, complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts facilitates easier problem-solving.
• 🍃 Like a leaf decomposing into its elemental parts, programmers should decompose problems into their fundamental components to tackle them systematically.
• 🛠 Programmers excel at not seeing an application as a monolithic entity but as a collection of smaller parts that can be individually addressed and built.
• 📝 Thinking algorithmically means creating a 'recipe' or step-by-step process to achieve a specific outcome, much like following a cooking recipe.
• 🤖 Recognizing that computers do not 'think' or guess what the programmer wants is vital; programmers must provide explicit instructions for every desired action.
• 🚀 Starting with simpler projects helps new programmers to grasp the concept of algorithmic thinking and gradually build up to more complex applications.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script about programming?

The main focus of the video script is to explain how to think like a programmer, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving, methodical thinking, and the process of learning to code.

What misconception does the script suggest people have about programming?

The script suggests that people often believe there is a 'secret sauce' taught at prestigious universities that is not available to the general public, which is not true. Programming is more about adopting certain thinking strategies.

Why is problem-solving an essential part of programming according to the script?

Problem-solving is essential because programming is fundamentally about writing code to solve problems, which can range from small to complex ones, like creating applications like Facebook or Gmail.

What does the script suggest as a way to demonstrate methodical thinking in programming?

The script suggests adopting a 'scientist mindset' where you set up experiments, record observations, and iteratively test hypotheses, similar to the scientific method.

How does the script define 'decomposition' in the context of programming?

Decomposition, as defined in the script, is the process of breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts to make it easier to approach and solve.

What is the significance of thinking algorithmically according to the video script?

Thinking algorithmically is significant because it involves creating a step-by-step process or 'recipe' to achieve a specific outcome, much like following a recipe in cooking.

Why does the script emphasize the importance of not seeing an application as a whole but as individual parts?

The script emphasizes this because it allows programmers to tackle each part methodically, making the development process more manageable and less overwhelming.

What is the role of the user interface in the problem-solving process described in the script?

The user interface is part of the problem-solving process where programmers must consider the components that will be on the screen, how data will be displayed and interacted with, and the overall user experience.

How does the script describe the common mistake made by beginners when learning to code?

The script describes a common mistake as beginners assuming the computer can read their mind, expecting it to understand what they want without providing the exact steps or 'recipe' in code.

What advice does the script give for those starting to learn programming?

The script advises beginners to start with simpler projects, learn the programming language syntax well, and practice thinking in terms of steps and structured processes.

What does the script imply about the nature of the computer in relation to programming?

The script implies that the computer is 'dumb' in the sense that it cannot guess what the programmer wants; it requires explicit instructions through well-structured code.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 Understanding the Programmer Mindset

The speaker addresses the common question of how to think like a programmer, emphasizing that there is no secret knowledge exclusive to top institutions. Instead, they highlight the importance of adopting a structured, methodical approach to problem-solving, akin to a scientist's mindset. The essence of programming is to write code that solves problems, which can range from simple to complex. The speaker encourages viewers to think more methodically, comparing the process to a scientific method, where hypotheses are tested and refined through experimentation. This approach is fundamental to learning to code and becoming a software developer.

05:02

📚 Breaking Down Problems and Decomposition

This paragraph delves into the concept of breaking down large problems into smaller, more manageable parts, a process known as decomposition. The speaker illustrates this by comparing it to the natural decomposition of a leaf into its elemental components. In programming, this involves dissecting a project into its core functionalities and user interface elements. By understanding the individual parts that make up an application, such as inputs, displays, and buttons, programmers can more effectively approach building the software. The speaker also discusses the importance of recognizing that a computer requires explicit instructions, much like a recipe, to achieve the desired outcome, rather than assuming the computer can infer the programmer's intentions.

10:02

🍲 Algorithmic Thinking and the Recipe Analogy

The final paragraph focuses on algorithmic thinking, which the speaker describes as akin to following a recipe to achieve a specific result. They use the example of cooking a dish like chili to illustrate the need for precise steps and ingredients to achieve the desired outcome. This concept is crucial for new programmers who must understand that the computer requires clear, step-by-step instructions to perform any task. The speaker advises starting with simpler projects to grasp this concept and emphasizes the importance of learning the programming language's syntax to think more algorithmically over time. The paragraph concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts and an offer to join the speaker's mentorship program for further learning opportunities.

Keywords

💡Programmer

A programmer is an individual who writes and tests code to create software applications or systems. In the video's context, the term emphasizes the need to think logically and methodically to solve problems through coding. The script discusses how professional programmers differ from beginners in their approach to problem-solving and the structured way they think, which is a key theme of the video.

💡Software Developer

A software developer is a type of programmer who is involved in the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. The video script uses this term interchangeably with 'programmer', highlighting the professional aspect of writing code to solve complex problems and the importance of adopting a methodical mindset in this role.

💡Problem Solving

Problem solving is the process of finding solutions to difficulties or challenges. The video emphasizes that a core aspect of programming is being a good problem solver. It illustrates this with examples like creating Facebook or Gmail, where the programmers had to solve the problem of connecting people or improving email services, respectively.

💡Methodical Thinking

Methodical thinking involves a structured and orderly approach to ideas or tasks. The script suggests that programmers should adopt a methodical mindset, similar to a scientist's, to systematically approach and solve coding problems. This concept is central to the video's message on how to think like a programmer.

💡Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach to experimentation that involves forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions. In the video, it is used as an analogy for the structured approach programmers should take when solving problems, emphasizing the importance of a step-by-step process in coding.

💡Decomposition

Decomposition in programming refers to breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts. The video script explains that programmers should decompose big problems into smaller ones to make them less overwhelming and easier to solve, which is a key strategy in programming.

💡Algorithmic Thinking

Algorithmic thinking is the process of designing a step-by-step procedure to solve a problem or achieve a desired outcome. The video describes this as akin to following a recipe, where programmers must lay out a precise sequence of actions to achieve the desired result in their code, which is crucial for effective programming.

💡User Interface (UI)

The user interface is the part of a software application that users interact with. The script uses the example of an expense tracker application to discuss how programmers must consider the UI components and their functionality, such as inputs, displays, and buttons, when designing and building software.

💡DOM (Document Object Model)

The Document Object Model (DOM) is a programming interface for HTML documents that treats an HTML document as a tree structure where each node is an object representing a part of the document. The video mentions accessing the DOM as part of the algorithmic process of displaying elements on a webpage, illustrating the technical aspect of front-end development.

💡Mentorship Program

A mentorship program is a structured initiative where an experienced individual guides and supports the learning and development of another person. The video script refers to the creator's mentorship program as a way for viewers to learn programming in a structured and guided manner, which aligns with the video's theme of methodical learning.

Highlights

The key to thinking like a programmer is understanding the fundamental nature of programming as problem-solving through code.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no 'secret sauce' taught at elite institutions that is withheld from the general public.

Tangible strategies exist to adopt a programmer's mindset, making learning to code and entering the field more accessible.

The speaker's experience with clients in mentorship programs provides insights into the transition from novice to software developer.

The necessity of adopting a methodical approach to problem-solving in programming, akin to the scientific method.

The importance of viewing programming as an iterative process of hypothesis, experimentation, and refinement.

The analogy of a scientist's structured approach to experimentation as a model for programmers' problem-solving.

The distinction between learning programming syntax and developing a structured thought process for problem-solving.

The concept of decomposition in programming, breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts.

The challenge of overcoming the feeling of being overwhelmed by large projects by decomposing them into elements.

The practical example of building an expense tracker application to illustrate the process of decomposition.

The necessity for programmers to visualize both the user interface components and the underlying actions of an application.

The importance of understanding that an application is a collection of features and functionalities that need to be methodically developed.

The concept of thinking algorithmically, akin to following a recipe, to achieve a specific outcome in programming.

The common mistake of assuming the computer can read the programmer's mind, rather than providing explicit step-by-step instructions.

The importance of starting with simpler projects to build a foundation in algorithmic thinking before tackling more complex applications.

The speaker's mentorship program as a resource for those interested in learning to think and program like a professional developer.

Transcripts

yes the million dollar question for many

of you guys who watch my channel is

how do i think like a programmer right

like how do professional software

developers people who are getting paid

to do this thing

versus how i think what is the

difference there what is the gap well

many people will think that there's some

secret sauce taught at mit or stanford

that they're not teaching the general

population that's the thing you're

missing but

the truth is it's not really like that

at all in fact there are some tangible

ways to think

more like a programmer and if you

utilize these strategies let's call them

or ways to think like a programmer

it will make your life easier and it

will set you on a better path

to learn to code better to get that

first job and that's exactly what i want

to cover in this video

i want to base it more off of my

experience of seeing

many people go from not knowing much to

actually becoming software developers a

lot of the clients who i work with in my

mentorship program

and even to just distill it down to it's

very basic so

without any further ado let's just kind

of dive right in here to get to the core

of what it means to think

like a programmer you first have to

really get crystal clear about what

programming is because i think

people think you're just like writing

code all the time and that's all it is

really what being a programmer is is

you're writing code

to solve a problem that's the that's the

simple as you can really get

right so the problem could be very small

or it could be very big

right so for example if you want to take

something that everybody pretty much

knows like facebook for example

was at one point it didn't exist right

mark zuckerberg was sitting in a dorm

room and he thought wow if i get people

to connect

that'd be really cool and i think that's

a problem so he solved that problem

by creating a large software application

a very complex one

or maybe it was something simpler than

that but still complex let's say google

back in the day they saw that all the

email clients out there weren't very

good

so they're like let's go ahead and

create our own email client and they

created gmail something that didn't

exist they thought could be really good

could solve a lot of people's problems

and a bunch of software developers coded

that up so

when you hear that you have to be a good

problem solver that's where this idea

comes from

that's where this buzzword comes from

because ultimately as a software

developer you're solving

some sort of problem you're creating a

solution using code

so with that all being said here i

really want to introduce this idea of

thinking more methodically right so if

you're going to solve problems you

have to think more methodically which is

basically means

you have more structure to how you think

you're more orderly in your thoughts

and i think the best way to demonstrate

this for if this doesn't really make

sense

is to think about a scientist and adopt

what i would call a scientist mindset

when it comes to programming

so scientists like you know go back to

your high school days when you're

learning about chemistry when you're in

the lab and you're mixing elements and

you're recording everything

that's basically the way that you want

to be as a software developer just like

if a scientist had a problem right to

say they wanted to create gold

from just random elements in the

periodic table which is a really cool

idea by the way you should definitely do

this

hint it's not possible so say you wanted

to do that you'd set up an experiment

where you mix

certain amounts of two elements and you

try to make gold now

if that didn't work you'd examine and

try to figure out why didn't that work

when i mix

nitrogen and oxygen together obviously

that didn't work why didn't that work

maybe you'd come up with another

hypothesis

maybe you change the amounts the the

chemical amounts and try to mix it again

and see what happened and you keep doing

that over

and over and over again and the

scientific method is a good

analog to software development and

thinking more methodically right so

a lot of people when they get into this

they struggle with

learning to code because they learn the

syntax but when it comes to the actual

problem solving part of it

they don't have an ordered and

structured way of thinking about things

so that's the first thing i really want

to plant in your head as far as thinking

more like a programmer now before we go

on to my next point here i just want to

briefly stop and say if you've enjoyed

this video thus far please go ahead and

go

down and smash that like button below

also if you haven't subscribed to my

channel i cover

all things self-taught programmer

related so definitely go down there and

smash the subscribe button

also make sure to hit the bell icon so

you get notifications anytime i put out

a new

video okay so if you understand that

thinking like a programmer means being a

good problem solver and thinking

methodically well from there then the

next thing that i noticed that really

separates

a lot of what i call amateurs like

people who are just struggling to learn

to code they're watching tutorials not

really getting it

to those who are starting to get

traction and is really starting to

understand how to think more like a

programmer

it's really about breaking down problems

like big problems

into smaller problems right so you bring

break down something big into its

smaller

little requisite parts and this is

called decomposition

just like when a leaf falls from a tree

and it dies it breaks down into its

smallest parts its elements

its cells that's the same way that you

want to approach

problem solving i've worked with so many

people when i signed them a really hard

project to do a really hard problem to

solve

the most people just get overwhelmed by

it right they see that there's a really

hard problem it's a really big

project they get overwhelmed they're

like i don't even know what to do

well what they're the problem with them

is they're seeing the problem as a whole

they're seeing the project as

in its hole in its entirety and they're

unable to break that down into its

smallest parts

so when you have a problem when you have

an application a project that you want

to build instead of seeing it as this

big problem you have to solve and

not really knowing what to do you want

to methodically break that down

into its requisite parts and this is

what programmers do really really well

they don't see an application they see

some

they see something a piece of software

that does a bunch of stuff and hey maybe

it has a user interface

so if you're going to build a let's say

an expense tracker right you want to

keep track of your expenses on a

day-to-day basis

it's going to be really simple you have

to think to yourself not only from a

user interface perspective okay so if

you're going to build the ui the look

and feel of it you have to think

like what are all the components going

to be on the screen right so maybe

you're going to have some inputs where

you can input some information

you have to figure out in your head okay

where are they going to go and then how

are you going to display

that data they're going to be is going

to be like a table there what are the

columns in the table going to look like

and how can i delete

items from each one of those so they

have to have a delete button

can i edit each one of those so you

start to think about this

even if you think about it in your head

you can just sort of see exactly what

you need to do what the user interface

is comprised of

so that's sort of the what now each

application or project that you're going

to do is also going to have

an action to it right what is it going

to do

right so for example your expense

tracker application is going to allow a

user to

create an expense it's going to allow a

user to edit an expense and it's going

to allow a user to delete an expense now

maybe you're going to add more than that

maybe you're going to allow users to log

in so we can save that to a database

maybe maybe not but either way you're

kind of deciding everything that your

application is going to do because once

you've broken this down into its

requisite parts

then it's a lot easier to not only

approach building it right so you can go

through one by one and sort of either

build out the user interface or

you can actually start creating the

functionality right you can actually

make

the expense tracker create a new expense

but even beyond that before you start

writing any code you can see the big

picture and see

all the different parts and see what you

maybe want to throw out and maybe if you

are going to build this in a certain way

because you see

all of the different features that

you're going to build so that's the

first thing i've noticed about thinking

more like a programmer is programmers

are really good about not seeing

everything as a whole

they see thing as little tiny parts that

they can go through one by one

and build it out the last piece of the

puzzle when it comes to thinking more

like a programmer is

by far the most challenging to i'd say

explain but also the most challenging to

actually adapt to your normal thought

pattern

the next thing i'm going to show you is

really how to think algorithmically

so thinking algorithmically is a fancy

way of saying

thinking more like a recipe right when

you create a certain meal

you follow a recipe that's basically

what you do as a programmer you create a

recipe to provide a

specific result because if i'm going to

create chili achilles one of my favorite

dishes by the way definitely recommend

it

you know i know the certain amount of

ingredients i have to have tortilla

chips onions simmering sauce to name a

few

and i have to cook that in a very

specific way if i don't cook that the

exact way if i turn the temperature on a

little too long or i cook it a little

too long or the temperature's off or i

mix the ingredients the wrong steps the

wrong intervals the result i'm going to

get is dramatically different from what

i want

and so this is really really important

for you guys who are new

and this is really important as well for

why you want to start on simpler

projects

projects that are easier to do than

jumping into some of the harder projects

for example i assign people when i work

with them one-on-one to do

something like a to-do app for example

one of the you know most common

applications

that you're going to do but what i'm

able to observe when people first start

coding is that they often assume that

the computer

knows what they want to do right they

can sort of read their mind like hey

when i press a button i want a

thing to show up on the screen i want a

little li a list item to show up on the

screen

and that's one of the problems that

you're going to have instead of thinking

that

in order to show something on the screen

i have to access the dom

i have to create an li element i have to

add some text into that li element

you sort of just assume that the

computer knows what you want to do

and this is the the biggest leap and by

the way all the stuff i'm explaining to

you can't really be learned through a

lecture i can't just go through a

lecture and say okay here's how to think

more algorithmically

one of the things you have to do is just

go and try to do it

you have to learn the programming

language the syntax better and it

becomes more clear

over time how you have to think more in

terms of steps like step-by-step process

as opposed to just like i write some

code and it does what i want

because if you've ever heard this term

before i think i've said it on my

channel a few times

the computer is really dumb so you can

write some software to the for the

computer to

do pretty much anything by the way like

pretty much anything that you write

and code can be done on a computer but

the problem is that the computer doesn't

ever really can't really guess what

you're trying to think and that's where

most people get wrong when they start

getting into code is that they think

that if they

learn to the syntax of a programming

language that

that will be enough to get any outcome

they want but they don't realize that

they have to

get the exact recipe down for whatever

outcome they want whether it's

to do app whether they want to create a

financial trading application you can

actually create bots now that

you know trade currency and that sort of

thing or trade stocks

but you are the director of that and you

have to really break that down into it

step by step so that's where it sort of

ties in with decomposition

with thinking more methodically and

thinking more algorithmically alrighty

so those are my thoughts on how to think

more like a programmer if you enjoyed

the video or want to share your thoughts

on how to think more like a programmer

please go down below and leave me a

comment other than that if you're

interested in working with me in my

mentorship program i will leave details

down below in the description of how

you can potentially join the program

other than that thank you so much as

always for watching and peace out

everybody