Start Over Coder

025: Think Like A Programmer - Key Takeaways From A Helpful Book

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Think Like A Programmer by V. Anton Spraul aims to teach the fundamentals of computer programming. It’s not perfect, but it offers some great takeaways for anyone learning to code.

In the book Spraul breaks down how to go about solving a problem step-by-step, covering fundamental topics like arrays, pointers, dynamic memory, classes, and recursion. Each topic comes with code snippets written in C++, and the chapters conclude with a list of exercises you can do on your own to make sure the information sticks.

The key takeaways were:

  • Take the time to form a plan when faced with a problem to solve. Random trial and error is not advised!
  • Break big problems into smaller pieces and try to solve the small pieces. Then you might spark ideas about how to work on the parts you’re less comfortable with.
  • If a program will have multiple parts to solve, start with the one with the most constraints.
  • Write separate programs to test small functions within a bigger project. If you can write a small piece on its own, you’ll have an easier time fitting that function into the bigger project.
  • Start with what you know and find analogies with code you’ve already written.
  • Be careful with using other people’s code…doing so can hinder your own learning, even if your program works.
  • Don’t get frustrated! Work on something different or just go take a walk when things get tough.
    • Show Links:
    • Where to find the book: Goodreads, Amazon, No Starch Press
    • Start Over Coder ep 18 - free stuff from your local library
    • V. Anton Spraul’s YouTube Channel


      • This episode was originally published 25 July, 2017.

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