Section 1.1: The Version Control Dilemma

One of my early mistakes was neglecting proper version control. I often ended up with multiple files containing similar code, simply differentiating them by version numbers, like:

• MyProject_1_v1.js
• MyProject_1_v2.js
• MyProject_1_v2.4.js
• MyProject_1_v3_fix.js

This approach was inefficient and made it challenging to track changes over time.

Solution: Embracing GitHub

I learned to utilize GitHub effectively, which streamlined my workflow. It significantly reduced the time I spent on projects, allowing me to quickly review the latest updates and identify potential bugs.

Section 1.2: The Importance of Code Comments

Initially, I often skipped commenting my code, assuming that self-explanatory sections didn't need additional notes. This turned out to be a costly oversight!

Months later, when I needed to update the code, the commented parts served as helpful reminders, while the uncommented sections required me to sift through the code line by line to recall my logic.

Solution: Consistent Commenting

Now, I ensure that all functions and sections of my code are well-commented. This practice saves time when revisiting my work and is greatly appreciated by colleagues who collaborate with me.

Section 1.3: The Perils of Sticking to One Language

The adage "If your only tool is a hammer, you tend to treat every problem like a nail" resonates well with my experience. Early in my career, I relied heavily on Matlab for all my programming needs, which initially pleased my supervisor. However, complications arose when projects required capabilities that Matlab couldn't provide efficiently, such as web application development.

Some colleagues attempted to run web servers using Matlab, but this approach proved costly and inefficient. Fortunately, I diversified my skill set by learning languages like Python and JavaScript, which allowed me to tackle a broader range of challenges effectively.

Solution: Continuous Learning

I made it a priority to learn multiple programming languages, libraries, and frameworks, equipping myself with a versatile set of tools for problem-solving.

Section 1.4: The Nested Loop Trap

Many programming problems can be addressed through brute force, often involving multiple nested loops. While this method is straightforward, it leads to exponentially increasing execution times, which can slow down the program significantly.

Solution: Mastering Data Structures

By studying data structures and algorithms, I learned to write more efficient code. Investing time in these concepts has proven invaluable, especially when processing large datasets.