Due to rapid advancements in technology for the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of computer programmers. This number is growing every day. In all my years as a programmer, I have met a lot of programmers who I consider true programmers to the core and some that are just not cut out for it (even though they believe they are). I want to share a list of six qualities that makes one a true programmer.I hope you possess at least half of what is on this list. If not, it's best to ask yourself if computer programming is really for you.

1. Be Passionate About It

I have seen a lot of people that go into programming just because they read somewhere that software developers make a lot of money. If you are that kind of person, then programming is definitely not for you. Your passion for computer programming and technology should drive you not the money.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Anyone who knows me would tell you that I always carry a backpack with a laptop in case I get some free time to write some code, solve a problem, debug my code, or read an article on programming. With time, this became a habit that I now do every day. I've yet to see a good programmer who does not do the same.

3. Birds of the Same Feather Flock Together

This means that people who are a lot alike tend to gather together and become friends. If you are a programmer and you don't know at least one person that you can code with, then you should question how good of a programmer you are or will become. One of the best things a programmer can do (especially for beginners) is to make friends with like-minded people because they relate to you the best and you can learn a lot from sharing information among yourselves.

4. Use at Least One Version Control Tool

Version control is the task of keeping a software system consisting of many versions and configurations well organized. Every programmer should know his or her way around at least one version control tool. I use Git for my personal project. You can check out my GitHub account here.

5. Have a Side Project

It's extremely important for every programmer out there to have a side project of their own because it builds up your motivation as a programmer to code more and learn new things. In the process, you might build the next Facebook or Snapchat.

6. Always Teach and Help Others

This is a personal opinion I hold as a programmer. We should be helping other people, especially beginners. I wouldn't be at the level I am today as a programmer today if not for a few people who came to my aid when I needed it the most. Sometimes a textbook can't really explain things to a person very new to programming. I remember a time when I couldn't tell the difference between a for loop and a while loop. It took a YouTube video to explain it to me in the simplest way possible.

In conclusion, anybody can be anything they want to be as long as put hard work in. I hope this post has helped you find your stance on computer programming, and if you are lacking a few qualities, you now know what areas you need to improve in.