So you want to develop your problem-solving skills? You’re trying to get to that next level? Or are you a beginner who’s trying to learn how to think like a developer / programmer ?

As Steve Jobs once said, “Everybody in this country should learn to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think”. And I’m 100% onboard with that saying. So even if you don’t end up as a programmer in your next career venture, you will be guaranteed at least better techniques to approach your day-to-day life problems. Sounds enticing enough for you? Let’s get to the really good stuff then!

First of all, you have to keep in mind that learning how to think like a programmer, is assuming you are one, and secondly, realizing that it’s a lifelong learning process and there is no end line until you decide to stop developing those skills.

In this article, I will be sharing some of my top 5 favourite valuable resources for you to become a better problem solver as a developer. (Also, keep it mind that these are by no means ranked. It's a matter of tastes and preferences.)

5. CodeChef

This website is getting more and more popular with time, and I can see why. It’s a gem, it’s frequently updated, has a lot of challenges, has its own community forums, and even has its own IDE.

4. Project Euler

This one is pretty straightforward as it provides programming and mathematical problems with a simple and easy-to-understand interface.

3. Python Challenge

PythonChallenge is pretty niche, but the concept is very attractive and fun. And the “hacker vibe” it gives off really did it for me. Definitely underrated.

2. Practice It

“Practice It” provides an extensive list of Java based problems, and the challenges are actually quite friendly for someone who’s just beginning on their journey.

1. CodinGame

This one is probably my favourite of all time so far. It’s been recommended by a close friend of mine and I have been in love ever since I have been introduced to this mine of gold. It gamifies the whole process of problem solving and does a great job at it. I personally enjoy this approach the most and having the option to join the community and compare codes with other programmers is priceless.

With all this being said, there are many more resources out there to help you sharpen your problem-solving skills or just have some fun before starting your projects. I do believe one of the most important things about this whole journey is to get good at this specific skill and it’s for good reasons.

Some last words: Stay consistent and have fun!**