Core problem solving skills. Debugging, triaging, fault-finding.

The thing that makes me a good programmer is my ability to consume a bunch of code, model the program in my head, and analyze likely faulting paths. The code is secondary. Your job as a programmer is to solve problems. Code is just the tool we use to implement the solution.

Instead of bashing your head into the keyboard until the bug goes away, take your time to actually understand the bug. Make an effort to grok as much of the program as you can. Draw flow charts and diagrams if you can't keep the model in your head.

A related point: understand what the machine is doing and how your code interacts with it. If you're aware of the physicality of the machine, you'll tend towards better and more optimal code.

Really you want to learn programming, and not code. Tinker with as many different languages as you can, but don't overly concern youself with advanced features. Learn how to walk into a codebase in an unfamiliar language and immediately start hacking. You'll eventually learn to see the program behind the code. To a good programmer, code is code is code, no matter the language. Really think deeply about the distinction between a program and the code. Again, code is just the tool we use to create a program.

Other than that, the single most useful thing you can learn is shell scripting. It cannot be overstated how important and useful bash and powershell scripts are. They are everywhere and most programmers have written countless shell scripts.

To sum up: learn the theory and philosophy of programming and computing. You have to build a deep understanding of programming in the abstract before you can apply code. You want to cultivate a talent for programming. Skills come after that, and you pick them up along the way. We are all constantly learning new skills, it's part of the job.

A painter does not master the art by studying brushes. A master understands art, composition, colors and can apply that understanding with a brush, pencil, pastel or any other tool. She does, of course, specialize in and deeply understands a small subset of those tools, but she can still produce masterworks with unfamiliar tools.

Learn the art, not the tool.

Ask HN: Which hard skills can I learn to become a better programmer?