10 invaluable things I wish I knew as a self-taught developer when I was new to coding
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a self-taught developer, it’s that there’s always more to learn. Even after years of coding experience, I’m still constantly learning new tips and tricks that make me a better developer. If you’re just starting out in your coding journey, or you’re feeling a little lost, here are 10 things I wish I knew when I was new to coding.
The importance of a strong foundation
One of the most important things is the importance of having a strong foundation. When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to learn all the different programming languages and frameworks. However, it’s important to take the time to really learn the basics and build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced topics. Otherwise, you’ll likely find yourself struggling later on down the road.
The Internet is your friend — Use it!
When I was first starting out, I had no idea where to find resources or how to even start googling for answers. It took me a while to realize that the Internet is an invaluable resource for self-taught developers. There are so many amazing resources available online, including coding tutorials, blog posts, and Stack Overflow. If you’re stuck on something, chances are someone else has already figured it out and written about it online. So don’t be afraid to use Google!
Read code from other people
One of the best ways to learn how to code is to read other people’s code. Not only will this help you better understand how different programming concepts work, but you’ll also pick up on best practices and learn how to structure your own code in a more readable and maintainable way.
The importance of reading documentation
When you’re first starting out, it can be tempting to just try to figure things out on your own. However, this is often not the best approach and can lead to frustration. Instead, take the time to read through documentation when you’re stuck. This will save you a lot of time in the long run and help you better understand the concepts you’re working with.
The value of practice
As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. This is especially true when it comes to coding. The more you code, the better you’ll become at solving problems and understanding concepts. So, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and start coding!
The benefit of taking breaks
When you’re deep in the trenches of coding, it can be easy to get lost in your work and forget to take breaks. However, it’s important to take breaks every now and then in order to avoid burnout and stay fresh mentally. By taking breaks throughout the day, you’ll be able to come back to your work with fresh eyes and a clear head.
The value of debugging
Debugging is an essential skill for any developer, yet it’s one that many developers overlook. When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to get frustrated when your code doesn’t work as expected. However, learning how to debug your code can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
The importance of coding conventions
Coding conventions are standards for how code should be formatted and organized. While they may seem like pointless rules at first, following coding conventions can actually make your code easier to read and understand — both for yourself and for others. So, even though they may seem like a pain to follow at first, they’re definitely worth taking the time to learn.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
When you’re first starting out, it’s natural to be afraid of making mistakes. But the truth is that everyone makes mistakes — even experienced developers! — and that’s perfectly okay. In fact, making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn. So don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, even if you think you might make a mistake. The worst that can happen is that you’ll learn from your mistake and become a better developer as a result.
The importance of collaboration
In today’s world, few people work in isolation anymore. With that being said, it’s important to learn how to effectively collaborate with others, whether they’re fellow developers or people from other disciplines. Collaboration can help you solve problems more effectively and can also make the work process more enjoyable.
Learning to code can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely achievable if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a developer in no time!