Remember when you first got introduced to the world of programming? Beaming with so much excitement and eagerness, you imagined all the incredible things you could build. And with little to no illusions about how difficult it might get, you picked a field and started learning away. Now here you are, stuck! You start to think this is above what your mind can process or achieve. Well, you are not alone.
Just like every other discipline, everyone who began programming has and most often keeps experiencing difficulties with making their ideas come to life. What you do when you face obstacles will define how
much you will enjoy the journey.
What to do whenever you feel stuck or face difficulties along the way.
Find the intrigue in the exasperating. Curiosity in this discipline is everything. Putting in the effort to find out why something isn't working or behaving as you please makes a huge difference. You may have followed a tutorial, code after code and yet still, your code may not work as the one shown in the tutorial. Jump on Google or any search engine of your choice to find answers.
Programming can be overwhelming especially if you are doing it alone. Communities act as a support network.
Support and motivation are usually the key attributes every community possesses. Join communities or create one where everyone shares the same interest in technology, and eagerness to learn, grow, improve, and help each other. Being a part of such communities makes you realize most of the mistakes or roadblocks you are experiencing in your journey are common and not just pertaining to only you.Ask for help. You may find it hard, embarrassing even if you are not used to asking for help. Fortunately, most people in the programming field are always willing to help. You can start by private messaging people in your field you think may help and sharing the problem you are facing in your learning group. And with time, you will get comfortable with asking for help.
Share what you are learning. When you share what you are learning and building, it opens you up to criticism. Flaws you may have not noticed will be pointed out to you by others. Suggestions will be made and all these help you improve.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a software engineer takes a varying mixture of grit, community support, and optimism. Enjoy your journey. Cheers
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