Let’s be honest, you don’t need to memorize every Python library or JavaScript framework out there. Those CSS styles and animation tricks can easily be googled in seconds and used. What you can’t afford to skip are the core programming concepts that form the backbone of every language you’ll ever touch, irrespective of the language. Knowing most of them will really help you in your programming journey as a self-taught developer, but most importantly, it will help you pick up new programming languages faster than you ever thought possible.
I get asked questions like, “So Frank, what should I learn as a self-taught developer?” constantly. Well, if you’re teaching yourself to code, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not at a disadvantage. But there are some foundational concepts that can make or break your journey in tech.
I’ll be breaking down the important concepts you need to master, split into two clear paths based on where you are in your journey.
If you’re a Beginner: Building Your Foundation
1. Version Control
Git and GitHub aren’t optional—they’re essential. Think of version control as your coding safety room. You’ll use it for managing your code changes, collaborating with other developers, and yes, impressing potential employers who check your GitHub profile.
Start with the basics: commits, branches, and merges. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you need to go back to that “quick fix” that broke everything.
2. Master One Language, Understand Others
Here’s my advice: pick one language and get really good at it first. Whether it’s JavaScript, Python, or Java, go deep before you go wide. But once you’re comfortable, peek at other languages. Understanding the basic syntax and concepts of multiple languages will make you a more well-rounded developer and help you choose the right tool for each job.
3. Data Structures and Algorithms
I know, everyone talks about these all the time, and they can seem intimidating. But here’s why they matter: they’re your problem-solving toolkit.
Start with Big O notation to understand performance, then tackle the essential data structures: arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, hash tables, trees, and graphs. Add in searching and sorting algorithms, and you’ll have the foundation for writing efficient, scalable code.
4. Programming Paradigms—Different Ways of Thinking
Code isn’t just about syntax—it’s about thinking. Learn the differences between procedural, object-oriented (OOP), and functional programming (FP). Each paradigm offers different approaches to solving problems. OOP is great for modeling real-world entities, functional programming excels at data transformations, and procedural programming keeps things straightforward for simple tasks.
5. Debugging and Testing
There’s no way of escaping bugs—they’re inevitable, but staying stuck on them isn’t. Learn to use debugging tools in your IDE and browser. More importantly, write tests from the beginning. Unit tests and integration tests—they’re not just for “big companies.” They’re your insurance policy against breaking your own code.
6. Command Line
Get comfortable navigating directories, managing files, and running commands. You’ll use it for version control, package management, and countless development tasks. It might feel intimidating at first, but it’s incredibly powerful once you understand it.
7. Code Refactoring
Writing code is one thing; writing clean, maintainable code is another. Learn to refactor your code, improving its structure without changing its functionality. Clean code isn’t just prettier; it’s easier to debug, extend, and collaborate on.
For More Advanced Learners
8. Database Management—Where Your Data Lives
Every application needs to store data somewhere. Learn SQL for relational databases — it’s been around for decades and isn’t going anywhere. Also get familiar with NoSQL basics for when you need more flexibility or scale.
9. Gang of Four Design Patterns
The GoF design patterns are time-tested solutions to common software design problems. Singleton, Factory, Observer, and Strategy—these patterns will help you write more maintainable and scalable applications.
10. Software Design Principles
Master DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself), KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid), and the SOLID principles. They’re not just academic concepts—they’re practical guidelines that separate good code from great code.
11. Security Best Practices—Protecting Your Users
Security isn’t someone else’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility. Learn the fundamentals: input validation, authentication vs. authorization, and basic encryption concepts. Understanding common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS will make you a more valuable developer.
12. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
Understand Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment. Learn how automated testing and deployment pipelines make software delivery more efficient and reliable. Your future team will appreciate that you understand these concepts.
Your Learning Path Forward
Remember, you don’t need to master everything at once. Pick the concepts that align with your current projects and career goals. Build small projects that incorporate these concepts. The key is consistent practice and gradual improvement.
The beauty of being self-taught is that you get to customize your learning journey. Use this roadmap as your guide, but don’t feel pressured to check every box immediately. Focus on building a strong foundation first, then expand your skills as you grow.
Keep coding, keep learning, and remember—some of the best developers I know are self-taught. You’ve got this.
Happy coding!
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Top comments (1)
No need to memorize every Python library or JavaScript framework out there.