The latest articles on DEV Community by isha singh (@ishacodes). https://dev.to/ishacodes https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4068326%2F8de037b9-c445-4fd5-86a1-5a2840a56f66.jpg https://dev.to/ishacodes en isha singh Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:10:09 +0000 https://dev.to/ishacodes/why-i-joined-devto--5c63 https://dev.to/ishacodes/why-i-joined-devto--5c63 <p>Ever since I joined the platform, I wanted to post about a topic I was really passionate about. Everything I've learnt till now has somewhat made me curious about something else in the tech world.</p> <p>When I started with <strong>C++</strong>, everything was very overwhelming. I used to feel left out and all spaced out, even when I was doing great according to my level of knowledge. But I did not give up. I knew one day I'd be able to do it. But that day came after a lot of struggles.</p> <p>A lot of times, we are sold stories of success with very little ounce of reality check, and this is what makes people anxious. The problem with this is that a lot of people who are failing internalize the fact that the reason they're failing is themselves, while the reality is somewhat different. They are never told that you will fail a number of times before you succeed. Those who give up on the way lose a portion of themselves without even realising it was never their fault. Sometimes, you just need this faith that you'll be able to do it on your worst days. That's it!</p> <p>After I completed C++, I started with <strong>data structures and algorithms</strong>. Again a rollercoaster of emotions. DSA has been one of those topics which has humbled me in many ways. I realised that doing DSA was just like mathematics — you don't get good at it in a week or a month. It takes real effort and continuity. Just promise yourself a couple of months (or maybe a year or two), and you're done. But then, it may take a number of retakes, and that's okay. It's just that every individual has a different timeline of learning, and you don't have to fit into any one of them.</p> <p>(If you're a beginner, please dry run every question at least thrice on different examples — that's how you develop logic building.)</p> <p>Later, I started with <strong>Machine Learning</strong>. I learnt everything from scratch. And the mathematics it uses is less talked about. From numpy, pandas to matplotlib and opencv, everything is just so amazing. It was at that time I realised I wanted to explore as many tech fields as I can, so that I can figure out what I like, but I ended up liking everything.</p> <p>After ML, I learnt <strong>web development</strong>. HTML, CSS and JS — I did these three back in my high school, so I kind of had an idea about them. But as I delved more, I realised development is another progression level now. With frameworks like React and Angular, it's so easy for devs to write code. I was amazed even at the progression of Node.js — I read all the previous logs on Node.js, and it's amazing how it has evolved. Maybe this is how I developed a lot more interest in coding.</p> <p>Fast forward, when I had enough knowledge to understand huge codebases, I started inclining towards <strong>open source</strong> softwares. The beauty with which these huge codebases are handled — it's just amazing. It takes real effort to go through huge codebases, and I would really thank people who maintain such codebases with responsibility. Open Source has been the reason we've been able to evolve so much with technology. Currently, I am aiming to get better at it, along with trying to learn more about AI and systems programming.</p> <p>This was all about my journey. I'd be more than happy if this helped you in even the slightest bit.</p> <p>Apologies for any typos. Lemme know if you have any suggestions for me. Have a good day!!</p> discuss programming productivity opensource