The latest articles on DEV Community by Vikas Sampat (@vikas_sampat_bbe4ce96b3db). https://dev.to/vikas_sampat_bbe4ce96b3db 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%2F3716738%2Fa2e8e9ae-52b3-432f-8009-920374b26fb2.jpg https://dev.to/vikas_sampat_bbe4ce96b3db en Vikas Sampat Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:26:16 +0000 https://dev.to/vikas_sampat_bbe4ce96b3db/is-learning-to-code-really-worth-it-in-the-long-run-3pfc https://dev.to/vikas_sampat_bbe4ce96b3db/is-learning-to-code-really-worth-it-in-the-long-run-3pfc <p>I’m 17 years old and I started learning coding (Python) about a week ago, completely from scratch, using just my phone.<br> I’m learning through beginner platforms like Codefobe and similar apps. In the last few days, I’ve learned:<br> what variables are<br> the difference between strings and integers<br> how input() works<br> basic type conversion using int()<br> simple math operations<br> and I built a small calculator by myself<br> What surprised me is that coding is actually fun. Debugging errors, understanding why something didn’t work, and then fixing it feels rewarding.<br> I know one week of learning doesn’t mean much, and I’m still very early. I also know learning on a phone isn’t ideal, but it’s what I have right now.<br> So I wanted to ask people who have more experience:<br> Is learning to code really worth it in the long term?<br> Does the motivation usually last after the beginner phase?<br> What should a beginner focus on early to avoid wasting time or burning out?<br> I’m looking for honest answers, not hype.<br> Thanks in advance.</p> beginners codenewbie discuss python