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Saint Thomas Brown ♟
Saint Thomas Brown ♟

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3 HUGE Things I Wish I Knew When I First Started

I stared learning code in high school, it started out as a small project that I wanted to learn to understand more about the software that I use on a daily basis.

Now, I'm learning how to code my very own game using C++.

When I first started I didn't have many resources available to me. I often watched videos and asked other developers for their insight on how to do the most simplest lines of code. However, I was meet with no response or no videos to explain exactly what I do. So Instead I've done these three things in order to help further my reach and understanding on C++.

So If you’re just getting started or even if you’ve been coding a while—here are 3 things I wish someone told me sooner that I'm sure will help you out.

1. You Don’t Need to Learn Everything

It’s tempting to try and learn JavaScript, Python, React, Node.js, Docker, Git, GraphQL, Rust, Go, Kubernetes... all at once. Stop. Pick one stack. Go deep. The rest will come later.

2. Googling Is a Skill

Senior developers don’t know everything off the top of their heads, they’re just really good at searching for the right answer.

If you’re stuck like I was:

  • Google the exact error message

  • Try phrasing it differently

  • Add the language or framework (e.g., react cannot read property of undefined)

Bonus tip: Look at GitHub issues for obscure errors—they’re gold.

3. Community Matters More Than You Think

Programming can be lonely. Find your people. Join a Discord server, contribute to open source, write posts on dev.to(Kind of like I'm doing). You’ll learn faster and feel less isolated. This makes all the difference!

Thank you reading to the end, that was alot. Hopefully some of these tips can help the newer ppl, and even the pros!

Top comments (4)

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kris_chou_5f6deb607e8cb75 profile image
Kris Chou

This couldn’t be more true.

If someone had told me this earlier, it could’ve saved me a year, or more, of trial, error, and unnecessary detours.

🚧 Sometimes the hard path teaches you the most, but having the right guidance at the right time can accelerate your growth beyond measure.

💡 Whether it's choosing the right tools, focusing on what truly matters, or simply avoiding common traps, good advice at the right moment is a game changer.

So here’s my takeaway:
👉 Surround yourself with people who’ve been where you want to go.
👉 Be humble enough to listen, and wise enough to apply.
👉 And when you’ve gained some of that experience, pay it forward.

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thinkers profile image
William Oliver

Great insights—especially love the reminder that Googling is a real skill and that community matters so much. Thanks for sharing your journey and tips!

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Saint Thomas Brown ♟

Thanks for the comment Mr. Oliver, I really appreciate it! And I agree, Googling is a great resource that can go along way.

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thinkers profile image
William Oliver

You're welcome Saint!