I first started web development in 2022. Fresh out of university, surrounded by developers, I had every resource at my fingertips, but somehow, I didn't grasp the whole point of it. I started courses, both paid and free, and joined programs like ALX, but did not finish.
Fast forward to today: I am finally transitioning fully into Frontend. It wasn't a sudden spark of genius, it was a change in strategy. If you’ve been 'starting' for years like I was, here is what I finally had to learn to move forward:
1. Start at the Very Beginning:
Don't just jump into code. I realised I was trying to speak a language before I knew what a sentence was. Take the time to learn how the web actually works... DNS, hosting, browsers, and familiarise yourself with the basic terminology. If you don't understand the why, the how will always feel like a chore. Don't just jump into HTML & CSS.
2. Kill the "Jumping Around Courses" Habit:
I used to jump from a free YouTube tutorial to a paid course to a bootcamp without ever finishing one. Pick one and see it through. I’m currently halfway through Jonas Schmedtmann’s HTML/CSS course on Udemy, and the difference is that this time, I’m not looking for the 'next' thing. I’m mastering the current thing.
3. Depth Over Speed (No Multitasking):
It’s tempting to try to learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React all at once. Don’t. Take it one bit at a time. Make sure you truly understand how a CSS Grid works before you rush into a JavaScript framework. Build the foundation first, or else the house will collapse.
4. Practice! Practice! Practice!!!
Coding along with a video is passive learning. It feels good, but you aren't building muscle memory. Build something from scratch and add to it as you learn. I make sure to build things from scratch. If I learn a new navigation bar trick, I try to recreate it without the video. Practice until the syntax becomes a second language.
5. Start building a portfolio early.
Document the Messy Middle. I wish I had started my portfolio in 2022. Don't wait until you are an expert to show your work. Save your screenshots, keep your messy code snippets, and write about your journey. It’s your story; OWN IT! This post is me finally doing exactly that.
My journey from 2022 to now hasn't been a straight line, but it’s my line. To anyone else currently in the procrastination loop, it’s okay to start over... as long as you start differently this time.
What’s one thing that stopped you from finishing your first coding course? Let’s talk in the comments.
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