One piece of advice I'd like to offer self-taught devs is to practice regularly and continuously challenge yourself with coding exercises and projects. The cadence I typically suggest is a minimum of one hour per day for a minimum five days per week. . By consistently dedicating time to coding, you'll reinforce what you have learned, improve your problem-solving abilities, and become more comfortable with different programming concepts. If you set aside specific time slots in your schedule for coding practice and stick to them, you can train yourself to "get in the zone" when it comes to your personal learning.
Additionally, challenging yourself with coding exercises and projects is crucial for growth. Seek out exercises or coding challenges that push your limits and require you to think critically. Build small and larger projects that allow you to apply what you have learned in a practical way, as this will deepen your understanding and help you gain hands-on experience.
When faced with choices about which coding exercises or projects to pursue, it's important to make decisions based on your personal interests and goals. Consider what areas of software development excite you the most and/or align with your long-term career aspirations. When you build projects that you are passionate about, you will be more motivated to put in the necessary effort and fully engage in the learning process. You will likely be considerably more passionate in your description of these projects than something pulled from a course or tutorial.
Remember to approach learning as a self-taught software developer with patience and perseverance. It may take longer than you expected to grasp certain concepts or complete complex projects, but don't get discouraged. Seek out resources such as online tutorials, forums, and communities where you can ask questions, learn from others, and gain support. Remember, your learning and growth is a highly personal endeavor so the rate someone else progresses should never be a deterrent. We call it "a race of one" for a reason. Happy learning!
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