25 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started to Code 💻📚
Start with the Basics: Understanding the fundamentals of programming languages is crucial. Don’t rush through the basics.
Learn One Language Well: Mastering one language will make it easier to learn others. Start with a versatile language like Python or JavaScript.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Coding is a skill honed by doing. Write code every day, even if it's just a small script.
Understand Algorithms and Data Structures: These are the backbone of efficient coding. They help solve complex problems faster.
Read Other People's Code: It’s a great way to learn different approaches and best practices.
Write Clean, Readable Code: Code is read more often than it is written. Make it easy for others (and your future self) to understand.
Comment and Document Your Code: Good comments and documentation can save you and others a lot of time and confusion later.
Use Version Control: Learn Git and use it to manage changes to your code. It’s essential for collaboration and backup.
Learn Debugging Techniques: Debugging is a significant part of programming. Mastering debugging tools and techniques will save you a lot of time.
Build Projects: Apply what you learn by building real projects. This solidifies your knowledge and gives you a portfolio to show potential employers.
Don't Fear Failure: Bugs and errors are part of the process. Each one is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Break Problems into Smaller Pieces: Tackling a big problem all at once can be overwhelming. Breaking it into smaller parts makes it manageable.
Stay Updated: The tech world evolves rapidly. Stay current with new technologies and trends.
Join a Community: Engage with other programmers. Forums, local meetups, and online groups can provide support and insight.
Understand How the Internet Works: Knowing the basics of how the web works (HTTP, DNS, etc.) is crucial for web development.
Learn About Databases: Most applications use databases. Understanding how they work and how to interact with them is essential.
Master a Framework or Library: Once you know a language, learn a popular framework to enhance your productivity.
Take Care of Your Health: Programming can be sedentary. Take breaks, exercise, and maintain a healthy posture.
Learn to Manage Your Time: Coding projects can be time-consuming. Good time management helps you stay productive and avoid burnout.
Test Your Code: Writing tests for your code ensures it works as expected and makes future changes safer.
Don't Reinvent the Wheel: Use existing libraries and tools whenever possible. It saves time and leverages community knowledge.
Focus on Problem-Solving Skills: Programming is fundamentally about solving problems. Hone your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Be Patient and Persistent: Learning to code takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and persistent in your practice.
Seek Feedback: Code reviews and feedback from peers are invaluable for improvement.
Enjoy the Journey: Coding can be incredibly rewarding. Enjoy the process of creating and the satisfaction that comes with solving problems.
Embarking on a coding journey is both challenging and exciting. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Keep learning, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun coding! 🌱🚀
Top comments (7)
Cool! Thank you
I am glad you like it.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Oh what a goldmine thx a lot! will show this to my students.
Glad it's useful! Enjoy sharing it with your students!
wow, this is lovely and spot-on🤩
Though i am doing coding since 7 years old so this article is not important for me but I can use it to help my new developer beginner friends. Thanks !