The path to becoming a developer has changed. But some fundamentals remain timeless.
What's Changed
AI Tools Are Part of the Workflow
New developers should learn with AI assistants, not despite them. But understand what the AI generates—don't just accept it blindly.
Frameworks Move Faster
The "right" framework changes yearly. Focus on patterns and principles that transfer between frameworks.
Remote Work Is Normal
Collaboration skills matter more than ever. Written communication, async work, self-direction.
The Bar Has Shifted
Basic tutorials aren't enough. You're competing with people who can spin up production apps with AI assistance.
What Hasn't Changed
Fundamentals Still Matter
Data structures, algorithms, how computers actually work. AI tools make this knowledge more valuable, not less.
Problem-Solving Is the Core Skill
Languages and frameworks are tools. The ability to break down problems and think systematically transfers everywhere.
Reading Code Matters More Than Writing It
You'll read far more code than you write. Practice understanding others' code.
Projects Beat Tutorials
Building something teaches more than following along. Get uncomfortable.
The Learning Path That Works
Start with one language. Python or JavaScript. Master basics before branching out.
Build projects that interest you. Motivation sustains learning.
Read documentation, not just tutorials. Primary sources beat interpretations.
Join communities. Discord servers, local meetups, online forums. Learning alone is harder.
Contribute to open source early. Real codebases teach lessons tutorials can't.
The AI Question
"Will AI replace developers?" misses the point. AI changes what developers do, not whether they're needed.
Learn to work with AI tools. Learn to verify and refine AI output. Learn the fundamentals that let you know when AI is wrong.
At Logic Leap, we help aspiring developers and career changers navigate the path to their first tech role. Starting your learning journey? We can help guide it.
What advice would you give to someone learning to code today?
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