When I started learning to code, I always wanted to get tips from experienced developers. The knowledge that would cover all of my questions and unclarity when it comes to programming.
That time was pretty hard for me, and all I could do is find someone who would help me to get better, tell me what I should do, how should I do, and so on.
That’s why I created this post. I want every newbie programmer to know these eight tips that I had to discover by myself after two years of continuous programming.
The eight tips for every newbie programmer:
Don’t learn everything
It doesn’t matter how skilled you are or for how many years you are coding. The most important thing is that you don’t need to learn everything. This mindset can be very counterproductive, especially when you try to grasp a lot of information in a little amount of time.
Learn slowly, learn as little as you can, but precisely. Focus on understanding one thing rather than reading a lot.Focus on progress
When it comes to web development, it’s an always-changing programming niche. If you aren’t up-to-date with some trendy technologies, languages, or just with fundamentals, you won’t be ahead of others, and that can lead to you not landing that job.
Plan it. Take help from the roadmaps, like a “Front-End Developer Roadmap” created and available on roadmap.sh.Try learning techniques
As I can see, people use different learning techniques, but all of them are similar to one, which you probably know already — the Pomodoro technique. That’s the most effective learning technique for most of us.
Why? It’s because of the breaks. More breaks you get, the more you’ll learn, you’ll feel better and so on.
Give it a try!Teaching mindset
I’m an example of this point. I’ve created this profile just because I wanted to help beginner programmers, web developers, especially. When you become a teacher, you’ll not only help others, but you’ll also help yourself!
Believe it or not, I learn a lot by creating these posts, by sharing knowledge, and helping others!
You can do that too!Note your progress
I mentioned that in one of my previous posts. When I note what I’m learning, I learn it much more effectively. Exactly how it’s in schools. If you write something down on a paper, you’re thinking of what you’re currently writing, you are reading it, and the most important — you understand it better.
I’ve tried different methods, like writing on a computer. I wouldn’t recommend that as much as writing on a paper.Avoid perfection
You will never be able to do something flawlessly. No one will. When it comes to programming, there will always be a better approach, a better understanding, or whatsoever. Rather than trying to do things superbly, make things work, and do it briefly.
This type of approach can slow down your learning process and keep you away from progressing.Don’t compare
For most of us, when we compare ourselves to all of the talented programmers that we see on YouTube or anywhere else, it won’t motivate us to get into their level. It can only leave us thinking that we aren’t that great, that this is not for us or similar, wrong thoughts.
If you want to compare, do it with your yesterday yourself. You just watched a video on YouTube about creating an HTML website, and now you know how to do it?
BOOM! You just got it.Remember to rest
Keep in mind that resting is as important as learning. Especially when it comes to programming, where all you do is learn — you have to take breaks. It won’t only make you feel better, but it’ll make you ready for the new challenges that you’ll face every day as a programmer.
Eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep. These are my recommendations. When I don’t sleep enough, I can’t focus, and it’s a lost day for me.
That’s it!
Thank you so much for reading that post! If you did enjoy it, please share it to help others, and let me know in the comment section if you would add something to this list!
Top comments (4)
Thanks for your insights, though I don't fully agree with all of them.
"Don't learn everything" is right, because you can't learn everything there is to learn, and you don't need it - but the conclusion "learn as little as you can" is wrong IMO. Learning only a bare minimum will lead to you always being a bit behind the knowledge you need for your next task. Instead, learn what interests you. Pick a niche. Think ahead of which knowledge might benefit you next and learn ahead, just a bit.
"Avoid perfection" strikes a similar vein. The conclusion "make it work, do it briefly" is stopping a bit short. When something only 'works' it usually lacks code quality and there's also something to be said about usability and user experience. Make it good, but not perfect. Be pragmatic, avoid gold plating.
Had the same thoughts as you.
Thank you for this article, there are really useful tips for beginners.
Another piece of advice for newbies: don't learn tools just for the sake of learning them. Remember to apply your knowledge in your projects.
Great tips , thx for sharing us