You can’t build a skyscraper on a weak foundation. Here is why I spent 500+ lessons refining my core skills.
The “Shiny Object” Trap
In the world of software development, there is always something new to learn. A new JavaScript framework, a new update to .NET, or a trendy library that everyone is tweeting about.
It is easy to get caught up in the hype and rush to build complex projects. But recently, I took a step back. I realized that the best engineers aren’t just the ones who know the latest tools — they are the ones who have an unshakeable command of the fundamentals.
So, I made a decision. I went back to the basics.
The Grind: By the Numbers
I started using W3Schools not just as a reference documentation, but as a training ground. I set a goal to consistently work through exercises, test my knowledge, and fill in any gaps I might have missed during my initial learning phase.
Here is what consistency looks like:
- Total XP: 20,670
- Lessons Completed: 591
- Exercises Solved: 905
What I Learned (or Re-Learned)
Crossing the 20k XP mark wasn’t just about gamification. It taught me three key things:
1. Syntax Memory Matters Modern IDEs and AI tools are great, but relying on them too much can make you lazy. By solving 900+ exercises without auto-complete, I forced my brain to actually remember the syntax. Whether it’s complex CSS selectors or C# logic, having that knowledge “in your fingers” makes you a faster developer.
2. There is Always a “Better Way” Even in lessons I thought I knew perfectly, I found small details I had overlooked. Maybe it was a cleaner way to write a loop or a specific SQL command I rarely used. Revisiting the basics showed me that there is almost always a more efficient way to solve a problem.
3. Discipline Beats Motivation There were days I didn’t feel like coding. But seeing that progress bar move became a habit. Writing code is a muscle; if you don’t use it, you lose it.
What’s Next?
As I prepare for my upcoming role as an SDE Intern, I feel more confident than ever. I know that whatever complex challenges I face in the .NET ecosystem, I have a solid foundation to fall back on.
If you are a self-taught developer or a CS student, don’t underestimate the power of the basics. Go solve some exercises. Get that XP. Your future self will thank you.
About the Author I’m Sandip Yadav, _an incoming SDE Intern passionate about .NET, C#, and full-stack web development. I believe in continuous learning and sharing the journey.
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Note: This article was originally published on Medium.
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