10 Tips for New Self-Taught Programmers & Web Developers
Hey, what's up, everybody? I'm Dorian, and this is my channel where I talk about my journey into the tech world. Today, I'm here to share some wisdom for those of you teaching yourselves to code. Let's dive into the tips that I believe will make your journey smoother and more fruitful.
1. Take Your Time
Don't rush into learning everything at once. The tech field is vast, and feeling overwhelmed is normal. Remember, being a developer means you're always learning. Take it one step at a time, and don't be too hard on yourself.
2. Focus on the Basics
Before diving into frameworks, ensure you have a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These fundamentals are crucial, no matter which direction your coding journey takes.
3. Building Stuff is Key
Move beyond tutorials as soon as you can and start building your own projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will help you learn much more effectively.
4. Don’t Jump Around
Once you've grasped the basics, choose a primary programming language and stick with it for a while. Jumping between languages and frameworks too early can hinder your progress.
5. Create a Portfolio
Your first project should be your portfolio. Build it from scratch and update it regularly. It's a powerful tool to showcase your skills and projects.
6. Job Hunting Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
If your goal is to land a job, start preparing early. Keep your LinkedIn, GitHub, and portfolio up to date. Opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
7. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Avoid comparing your progress with that of others, especially seasoned developers. Focus on your own journey and celebrate your own milestones.
8. Work Through Plateaus
Learning to code is a marathon, not a sprint. Expect to hit plateaus. Push through them, but also be mindful of burnout. Taking breaks is essential.
9. Network with Other Developers
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can significantly boost your learning. Attend meetups, join online communities, and don't underestimate the value of in-person connections.
10. Know Your Worth
When you land your first job offer, remember to negotiate your salary. Don't sell yourself short just because you're self-taught. Know your value in the market.
I hope these tips help you as much as they would have helped me when I started. Remember, every developer's journey is unique, but we all share the common goal of growing and learning. Stick with it, and don't forget to enjoy the process. Thanks for watching, and see you next time!