Feels Like You Don't Know Anything: Learning To Code Self-Taught

"I've been a developer for the last three years, and I still feel like I don't know anything." This sentiment, which may sound familiar to many self-taught developers, is a common thread in the journey to becoming a programmer. It's a feeling I've encountered numerous times, yet it's an integral part of the learning process that often goes unspoken.

It's Normal

Feeling like you're not making progress or that you're stuck in a learning plateau can be discouraging. I want to start by saying it's completely normal, especially in the early stages. When you're transitioning from following tutorials to building your projects, it's natural to feel lost. I remember the frustration of staring at my screen, realizing that the tutorials hadn't prepared me for the real challenges of coding. It was a pivotal moment where I felt like giving up, but it was also when the real learning began.

Walk Through The Mud

The key to advancing is to push through the discomfort. Despite three years of experience, there are still concepts I need to look up regularly and new areas I'm exploring, especially as I delve into full-stack development. The shift from specializing in front-end and UI to understanding back-end concepts, design patterns, and database architecture makes me feel like a beginner all over again. This journey is a reminder that growth often comes from facing and overcoming challenges, not from avoiding them.

Google The Answer

One crucial lesson I've learned is that googling for answers isn't cheating—it's an essential skill for any developer. The notion that struggling without assistance equates to better learning is a misconception. In reality, leveraging resources like Google, Stack Overflow, and social media platforms is part of the job. It's about finding solutions efficiently and learning from them to build your understanding and skills.

Networking and Community

Networking and connecting with other developers can significantly impact your learning journey. Being surrounded by experienced professionals can accelerate your growth, offering insights and support that are invaluable when you're starting. Moreover, reaching out for help when you're stuck can lead to breakthroughs that solo struggling often can't.

Conclusion

To anyone feeling overwhelmed or doubting their ability to learn programming: you're not alone. The path to becoming a proficient developer is filled with challenges, but it's those very obstacles that facilitate growth. Embrace the struggle, utilize your resources, and remember that every developer, no matter how experienced, once stood where you are now.

"Keep going, trust the process, and don't be afraid to seek help. The journey of learning to code is a marathon, not a sprint, and every step forward is progress."

Thanks for tuning in, and if you found this video helpful, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay motivated, and see you in the next video!