Mistakes To Avoid When You're Learning To Code
Hey, I'm Dorian, and in this piece, I'm sharing the pitfalls I encountered while teaching myself to code and how you can avoid them to expedite your learning process and secure a job in programming sooner. Learning to code is an exciting journey, but it's easy to stumble if you're not aware of the common mistakes beginners make. Here’s what I learned:
1. Jumping Between Programming Languages
Early in my journey, I made the mistake of switching languages whenever I hit a roadblock, starting with Ruby, then moving to HTML and CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and even Haskell for a coding challenge. This constant switching hindered my progress. My advice? Stick with one language until you've mastered the basics. Languages like JavaScript or Python are ideal for beginners due to their simplicity and versatility.
2. Overemphasis on Theory
I realized that too much theory and not enough practice could stall your learning. It’s crucial to dive in and start coding. The real learning happens when you face problems and work through them. Don’t just consume content; apply what you learn by building projects. This hands-on approach is invaluable.
3. Allowing Yourself to Get Stuck
Another mistake was letting myself get stuck on problems without seeking help. There's no shame in googling for solutions or asking for help on platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit, or various coding communities. Recognizing when you’re stuck and finding a way out is key to progressing without wasting precious time.
4. Striving for Perfection
In the beginning, I aimed for perfection, which is a common trap. The goal should be to make your code work, even if it's not pretty. My mentor always said, "Make it work, then make it pretty." This mindset will help you focus on solving problems efficiently rather than getting bogged down by unimportant details.
5. Not Getting Comfortable with Your Text Editor
Lastly, I underestimated the importance of becoming proficient with my text editor. Knowing how to navigate your tools and utilize their features can significantly enhance your coding efficiency. Spend time learning the shortcuts and extensions that can aid your development process.
In conclusion, my journey as a self-taught programmer taught me valuable lessons on what not to do when learning to code. By sharing these insights, I hope to help you navigate your coding education more smoothly. Remember, the key is to learn from mistakes, not just your own but also those made by others. If you found this advice helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more insights into coding and development.