Figure Out What and Why
Embarking on a coding career may seem enticing, but without a general understanding of your goals and the reasons behind diving into the world of programming, the learning journey can be quite…. challenging.
Your Why
Everyone's motivation for learning to code is unique—whether it's to boost income, impress someone special, automate repetitive tasks, or boost your income (yes, I know I said this twice). The possibilities are endless, so try to discover your 'why' before diving in.
Which Coding Powers to Download
Choosing the right coding skills for your journey is an important and often daunting step. Instead of blindly selecting a language, explore the pros and cons of popular disciplines like Mobile Development, Data Science, Web Development, Web Scraping, Frontend Development, Backend Development, and Full Stack Development. Google around a bit to find what truly interests you.
For realistic insights, check out creators like:
Kenny Gunderman (generalist)
Mobile Development
Data Science
Frontend Web Development
Backend
Get into a Community
Tech communities offer an incredible opportunity to engage with fellow techies, allowing you to gain insights into the languages they utilize and the products they bring to life.
Feel free to join my Discord Server of 4,000 developers - Discord Link
There are also tons of virtual and in-person meetups that you can attend to connect with like-minded folks. Check out the meetup app - Meetup Link
Research is Done... Kind of
Now that you've narrowed down your interest to, let's say, frontend development, the question shifts from "How do I learn to code?" to "What languages should I learn to become a frontend developer?" Filter through the myriad opinions and choose a path that aligns with your goals.
Always take internet advice with a grain of salt, including this one. Do your research!
Get to Learning
Figure out Your Preferred Learning Style
Identify your preferred learning style. If you hate reading, like me, opt for video content and interactive learning platforms like Udemy, FreeCodeCamp, YouTube, and Zero To Mastery (10% Discount - FRIENDS10) (always be pluggin’)
Avoid Tutorial Purgatory
Beware of getting trapped in tutorial purgatory. Choose courses that allow you to build projects and apply what you've learned.
You're Not Trapped with One Language
Your first language, whether it's Python, JavaScript, or Java, doesn't define you. Once you've learned one language, learning others becomes much easier.
Tomorrow is Today
Embark on your coding journey with confidence, choosing a path that aligns with your goals. Don't hesitate to ping me on my server; let's discuss your coding adventure!
Thanks for reading, see you on the next one 👋🏾
FTC Disclaimer: Some or all of the links may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small percentage of the sale price if you choose to purchase a recommended product through my link.