I constantly see young developers who, after completing programming courses, lose faith in themselves and think that this job is not meant for them.
When I first started my journey, I considered changing careers a few times, but fortunately, I never did. You shouldn't give up either. When you're a beginner, any task seems challenging, and programming is no exception. Here are some steps you can take to get through this most stressful period:
Join a community of other beginners. Learning to program alone is difficult. But when there are many people around you who are also overcoming obstacles, it becomes easier. Plus, it’s more enjoyable together! For example, start learning with a friend who also wants to code. This adds a competitive element and motivates you to move forward. Another option is to join a group of like-minded individuals. For instance, freeCodeCamp has , where you can communicate with other students.
freeCodeCamp is a Western non-profit organization for collaborative programming education. In Russia, there are also many community meetups and online groups offering introductions to the profession. You can start your search . — translator’s note.
Find a learning method that works best for you.There is no one right way to learn programming. When I was in college, lectures provided me with almost nothing. Until I learned to seek a personalized approach, I felt frustrated with my lack of progress. You are unique, and the best learning method for you is also unique. There are countless online courses, schools, and programming books available. What works for one person may not work for another. Choose the method that works best for you. If your current learning method isn’t yielding results, simply change it.
Start creating something. A pianist learns by playing the piano. Programming can only be mastered by coding. If you're learning development without writing a single line of code, stop and start coding now. Nothing motivates better than seeing the fruits of your labor. If learning doesn't yield visible results, motivation will eventually fade. Are you learning web development? Create a small website. Learning mobile development? Build an Android app. It doesn't matter if it's something very simple — to speed up your learning, see your own progress, and motivate yourself, start creating something right now.
Reach out for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It's perfectly okay to admit that you don't understand something and want to learn. Many experienced developers are willing to help, especially if you've taken the time to formulate your question and researched before asking. On freeCodeCamp, there is , where beginners can ask questions. — is also a great place. You can tag acquaintances directly in or , to ask if you're on the right track.
For questions in Russian, you can use or . — translator’s note.
Make coding a habit. It's fundamentally important to make practical programming a part of your daily routine. It's better to code for an hour every day than to cram seven hours in a single weekend. Consistency will turn programming into a habit. Without this habit, the mind will find a thousand excuses to postpone tasks because coding is energy-intensive. Additionally, since development requires remembering many related details, missing a few days of programming will decrease the number of concepts retained.
Learn to rest properly. Sometimes relentless work may seem like a smart and productive endeavor — until burnout happens. Programming demands a lot of mental energy. It's important to restore this resource in time. If you've lost motivation and feel tired — turn off the computer and take a break. Go for a walk. Take a vacation. If you're tired, rest from programming, don't abandon it.
Source: habr.com
