You’re not bad at coding: What I learned after spending 4500 hours coding

Summary

This video offers essential advice for beginners in coding, focusing on how to improve problem-solving skills and make better decisions regarding programming languages and development fields. The speaker, sharing personal experiences, emphasizes avoiding the confusion of learning too many languages, advises on experimenting with different development paths (like app development, web development, or AI/ML), and stresses the importance of focusing on one thing at a time. Key topics include the significance of data structures and algorithms, avoiding tutorial traps, and maintaining consistent practice to achieve successful internships and placements in tech.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on problem-solving skills, not just learning multiple programming languages. One language is enough to start, and the key is improving your ability to solve problems effectively.
• 😀 Avoid over-analyzing which programming language to learn. Pick one and start coding; wasting time deciding on the best language doesn't help you grow as a coder.
• 😀 Don't get obsessed with learning multiple languages. It's more important to develop a strong problem-solving mindset and focus on the quality of your code.
• 😀 If you're unsure about what development path to take (app development, web development, AI, machine learning), try experimenting with different fields. Test for a few months before deciding your career path.
• 😀 Use platforms like Coursera for quality learning and guided projects. It's an excellent way to improve your skills and become job-ready, offering courses from top companies.
• 😀 Focus on mastering one topic at a time. Trying to learn both data structures and algorithms (DSA) and development simultaneously can lead to average results in both.
• 😀 Prioritize learning data structures and algorithms (DSA) first. These are essential for cracking interviews, especially in top product-based companies.
• 😀 FOMO (fear of missing out) can be a huge distraction, especially in college. To avoid it, find a small peer group with similar goals to stay motivated and focused on your career path.
• 😀 Avoid 'tutorial hell'—watching tutorials without actually practicing. Watching videos can make you feel like you're progressing, but the real learning comes from writing code and solving problems yourself.
• 😀 Consistent practice is key. If you ever feel stuck or incapable of solving problems, remember that it's part of the learning process. The more you practice, the better you'll get over time.
• 😀 Keep practicing data structures and algorithms daily, even after landing a job or internship. Maintaining your skills is crucial for long-term career growth.

Q & A

What is the first advice the speaker gives to beginners about learning coding?

The speaker advises beginners to choose one programming language and focus on mastering it, rather than wasting time deciding which language to learn. He emphasizes that knowing more languages doesn't make you a better software engineer; problem-solving skills are what matter most.

Why does the speaker suggest not focusing on learning multiple programming languages at once?

The speaker warns against trying to learn multiple languages simultaneously because it leads to shallow understanding. Instead, focusing on problem-solving and becoming proficient in one language first will help you develop solid coding skills.

What should a beginner prioritize in coding according to the speaker?

Beginners should prioritize developing a problem-solving mindset. The speaker stresses that becoming good at solving real-world problems with code is more important than mastering multiple languages.

How can one decide which development field to pursue (like app development, web development, or AI)?

The speaker advises experimenting with different areas to see what suits your interests. He suggests trying out app development or AI for a couple of months and creating small projects in each field to gauge your interest before making a final decision.

What platform does the speaker recommend for learning coding, and why?

The speaker recommends Coursera because it offers guided projects and quality courses from reputed companies, making it ideal for skill development and becoming job-ready.

What is the significance of focusing on one topic at a time in coding?

The speaker advises against juggling multiple topics (like DSA and development) simultaneously. By focusing on one topic at a time, like DSA, you can master it thoroughly before moving on to the next subject, avoiding a shallow understanding.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) during college?

To avoid FOMO, the speaker recommends forming a small peer group with 2-3 people who have similar goals. By working together, you can stay focused and motivated, helping each other avoid distractions and stay on track with your goals.

What is the 'tutorial hell' the speaker warns about, and how can it be avoided?

Tutorial hell occurs when you're only watching tutorials without applying what you learn by coding yourself. The speaker warns that while it feels like progress, it isn't real learning. He advises practicing coding and solving problems on your own to build deeper understanding and logic-building skills.

What should you do if you feel incapable of coding or building logic?

The speaker encourages persistence and reassures that everyone feels challenged in the beginning. He stresses that practice is key, and if you keep trying, coding will become easier. Quitting when it feels hard will prevent progress.

Why is it important to maintain a focus on Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA)?

DSA is crucial because top companies and job interviews often focus on it. The speaker suggests that you should not neglect DSA, even after learning other topics, as it's essential for developing problem-solving skills and is a critical part of technical interviews.