Taking Notes is a WASTE OF TIME When You're Learning To Code! DO THIS INSTEAD!

Summary

In this video, the speaker contrasts the study methods for obtaining CompTIA certifications with learning to code for software development. They emphasize that coding isn't about memorization but applying knowledge to build applications. Instead of taking notes, they advise beginners to comment their code extensively to develop a habit and to write documentation for every project, starting with a README file. These practices, they argue, are more beneficial for learning and will impress potential employers more than notes ever could.

Takeaways

• 📘 Learning to code is different from studying for certifications like CompTIA, which often involves memorization rather than practical application.
• 🔍 Overemphasis on note-taking can be counterproductive when learning to code; it's more important to focus on understanding and applying knowledge.
• ✍️ Commenting your code extensively is crucial for clarity and understanding, especially for beginners who are developing the habit.
• 📄 Starting every project with a README file and learning Markdown is recommended for good documentation practices.
• 👨‍💻 Practical experience in coding, such as building projects, is more valuable than theoretical knowledge for getting a job as a developer.
• 🔑 Commenting and documenting code are skills that will be frequently used in a professional software development environment.
• 💼 Having well-commented and well-documented code on platforms like GitHub can make a strong impression on potential employers.
• 📈 As you gain experience, you'll naturally learn to balance the amount of commenting needed, focusing on explaining complex or non-obvious code segments.
• 📝 Note-taking can be useful for remembering specific details or recurring issues, but it shouldn't be the primary method of learning to code.
• 🌟 The speaker emphasizes the importance of building a portfolio with commented code and documentation to stand out among junior developers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on alternative strategies to taking notes when learning to code, which can be more beneficial for getting a job as a developer.

Why does the speaker suggest not taking notes when first starting to learn coding?

The speaker suggests not taking notes initially because it's more important to build muscle memory and understanding through practice rather than memorization.

What is the first thing the speaker recommends doing instead of taking notes when learning to code?

The first thing recommended is to comment your code extensively, as it helps in understanding and explaining the code and builds good habits.

How should one comment their code when starting to learn coding, according to the video?

One should comment every variable, block of code, and even individual lines to explain what they are doing, which helps in understanding and later knowing what to comment and what not to.

What is the second thing the speaker suggests doing instead of taking notes when learning to code?

The second thing suggested is to create documentation for every project, starting with a README file and using markdown for structuring the documentation.

Why is it important to start with a README file for each project when learning to code?

Starting with a README file is important because it helps build the habit of documentation, which is crucial for future projects and for teams to understand the project's purpose and technologies used.

How does the speaker feel about the notes they took when they first started learning to code?

The speaker feels that the notes they took were mostly a waste of time as they didn't revisit them and didn't contribute to their long-term retention of information.

What does the speaker suggest is a better use of time than taking notes while learning to code?

The speaker suggests that time is better spent building projects, writing documentation, commenting code, and reading code to gain more practical experience and understanding.

What does the speaker believe will make a learner stand out to potential employers?

The speaker believes that having commented code and good documentation on projects showcased on platforms like GitHub will make a learner stand out to potential employers.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of commenting and documentation over note-taking?

The speaker emphasizes commenting and documentation because these are practical skills that are valued in the industry and are more beneficial for real-world application and job readiness than traditional note-taking.