How I Would Learn To Code If I Wasn't An Idiot

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of learning to code and the mistakes they made along the way. They emphasize the importance of setting clear goals, choosing the right programming language, and avoiding distractions like shiny object syndrome. The speaker recommends sticking to one language initially, learning version control with Git/GitHub early, and using curated resources like Roadmap.sh. They stress the importance of building projects early to gain practical experience and boost confidence. Ultimately, they offer practical advice to help learners navigate the challenges of programming and become job-ready faster.

Takeaways

• 😀 Set a clear, specific goal for your coding journey. Without a goal, it's easy to get distracted and waste time.
• 😀 Choose your first programming language based on your goal (e.g., Python for general purposes or JavaScript for web development).
• 😀 Don't try to learn too many languages at once—stick to one language to avoid 'shiny object syndrome'.
• 😀 Master the programming fundamentals (variables, loops, functions, arrays) early on to ensure a strong foundation.
• 😀 Learn version control with Git and GitHub early, as it will save you headaches when working with others and collaborating on projects.
• 😀 Use resources like Roadmap.sh to guide your learning path and understand what to focus on at each stage.
• 😀 Make use of documentation. Don't skip it, as it's a crucial skill that every programmer should develop.
• 😀 Start building projects as soon as you grasp the basics. Hands-on experience is the best way to solidify your skills.
• 😀 Don't wait until you're 100% ready—start building projects even if you're unsure. You'll learn more by doing.
• 😀 Look at job postings to tailor your projects to the technologies and skills that employers are seeking.
• 😀 Once you've built a few projects and learned the fundamentals, start applying for jobs and internships to gain real-world experience.

Q & A

What is the first piece of advice the speaker gives for learning to code?

The speaker recommends setting a clear goal before diving into coding. Having a goal helps guide your learning and keeps you focused, preventing wasted time and distractions.

Why is selecting a programming language important, and how does the speaker suggest choosing one?

The speaker emphasizes that the programming language you choose will shape your learning journey. They suggest selecting a language based on your goals—whether it’s web development, game development, or software engineering—to ensure it aligns with the path you want to take.

What is shiny object syndrome, and how does it affect beginners learning to code?

Shiny object syndrome refers to the tendency to jump from one programming language or concept to another, often due to distractions or fascination with something new. This can lead to learning multiple languages at once, resulting in poor proficiency in any of them. The speaker advises sticking to one language until mastering the fundamentals.

Why does the speaker recommend Python and JavaScript as beginner-friendly programming languages?

Python and JavaScript are recommended because they are widely used, beginner-friendly, and have a wealth of high-quality resources available for learning. Both languages are versatile and used by many companies, making them excellent starting points for new coders.

What is the importance of version control with Git and GitHub in the learning process?

Learning version control early, especially with Git and GitHub, is essential for managing code changes and collaborating with others. The speaker mentions that even though it may seem boring, these tools are vital for any professional programmer, and mastering them can prevent future headaches.

How does the speaker recommend beginners to approach building projects?

The speaker advises beginners to start building projects as soon as possible, even if they don’t feel fully ready. The idea is that building projects helps solidify learning and provides hands-on experience. Beginners can start with basic projects and gradually work on more complex ones as they progress.

What resources does the speaker recommend for structured learning and staying updated in the programming field?

The speaker recommends using resources like Roadmap.sh, which provides clear learning paths for various tech roles, and daily.dev, a platform that curates programming news and tutorials tailored to the user’s interests. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reading documentation.

Why does the speaker stress the importance of reading documentation, and how does it benefit a programmer?

The speaker explains that reading documentation is essential for understanding how programming languages and tools work. While it may seem dry or difficult at first, it’s much more efficient than watching endless tutorials. Many beginners avoid documentation, but it’s crucial for solving problems and expanding one’s knowledge.

How does the speaker suggest learners can find project ideas for their portfolio?

The speaker suggests looking at job postings for the desired position and examining the technologies they require. By creating projects that use the same technologies, learners can build a portfolio that aligns with industry needs. If stuck, learners can use AI tools to generate project ideas or create a tool to help generate project ideas.

What advice does the speaker give regarding applying for jobs or internships after learning to code?

Once learners have acquired the fundamentals, mastered version control, and built projects, the speaker advises applying for jobs and internships. These opportunities will help transition from learning to real-world experience, and with a strong portfolio, the chances of landing an interview increase significantly.