Coding was hard until I learned this

Summary

Catherine, a software developer with nearly 9 years of experience, shares valuable insights into the challenges and mistakes she encountered while learning to code. She emphasizes the importance of mastering core programming concepts like data structures and algorithms over obsessing about trending frameworks. Catherine also discusses the importance of active learning through hands-on practice and how impostor syndrome and frustration are common in the development journey. Additionally, she highlights the significance of focused, deep work and regular breaks, suggesting a sustainable approach to learning and improving in tech.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning to code is challenging and overwhelming, with constantly evolving technologies, but it gets easier with time and experience.
• 😀 Don't focus too much on which framework or tech stack to learn. Mastering fundamental programming concepts like algorithms and data structures is far more valuable.
• 😀 Even if you learn a less popular or 'dying' language, mastering its core concepts can still be beneficial and transferable to other languages.
• 😀 Everyone has their own learning style. If reading technical documentation doesn't work for you, try learning through videos or interactive examples.
• 😀 Tutorials alone are not enough to truly learn. Actively apply what you learn to real-world projects to understand and retain the material.
• 😀 Many developers fall into 'tutorial hell' because it's easy and comfortable, but true understanding comes from challenging yourself through hands-on experience.
• 😀 It's common to feel imposter syndrome, but don't confuse a lack of experience with a lack of intelligence. Everyone, even experienced developers, struggles at times.
• 😀 Accepting failure and frustration is essential. The best developers have high frustration tolerance and are willing to struggle through problems without giving up.
• 😀 Learning to code requires emotional resilience. Learning how to manage frustration and uncertainty is crucial for long-term success in software development.
• 😀 Focus on deep work for short, intense periods rather than long, draining hours. Quality sleep, exercise, and taking breaks help improve productivity and focus.

Q & A

What was one of the biggest challenges Catherine faced when learning to code?

Catherine struggled with the overwhelming amount of information and the constant change in technologies. She often felt like she was falling behind, especially as new frameworks and tools emerged quickly.

What is Catherine's advice regarding learning frameworks and technologies in web development?

Catherine advises not to stress over which framework or technology is the best to learn, as it can be overwhelming and constantly changing. Instead, focus on mastering core programming concepts that are transferable across different languages and frameworks.

How did Catherine overcome the frustration of learning complex programming concepts?

Catherine found that the key to overcoming frustration was accepting that learning to code is inherently difficult and that it's okay to struggle. She also realized that learning concepts through videos and practical application helped solidify her understanding.

What role does experience play in solving coding problems, according to Catherine?

Catherine emphasizes that experience, rather than intelligence, is key to solving coding problems. She highlights how even senior developers might solve issues quickly due to prior experience, not because they are inherently more talented.

What is 'impostor syndrome' and how does it affect software engineers?

Impostor syndrome is when a person feels inadequate or like they don't belong, despite their achievements. Catherine shares that it is common in the tech industry and even experienced developers face it regularly, questioning their own abilities.

Why does Catherine think that learning programming is valuable despite its challenges?

Catherine believes that the difficulty of learning to code is one of the reasons why tech salaries are high. The ability to handle challenges and frustrations in programming makes coding a valuable and rewarding skill.

What is 'tutorial hell' and how did Catherine suggest overcoming it?

Tutorial hell refers to the cycle of passively watching tutorials without truly understanding or applying the material. Catherine suggests that to break free, learners should actively apply what they’ve learned to their own projects and test themselves regularly.

What did Catherine learn about learning styles and how did it affect her approach?

Catherine realized that everyone learns differently. While some people excel at reading, she found that she learned best through videos and examples. She advises others to explore different learning mediums to find what works best for them.

How does Catherine recommend managing time to stay productive while learning to code?

Catherine suggests focusing on deep work for 4 to 6 hours a day, especially after a good night's rest and some exercise. She emphasizes that quality, uninterrupted time is more productive than long, extended coding sessions that lead to burnout.

What is Catherine's view on handling frustration and setbacks in programming?

Catherine believes that handling frustration is crucial for growth as a programmer. She advocates accepting that setbacks and problems are part of the job, and instead of giving up, one should see them as learning opportunities.