Best Coding Habits to Adopt in 2023 (that I wish I knew earlier)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal journey of learning to code and overcoming self-doubt. They highlight five key habits for success: believing you can code anything, embracing failure, thinking problem-first, working smarter by using available tools, and reinforcing knowledge through teaching. The speaker emphasizes that coding is less about being a math genius and more about persistence and adopting the right mindset. By following these habits, anyone, regardless of background, can succeed in learning to code and building meaningful projects. This story is both motivational and practical for aspiring coders.

Takeaways

• 😀 It’s normal to feel lost and doubtful when learning to code, but persistence and motivation can help you overcome these fears.
• 😀 Failing and making mistakes is an essential part of the coding process. Don’t be afraid of error codes; they help you learn faster.
• 😀 Belief in your ability to code is crucial. Assuming something is possible increases the likelihood of success because it encourages you to try.
• 😀 Develop habits that push you to succeed, especially when motivated by the fear of not wanting to go down a path you dislike.
• 😀 Approach learning by focusing on the problem first. Think about what you want to solve, then learn what you need to achieve that goal.
• 😀 Being lazy is sometimes an effective strategy—leverage existing code and libraries to achieve more without reinventing the wheel.
• 😀 Don't get bogged down by unnecessary details. Focus on understanding what you need to solve the problem at hand.
• 😀 Teaching others, or imagining explaining complex concepts, helps solidify your understanding of coding and programming principles.
• 😀 Keep learning by using your curiosity as a guide. Apply the skills you learn to real-world problems to keep yourself motivated.
• 😀 Adopting a mindset where you assume that every project is possible will increase your ability to innovate and succeed in coding.

Q & A

What were some of the doubts the speaker had when starting to learn to code?

The speaker doubted their ability to succeed in coding, particularly because they didn't have a computer science degree, weren’t good at math, and weren’t sure if they could compete in the field.

What motivated the speaker to persist in learning to code despite their fears?

The speaker's motivation came from a fear of returning to a career they hated in finance. They felt desperate for a career change, and coding seemed like the only viable and exciting option.

What is the first habit the speaker recommends for learning to code?

The first habit is to assume that you can code anything. By believing that whatever project you have in mind is possible, you increase your chances of success because you’re more likely to try.

Why does the speaker suggest assuming that anything is possible when coding?

Assuming that something is possible encourages you to try, even when you encounter challenges. If you believe it’s not possible, you might not even attempt it, missing out on potential solutions and progress.

What does the speaker say about failing when learning to code?

The speaker encourages trying to fail often because failure is an integral part of learning. The more times you fail and fix issues, the faster you learn and progress.

What mindset does the speaker suggest for overcoming the fear of errors and failures in coding?

The speaker suggests adopting a mindset of constant trial and error. By simply running your code and accepting that failure is part of the process, you make progress and learn more efficiently.

How does the speaker suggest learners approach their coding projects?

The speaker recommends starting with the problem you want to solve, rather than just focusing on learning a language. By thinking problem-first, you’re more motivated to learn what you need in order to solve that specific problem.

What is the second habit that the speaker emphasizes for learning to code effectively?

The second habit is to try to fail often. This encourages constant experimentation and rapid learning, with a focus on solving problems through trial and error.

What does the speaker mean by being 'lazy' in coding?

Being 'lazy' in coding means doing as little unnecessary work as possible. It involves leveraging existing tools, libraries, and code written by others to solve problems faster and more efficiently.

Why does the speaker advocate for explaining concepts to others as part of the learning process?

Explaining concepts to others helps solidify your understanding. By imagining yourself teaching someone else, you force yourself to organize and internalize the information more effectively.

How does the speaker suggest using libraries and pre-existing code to improve your coding efficiency?

The speaker suggests utilizing libraries and code written by others to avoid reinventing the wheel. Using tools like Python’s `requests` library allows you to achieve more with less effort, speeding up your coding progress.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of understanding code versus blindly using it?

The speaker emphasizes that while it's crucial to understand the code you're using, you shouldn’t go too deep unless necessary. Understanding the basic functionality allows you to use code effectively without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

What advice does the speaker give about learning through courses and tutorials?

The speaker advises that simply following a course or tutorial without a clear goal or project in mind won’t lead to real learning. To truly internalize the material, you need to apply what you’re learning to a project or problem you're passionate about.

How does the speaker explain the importance of setting a goal or project when learning to code?

Setting a goal or project gives you direction and motivation. When you're working on something that excites you, you'll be more motivated to learn the necessary skills to solve the problem, leading to better understanding and faster progress.