4 Tips To Succeed As A Self Taught Developer

Summary

This video script from 'Web Dev Simplified' by Kyle offers practical advice for overcoming the common 'hump' in programming. It suggests trying different but related tasks, starting new projects to reignite passion, balancing content consumption with actual coding practice, and learning from other languages. The key takeaway is that programming is a slow process, and success comes to those who persist, not rush, to the finish line.

Takeaways

• 😃 The initial excitement of learning to code can quickly lead to a feeling of empowerment as beginners create simple projects like buttons and to-do lists.
• 🌈 CSS can transform simple HTML elements into visually appealing components, as demonstrated by turning a button into a rainbow.
• 🚀 Overconfidence can lead to ambitious goals like creating a Facebook clone, which might be unrealistic for new developers.
• 🤯 The 'hump' is a common struggle for learners where they feel stuck and overwhelmed by the amount they still need to learn.
• 💡 To overcome the hump, trying something different but related can provide a fresh perspective and reignite motivation.
• 🔄 Switching between different sections of a project or starting a new, smaller project can help in learning and applying new skills.
• 🛑 Taking a break from a frustrating project and returning to it later with a refreshed mindset can make previously difficult tasks seem easier.
• 🔄 Learning new concepts in a different programming language can provide insights that may help in understanding previously challenging concepts in the original language.
• 📚 It's important to balance consuming educational content with actual coding practice to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to ensure skill development.
• 🤔 Recognizing the gap between what you know and what you think you need to know is crucial for effective learning and avoiding demotivation.
• 🏁 Understanding that learning to program is a slow and gradual process can help in setting realistic expectations and avoiding burnout.

Q & A

What is the common path people follow when learning to program according to the script?

The common path involves initial excitement and a feeling of power as they start building things, followed by hitting a 'hump' where they feel stuck and overwhelmed by the amount they have to learn, which often leads to giving up on programming or their project.

What does the script refer to as the 'hump' in programming?

The 'hump' refers to a challenging phase in learning programming where individuals feel stuck and unable to progress to the next level, leading to a sense of discouragement and possibly quitting.

What is the first piece of advice given in the script to overcome the 'hump'?

The first advice is to try something different but related, such as working on a different section of the same project or starting a new, smaller, and achievable project to regain motivation and learn in different ways.

Why is it suggested to start a new project when feeling stuck?

Starting a new project can help reinvigorate the mind, provide fresh motivation, and facilitate learning in new ways, which can later be applied back to the original project with more skills and a better understanding.

What is the potential benefit of returning to an old project after completing a new one?

After completing a new project, one may have gained new skills and knowledge, which can make the previously challenging aspects of the old project seem easier, and thus, more manageable.

What does the script suggest doing if learning a specific concept in JavaScript is difficult?

The script suggests learning other concepts in JavaScript or even learning a completely different programming language to gain new perspectives and knowledge that might make the initially difficult concept easier to understand later on.

Why is it important to balance the amount of content consumed while learning to program?

Balancing content consumption is crucial to avoid feeling overwhelmed by too much information and to ensure that enough time is spent practicing coding rather than just passively watching tutorials.

What is the potential downside of consuming too much educational content without practicing?

Consuming too much content without practicing can lead to a false sense of progress, where one feels like they are learning a lot but in reality, they are not implementing the skills they are supposed to be learning, resulting in slow progress and demotivation.

What is the script's perspective on the pace of learning programming?

The script emphasizes that learning programming is a slow process that varies for each individual, and it's not a race. It's more important to eventually reach the finish line, even if it takes longer than others.

What resource is offered in the script to help learners get over the 'hump' in programming?

The script offers a completely free web development roadmap and recommends checking out various courses on CSS, React, JavaScript, Next, and TypeScript, all of which are linked in the description.

What is the final advice given in the script regarding overcoming the learning hump in programming?

The final advice is to realize that programming is a difficult, slow, and time-consuming process, and it's okay to take time to learn. The key is to avoid burnout, continue learning at a sustainable pace, and eventually reach the finish line.