How to Learn to Code FAST (Do This or Keep Struggling)

Summary

In this video, the speaker debunks the myth that success in programming is solely about patience and hard work. Instead, they emphasize the importance of deliberate practice, focusing on weaknesses, and efficient energy management. The video explores key principles like setting clear goals, staying focused, pushing outside your comfort zone, and regularly reviewing your progress. It also stresses the significance of rest, regular breaks, and exercise to maintain mental clarity and creativity. The speaker encourages a targeted, thoughtful approach to learning, with the goal of fast-tracking success in coding.

Takeaways

• 😀 Patience alone won't make you a programmer; effective, focused practice is essential.
• 😀 The 10,000-hour rule is misleading unless you're practicing in an optimal way, such as deliberate practice.
• 😀 Deliberate practice requires clear, well-defined goals for each study session, like focusing on improving problem-solving skills.
• 😀 You must be fully focused and engaged when practicing—multitasking or distractions will reduce the effectiveness of your practice.
• 😀 To make rapid progress, push yourself outside your comfort zone. Don't just stick to what you already know.
• 😀 Identifying and directly attacking your weaknesses will lead to faster improvement in your coding skills.
• 😀 If you're struggling with a concept like JavaScript promises, drill it repeatedly through exercises and apply it in different contexts.
• 😀 The key to mastering a skill quickly is to learn how to manage your energy effectively, not just your time.
• 😀 Get enough sleep to recharge your brain and maintain focus and discipline for consistent learning.
• 😀 Taking breaks is crucial for creative problem solving, as it allows your mind to process information in the background.
• 😀 Regular exercise helps improve mental performance and creativity, so incorporate physical activity into your routine for better learning results.

Q & A

What is the biggest misconception about learning to code according to the video?

The biggest misconception is that programming is all about patience and hard work. The video argues that if you aren't practicing the right way or focusing on the right things, you could spend years without making meaningful progress.

What does the 10,000-hour rule refer to, and how is it misapplied in learning to code?

The 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, suggests that mastery comes after 10,000 hours of practice. However, it's misapplied when the practice isn't deliberate or focused, like watching endless tutorials without actively engaging in hands-on problem-solving.

What is 'deliberate practice' and why is it crucial for learning programming effectively?

Deliberate practice is focused, goal-oriented practice that pushes you outside your comfort zone. It requires clear goals, full attention, and tackling weaknesses directly. This is crucial because it allows you to make significant progress in a shorter amount of time compared to mindless or passive learning.

How can someone apply deliberate practice to improve problem-solving skills in coding?

To apply deliberate practice, focus on specific problem-solving skills. For example, when solving coding problems on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, you might start by focusing solely on understanding the problem's requirements before even writing code. This helps to address any gaps in comprehension and creates a clearer path to solving the problem.

What role does focus play in deliberate practice, and why should multitasking be avoided?

Focus is essential in deliberate practice because it allows for deep, uninterrupted thought and analysis. Multitasking, such as watching YouTube videos while coding, reduces the effectiveness of your practice, preventing you from engaging with the material on a meaningful level.

Why is it important to push yourself outside your comfort zone when learning to code?

Pushing outside your comfort zone is important because it forces you to tackle areas where you're weak, such as complex programming concepts like closures or asynchronous programming. This is where real growth happens, as you can’t advance without confronting and overcoming challenges.

What does the speaker suggest when you encounter a difficult concept or weakness in coding?

When encountering a difficult concept, like JavaScript promises, the speaker suggests identifying the weakness, making note of it, and then practicing it repeatedly in various contexts. This consistent, focused effort helps solidify your understanding and improves your skills over time.

How does the video suggest managing energy and maintaining productivity in learning to code?

The video emphasizes the importance of energy management, suggesting proper sleep (7-8 hours), regular breaks, and physical exercise. These practices prevent burnout and ensure that your brain stays sharp and productive, ultimately leading to better learning and focus during study sessions.

What is 'diffuse thinking' and how does it contribute to problem-solving?

Diffuse thinking is the mode of thinking that occurs when you're not actively focused on a problem. It allows your brain to process information in the background, which can lead to creative breakthroughs or solutions that might not come to you during intense focus. Taking breaks can facilitate this kind of thinking.

How does the speaker's experience with Rocket League relate to learning to code?

The speaker's experience with Rocket League illustrates the concept of identifying weaknesses and practicing them directly. Just as the speaker focused on improving a specific skill (aerials) in the game, learners should focus on mastering difficult coding concepts or areas where they lack understanding to improve their overall skills.