How To Code Everyday

Summary

The speaker introduces 'the coding menu,' a system designed to overcome coding anxiety by categorizing projects and challenges based on time and energy levels. This approach allows for consistent practice, even with limited time, and fosters a natural coding habit. The speaker emphasizes the importance of daily practice for skill improvement, highlighting that progress is incremental and mastery is achieved through persistent effort. The system makes coding more accessible and enjoyable, leading to a sense of accomplishment as seen on GitHub.

Takeaways

• 😌 Overcoming anxiety with a structured coding plan called the 'coding menu'.
• 📝 The coding menu categorizes projects by time and energy levels, allowing for tailored daily coding sessions.
• 🕒 Even short coding sessions, like 30 minutes, can be productive with the right project selection.
• 🔄 Flexibility in the coding menu allows for easy adjustments based on energy levels and time availability.
• 💡 The menu system reduces the decision-making process, enabling the coder to start working immediately.
• 🌱 Consistent daily practice is emphasized as essential for improving coding skills.
• 📈 Progress in coding is described as incremental and requires time and patience.
• 🔄 The importance of not giving up, even if a project or challenge fails, is highlighted.
• 🎯 Having a clear plan for coding sessions removes the need for thinking and allows for immediate action.
• 💻 The speaker's personal experience with the coding menu system has led to a more natural and regular coding habit.
• 🌿 The visual representation of progress on GitHub, with 'greener' commits, serves as a motivational factor.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker was facing before creating their 'coding menu'?

The speaker was experiencing anxiety and procrastination when faced with numerous coding projects and challenges, which often led to giving up and wasting time.

What is the 'coding menu' the speaker refers to?

The 'coding menu' is a system created by the speaker that lists coding activities categorized by time and energy levels, allowing them to choose a suitable project or challenge based on their available time and energy for the day.

How does the 'coding menu' help the speaker to manage their coding time effectively?

The 'coding menu' provides a structured plan for the speaker's coding time, making it easier for them to start coding without the need to think about what to do, thus reducing anxiety and increasing productivity.

What is an example of a small project the speaker might choose to work on if they only have 30 minutes to code?

An example of a small project the speaker might choose is a weight converter, which is a simple and quick coding task that can be completed within a short time frame.

How does the speaker handle the situation when a project or challenge does not work out as planned?

The speaker is not discouraged by failures; instead, they see it as an opportunity to try again the next day, embracing the iterative nature of learning and improvement in coding.

What is the speaker's perspective on the necessity of daily practice for improving coding skills?

The speaker believes that daily practice is essential for improving coding skills, as it allows for incremental progress and the ability to reflect on past work to identify areas for improvement.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of not expecting to improve overnight?

The speaker emphasizes this point to set realistic expectations, understanding that becoming proficient in coding requires consistent effort and time, rather than instant mastery.

What does the speaker mean by 'having a menu or a plan on what I should do took all the thinking away'?

The speaker means that by having a structured plan or menu for coding activities, the mental burden of deciding what to work on is removed, allowing them to focus directly on the task at hand.

How does the speaker describe the feeling of seeing their GitHub repository become 'greener'?

The speaker describes it as 'almost magical,' indicating a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from seeing continuous progress and commits in their GitHub repository.

What advice does the speaker give for those who aspire to become better at coding?

The speaker advises to put in consistent effort daily, keep trying, and over time, one will see significant progress in their coding abilities.