Introduction :
This Blog is a part of the "Dev Retro 2022" initiative by Hashnode and is related to the theme of reflecting on my journey as a beginner developer.
Everyone has a hobby or activity they are enthusiastic and passionate about and can engage in without getting bored ; for me, that activity is programming and coding. Having learnt the basics of Java in 9th and 10th Grade and understanding the syntax of C and C++ through YouTube, I stand as of today still a beginner, scratching just the surface of Software Development. Reflecting on what I learned while understanding the aforementioned programming languages I am certain that my interests lie in the vast ocean of development that lies ahead. In this blog, I will be sharing the little things I have learnt in 2022, the challenges I faced and some general tips for those who would like to learn to code.
Why do I want to become a developer?
This one is rather easy to answer - because it combines my interests in technology , problem-solving, and working with people - the basic roles of a software developer. I would have the chance to work on a range of projects as a software engineer, utilising various tools and programming languages. Additionally, I would be able to work with other developers to create and enhance new applications.
Passion is an important force in our lives that helps us in many ways. It is passion that helps us achieve great success in life, achieve great things in life, innovate and solve life's core problems. It's not what we see, it's what we feel. It forces us to do what we love and it drives us to do our best.
It is obvious that we can no more explain a passion to a person who has never experienced it than we can explain light to the blind.
T. S. Eliot
I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
Albert Einstein
To me, being a software engineer is using creativity, intelligence, and art to bring life to the code and create apps that solve practical problems. Working with semi-colons and words that aren't described in a dictionary to give them a meaning that both robots and people can understand is what drives me to pursue development. In plain terms, it is like using your creativity on a canvas (IDE) like an artist, except that we create software instead of painting. We don't simply develop code; we also build user-friendly, scalable systems and software.
In my opinion, software engineering or development is largely misunderstood by those who haven't experienced the joys of coding. Many people think of it as engineering ; some say it's like art ; a few think of it as a flawed creative process. Even though they may look different, software engineering is akin to painting in more ways than we think. Both need discipline, repetition, and knowledge of the principles and require the use of our hands.
Similarly, Programming resembles playing with Legos in certain ways. However, you construct things with your thoughts rather than actual physical materials. The things you create are digital, which also makes them eternally flexible. You can shape and reshape! - them limited only by your imagination. When components come together to create a useful tool or product , it feels incredibly great. It gives one a strong sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
In a way "Programming" is empowering. This is how we feel when we code successfully ...
Challenges One Faces While Learning To Code And How To Overcome Them :
Many people believe that learning to code is too difficult to even begin with. Do you belong to them? Coding has many difficulties, but anyone can learn it with time and effort. Having said that, learning to code can come with several common obstacles. Let's investigate them and come up with ideas to make our learning curve as frictionless as possible.
- Focusing too much on syntax and not on problem-solving skills
Irrespective of what programming language you choose, in the end, what matters is your ability to solve given problems. We tend to focus mostly on the syntax of the language and not on problem-solving methods while learning. You may learn (and later forget) how to write syntax, but if you dont know how to solve a simple question, all your coding knowledge will go in vain and your efforts will be wasted.
First, solve the problem. Then, write the code. John Johnson
- Lack of energy or the hunger to code
Sometimes it pays to stay in bed on Monday, rather than spending the rest of the week debugging Mondays code. Dan Salomon
Where do I begin?
You dont know what you should be learning and how
How do you select topics to study? This is a common question. The first thing you probably do when confronted with such a query is Google. Additionally, you may have created a substantial developer roadmap. Following such a substantial roadmap is certain to sap your enthusiasm for learning. You will be frustrated if You force yourself to learn information that you are not yet prepared for or willing to learn. To begin, you must abandon the idea of a roadmap and concentrate on what you want to learn. This gives you the confidence to learn without trouble.
Simplicity is the soul of efficiency. Austin Freeman
- Follow one mentor/blog and learn one thing at a time
Congratulations On Finishing The Blog!
Thank you for joining me in my quest to share my experiences on learning to code and get a head start in the process of learning. Do react to my blog and share it with those who you think will benefit from this blog !!! Do follow me to read more blogs in the future. To Be Continued ...
Credit To The Following Resource I Referenced :
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