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Azubuike Duru
Azubuike Duru

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The best way to learn how to code

Introduction

Personally, I feel I am the right person to talk on this subject because over the past few years I have struggled a lot on how to just know this coding thing😄. Most times, I gave up thinking it was not just my thing. I mean, how can it be since I am so terrible at becoming one. Well, today I’m a good front-end web developer and also a web/graphic designer too and I will be sharing with you the few steps I took at becoming one. Stay with me till the end and you might just unlock that programming path of yours starting from today. I hope you enjoy and put it to practice too

Goal

At the end of this tutorial readers will be able to identify the steps to take in breaking free from any hurdle and mindset holding them from beginning their journey into the Tech world and truly becoming proficient in their programming career and life.

Who is a Programmer(coder)?

A programmer is an individual that creates computer software or applications by giving the computer specific programming instructions. A programmer also may specialize in one or more computing fields, like database, security or software/firmware/mobile/Web development etc.
The Tech world is broad that you can’t afford not to choose a niche in your journey to building up your career in Tech. Choosing your speciality does a lot of good things for you.

  • It narrows your perspective towards one particular field Which makes you look professional/marketable. You must have an identity. You can’t be doing everything
  • It tells and guild you on what to learn. Is not everything you’re suppose to be open to learn. There is already much to learn in any field of study
  • Knowing your specialty on time help you get deeper in the field in time. While people are studying different unrelated stuffs, you’re focused and learning deeper and more in your desired specialization.

Is there a secret shortcut in learning how to code faster?

But before we dive into that let me say this, there are no shortcuts to learning how to code, you’ve got to put in the work. Coding is a skill and the only way you get better at a skill is by practicing, practicing and practicing. It’s always easier said than done.

Let’s digress a little. Let me even ask you why do you want to learn how to code in the first place? Take a few minutes (or a day) to think about the reasons—the real reasons—why you want to learn how to code and be very honest with yourself because it will go a long way in your new journey of becoming something new- a programmer 👨‍💻. Are you looking to make a big career change? Do you want to create the next greatest app? Or are you just thrill about what programmers do and what they can use it for.

Your answer can also help you determine what specialty to venture into and whatever your answer may be it’s a good force to energize you in adding it to your skill set.

The Best way to learn

Whether you’re learning how to code or how to do something else, some rules can be applied generally. Some of which are:

  • Learn one thing at a time:

It’s easy to get distracted or in-thrilled by the ever unending development in the Tech world. So many things to keep update with and learn even in a particular feed. But knowing how to pick a particular programming language and sticking to it till you become professionally good at it is a very good practice in becoming a good programmer.

  • Be consistent:

A lot of people struggle with this one. It’s one of the reasons why I wasted so much time learning how to become a programmer. Consistency requires discipline and determination. It doesn’t just end by knowing how to code, everyday rehearsal is a requirement. Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice over and over again until it becomes a part of you. I will always advice newbies to code at least five lines of code everyday whether you feel like or not.

  • Read and Write:

Ever wondered why those two words always go along(“read and read”)? Well, that’s because they need each other for better understanding and mastering. Just like you can’t read what you didn’t write, also you can’t write what you didn’t read. The best practice to remember something quicker is to jolt down points or useful phrases while you read. There’s a mastery that comes out of such practice. Ever wondered why people write articles of what they currently learning on platforms like this while Studying? Yeah yeah yeah; it could be to teach others but primarily it’s for mastery first.
So while you learn anything, learn to form note, it helps a lot.

  • Practice! Practice!! Practice!!! :

There is a reason why you should take this one very seriously. it is one of the most important step I took in becoming a good programmer. Show me a good programmer out there you know of and i bet he/she takes this step very seriously. Practice makes perfect and it’s so true when it comes to programming. I know a lot of good programmers that learn by watching people do it and just practicing along side without jolting or waiting to finish up a course online first. Practicing is a major key

Conclusion:

Starting your journey in the Tech world might just be the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself as we move to the next year. So many opportunities await you in the world where everything is digitally possible and your imagination know no bound. It’s worth every sacrifice and effort you can think of putting this next year.

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