If you're a beginner programmer, you've probably experienced the frustration of getting stuck in a never-ending loop of online programming tutorials. It's called "tutorial hell" and it's a frustrating place to be. You feel like you're never making progress and you can't seem to find a way out. But there is a way out. In this article, we'll show you how to escape the endless loop of online programming tutorials and get on the path to becoming a successful programmer, in 5 simple steps.
- Write code instead of looking at code
When you're a beginner programmer, it's easy to get stuck in a loop of online tutorials. You watch a tutorial, try to code along, and get lost. Then you go back and watch the tutorial again, and the cycle continues. But it's important to remember that the best way to learn how to code is actually to write code.
Building small projects is a great way to practice your coding skills and to see how everything you've learned fits together. It can be frustrating when you hit a wall and can't figure out how to solve a problem, but that's all part of the learning process and leads me to my next point...
- Always be Debugging
In programming, there is always a feedback loop between the developer and the computer. The developer writes code and the computer runs it, then the developer sees the results and decides what to change. By building your own projects you will definitely face bugs not encountered in video tutorials. This will force you to look at the documentation. Search for answers in places like stack overflow and most importantly - actually understand the logic you wrote.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help
When you're starting out as a developer, it can be easy to feel like you have to know everything. But the reality is, even the most experienced developers don't know everything. So when you're stuck on a problem, don't be afraid to ask for help.
One of the best ways to find help is to focus on talking to other developers, especially the ones who are senior to you in terms of knowledge and experience. They can be a great resource for advice and mentorship.
Another great way to get help is to join technical communities or open source communities. These are groups of like-minded individuals who are all working to improve their skills and knowledge. And they're usually more than happy to help out others who are just starting out.
- Make it a habit
At the end of the day writing code is a skill - and the only way to get better is to keep practicing. Try to make coding into a daily or bi-daily habit, and keep focus on divding your time around 70% writing code and debugging, and 30% learning from resources.
- Have fun!
If you don't write code in a field that is interesting to you, you will never have enough motivation to improve. Even if you just started learning web dev (just an example web developers <3) and are not feeling it, don't be afraid to switch it up and learn something else - but try to stay consistent with the language so you keep improving your coding fundamentals.
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Top comments (16)
Totally agree! New devs, will fail and that is okay. Not trying only keeps you dreaming.
For me, when I'm facing lack of motivation or struggling with a bug, I have to take a technology break (like no phone or laptop). This helps me come back focused with out distractions.
Absolutely! Very often the best way to solve a problem is to take a break and do something, then come back with fresh eyes
I also applied same technique to rid out from lack of motivation or struggling with bug like problems😃.
I need to add: competitive programming / challenge programming websites are not useful for learning to program.
First learn to program using a good programming book or by taking classes, then (for fun) use a competitive/challenge programming as an enjoyable diversion. For fun.
One way to take action is to try to solve small problems with code. Putting into practice the knowledge developed in the tutorials. It has worked for me.
It is important to keep the focus on small problems. Otherwise, anxiety can consume us.
I trapped in tutorial hell but i didn't aware of it a little bit.After reading this article I will focus on writing code and debug my own code because practice code is a skill not watching video tutorials.
Thankyou for writing this article.
Good point.
So helpful thanks for sharing👍
I'm glad to hear it!
I know this all too-well. And when you've invested time and resources into following the tutorial you discover it's several versions out of date and much of it is deprecated.
I really love how you spelled definitely wrong when you are talking about bugs... I honestly think you should leave it, it's hilarious.
I like to live dangerously :D
What would you like me to write about next? Let me know!
The key to learning (as backed by substantial research) is "spaced learning". In the context of programming tutorials, this was a game changer for me: After going through all the lessons on a single topic (say 3 hours top), I close the tutorial, go over the main points in my mind for a few minutes and then I switch to something else for the rest of the day. Next day, I try to repeat everything the instructor did starting from a blank project and all on my own (no googling). You'd be amazed at two things: first, the amount of things you don't know that you thought you did, and second: the amount of things you will remember after this technique becomes a habit.
i am with u
You forgot 6.
Create new framework - it helps to evolve