How Many Tutorials Before I become a Pro? - Newbie Asks

NONE. Yes, that is the answer. You don't need any tutorial to become a Professional Programmer; You only need constant Practice.

NOTE: I am not saying you shouldn't take tutorials but no amount of tutorials will make you a Pro.

Programming is just like every other thing you do in this life. You don't learn by just looking (only theory) but by doing (continuous practice).

You don't learn how to drive just by watching someone drive
You don't learn how to cook just by watching someone cook
You don't learn how to do anything just by watching someone do it

Let me relate with you a bit: You get a tutorial and you read/watch (text/videos) as the case maybe, you see the tutor do everything step by step and it looks so easy and so you feel like you can do this and you say to yourself: "When I need this I will refer to this tutorial" and you move to another tutorial.

Well, it's OKAY. Many of us made this mistake already so we understand!

But have you ever thought to yourself:

Why are these tutorials usually bug-free?

Now, think about that for a moment!

Well, the answer is simple - tutors have practiced before coming to teach you

Just like that tutor, you have to practice constantly. When you practice, these follows:

1. You meet bugs (problems) - afterall, programming is all about problem solving.
2. You go through the pain and joy of solving the problem.
3. When you finally do, you will have become a better programmer.

My Advise

Please grab your own cup and follow me

1. Learn the basics of programming (any language of your choice).
2. Pick up a project (It could be anything ranging from a TODO App, a blog, a portfolio, geo-search app etc).
3. Draw out a plan to build the app (This might include how the front-end (UI) looks, how the database are related or connected, how the back-end works and so on).
4. Set a reasonable deadline and work towards it (This is very important as it keeps you focused - you know when you are moving fast and when you are slow).
5. Always use Documentation (Don't try to learn everything on the documentation; focus on what you need for the completion of the project you chose).
6. Don't forget Google Search and Youtube especially when you run into bugs (Most problems you will run into has been faced by someone and documented online).

Tweeted Advise

Check out these selected tweets for encouragement and inspiration

Focus on one project at a time, the next project will have it's own bugs

Don’t think you must be perfect

Never forget the console.log()

Keep calm, all programmers go through this! The bug is not the end of your career

Google Search with the righ words. It is very important

Never loose your esteem. You are not alone!

You can do it!

Conclusion

PRACTICE! PRACTICE!! PRACTICE!!!

That is what you really need to become a professional programmer not endless tutorials which will only waste your time if you are not careful. Some of us already made this mistake so learn from us

The only reason you are feeling incompetent is because you have not been building stuff. So build something, anything at all, fix bugs, write about what you are learning if you want to but never just watch and relax.

If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please drop them in the comment section.

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Thank You For Your Time.