21 lessons I wish I’d known earlier in my software engineering career
Learning how to program is hard. I felt like quitting 6 years ago when I started my web development journey.
But I survived in TECH and I love it now. Here are 21 lessons I wish I had known earlier in my career.
{ 1 } Choose a language 🔗
There are an unbelievable number of programming languages out there. However, you need to start slow.
Pick one thing at a time and practice as much as possible. Then, you can move on to the next.
{ 2 } Understand a programming concept 🔗
You may be tempted to cut corners when learning a new programming language. While it’s OK to use Google to find answers, don’t simply copy & paste the syntax.
If you don’t remember the syntax that’s fine, but remembering the concept is critical.
{ 3 } Use online tutorials 🔗
This is a lifesaver, learning new skills is easier than ever before. Why use tutorials?
- You get multiple perspectives
- There’s no time limit
- It helps you learn faster and more efficiently
{ 4 } Dedicate hours for learning every day in your calendar 🔗
Learning every day isn’t that hard, but it is difficult to do at first. It takes a lot of dedication and discipline to learn every day.
- Read blogs
- Watch Videos
- Keep learning new things and building
{ 5 } Practice, Practice, Practice! 🔗
Building side-projects or demo-projects is the proven shortcut to master programming.
The saying “practice makes perfect” is very true if you’re willing to put in the time to be great at something.
{ 6 } Don’t give up 🔗
Things may not be in your favor once you start your journey. One key to becoming a good coder is to never give up.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can pick up the newest concepts. Beginning anything is always hard.
{ 7 } Don’t reinvent the wheel 🔗
Unless you need to keep things simple, leverage libraries that help you make your job easier.
Not every solution needs to be built from scratch, keep a close eye on different packages and libraries.
{ 8 } Learn to use the command line 🔗
It’s a really useful thing to know and it’s actually easier than many people realize. While it may seem complicated at first, it’s quite easy once you get the hang of it!
Once you master it, there is no going back.
{ 9 } Work on your soft skills 🔗
Having good programming knowledge is good, but if you master soft-skills you will directly jump to the top 5%.
Practice writing and conversation skills. Learn how to teach your skills. It helps you in the long run. Mastering soft skills will help you stand out from the rest.
{ 10 } Build a strong portfolio of projects 🔗
Showing off your projects and your work is the best thing to grab attention. Don’t hide your achivements from your peers and managers.
Learn + Build things. You will stand out from the rest easily with these tactics. It’s a win-win situation.
{ 11 } Document Your Journey 🔗
Tweet about your learning, and get inspired by others.
Write blogs. There are many people who are starting their journey today. You are definitely going to inspire them.
{ 12 } Earn while you learn 🔗
I earned over $750 while learning about no-code tools. Here is how you can earn your first dollar. If I can even you can:
{ 13 } Define small goals 🔗
Don’t try consuming every programming language and concept at the same time.
Take one thing at a time. Define small goals and crush them. The approach is the ultimate confidence booster. Set goals for improving ability and productivity.
{ 14 } There is no single path 🔗
While learning, don’t try to follow some path. You can set your own path.
Some things might not work for you which may have worked for others. Focus on what you have planned instead of worrying about others.
{ 15 } Don’t be afraid to ask for help 🔗
Reach out to your friends or mentors for any queries while learning. Don’t feel shy to ask even if you have “silly” questions.
This is probably the fastest way to solve your doubts and move ahead.
{ 16 } Challenge yourself 🔗
Don’t compete with others, compete with yourself and see how much you have improved over time.
Making comparisons with others will de-motivate you and will bring a lot of misery on your way.
{ 17 } Learn the basics and build small applications 🔗
The more small applications you build, the more powerful your foundation will become. After a while you will have a big toolbox that expedites your next project’s development.
You are literally unstoppable if you focus more on building examples to understand the concepts better.
{ 18 } Refuse negative talk 🔗
Not all days are the same. Some days you may feel like quitting as things seem to turn against you.
Take a break and bounce back stronger. Remember programmers never quit… there is always a workaround.
{ 19 } Remember nobody is born a pro 🔗
It’s only a matter of consistency and hard work while will make you a “pro.” Keep giving your best shot.
As you keep repeating the same thing over a period of time, you will master it in no time.
{ 20 } Nothing works unless you do 🔗
Only reading documentation or watching videos will take you nowhere. Work on whatever you have read and have a solid understanding. Practice makes you perfect.
{ 21 } Focus on the process, not the outcome 🔗
Make it fun! Don’t worry so much about the future. There will always be tons and tons of new libraries and frameworks coming.
If you have a solid foundation, the rest is easy to crack. Enjoy the journey and stay positive.
Happy learning! 💻 😄
