Embarking on the journey of writing code can be as thrilling as it is daunting, especially for beginners. If you’re attempting to break into tech and you’ve done research on what path to take, I’m sure you’ve come across ads like “Become a Front-end Developer in just six weeks”, “Everyone can code”, etc. I did. 

Story time.

Two years ago, I made the leap to switch careers and dive into the world of tech. I’ve always admired engineers who can build SaaS solutions, and that informed my choice to pursue a full-stack developer career path. I knew I had to put in the work. I always do. I consider myself smart, but wow, the long nights and the intense year that followed were no joke. Some days, my code wouldn’t work, and many concepts felt impossible to grasp, especially in the fast-paced environment of a boot camp.

There were countless moments when I wanted to throw in the towel. I’d catch myself thinking, “Dyphnah, why are you putting yourself through this?” I would also recall the ads promising that people could master the skills in just a few weeks, which made it harder. To say I felt dumb and doubted my abilities would be an understatement.

But with support from my loved ones, I pushed through, little by little. I finished the course, and now, I’m working on projects I never would’ve attempted if I had given up.

For fellow emotional eaters, yes, I gained a few pounds, but it was worth it. 

Looking back, these are mistakes I made that I would want you to avoid.

• Skipping the basics

Just like you can’t build a sturdy house without a solid foundation, you can’t become a great programmer without mastering the fundamentals. Concepts like loops, functions, and data structures are the building blocks of every program you’ll write. They’re your foundation for understanding how everything fits together, from syntax to logic. Think of them as the ABCs of programming. Without a firm grasp of these, even advanced code will crumble.

It’s important to understand how the internet works, grasp the basics of computer architecture, and become familiar with flowcharts, pseudocode, and command line navigation. These skills are essential for troubleshooting and for understanding how your code interacts with the underlying system. Master them early to avoid frustration down the road.

Take your time here. Don’t rush!

• Letting Imposter Syndrome have the better part of me.

I believe everyone who’s tried to achieve something meaningful has felt inadequate or like a fraud at some point. This is especially true for programmers, both new and experienced. When faced with a challenging problem, it’s easy to feel like you’re not cut out for the job. I’ve certainly been there.

Recognizing Imposter Syndrome:

• Feeling like you’re not quite up to the task.
• Doubting your career choice.
• Hesitating to discuss your work with other developers for fear of exposing gaps in your knowledge.
• Struggling to match the performance of your peers.
• Worrying that you’ll be unmasked as a fraud.

How to Overcome It:
First, acknowledge that you’re dealing with imposter syndrome. Then, lean into the discomfort. It’s part of growth. “You’ve heard it before: nothing thrives in the comfort zone.” So, commit to learning something new every day, no matter how small, and celebrate those small wins. Reach out to senior developers for advice and support. Most importantly, develop a never-give-up attitude, and stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s journey is different.

You belong here. Don’t let imposter syndrome convince you otherwise.

• Throwing in the towel a little too early.

I didn’t, but were it not for encouragement from people who believe in me, I would have.

Unless you’ve determined, beyond a reasonable doubt, that coding isn’t aligned with your interests, don’t be too quick to give up. Facing obstacles and embracing continuous learning are integral to the journey. Personally, learning to code enhanced my problem-solving and communication skills, and these abilities have proven valuable in many aspects of life.

People often quit early due to fear of failure, burnout, imposter syndrome, unstructured learning, and impatience. Understanding and addressing these challenges can help you persevere and ultimately succeed.

• Tutorial Hell.

If you’re stuck in a cycle of watching tutorial after tutorial without making any real progress, you’re not alone. Many beginner programmers fall into the trap of endlessly consuming tutorials, only to feel lost when they try to apply what they’ve learned to real projects. This constant cycle of watching and re-watching can lead to frustration and, for some, even quitting.

The key to breaking free from this cycle is to start working on projects. If you’re learning front-end development, for instance, challenge yourself with practical tasks from platforms like Frontend Mentor. Applying your knowledge to real-world projects not only reinforces what you’ve learned but also helps you make tangible progress. Dive into projects, and you’ll find that your coding skills improve more effectively than by passively binge-watching tutorials.

• Copy-Pasting Code Blindly.

If you must copy existing code from somewhere, make sure you thoroughly understand how it works before integrating it into your project. Failing to do so can lead to bugs, disrupt design principles, and introduce security risks. Strive to write and understand your code whenever possible; this approach will help you maintain control over your project and ensure that your code is robust and secure.

• Not having an accountability partner/mentor

Learning to program, especially when self-teaching, can sometimes feel lonely. Connecting with like-minded individuals and working as a team can make the process more engaging and less isolating.

Having an accountability partner or mentor is particularly valuable. A mentor can help you navigate common pitfalls, provide constructive feedback, and point you to useful resources, which can accelerate your learning and help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. An accountability partner, on the other hand, keeps you motivated and committed to your goals by setting regular check-ins and offering support.

• Skipping the Planning Phase

Often, beginners start coding before fully grasping the problem, which can result in frequent revisions and frustration. To avoid this, spend time planning your code before you begin. Break the problem into smaller, manageable tasks, and outline your approach. Tools like pseudocode or flowcharts can help map out your logic. This planning phase allows you to identify potential issues early and create a more structured and efficient codebase.

We’ve all stumbled along the way. Over to you: what lessons did your coding mistakes teach you?