Learning how to code by yourself is hard. Beside the right approach we need to avoid some of this mindset. It includes
- Building projects based on learning courses.
Building projects can certainly help you learn something new, and it is also the fastest way to learn new technology. However, simply building and copying projects based on learning videos such as those on Udemy or YouTube may not help you very much.
The significant part of building projects that aids learning is when you struggle with bugs or unfamiliar technology. Through research and debugging, you gain more knowledge from the process. That is how you truly learn something—by making mistakes and trying to correct them.
You won’t learn much just by copying other people’s code, so try to avoid that.
- Learning too many languages.
It's challenging to imagine a junior developer knowing all the technologies available in the field today. Even if a junior developer possesses knowledge of these technologies, it may not contribute much to the development process.
On the other hand, focusing on just one language, such as JavaScript, and mastering its basics and advanced concepts can help you work on multiple projects with it. This makes it easier to switch to different languages such as Python, Go, or PHP.
Therefore, choose one language and learn about it in-depth.
- Trying to build a project as quickly as possible.
A good project takes time to build. If you can complete a project in just a couple of weeks, you are likely only using the basics of the technology. Instead, strive to build projects that are scalable and use multiple design patterns. Work on both the frontend and backend and integrate with multiple third-party services. Great projects take time.
- Learning without reading through the documentation.
Reading through the documentation is one of the best ways to gain a clear overview of the technology. Sometimes, just reading the documentation can yield better results than watching an hour-long YouTube tutorial.
So, take your time and read through the documentation.
- Focusing on data structures and algorithms (DSA) instead of real-world cases.
Solving 100 LeetCode problems does not guarantee that you will get a job. However, building applications with real users provides real-world experience.
In conclusion, Learning how to code effectively is never easy. Try to avoid all the wrong mindset, work hard, stay focus and Happy Coding.