Getting Started
"Sucking at something is the first step towards being sorta good at something." 🐶
Don't Be Paralyzed
Don't be paralyzed by a fear of not knowing the answer!
Even the most experienced developers are still using Google searches and StackOverflow answers! So ask questions!
A regular part of development is encountering problems that leave us scratching our heads. Running into walls like this can be very frustrating, but taking breaks or switching to another task can be an effective tactic.
Don't be paralyzed by a fear of imperfection!
Our code doesn't need to be perfect at the start. So boldly commit your code and make mistakes!
Many developers end up looking at code they have written several months ago and can barely recognize or remember that they wrote it!
We can get around this by embracing coding standards and best practices that make maintenance over time is easier.
Don't be paralyzed by a fear of breaking something!
We will all break the build. We will all let a bug slip into production.
The important thing is to be equipped with tools and practices to rely upon when we do slip up. We use backups and version control so that performing reverts and rollbacks is as easy as hitting undo.
Introspection
Learning how to learn
Structured classroom environment? Flexible online videos and tutorials? Personalized projects?
What works best for you should be communicated to your instructors and mentors so the wide net generic cookie cutter solutions are recalibrated to better suit your preferred learning style.
Seeking out catalysts
Beyond tutorials and courses, what steps are you taking to advance your learning? Books? Blogs? Podcasts? Meetups? Conferences?
This is admitedly a luxury of time and money that not all beginners can afford, but for those that are interested in accelerating their growth, it will require this further investment.
Leveraging your experience
Incorporating your past experiences can reveal new career paths or future applications for niche problems.
Incorporating your interests may assist with making dry or generic lessons and tutorials more bearable.