10 Advice for Beginner Programmers I Wish I Heard Earlier

People always tend to look back, analyze the situations in which they were and regret the wrong decisions. There is no point in grieving about the past because we live in a world full of choice. So it is obvious that not every decision will be successful.

When it comes to the career of a programmer, it turns out that many people drop the ball in the same way. We've put together 10 tips to help you jump into the chair of a programmer without unnecessary drama.

The Right Bootcamp Is a Good Start

A bootcamp is really a good way to start your journey as a programmer. However, today there are myriads of bootcamps and it may not be easy to choose exactly the one that you need. Either way, your choice should be based on what goals you set for yourself and what your background is.

If possible, contact a bootcamp and ask all the questions that concern you. Find out whether you will have a mentor and whether they provide assistance with employment (this can include making up portfolios and trying mock interviews, or even providing trainee positions in software companies).

Focus on Things That Are Really Important to You

If you want to learn how to write code, then learn how to write code. Do not try to have two things done at once - better focus on one thing. If you doubt that you are interested in programming, then try to make up your mind as soon as possible. You will enjoy your job only if your career path was a deliberate and well-considered decision. There is no point in learning a new profession to regret it later.

Mistakes Make You Experienced

Everyone makes mistakes - everyone who is learning makes ten times more mistakes. If you don't have work experience yet, then it’s quite obvious that your colleagues are prepared to deal with your rookie mistakes. Don't worry too much that you are giving a headache to other people. At the same time, you get the most important experience while finding a solution to a problem on your own - this is exactly what will make you a good programmer.

Ask for Help When You Need It

From the very beginning there will be a lot of incomprehensible things - do not hesitate to ask questions if you could not find the answer on your own. However, it is worth distinguishing between asking for advice and asking for a solution - the first option will point you in the right direction and the second option won’t get you very far.

Soft Skills Are Still Vital as Well as Communication

A developer's job involves a lot of social interactions, so communication skills are just as important as technical knowledge. Every day you will need to communicate with your colleagues and the success of teamwork will depend on the quality of the dialogue. It's also a good idea to get an understanding of what time management is, otherwise deadlines will inevitably haunt you in nightmares.

Read the Books

Here is another important reminder - read the books. This practice will help you dive much deeper into the subject. In addition, reading is a more conscious and, therefore, effective consumption of information, since watching a video on YouTube is a passive process, and reading is an active one.

Working on Your Own Side Projects Is Essential

A side project is a great opportunity to try something new. Generate ideas, try to implement them, and perhaps it will be a success. And even if your project doesn't become something big, then you will at least boost your skills, gain valuable experience and have fun.

Learn the Principles

To get a job, you definitely need to know the programming language and be fluent in libraries and frameworks. However, you still need to understand what principles are at the heart of modern technology. Firstly, this is the knowledge that will be relevant for a very, very long time, and secondly, understanding the basic principles is universal knowledge that will come in handy on any project.

All Work and No Play Won’t Make You a Better Specialist

If you get stuck, then just take a break. Your batteries are not limitless, as is your enthusiasm. Give yourself some rest, change the environment, socialize with friends and family, and enjoy a hobby. What you definitely don't need is burnout at the very beginning of the journey.

Do Exercise

Today there are plenty of deskbound jobs. The programmer is one of them. Therefore, you will have to set up an exercises routine for yourself. It is clear to everyone, but a huge number of people neglect physical activity. Don't bring your health to the altar of programming, especially when you can do without it.

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These are all the main points that we would like to highlight for those who decided to start learning to code. Remember, a good beginning is half the battle. Do not lose your fortitude and you will triumph over any difficulties.