How to Get Good at Coding

In my over 25 years of coding experience, teaching, building, and managing coding teams, I've noticed a common mistake that many newbies make: they're not making enough mistakes. You might have heard this before, but what does it mean to make mistakes? On a personal level, it means forming your own opinions and taking the initiative to explore and experiment. Your opinions don't need to be right, but waiting for someone to tell you what to do or what to think will not help you grow as a coder.

This lack of initiative is why, in most social media, messaging groups, forums, and even in meetings, we see 99% of the people choose to remain silent. They're afraid of being wrong or appearing foolish. However, this silence stifles growth and learning. The reality is that making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn something new, to understand why something didn't work, and to find a better solution.

Making mistakes means stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. It involves trying new things, even if you're not sure they'll work. It's about being curious and proactive. When you form your own opinions and make your own decisions, you're actively engaging with the material and developing a deeper understanding of it.

Moreover, when you make mistakes, you create opportunities for feedback. Feedback is crucial for improvement, but you can't receive feedback if you're not putting yourself out there. By making mistakes, you open yourself up to learning from others and gaining new perspectives. This interaction with peers and mentors is invaluable for your growth as a coder.

In essence, making mistakes is about taking ownership of your learning journey. It's about being bold and fearless in the face of uncertainty. It's about understanding that every coder, no matter how experienced, started out making mistakes. The key to their success was their willingness to learn from those mistakes and keep pushing forward.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Embrace them as a natural and necessary part of your journey to becoming a skilled coder. Speak up, share your ideas, and take risks. You'll find that each mistake you make brings you one step closer to mastering the art of coding.

Embrace Your Mistakes

Everything you see in the world, every error message, everything you read, and generally in your everyday life, should help you form your own opinions. This process of forming opinions is critical because it sharpens your analytical skills and fosters independent thinking. If you are unable to form opinions or are afraid you may be wrong, then first try to see if you can generalize from the information you have. Generalization involves looking for patterns, making connections, and drawing broader conclusions from specific instances. It's a way to simplify complex information and make it more manageable.

If you are unable to generalize, it's even alright to guess. Guessing is not about making random assumptions but rather making educated guesses based on the information you have. What we are doing here is developing the skills to analyze what you see and trying to understand things in a logical fashion. This process helps you build a mental framework for problem-solving, which is essential in coding.

In day-to-day life, life is very complex, and understanding it might not be achievable to its fullest, but when it comes to coding, it is rather easy comparatively. Coding provides a structured environment where logic and rules are more clear-cut than in the chaotic real world. This makes it an ideal practice ground for honing your analytical skills.

When you guess, generalize, or form an opinion, you will be forced to act upon it. This action-oriented approach is crucial because it drives you to test your hypotheses, learn from the outcomes, and refine your understanding. Each time you act on an opinion, you gain practical experience and insights that theoretical knowledge alone cannot provide.

For example, encountering an error message in your code should prompt you to think about what might have caused it. Instead of immediately looking for a solution online, try to form an opinion based on your understanding of the code. What part of the code could be causing the error? Why might it be happening? If you're not sure, make a guess and test it. This process of hypothesizing, testing, and learning from the results helps you develop a deeper understanding of coding principles and debugging techniques.

In this way, every experience, whether it's a successful project, a challenging bug, or a piece of advice from a mentor, contributes to your growth as a coder. By constantly forming and testing your opinions, you become more adept at solving problems and more confident in your abilities. Over time, this practice will transform you into a proficient and self-reliant coder.

Never shy away from forming opinions and making mistakes. Embrace the process of learning through action, and you'll find that your skills and confidence will grow exponentially.

Seek Help and Guidance

Seeking help and guidance is an integral part of becoming proficient in coding. No one learns in isolation, and having a support system of peers and mentors can make a significant difference in your learning journey. If you have peers and gurus, leverage their knowledge and experience. They can provide valuable insights, offer constructive feedback, and help you navigate through challenging problems.

When you encounter difficulties or roadblocks, don't hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's a coding error you can't debug, a concept you don't fully understand, or best practices you need advice on, reaching out to others can provide you with the guidance you need to move forward. Engaging with experienced coders can also expose you to different perspectives and approaches, enriching your understanding and skills.

Starting to read documentation and forums is another critical aspect of seeking help. Documentation is the authoritative source of information about the tools and languages you are using. It can be dense and complex, but learning to navigate and understand it is essential. Forums, on the other hand, are community-driven platforms where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from the experiences of others. Platforms like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and various coding communities are treasure troves of information where you can find solutions to problems, discover new techniques, and stay updated with the latest trends in the coding world.

Believe me, initially, you will be wrong a lot, and that's alright. There is no shame in making mistakes. In fact, mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. Each mistake you make helps you understand what doesn't work and why, which is just as important as knowing what does work. The key is to learn to stomach those mistakes and not let them discourage you. Admitting when you are wrong is also crucial. This can be difficult because it requires humility and the willingness to accept that you don't know everything. However, this openness to being wrong is what will ultimately lead to growth and improvement.

Admitting your mistakes and learning from them can be harder than it sounds. It requires a mindset shift from seeing mistakes as failures to viewing them as part of the learning process. It also involves building resilience and developing the ability to persevere despite setbacks. When you make a mistake, analyze it, understand what went wrong, and think about how you can avoid it in the future. This reflective practice will help you internalize lessons and improve your skills over time.

Furthermore, when you seek help, it's important to do so with a genuine desire to learn and improve. Be respectful of others' time and efforts, and approach them with specific questions or problems. Show that you have put in some effort to solve the issue on your own before asking for help. This demonstrates your commitment to learning and makes others more willing to assist you.

The Grumpy Coder Syndrome

One drawback to diving deep into coding and constantly challenging yourself is that you might slowly become a bit grumpy. This phenomenon, often jokingly referred to as "The Grumpy Coder Syndrome," can manifest as being snappy at times and even short-sighted. As you delve into the complexities of coding, encounter numerous bugs, and face frustrating errors, it's easy to become irritable. You'll see a lot of online heated debates among coders on almost any topic, from the best programming languages to coding styles and practices. This grumpiness is, in a way, part of the deal.

Coding requires intense focus and problem-solving skills. When you hit roadblocks, it's natural to feel frustrated. The pressure to meet deadlines, the need for constant learning, and the challenges of debugging can all contribute to a grumpy demeanor. This irritation can sometimes spill over into interactions with colleagues, friends, and family. You might find yourself getting annoyed over minor issues or snapping at people without meaning to.

It's important to recognize this tendency and manage it effectively. The key is knowing yourself and being ready to say sorry when it is needed. Acknowledging that you might be grumpy and apologizing for any unintended outbursts can go a long way in maintaining healthy relationships. Some friends used to call me Mr. Grumpy, even. That’s how you know. This nickname was a light-hearted reminder of my tendency to get irritable, but it also helped me stay aware of my behavior.

After all, we are all humans, though we don't need to be evil. Being grumpy doesn’t make you a bad person; it just means you're passionate and deeply engaged in your work. However, it’s crucial to balance this passion with empathy and patience. Here are a few strategies to manage grumpiness and maintain positive interactions:

1. Take Breaks

Coding for long hours without breaks can lead to burnout and irritability. Make sure to take regular breaks to relax and recharge. Step away from your computer, go for a walk, or engage in a different activity to clear your mind.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you stay calm and focused. These practices can reduce stress and help you respond to challenges with a more positive attitude.

3. Communicate Openly

If you’re feeling frustrated, communicate it openly with those around you. Let them know you’re having a tough day and might be a bit irritable. This transparency can prevent misunderstandings and help others be more empathetic.

4. Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or colleagues when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talking about your frustrations can provide relief and offer new perspectives on solving problems.

5. Learn to Laugh

Humor can be a great way to diffuse tension. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and the absurdities of coding. Sharing a joke or a funny story with colleagues can lighten the mood and create a positive work environment.

6. Set Realistic Expectations

Sometimes, grumpiness stems from unrealistic expectations. Understand that not every problem will have a quick solution and that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Setting realistic goals and expectations can reduce frustration.

Handling Feedback and Criticism

In your coding journey, interacting with others is inevitable, whether you're seeking guidance or providing it. During these interactions, you will encounter both attacks and constructive feedback. Understanding the difference between the two and learning how to handle each is crucial for your personal and professional growth.

Attacking

An attack typically intends to criticize and demean. It often comes with a harsh and negative tone, and its primary goal is to demoralize the recipient rather than to help them improve. Attacks can harm your reputation and damage your confidence. Here are some characteristics of an attack:

• Intention to Criticize and Demean: The purpose is to belittle rather than to provide constructive input.
• Harsh and Negative Tone: The language used is often aggressive, dismissive, or insulting.
• Demoralizing Effect: It can make you feel inadequate and can undermine your motivation and self-esteem.

Giving Feedback

On the other hand, giving feedback aims to help and improve. Feedback is delivered with a supportive and constructive tone, encouraging growth and positive change. Here are the key attributes of constructive feedback:

• Aims to Help and Improve: The intention is to provide insights that can lead to better performance or understanding.
• Supportive and Constructive Tone: The language is encouraging and focused on positive outcomes.
• Encourages Growth: Feedback is meant to inspire and motivate, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

How to Handle Attacks and Feedback

1. Responding to Attacks

When you encounter an attack, it’s important to remain calm and composed. Here’s how you can handle it:

• Stay Professional: Avoid responding with similar negativity. Maintain your professionalism and dignity.
• Seek Clarification: Politely ask for specifics. Sometimes, an attack can be redirected into constructive feedback if the underlying issue is understood.
• Reflect: Consider if there’s any truth to the criticism. If so, acknowledge it and use it as an opportunity to improve.
• Move On: Don’t dwell on the negativity. Focus on constructive feedback and continue your growth journey.

2. Giving and Receiving Feedback

Whether you’re giving or receiving feedback, the golden rule applies: treat others as you want to be treated. Here’s how you can effectively manage both:

Giving Feedback:

• Be Specific: Provide clear, actionable advice.
• Be Positive: Start with what’s being done well before moving on to areas of improvement.
• Be Constructive: Offer solutions or suggestions for improvement.

Receiving Feedback:

• Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what’s being said without interrupting.
• Ask Questions: Seek clarification if something is unclear.
• Be Grateful: Thank the person for their feedback, regardless of its nature.
• Reflect and Act: Reflect on the feedback and take actionable steps to improve.

Seeing Everything as a Blessing in Disguise

Adopting a positive mindset can transform how you perceive both feedback and criticism. Here’s how you can see everything as a blessing in disguise:

• Learning Opportunity: Every piece of feedback, whether positive or negative, is an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Resilience Building: Handling criticism gracefully builds your resilience and strengthens your character.
• Improvement Focus: Continuous feedback helps you identify areas for improvement, leading to personal and professional development.

The Golden Rule: Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated

When you interact with others, always remember the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated. This principle fosters a respectful and supportive environment, conducive to mutual growth and learning. By embodying empathy and respect in your interactions, you contribute to a positive community where everyone can thrive.

Relating This to Coding

So, what does all this relate to coding? Coding is an internal process, and understanding this is crucial for anyone embarking on the journey to become a proficient coder. The heart of coding lies not just in writing lines of code but in the mental and analytical processes that underpin it. Here’s how various aspects relate to coding:

Unlocking Error Messages

Error messages are an inevitable part of coding. They are not just obstacles but opportunities to learn and improve. To effectively unlock and resolve error messages, you need to:

• Develop Analytical Skills: Error messages often provide hints about what went wrong. Analyze these messages carefully to understand the underlying issue.
• Research and Documentation: Use resources like documentation, forums, and tutorials to find solutions. This not only helps you fix the current problem but also builds your knowledge for future challenges.
• Experiment and Test: Sometimes, solving an error requires trying different approaches. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from each attempt.

Thinking in Concepts

Coding isn’t just about writing syntax; it’s about understanding and applying concepts. Here’s how thinking in concepts enhances your coding skills:

• Grasp Core Principles: Understand the fundamental concepts of programming, such as data structures, algorithms, and design patterns. These principles form the backbone of effective coding.
• Abstract Thinking: Learn to think abstractly and conceptualize problems and solutions. This helps in designing more efficient and scalable code.
• Application Across Languages: Concepts are often transferable between programming languages. Mastering concepts allows you to adapt to new languages and technologies more easily.

Considering Other People's Concerns

Coding often involves collaboration. Taking note of other people's concerns is essential for successful teamwork and project development:

• User Requirements: Understand the needs and concerns of the end-users. This ensures that the software you build is user-friendly and meets the intended purpose.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with your team members. This involves listening to their inputs, respecting their perspectives, and working together to find the best solutions.
• Code Reviews: Participate in code reviews, both giving and receiving feedback. This process helps improve code quality and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Building with Code

The actual act of writing code is just one part of the process. Building something meaningful with code involves:

• Problem Solving: Identify the problem you are trying to solve and break it down into manageable parts. Write code to address each part and integrate them into a cohesive solution.
• Iteration and Refinement: Coding is iterative. Continuously test, refine, and optimize your code to ensure it meets the desired functionality and performance.
• Documentation: Document your code and the development process. Good documentation makes your code easier to understand and maintain, both for yourself and for others.

The 20% Coding, 80% Thinking Ratio

The actual coding is like 20% of what we are doing. The other 80% involves thinking, planning, and problem-solving:

• Planning and Design: Before writing a single line of code, spend time planning and designing your solution. This includes understanding the requirements, designing the architecture, and mapping out the logic.
• Critical Thinking: Engage in critical thinking to anticipate potential issues, optimize performance, and ensure the scalability of your solution.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the coding world. This ongoing learning process is essential for staying relevant and effective in your coding endeavors.

Forming Your Own Opinions

As previously discussed, forming your own opinions and making decisions is vital:

• Independence: Develop the ability to make informed decisions independently. This involves researching, analyzing, and synthesizing information to form your own conclusions.
• Confidence: Building confidence in your coding abilities comes from repeated practice and learning from your mistakes. Trust your instincts and judgment.
• Adaptability: Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your opinions and approaches based on new information and experiences.

Discovering You've Made It

Eventually, you’ll reach a point where you realize that you’ve made significant progress. This discovery is both internal and external:

• Internal Recognition: You’ll notice a change in how you approach problems, the confidence in your solutions, and the efficiency with which you write and debug code.
• External Validation: Recognition from peers, successful project completions, and positive feedback are external indicators of your growth as a coder.

Time to Start

This whole article is my own opinion, and I may be wrong on many fronts; this can be horse-shit. The important thing is to form it and express it. So, don't be afraid to be wrong.

The time to start is always now. Often, we hesitate, waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect understanding before we take action. But in reality, the perfect moment is an illusion. There will always be uncertainties, and there will always be more to learn. What truly matters is the willingness to start, to take that first step, and to embrace the journey of learning and growth.

Voice Your Opinion

Forming your own opinion and expressing it is a critical part of the learning process. It helps you clarify your thoughts, test your understanding, and engage in meaningful discussions with others. So, let’s start right now. Take a moment to reflect on this article, consider its points, and form your own opinion.

How to Form Your Opinion

• Reflect on the Content: Think about what resonated with you and what didn’t. What points did you find valuable? Where do you disagree?
• Analyze Critically: Use your critical thinking skills to evaluate the arguments presented. Are there any areas that you think could be improved or expanded upon?
• Relate to Your Experience: Consider how the points in the article align with your own experiences in coding or learning in general. Does it reflect your journey? How does it differ?

Express Your Opinion

• Comment Below: Voice your thoughts in the comment field below. Whether you agree, disagree, or have additional insights, your opinion matters. Engaging in this dialogue not only helps you but also enriches the community.