If I had to start learning to code from scratch today, I’d do things very differently. Here’s my step-by-step guide to learning coding efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls, and landing a job in tech. Let’s dive in!
1. Spend Less Time on the Basics
- Stop overloading on theory: Don’t spend weeks on beginner courses just learning syntax.
- Learn the 20% that gets you 80% of the results: Focus on the essentials (variables, loops, conditionals, functions).
- Build ASAP: Start coding from day one. Print “Hello World” in your first hour of learning.
- Learn in context: Pick up new concepts (like loops or functions) as you need them for projects.
Pro Tip: Don’t memorize every HTML tag or CSS property. Learn the basics, then refer to documentation as you build.
2. Focus on One Tech Stack
- Do market research: Check job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed) to see what’s in demand in your area.
- Stick to one stack for 6 months: For example, learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React for front-end development.
- Master the ecosystem: Learn the tools, libraries, and best practices for your chosen stack.
- Study real-world projects: Look at open-source projects on GitHub to understand how experts structure code.
Why? Jumping between stacks or frameworks slows your progress. Master one before exploring others.
3. Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome
- New frameworks ≠ better skills: Don’t chase every new tool or language that trends on Twitter or YouTube.
- Focus on fundamentals: Core programming concepts (like clean code and problem-solving) transfer across technologies.
- Solve problems, not collect tools: It’s better to know one stack deeply than to dabble in 10.
Pro Tip: Ignore FOMO. Most “game-changing” tools fade quickly. Stick to your learning path.
4. Escape Tutorial Hell
- Start building immediately: Don’t just watch tutorials or read books—write code from day one.
- Modify tutorial projects: Add your own features or break the code to understand how it works.
- Use documentation: Real developers rely on docs, not endless tutorials.
- Build your own projects: Tutorials are training wheels. Take them off as soon as possible.
Warning: Tutorial hell is real. The only way out is to start building.
5. Learn in Public
- Share your journey: Post about your progress on Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
- Commit to GitHub: Start pushing code early, even if it’s simple.
- Teach what you learn: Explaining concepts helps solidify your understanding.
- Connect with others: Join Discord servers, find accountability buddies, and network with experienced developers.
Why? Building in public creates a portfolio of progress that employers love.
6. Use AI Wisely
- Embrace tools like ChatGPT and Claude: Use them to explain concepts, debug code, or break down complex algorithms.
- Don’t rely on AI to write code: Solve problems yourself first, then use AI for guidance.
- Follow the 20-minute rule: Spend 20 minutes trying to solve a problem before asking for help.
Caution: AI is a powerful tool, but over-reliance can stunt your learning.
7. Build Big Projects
- Move beyond small apps: Instead of another to-do list or weather app, build something ambitious.
- Choose projects that excite you: Build something you’re passionate about, not just another clone.
- Break down big problems: Large projects teach you how to structure real-world applications.
Why? Big projects stand out on your resume and prepare you for real-world development.
8. Read Other People’s Code
- Explore open-source projects: Clone repos and study how experienced developers write code.
- Learn to debug: Use your IDE’s debugger to step through code and understand how it works.
- Master your tools: Learn to navigate codebases, use dev tools, and debug effectively.
Why? Developers spend more time reading code than writing it. Get comfortable with it early.
9. Build, Build, Build
- The best way to learn is by doing: Build as much as possible.
- Reuse your code: Create reusable components, libraries, or helper functions.
- Keep iterating: Each project should build on the skills you learned in the last one.
Final Tip: Building is the ultimate teacher. Stop overthinking and start coding.
TL;DR: My Coding Learning Blueprint
- Learn the basics quickly and start building immediately.
- Focus on one tech stack for at least 6 months.
- Avoid shiny objects—stick to fundamentals.
- Escape tutorial hell by building your own projects.
- Learn in public to build a portfolio and network.
- Use AI as a mentor, not a crutch.
- Build big, ambitious projects that excite you.
- Read and debug other people’s code to understand real-world applications.
- Never stop building.
Final Thought
Learning to code is hard, but it’s worth it. The key is to build consistently and learn through doing. Stop over-preparing, start coding, and watch your skills grow.
Now go build something awesome! 🚀
What’s your biggest challenge in learning to code? Let me know in the comments!
First off, awesome video!
0:38 absolutely!! I spent so much time learning js stuff I’ve never used. Go bare minimum and start building.
5:59 💯 fundamentals over shiny objects.
9:38 start building. Sitting a watching tutorials can only get you so far . The hand holding does help to see what’s possible but eventually the training wheels need to come off. Build, build, build! This is probably the most critical piece of advice, other than don’t obsess over learning every single thing in the beginning- your 80-20 rule makes a ton of sense. build and move forward, build and move forward. Getting over a coding hump is more beneficial than hand holding.
15:53 lean on AI like a senior dev. you can asking anything without feeling guilty😂 and learn a ton. You already know!! Your experience is very valuable .