Self-Taught Developers: Guide
It's no secret that the demand for skilled developers is on the rise, and more and more people are turning to self-teaching as a way to enter the field. But the road to becoming a self-taught developer can be challenging, especially if you don't have a background in computer science.
No man is brave that has never walked a hundred miles. If you want to know the truth of who you are, walk until not a person knows your name. Travel is the great leveler, the great teacher, bitter as medicine, crueler than mirror-glass. A long stretch of road will teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet. -Patrick Ruthfuss
It's no secret that the demand for skilled developers is on the rise, and more and more people are turning to self-teaching as a way to enter the field. But the road to becoming a self-taught developer can be challenging, especially if you don't have a background in computer science.
Here are some tips and strategies to help you on your journey:
Find the right resources
There are a ton of online resources available for self-taught developers, ranging from free tutorials and video courses to paid online courses and certification programs. It's important to do your research and find resources that are tailored to your specific needs and goals. Here are a few things to consider when looking for resources:
- Your goals: What do you want to learn? Are you looking to learn a specific programming language or build a specific type of application? Make sure the resources you choose to align with your goals.
- Your learning style: Everyone learns differently. Some people prefer video courses, while others prefer reading tutorials or working through exercises. Consider what learning style works best for you and choose resources that align with it.
- Your budget: Some resources are free, while others come with a cost. Determine your budget and look for resources that fit within it.
- The reputation of the resource: Check out reviews and ratings of the resource you're considering. Are other people finding it helpful and effective?
- The format of the resource: Do you prefer interactive courses, or are you more comfortable with reading tutorials and documentation? Choose resources that align with your preferred format.
Practice, practice, practice
One of the best ways to learn programming is through hands-on practice. You can do this through online coding challenges and projects, or by building your own small applications or websites. The more you practice, the more you'll learn, and the more confident you'll become as a programmer. There are a few ways you can practice your programming skills:
- Online coding challenges and exercises: Many websites offer coding challenges and exercises that allow you to practice your skills in a variety of programming languages. Some popular options include HackerRank, CodeWars, and LeetCode.
- Build your own projects: Consider building your own small applications or websites. This will give you the opportunity to apply what you've learned and create something that is uniquely your own.
- Contribute to open source projects: Many open source projects welcome contributions from new developers. This is a great way to practice your skills and give back to the community at the same time.
Stay up to date
To be a successful self-taught developer, it's important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies. This can be done through reading industry blogs and publications, participating in online communities and forums, and attending tech meetups and conferences. Here are a few ways to do so:
- Read industry blogs and publications: Follow blogs and publications that cover the latest trends and technologies in the tech industry. This will help you stay informed about what's happening in the field and give you a sense of what's coming up next.
- Participate in online communities and forums: Join online communities and forums related to programming and technology. This is a great way to connect with other developers and stay informed about what's happening in the industry.
- Attend tech meetups and conferences: Consider attending tech meetups and conferences in your area. These events are a great way to meet other developers, learn about new technologies, and stay up to date on the latest trends.
Find a support system
Finally, it's crucial to have a strong support system in place as you embark on your journey as a self-taught developer. This could include friends and family who are supportive of your goals, or a mentor who can offer guidance and advice. Here are a few ways to build a support system:
- Connect with friends and family: Surround yourself with people who are supportive of your goals and can offer encouragement and motivation.
- Find a mentor: Consider reaching out to a more experienced developer who can offer guidance and advice. This could be someone you know personally or someone you find through online communities or tech meetups.
- Join online communities and forums: Participating in online communities and forums is a great way to connect with other developers who are on a similar journey. You can ask questions, share your progress, and get feedback and support from others.
In summary, becoming a self-taught developer requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to constantly learn and adapt. With the right resources, practice, and support system, it is possible to become a skilled and successful programmer.