9 Cheat Codes to Learn to Code
I used each one to grow my career
Introduction: This is not just my experience but also the experience of many people I've mentored in the industry. Mistakes cost us time and money, which means the longer it takes you to learn how to code, the longer you'll be without a job. These cheat codes are here to help you learn quicker, stay on track, be focused, get into the industry, and become more successful faster.
Cheat Code 1: Read Code Reading code is essential. The easiest way to do this, especially if you're just starting, is by doing code reviews and reading code reviews.
Even if you're not skilled enough to understand what's good code and what's bad code, reading other people's code will give you significant insights into how people write code, solve problems, and use syntax.
A great way to read code, if you are not yet working as an engineer, is to go to open-source libraries. Check out GitHub for open-source projects, fork them, and experiment with them on your local machine whilst reading through what the code does.
Cheat Code 2: Use the Right Online Resources Don't use too many online resources. If you have memberships to multiple platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight, etc., you'll never concentrate on one.
It's not about the resource; it's about the teacher. Find a teacher or a learning resource that resonates with you or that teaches in a way you find it easy to learn and stick to that one.
Cheat Code 3: Understand the Basics Understand the basics of coding thoroughly. This includes data types, variables, functions, loops, and more. Knowing how these basics work will make you a stronger engineer.
Cheat Code 4: Build, Build, Build Building projects is crucial. Beyond the basic projects required by your courses, create your own projects, and bring your ideas to life. This helps cement education into knowledge and makes you think critically and creatively.
Cheat Code 5: Ask for Help Don't be shy to ask for help. Whether you're in college, a bootcamp, or self-learning, use your tutors, friends, mentors, and online communities like Stack Overflow and LinkedIn.
Cheat Code 6: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others Avoid comparing yourself to others. This can lead to imposter syndrome and negatively affect your mental health and career growth. Focus on your journey and progress.
Cheat Code 7: Use AI Responsibly AI can be a valuable tool for learning and solving problems. However, make sure you understand the code AI generates and use it responsibly to enhance your learning.
Cheat Code 8: Problem Solving Skills As a software engineer, you are a problem solver. Learn how to break down big problems into smaller ones. This skill is crucial for tackling complex coding challenges.
Cheat Code 9: Get Involved in Open Source Initiatives Contributing to open-source projects, and attempting code kattas, coding competitions, and hackathons can significantly boost your experience and skills. It also enhances your resume and makes you more appealing to recruiters.
Conclusion: I'd love to hear which cheat codes you've used, which ones you've incorporated, or which ones I've missed that could help others. Let me know!
P.S. I am going to try a new style of email where whenever I come across something valuable I am going to send it instead of this once-weekly format.
P.P.S. Apols for being MIA.