20 lessons I wish I’d known earlier as a software engineer

Programming is difficult to learn. Six years ago, when I first began my web development career, I thought about giving up.

However, I made it through TECH and now I adore it. Here are 20 things I wish I had known at the beginning of my career.

{ 1 } Choose a language

The variety of programming languages available is astounding. However, you must start out slowly.

Choose one item at a time and put it into practise as much as you can. Then you can go on to the next.

{ 2 } Understand a programming concept

When learning a new programming language, you can be tempted to take shortcuts. While it's acceptable to use Google to find solutions, avoid memorising the syntax.

It's okay if you can't recall the grammar, but you really must retain the idea.

{ 3 } Use online tutorials

This is a lifesaver, learning new skills is easier than ever before. Why use tutorials?

— You get multiple perspectives
— There’s no time limit
— It helps you learn faster and more efficiently

{ 4 } Dedicate hours for learning every day in your calendar

Learning every day isn’t that hard, but it is difficult to do at first. It takes a lot of dedication and discipline to learn every day.

— Read blogs
— Watch Videos
— Keep learning new things and building

{ 5 } Practice, Practice, Practice!

The tried-and-true shortcut to mastering programming is to create side projects or demo projects.

If you're prepared to put in the time to become excellent at something, the adage "practise makes perfect" is really accurate.

{ 6 } Don’t give up

Once you begin your adventure, things could not go in your favour. Never giving up is one of the keys to being a successful programmer.

How rapidly you can pick up the newest ideas may astound you. Anything's beginning is difficult.

{ 7 } Don’t reinvent the wheel

Use libraries that can make your job easier unless you really must keep things simple.

Keep a close eye on various packages and libraries because not every solution requires starting from scratch.

{ 8 } Learn to use the command line

Knowing this information is quite helpful, and it's actually much simpler than most people imagine. Even while it can appear difficult at first, it's really fairly simple once you get the feel of it!

There is no turning back once you have mastered it.

{ 9 } Work on your soft skills

Good programming skills are important, but if you can also master soft skills, you will immediately move up to the top 5%.

Writing exercises are beneficial in the long run. Soft skill mastery will make you stand out from the competition.

{ 10 } Build a strong portfolio of projects

The best way to get people's attention is through showcasing your work and initiatives.

Learn while you build, With these strategies, you may simply stand out from the crowd. It benefits both parties.

{ 11 } Document Your Journey

Tweet about your discoveries to inspire others.

Publish blogs You will undoubtedly encourage the many people who are beginning their path today.

{ 12 } Earn while you learn

While learning about no-code tools, I made more than $750. How to make your first dollar is provided below.

{ 13 } Define small goals

Don't jump right into learning every concept and programming language.

Define tiny goals and achieve them one at a time. The ultimate confidence builder is the approach. Set objectives to increase your capacity and output.

{ 14 } There is no single path

Avoid trying to follow a certain path while you are studying; instead, choose your own way.

You might find that certain things that worked for others don't work for you. Instead of worrying about other people, concentrate on what you have planned.

{ 15 } Don’t be afraid to ask for help

For any questions you may have while learning, speak with your friends or mentors. Don't be afraid to ask, even if your inquiries are foolish.

This is most likely the quickest approach to clear up your questions and proceed.

{ 16 } Challenge yourself

Instead of competing with others, measure your own progress over time and observe how much you have improved.

Comparing yourself to others will demotivate you and present many obstacles on your path.

{ 17 } Learn the basics and build small applications

Your foundation will become more robust the more little applications you build.

If you concentrate more on creating examples to comprehend the principles better, you are essentially unstoppable.

{ 18 } Refuse negative talk

Not every day is the same; on some days, you might want to give up since nothing seems to be going your way.

Take a rest, then recover more powerfully. Keep in mind that programmers never give up; there is always a solution.

{ 19 } Remember nobody is born a pro

All it takes is perseverance and hard work to turn you into a pro. Keep trying your hardest.

You will quickly become an expert at something after you practise it repeatedly over time.

{ 20 } Nothing works unless you do

Watching videos and only reading docs are useless. Work on what you've read until you fully comprehend it. It takes practise to get flawless.

If your base is weak, the rest will be simple to break. Keep a cheerful attitude and enjoy the journey.