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About my career in coding!?
I'm concerned that I've been learning how to do coding such as javascript and python but I can't seem to do my own project to be able to learn what I've learned. I need all the help I can get, please tell me what to do as a hard learner, and include your top tips for coding!
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7 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Be patient Jimmy, It’s going to take you a while to develop into a coding Ninja. You have to be willing to put the work, and keep trying and trying again once you fail it's OK as it is part of the process. After all, as a Coder your purpose will always be on solving problems. Finding a community of like-minded software developers can make a huge difference in your coding journey. Take a look at these developer communities where you can connect, share, and grow.
JOIN CODING COMMUNITIES
Coding communities are a haven for programmers. Generally, the latest news and features about different programming languages are shared in coding communities. Also, complex codes are shared with different solutions to help other programmers. Usually, you will get answers within minutes you post your doubts. Another plus point of coding communities is that they are always lively and can be a good place to relieve your coding stress.
• STACK OVERFLOW — This is a widely used question-and-answer platform where developers can find solutions to coding problems and share their expertise. It covers a vast range of programming languages and technologies. Stack Overflow is one of the largest developer forums and Q&A communities for programmers. Here, developers can ask and answer technical questions, share expertise, and participate in discussions related to various programming languages and frameworks. The gamified reputation system on Stack Overflow encourages users to provide high-quality answers, making it a reliable source for troubleshooting and learning. Beyond asking and answering questions, developers can explore topics, participate in community-driven initiatives, and stay informed about the latest industry trends. The Stack Overflow community has created specific tags and sub-communities for different technologies. This way, developers can easily find the info they’re looking for.
• GITHUB — GitHub is one of the world’s leading platforms for version control and collaborative software development. But GitHub offers more than just a version control system; it’s also a social platform that fosters collaboration. Developers can follow projects, star repositories (i.e., bookmark and show their interest in a particular repository), and contribute to codebases. It covers a wide array of programming languages and projects and provides an excellent space to showcase your work and engage in discussions through issues and pull requests. GitHub also has an extensive API that allows it to integrate workflows seamlessly. Continuous integration, code review tools, and project management features make GitHub an essential tool for any developer, and the community aspect adds a layer of connectivity that enriches the overall experience.
• FREE CODE CAMP — FreeCodeCamp is a comprehensive online learning platform that stands as a beacon for aspiring developers seeking to enhance their coding skills. With a commitment to providing free coding education, FreeCodeCamp empowers learners with a structured curriculum and hands-on projects. Joining this community offers several benefits. The community provides a space where learners can seek help, share experiences, and collaborate on coding challenges. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, having a supportive community can make the learning journey more engaging and effective. FreeCodeCamp features interactive forums where members can ask questions, participate in discussions, and connect with others facing similar challenges. The forums are a valuable resource for troubleshooting, getting feedback on projects, and sharing insights. FreeCodeCamp also emphasizes project-based learning, and community members often collaborate on projects. This collaborative aspect allows learners to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, work on meaningful projects, and contribute to each other’s success.
• CODEPEN — Codepen is a social development environment that allows developers to showcase their work and experiment with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a collaborative space. Codepen’s focus on visual and interactive development makes it an excellent community for front-end developers and designers. Codepen allows developers to create “pens,” which are small web development projects that can be shared with the community. This not only serves as a portfolio showcase but also enables you to receive feedback and suggestions from your peers. The ability to fork and remix pens encourages collaboration and the sharing of innovative ideas. Developers can also participate in challenges, explore trending pens, and connect with others who share a passion for front-end development.
CONCLUSION
As the technology industry continues to evolve, being an active member of developer communities not only enhances your technical skills but also provides valuable career support. The connections made, knowledge shared, and collaborative projects undertaken within these communities contribute to the growth of both individual developers and the industry as a whole.
Hope this will be helpful Jimmy
JOIN CODING COMMUNITIES
Coding communities are a haven for programmers. Generally, the latest news and features about different programming languages are shared in coding communities. Also, complex codes are shared with different solutions to help other programmers. Usually, you will get answers within minutes you post your doubts. Another plus point of coding communities is that they are always lively and can be a good place to relieve your coding stress.
• STACK OVERFLOW — This is a widely used question-and-answer platform where developers can find solutions to coding problems and share their expertise. It covers a vast range of programming languages and technologies. Stack Overflow is one of the largest developer forums and Q&A communities for programmers. Here, developers can ask and answer technical questions, share expertise, and participate in discussions related to various programming languages and frameworks. The gamified reputation system on Stack Overflow encourages users to provide high-quality answers, making it a reliable source for troubleshooting and learning. Beyond asking and answering questions, developers can explore topics, participate in community-driven initiatives, and stay informed about the latest industry trends. The Stack Overflow community has created specific tags and sub-communities for different technologies. This way, developers can easily find the info they’re looking for.
• GITHUB — GitHub is one of the world’s leading platforms for version control and collaborative software development. But GitHub offers more than just a version control system; it’s also a social platform that fosters collaboration. Developers can follow projects, star repositories (i.e., bookmark and show their interest in a particular repository), and contribute to codebases. It covers a wide array of programming languages and projects and provides an excellent space to showcase your work and engage in discussions through issues and pull requests. GitHub also has an extensive API that allows it to integrate workflows seamlessly. Continuous integration, code review tools, and project management features make GitHub an essential tool for any developer, and the community aspect adds a layer of connectivity that enriches the overall experience.
• FREE CODE CAMP — FreeCodeCamp is a comprehensive online learning platform that stands as a beacon for aspiring developers seeking to enhance their coding skills. With a commitment to providing free coding education, FreeCodeCamp empowers learners with a structured curriculum and hands-on projects. Joining this community offers several benefits. The community provides a space where learners can seek help, share experiences, and collaborate on coding challenges. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, having a supportive community can make the learning journey more engaging and effective. FreeCodeCamp features interactive forums where members can ask questions, participate in discussions, and connect with others facing similar challenges. The forums are a valuable resource for troubleshooting, getting feedback on projects, and sharing insights. FreeCodeCamp also emphasizes project-based learning, and community members often collaborate on projects. This collaborative aspect allows learners to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, work on meaningful projects, and contribute to each other’s success.
• CODEPEN — Codepen is a social development environment that allows developers to showcase their work and experiment with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a collaborative space. Codepen’s focus on visual and interactive development makes it an excellent community for front-end developers and designers. Codepen allows developers to create “pens,” which are small web development projects that can be shared with the community. This not only serves as a portfolio showcase but also enables you to receive feedback and suggestions from your peers. The ability to fork and remix pens encourages collaboration and the sharing of innovative ideas. Developers can also participate in challenges, explore trending pens, and connect with others who share a passion for front-end development.
CONCLUSION
As the technology industry continues to evolve, being an active member of developer communities not only enhances your technical skills but also provides valuable career support. The connections made, knowledge shared, and collaborative projects undertaken within these communities contribute to the growth of both individual developers and the industry as a whole.
Hope this will be helpful Jimmy
Thank You Tasneem. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Doc Frick
Updated
Santosh’s Answer
Hi Jimmy,
Feeling this way is completely normal and shows you're on the right path. Coding is more about learning to solve problems than knowing all the answers.
Think of it like learning to play an instrument. You don't start by playing a concert. First, you learn the basic chords, practice until your fingers are sore, and slowly build muscle memory. Coding works the same way. Those "aha!" moments come from practice and repetition, not memorizing syntax.
I suggest picking a simple problem and solving it in different ways. For instance, write a program that reverses a string. Start with a for loop, then try a while loop, and finally, explore Python's built-in functions. Gradually move from simple to complex problems.
You'll soon see there's no single "right" way to solve a problem. You'll learn the pros and cons of each method. Why is one faster? Why is another easier to read? This critical thinking will make you a strong programmer in any language.
Keep going. Every line of code, every error you fix, and every problem you solve makes you better. You're building a new skill, and that takes time. Enjoy the journey!
Feeling this way is completely normal and shows you're on the right path. Coding is more about learning to solve problems than knowing all the answers.
Think of it like learning to play an instrument. You don't start by playing a concert. First, you learn the basic chords, practice until your fingers are sore, and slowly build muscle memory. Coding works the same way. Those "aha!" moments come from practice and repetition, not memorizing syntax.
I suggest picking a simple problem and solving it in different ways. For instance, write a program that reverses a string. Start with a for loop, then try a while loop, and finally, explore Python's built-in functions. Gradually move from simple to complex problems.
You'll soon see there's no single "right" way to solve a problem. You'll learn the pros and cons of each method. Why is one faster? Why is another easier to read? This critical thinking will make you a strong programmer in any language.
Keep going. Every line of code, every error you fix, and every problem you solve makes you better. You're building a new skill, and that takes time. Enjoy the journey!
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Jimmy,
Have you considered participating in a Hackathon? It’s a fantastic opportunity to form a team and build a project from scratch.
I think you would find the experience really valuable, it gives you hands-on exposure to development in a real team setting. It’s a great way to sharpen your project execution skills while also boosting your ability to collaborate effectively
Have you considered participating in a Hackathon? It’s a fantastic opportunity to form a team and build a project from scratch.
I think you would find the experience really valuable, it gives you hands-on exposure to development in a real team setting. It’s a great way to sharpen your project execution skills while also boosting your ability to collaborate effectively
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
Lots of great answers here.
There are plenty of great resources available for beginners. I’d recommend starting with a book—your local library is a great place to look—written in a programming language you’re interested in. Follow along with the examples and projects in the book to build a solid foundation.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, challenge yourself by adding something new to one of those projects—a feature that doesn’t already exist. This will help you learn how to think creatively and solve problems like a real developer.
To go further:
Explore online tutorials and interactive platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or MDN Web Docs for hands-on practice.
Join a community (Reddit, Discord, or local coding meetups) to ask questions and share progress.
Start using version control tools like Git and GitHub early—they’re essential for collaboration and professional development.
Experiment with small personal projects that align with your interests (e.g., a simple game, a personal website, or a data visualization).
Read other people’s code on GitHub to understand different styles and best practices.
The key is consistency—write code every day, even if it’s just a few lines. Over time, you’ll build confidence and start thinking like a software engineer.
There are plenty of great resources available for beginners. I’d recommend starting with a book—your local library is a great place to look—written in a programming language you’re interested in. Follow along with the examples and projects in the book to build a solid foundation.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, challenge yourself by adding something new to one of those projects—a feature that doesn’t already exist. This will help you learn how to think creatively and solve problems like a real developer.
To go further:
Explore online tutorials and interactive platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or MDN Web Docs for hands-on practice.
Join a community (Reddit, Discord, or local coding meetups) to ask questions and share progress.
Start using version control tools like Git and GitHub early—they’re essential for collaboration and professional development.
Experiment with small personal projects that align with your interests (e.g., a simple game, a personal website, or a data visualization).
Read other people’s code on GitHub to understand different styles and best practices.
The key is consistency—write code every day, even if it’s just a few lines. Over time, you’ll build confidence and start thinking like a software engineer.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
520
Answers
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Learning to code becomes much easier with a bit of practice each day. Start with easy projects and slowly move on to intermediate and advanced challenges. Websites like CodeCombat, code.org, Khan Academy, Exercism, LeetCode, Codewars, HackerRank, and Edabit have tasks for all skill levels to help you learn languages like JavaScript and Python. Try to code daily, even if it's just for 30 minutes, and strengthen your basics by enhancing simple apps.
For step-by-step learning, check out resources like freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, JavaScript.info, Real Python, W3Schools, MDN Web Docs, or Harvard’s CS50x. Join communities such as r/learnprogramming, CodeNewbie, DEV.to, Stack Overflow, and Discord servers to get support and feedback. If you want mentorship and detailed code reviews, consider CodeMentor, Peer.dev, or Code Review Stack Exchange.
Share your projects on Replit, CodePen, GitHub, Netlify, or Vercel to expand your portfolio and work with others. Use tools like Chrome DevTools and Python Tutor to solve any coding issues. Keep track of your progress with Notion or simple notes, and stay inspired with challenges like 100DaysOfCode. By putting in consistent effort and focusing on one small project at a time, you'll see real growth, gain confidence, and build your skills.
For step-by-step learning, check out resources like freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, JavaScript.info, Real Python, W3Schools, MDN Web Docs, or Harvard’s CS50x. Join communities such as r/learnprogramming, CodeNewbie, DEV.to, Stack Overflow, and Discord servers to get support and feedback. If you want mentorship and detailed code reviews, consider CodeMentor, Peer.dev, or Code Review Stack Exchange.
Share your projects on Replit, CodePen, GitHub, Netlify, or Vercel to expand your portfolio and work with others. Use tools like Chrome DevTools and Python Tutor to solve any coding issues. Keep track of your progress with Notion or simple notes, and stay inspired with challenges like 100DaysOfCode. By putting in consistent effort and focusing on one small project at a time, you'll see real growth, gain confidence, and build your skills.
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Jimmy,
Volunteering, community service, working with non-profits, and other unpaid opportunities can give you real life exposure to practical coding, often with minimal pressure and/or expectations. Think of this kind of approach as an investment in yourself while helping someone else.
Much like certifications, these kinds of experiences are good resume builders and are actually very helpful to show you are willing to work. Oftentimes these unpaid "apprenticeships" will also get you solid references, or even a paid position with the organization. The social networking aspect is invaluable; many good jobs are found by word-of-mouth, and not necessarily through recruiting. Once you get the first job, the next ones come easier...
Hang in there and keep grinding.
Volunteering, community service, working with non-profits, and other unpaid opportunities can give you real life exposure to practical coding, often with minimal pressure and/or expectations. Think of this kind of approach as an investment in yourself while helping someone else.
Much like certifications, these kinds of experiences are good resume builders and are actually very helpful to show you are willing to work. Oftentimes these unpaid "apprenticeships" will also get you solid references, or even a paid position with the organization. The social networking aspect is invaluable; many good jobs are found by word-of-mouth, and not necessarily through recruiting. Once you get the first job, the next ones come easier...
Hang in there and keep grinding.
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Hey Jimmy
First, don't worry about it - sounds like you're learning skills and now you just need somewhere to prove it.
Programming is about solving problems and delivering something great for your users. So how about talking to some people around you - family, friends - and asking them what app / program would help them in their daily lives.
Could be something fairly mundane - an application to manage the household shopping list, for example. You don't need to invent PayPal first time around!
Once you have a general idea, it will make you think about how people are going to use it (where - phone?) and how to code it (app, web page etc)?
Then you'll have to think about some of the core disciplines - security (logins) and data storage.
All this will be great prep for a future career - and you'll start to build a portfolio of what you've created ... that'll really set you apart from the competition when you're looking for a job.
And ... you might just come up with something that's unique and start a career right now!
Good luck, you'll be great.
Neil
First, don't worry about it - sounds like you're learning skills and now you just need somewhere to prove it.
Programming is about solving problems and delivering something great for your users. So how about talking to some people around you - family, friends - and asking them what app / program would help them in their daily lives.
Could be something fairly mundane - an application to manage the household shopping list, for example. You don't need to invent PayPal first time around!
Once you have a general idea, it will make you think about how people are going to use it (where - phone?) and how to code it (app, web page etc)?
Then you'll have to think about some of the core disciplines - security (logins) and data storage.
All this will be great prep for a future career - and you'll start to build a portfolio of what you've created ... that'll really set you apart from the competition when you're looking for a job.
And ... you might just come up with something that's unique and start a career right now!
Good luck, you'll be great.
Neil