Abhishek Srivastava
Sep 9, 2018 · 3 min read

Few things To remember when you have just started coding.

I was working as a full-time manual QA with a very limited knowledge of this technical world full of apps. Watching my friends write weirdly looking stuff on their screen was something that has always amazed me on how they write a few lines and the results shown on their screen was so beautiful. Even I wanted to do it but didn’t know how to do it. This story is all about what to do and what not to do when you have just started coding and yes, I did it and I am very close to publishing my first website live.

Decide what you want to build

A website or an app comprises of two main sections(there are other important parts too like infrastructure, servers, etc but we will mainly consider the following two): A frontend and a backend

If you are into making UI’s or want to build something that this world can see then you need to focus on HTML, CSS, and Javascript. There comprises of basics of building a user interface and later would give you a tag of frontend developer. Once you expertise these skills then you can move ahead into learning some frameworks like React, angular, Bootstrap etc.

If you are more into what goes behind the scenes and into business logic of the business then you need a completely different skillset like python and Django.

Keep your EGO aside

There isn’t any harm or any shame in asking even the basic detail from any friend or anyone whom you know can answer your queries. Remember, you are learning so you might ask something which might be small but you can spend nights on learning it. So its always advisable to ask and get your doubts cleared. But before asking anyone try to do it on your own and then go to your friends or anyone and show them that yes you have done this and you expected something and now you are getting something else.

Note: I used to trouble my friends and ask them questions even at awkward times. Someone once told me “Real Men live in blocklists.” and I made it a reality.

Do not be copy Cat

Never try to copy someone else’s code when you have just started coding. The piece of code might just run then but in the long run, you will never come to know about your mistakes and you will never learn.

Weight loss programme

Coding is like a weight loss programme, where you skip a day or two and you come back to the starting position, and start again. Make it a daily habit and write code every day. Start building small things first and then gradually increase your level.

A knowledge is half attained if not implemented

You see or hear something, your brain makes you believe that yes you know this. Its only done when you sit down to actually implement it and see how many mistakes you make. You will get an idea that not all the thing you want to believe is true just because your brain said so.

I hope this makes a difference in your journey to become a professional coder. Keep learning and keep building!!!

A special thanks to all the people who helped me in learning how to code.

Abhishek Srivastava

Written by

A front-end developer who has just started, you can call me mean but would prefer sarcastic more.