10 things to know as a new programmer

#10 : The Easy Myth

Anyone that tells you that programming is easy, is misleading you. You will often work hard as a programmer to solve challenges under time constraints.

#9 : Get out of your own way

In our experience, being unreasonably hard on yourself is the #1 roadblock in believing you can learn this trade.

#8 : The Approach

If you are beginner, we highly recommend : Depth first, Breadth later. Learn concepts in 1 language before you try learning 4 languages at the same time.

#7 : Wait for it

Allow for delayed epiphanies : Teenagers learn faster than adults because they are willing to go with not knowing where the path takes them. Adults on the other hand want to know everything before leaving on the journey. This can hold you back.

#6 : Help yourself before asking others for help

Before you ask for someone’s help to solve an issue, do everything to see if you can help yourself. This industry has an unwritten rule that you are asking for help only because you have tried everything on your own.

#5 : The Dev Environment

Your dev environment is your responsibility. Don’t mess it up when deadlines are looming. You stabilize it and safeguard it.

#4 : Context

Learn the historical context of the skills you are trying to acquire. For example, knowing how a language evolved over many years might help you understand the quirks that irk you.

#3 : Collect Storytellers

Find story tellers you like and understand. Hang on to them via twitter, facebook or whatever else. They are valuable in this industry.

#2 : Cool Vs Business Needs

Form opinions methodically. If you know one technology, don’t think thats what your business must use. Business needs & priorities may be very different from what’s currently cool.

#1 : Exits for a Developer

Developers don’t stop loving code but eventually many of them stop coding on a daily basis. Often they continue their journey as Product Managers, Engineering Managers, Development Leads, Software Architects and Entrepreneurs. Begin your journey with this end in mind.