Whether you’re just starting to learn to code, currently attending a coding Bootcamp, or working as a software developer, it is crucial to keep challenging yourself to learn more. After reflecting back on my own goals for the new year, here is the advice I can offer future or current coding Bootcamp prospects for leveling up in your coding studies and career.
Do things, other than coding or programming
Whether it’s traveling, cooking, or signing up for swimming or exercise classes, do something that you are passionate about or simply interests you. If you are like most people, you will say or think you will get around to doing these things in the future. When in reality, that time might never come or you lose focus on what really matters, your well being. These extra hobbies will benefit you in the long run because they are essential in improving productivity and efficiency.
Do some research or read a technical book:
Programming is great, but there is so much more to learn about code that isn’t just fun, but a fresh way to go about it. Sites like Google Scholar can answer any cutting edge questions you might have. Not only can research be stimulating to the mind, so can reading technical books or blogs. Reading blog posts while trying to build something can be a good way to improve productivity. Along with blogs, a well-written technical book can depict theoretical concepts while using illustrative examples that provide grounds for an exciting discussion of best practices with the team or even by yourself. Although technical books can be inspiring and informational, the tutorial driven ones can become outdated quickly. If reading something technical isn’t challenging enough, we hope you become inspired to start a book club!
Enhance your skills
Whether you are a beginner or advanced or somewhere in between, not everyone knows everything. No matter your level of expertise, we all have different abilities and need to learn to enhance our skills and optimize the use of our knowledge to grow both professionally and personally.
Beginners:
- Get familiar with programming languages
- People usually prefer to start with C, C++, Java, or Python.
- Learn Data Structures and Algorithms
- These help in building the right foundation required for all different types of programming. Knowledge about data structures and algorithms will help you in choosing the right one for the problem you are solving.
- Make your own project
- Once you have developed your problem-solving and programming skills, the next step is to create your own work using these applications. Some popular basic web development frameworks include: Django, Flask, Ruby, etc.
Advanced:
- Start refactoring from the deepest point in your code
- Code by hand
- This may sound like something out of the stoic age, but coding by hand sharpens proficiency, and this is a trait that will get you that high paying job.
- Read the sample code, then tear it apart
- Reading sample code is simply not enough to fully grasp how it works. In order to become one with your code, you need to actually run the code and mess with it. Trying to write the code yourself, and then running it, will facilitate the learning process much more, making you a stronger programmer.
Lastly, share your wisdom
Along with your newfound wisdom, and the abundance of wisdom you carried before, share it with others to let them learn from your experiences. Learning from others and sharing what you know is important because it can foster vision in others as well as strengthen professional ties.There are multiple online spaces available where you can contribute your thoughts and learnings ultimately making others contribute to their knowledge as well. When you share with others, it helps deepen your own knowledge and strengths what you know. New conversations and opportunities can arise just from that simple gesture, and offers even more opportunities to grow.
A new year is a great time for new beginnings! Keeping true to these resolutions, there is only room for another great year of learning, growing, and coding.
If you are still wondering about whether or not you should get started with programming, check out our blog post, 5 Reasons Why You Should Join a Coding Bootcamp.