Mistakes to avoid while learning to code

Programming is a difficult task that requires a lot of focus and concentration. However, even the most experienced programmers make mistakes. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes that programmers make during the initial phase of learning to code. However, these are not limited to just the initial phase. It's good to be aware of these mistakes so that you can avoid them in the future.

So let's dive into the mistakes you should avoid making in your journey.

1. Not having a goal in mind.

We all know how important it is to start with a" WHY?" before diving into a course or a curriculum. Similarly, it's important to have a clear goal in mind before learning to code because a goal will not only help you to stay focused and motivated but also gives you the chance to follow a proper roadmap for the language or tools that you are willing to learn. Always envision where you want to be after learning certain skills and what you want to do with those skills.

2. Skipping the BASICS:

"Crawl before you can walk."

We know it's important for babies to learn how to crawl before they can start walking. Just like that it's important to learn to take small steps and start from the basics of the programming journey before using these skills to build something.

For one, without a solid foundation in the fundamentals of programming, it can be difficult to understand more advanced concepts and technologies. Additionally, skipping the basics can lead to bad habits and poor coding practices that can make it harder to write efficient and maintainable code. A good understanding of programming fundamentals such as data types, control structures, and algorithms is necessary to understand more complex concepts and technologies.

3. Simultaneously Learning Multiple Concepts:

Trying to learn multiple tech stacks or languages at once can be counter-productive and hinders the learning process. It's always good to learn different tech stacks but the development domain is a large ocean with so many different tech stacks and interesting stuff, and trying to learn everything at once will create chaos. Furthermore, it can also slow down the learning process, as the learner has to switch contexts and adapt to different technologies.

So it's recommended to learn one language get some experience it by getting your hands dirty by building stuff and then move on to a different stack. Once you learn one thing it's so much easier to learn the next stuff.

4. Drowning in resources :

Ever heard of something called "Tutorial Hell"? If this is your first time hearing this word, sorry my friend you should just go to bed.

"WAIT! WAIT! " "I am just kidding😁"

So let me tell you what this "TUTORIAL HELL" is.

Tutorial hell refers to the phenomenon of getting stuck in an endless cycle of following tutorials without gaining a true understanding of the concepts being taught.

I am sure you must have experienced this too! Ever started watching a coding tutorial on youtube and just kept watching it as a movie, writing notes and not doing the real work that is code and understanding the working of whatever you were watching in that tutorial? Learners when they first start learning to code most often get stuck in this loop: watch a tutorial --> Unable to understand properly because never did the real hands-on stuff --> and then again move to a new tutorial in hope that they will magically learn this stuff by watching this tutorial for next 7 or 8 hours.

SO HOW TO AVOID THIS?

The key to avoiding tutorial hell is to not only follow tutorials but also actively try to understand the concepts and apply them in your projects. Get your hands dirty by trying on stuff, fixing errors, debugging code, participating in discussions, and more.

There are so many things to do to gain real-world insights and avoid this tutorial hell.

So next time while watching a tutorial try to do the work and after learning apply those learnings to real-world projects and build stuff.

5. "Code Every Day" is the Key to Consistent Progress:

Sitting back and just watching tutorials won't help. You need to code daily. Consistently setting aside time to code, whether it be for an hour a day or a few hours a week, will help you stay sharp and make steady progress in your understanding of programming concepts and languages. Through daily practice, you can improve your problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, while coding daily you will identify errors and bugs in your code and this will help you to identify and fix them more quickly. No need to mention that coding regularly will build your confidence in your abilities and skills. By seeing your progress and the things you can create, you will develop a sense of accomplishment and feel more confident about your skills.

6. Embrace the Breakdown:

“The quickest way to discover how something works is to break it and try to fix it.”

When learning to code, it's important to remember that it's okay to "break things." Making mistakes and encountering errors is a natural part of the learning process. Don't be afraid to experiment with new things and try different approaches, even if you're not sure they will work out. And when you do break something, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Debugging and troubleshooting are valuable skills in programming, and the more you practice them, the more confident you'll become in your abilities.

7. Code Memorization: A Dead-end or a Road to Mastery?

Learning to code is different from learning any other subjects that we studied in high school. When it comes to learning how to code, many people turn to memorization as a means of mastering the material. However, relying solely on memorization can be a dead-end road to understanding and mastery.

Instead of trying to memorize every piece of code, it's more effective to focus on understanding the logic and structure behind the code. This will not only help you write better code, but it will also give you the flexibility to adapt to new languages and technologies. Everytime you learn a new concept try to apply it to something, this makes your understanding of the concept better.

8. Code Chaos - The Consequences of Skipping the Planning Phase :

Planning is essential for the success of any coding project. It helps to ensure that the final product will meet the needs of the user, that it will be developed in the most efficient way possible, and that the development process is well organized.

Planning while coding also helps to ensure that the code is written in a way that is easy to understand and maintain. This can include writing clear and readable code, commenting on important sections, and using appropriate naming conventions.

9. Delayed Detection: The Perils of Skipping Regular Code Testing:

Testing your code regularly is an essential step in the development process. It helps to ensure that the code is functioning as intended and that any bugs or errors are identified and addressed on time. It's better to test your code regularly and look for errors instead of going down a rabbit hole and searching through the entire code to look for what went wrong. So, check your code regularly and don't let errors pile up subsequently.

10. Chasing perfection:

Striving for perfection can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can drive us to achieve great things and push ourselves to be the best we can be. On the other hand, it can lead to an unhealthy obsession with being perfect, causing undue stress and disappointment. One of the main dangers of striving for perfection is that it can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. We may constantly compare ourselves to others and focus on our shortcomings, rather than celebrating our accomplishments which leads to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Moreover, striving for perfection can also lead to procrastination. We may be afraid of starting a task or project because we're not sure we can do it perfectly, which can cause delays and missed opportunities.

💡Tip: Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress and improvement. Recognize that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process and that it's okay to not be perfect. Setting realistic and attainable goals will help you to achieve your desired outcome without losing sight of your well-being.

In conclusion, the journey to becoming a skilled coder is not an easy one, but it is a rewarding one. Remember to focus on understanding the concepts and principles behind the code, rather than memorizing it. Plan your projects thoroughly and test your code regularly to ensure the best outcome. And most importantly, don't be afraid to label yourself as a beginner and embrace the learning process. Remember that no one is perfect, focus on progress and improvement and you'll be well on your way to becoming a master coder.

Thanks for reading and good luck on your coding journey!