Fwd: 5 truths every code newbie should know

Coding isn't easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it.

In the newest Learn to Code With Me blog post guest writer Avi Flombaum, Dean at Flatiron School, shares five things all newbies need to know as the embark on their coding journey.

Click here to read this sponsored post.

Avi drops so many knowledge bombs - I kept nodding my head while I read through the article! Here are a few of my favorite takeaways:

  • Embrace failure. "Embrace things being broken and know it's not your fault, it's not because you're stupid, it's not because you're bad at programming. It's because that is the nature of this craft: to exist in a broken state."
  • In fact, failing is GOOD. "The only way for everything to work all the time would be to stop innovating. So get comfortable existing in a state of error."
  • Finish learning what you started. "Even if you're learning a language that has become outdated, the act of finishing that learning process gives you something you won't get by jumping from one thing to the next every time someone tells you to."
  • Give back to the coding community. "When it comes to finding a job as a developer, we always say that one of your goals is to become a 'no-brainer hire.' Imagine interviewing two candidates who are as competent as each other, but one blogs and one doesn't. Who do you hire? I guarantee you it's going to be the candidate giving back to the coding community."

There will always be ups and downs, and outside forces vying for your attention. But as Avi himself says, "Programming isn't something you do from nine-to-five. It's not a job, it's a life. It will change your perspective on everything."

And in case you haven't realized it yet, that newfound perspective is ~awesome~.

I hope you've been having a great week,

Laurence


P.S. To all of my amazing podcast listeners: more is coming your way soon! Keep an ear out.


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