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How exactly does one get better at programming?
(lemmy.world)
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I've taught a few developers and have pretty extensive experience on the topic
Tutorials are fine, but don't get stuck on the idea that you need guidance through the whole process, it’s better to avoid tutorials entirely than it is to follow a bunch of tutorials.
For example, when I started out my most recent student we began with some challenges that I knew would provide some context for future projects, then immediately jumped into those projects. Depending on what you're passionate about, the best project for you can differ, but we did the following projects:
And the challenges that led to these projects? Everything from basic algorithms to api interaction puzzles.
My advice would be to pick something that you love and come up with the tiniest project you can possibly think of, then cut the scope a little more.
For example, love pokemon? Maybe make a website that you can click on one of the types and it will highlight the strengths/weaknesses of that type. Love golf? Maybe make a golf score tracker mobile app, a big button to add a stroke and another to move to the next hole.
If you are passionate about something it gets a lot easier to get better at programming because the stuff you're missing will become obvious and you'll need to look it up to finish your project.
My very first project nearly 30 years ago was a windows 95 app that moved your mouse to draw in mspaint automatically.
I'd say starting a new language is a pretty big mistake until about 4-5 months after you feel proficient with your first language. Starting over with new syntax has actually caused more than one of my students to quit