0. Starting Your Journey Of Coding: The Importance of Mindset, Direction, and Community

With the world becoming increasingly digital, coding skills have become more important than ever. Whether you're looking to jumpstart your career or simply seeking a new hobby, coding can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. In this blog, let’s go through the basics of coding and provide you with all the resources you need to get started.

Learning to code can be a full-time job that requires dedication and perseverance. It may seem like a bed of roses from the outside, but the reality is that it can often be a challenging journey filled with late nights, frustration, and perhaps even a few tears (and lots of coffee, so don't forget to get dental insurance). But don't be discouraged, the reward of becoming a skilled coder makes it all worth it in the end.

Now that you've made the decision to learn coding, the most important thing to have is the right mindset. You're not just learning the basics of programming; you're building the foundation for your coding journey. It may not be smooth sailing, but with the right attitude, you'll keep your coding Titanic from sinking. Set your goals, figure out what you want to achieve, and always remember to evaluate your progress. Trust me, the "Imposter Syndrome" is a real thing, and you don't want to get caught in its grasp.

When it comes to coding, it's important to know what direction you want to take. Are you more of a website builder? Then HTML, CSS, and JavaScript should be your go-to languages. Or maybe you're more of a mobile app enthusiast? In that case, Swift for iOS or Java for Android might be more your speed. This can be the maker or a breaker on your way to developer road. You will be on a coding traffic, take a wrong turn or even take a wrong exit. This all requires time and energy. Restarting something wouldnt be as easy as said. So, research what you want to pick first and be solid about it.

The field of coding is constantly evolving, with new technologies and updates being introduced all the time. As a coder, it's important to stay informed and knowledgeable about these changes to stay ahead of the curve. For example, while I was learning JavaScript and its ES6 version, another version came out. It can be disheartening to feel like you're starting from the bottom, but with consistency and perseverance, you can reach new heights. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of fellow coders, whether they're just starting out or experienced developers, can help you push through the challenging times and make the learning process more enjoyable. Having a good group of coding friends can put you on the fast track to success.

Remember, coding may be a tough job, but with the right attitude, a steady supply of coffee, and some dental insurance, you'll be coding like a pro in no time! Just don't be surprised if you find yourself staying up all night trying to debug a line of code, it's all part of the journey. And who knows, you might even end up being the next Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates or Elon Musk of the coding world. So go ahead, take the first step, and start coding like a boss! And always remember, coding is like baking a cake, the end result may not look perfect, but as long as it works, it's all good in the hood.

So, there you have it folks, the essential tips for starting your coding journey! And no, we haven't covered any actual coding techniques yet. But trust me, these guidelines are just as crucial in ensuring your success in coding. Based on my experience, keeping these in mind is just as important as learning the code itself.