Insights from 15 Years of Software Experience
About 15 years ago, I started my journey in the software industry as a junior developer. Over the years, I’ve worked in various roles, including senior developer, blockchain developer, project manager, and technical lead. I also had the opportunity to co-found a startup. Currently, I’m working as a software architect. Throughout this time, I’ve met countless developers, from those just starting to highly experienced ones. The most common question I’ve been asked is, “I want to learn to code. I’m learning this or that language—how should I proceed?”
I’ve tried to guide people by teaching them certain methods and pathways. During this journey, I’ve observed many of the common mistakes beginners make when they start to learn to code. The more these questions came my way, the more I realized I needed to do something about it. My goal here is to help you avoid those mistakes and guide you on the right path. I’m not just an instructor; I’ll share insights from my own experience to ensure you don’t waste time and remain encouraged throughout your learning journey.
Why Starting with the Right Approach is Essential to Learn to Code
Many people, when starting to learn to code, quickly jump into the most popular programming languages. Whether it’s Python, JavaScript, or another language, they believe learning one will unlock the secrets of the software world. While learning a language is important, this approach often leads to frustration. People spend time mastering syntax without understanding why they are learning it.
Before choosing a language, it’s crucial to take a step back and ask yourself the “most important” question: What do I want to achieve with coding? Why do I want to learn to code? Understanding this will help you avoid the common mistake of learning something that doesn’t align with your goals.
Why Focusing on One Programming Language Can Slow Your Progress
Learning a programming language is like learning a tool. But if you don’t know what you’re building, it’s easy to lose direction. Think of it like this: You may learn how to use a hammer, but if you don’t know what you’re constructing, you won’t know how to build the walls or design the roof. Similarly, each programming language and each developer role has a purpose. However, simply learning a language without context won’t make you a great developer.
Many beginners focus only on syntax and miss the bigger picture. They don’t realize that software development is not just about writing code but about solving problems, designing systems, and building applications. Without this understanding, many give up early, thinking they aren’t “cut out” for coding.
Why You Need a Roadmap to Learn to Code Successfully
One of the most critical steps to success in coding is having a roadmap. First, you need to have a clear goal, then a learning plan that fits that goal. A structured learning plan prevents you from making the mistake of jumping from one tutorial to another without progress. A roadmap helps you build a solid foundation and focus on the key topics that will help you reach your objectives.
For someone starting from scratch, here are the four fundamental steps to follow:
- Learn the basics of software (What is software? How do applications work?)
- Choose your focus (Frontend, backend, full-stack, data science, etc.)
- Learn the tools and technologies relevant to your chosen path (Languages, frameworks, etc.)
- Build real projects (Use what you’ve learned to create something tangible)
By following such a structured plan, you avoid the “tutorial hell” that many people fall into—constantly watching videos or reading but never putting knowledge into practice.
The exciting part is that I’m currently working on a step-by-step roadmap that will guide you through your coding journey. On this site, I’ll share detailed posts breaking down each stage. I will cover how software works, the different roles within software development, and how to learn various types of software. You’ll find actionable steps, resources, and real-world examples. Whether you’re building websites, mobile apps, or backend systems, you’ll have a clear guide to follow. Teaching coding is not my primary goal, but I will occasionally share short coding tips. My focus is to explain how to learn software development based on the lessons I’ve learned from my experiences.
You Don’t Need to Be a Genius to Learn to Code
If you’ve made it this far, I want to address one last point. Many beginners think they need to be a genius to learn to code. The truth is, anyone can learn to code with the right mindset. Coding is more about persistence and problem-solving than raw intelligence. It involves logical thinking, breaking down problems, and finding solutions.
The key to success isn’t being a genius. It’s staying curious, being open to learning, and accepting that mistakes are part of the process. If you approach coding with an open mind and a clear plan, you’ll find that it’s not as difficult as it seems.
Also, remember that everyone learns at different speeds. There will be a learning curve, and yes, you may struggle at first. But once you pass the challenging part of the learning curve, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you progress.
Conclusion: Start with Purpose and Learn to Code Effectively
In conclusion, learning to code is an exciting journey, but it’s important to start with a purpose. Clarify your goals, understand the bigger picture, and follow a roadmap. This approach prepares you for long-term success. Don’t get bogged down by the complexities of syntax. Focus on solving problems and understanding how software works. With the right approach, you’ll quickly progress toward building software that aligns with your goals.
Keep following the updates on this site. I’ll continue sharing new steps, project examples, and challenges to help you strengthen your skills on your software development roadmap.
