Three months ago, I embarked on my programming journey. To preface, I had no prior experience writing code. The closest thing I had to experience was creating records and automating processes in Salesforce which were done using declarative tools (i.e. clicks). When I made the decision to start learning how to actually write code, I didn't know where to begin nor what language to even choose from. So if you're just starting out, try to avoid making these mistakes. I honestly ended setting myself back a month's worth of progress.

1. Don't try to memorize, try to understand

This goes against how we've normally learned things when it came to school. We memorize topics or definitions in order to pass a test. When it comes to programming, the resources are readily available so memorizing syntax isn't nearly as important as knowing how or when to use different array/object methods or the type of data structure you want to use to store your data. Just know that a certain data structure, method, function, etc. exists and the problem it aims to solve. You'll learn the syntax the more you write it.

2. Google is your friend

Seriously. It is okay to google things. At first I felt like I was cheating if I had to resort to using Google. After doing research, it turns out even the most experienced developers use Google. The world of programming is enormous and trying to remember everything would take more than a lifetime to remember. I'm not saying always use google; try to solve the problem first. If you find yourself absolutely stuck, then it's time to turn to the internet.

3. Build small projects

After you start learning different concepts or after you've finished a section or two in a course, use that information to build a small application. It doesn't have to be the next Facebook. Heck, it doesn't even need to be styled. The biggest thing is it works. By taking this approach, it will actually reinforce the things that you just learned. At first you'll feel lost which is completely normal. Have an idea of what you want your app to do that utilizes what you just learned and then work your way backwards. Remember, google is your friend.

4. Recognize Patterns

As you gain more experience, you'll start to realize that there's a lot of patterns in coding. For instance, writing a "for loop" is similar across multiple languages. If you're following along with a tutorial or you're reading someone else's code, being able to recognize patterns will abstract away the obscureness of what the code is actually doing. You might not understand it completely at the moment, but you know what it does. Trust that over time, you'll get a better understanding the more you see it being implemented.

5. Use more than one resource

It's never been a better time to learn programming. Why? Because you have so many different resources at your disposal. You have resources like YouTube, Udemy, Codecademy, and FreeCodeCamp. If you're struggling to learn a topic, it might just mean you aren't being taught something that fits your learning style. I remember I could not understand the concept of the DOM (document object model) in JavaScript or how the execution context worked. I was only using one resource at the time which was a course I bought on Udemy. After struggling for days, I decided to turn to YouTube. The instant I found a YouTuber, Hitesh Choudhary, it clicked for me. The point is we all learn differently. Try to find a resource that matches your learning style.

If I had to start over again, these would be the advice I would tell myself. Remember, enjoy the process. I'm still learning every day and the biggest thing that keeps me going is simply knowing that I'm making progress. Don't worry about how fast others are learning. Everyone learns at their own pace.

Thanks for reading.