I often get asked what advice I have for new, young, or aspiring developers.
Disclaimer: This is just my perspective, so take it with a grain of salt and seek out other viewpoints. If you’re an experienced developer and disagree with me, don’t give me a hard time—write a blog post instead! If it’s a solid article, I’d be happy to link to it. 🙂
Software Development is Frustrating
First things first: understand that software development is inherently frustrating, even for the “experts.” When you start learning to code, expect to feel frustrated—a lot.
The key is to get comfortable with that feeling and push through it. If you want a deeper dive into this topic, check out our other post on Software Development Frustration.
Programming is Terrible—So Learn to Enjoy It
On a related note, programming can be a slog, so you have to learn to enjoy it. If your understanding of software development comes from online discussions or social media, you might be getting the “Hollywood version” of what it’s like to work in tech.
Don’t get me wrong—I love programming. My best days are the ones where I can focus purely on coding and writing tests. But it’s not always glamorous. Be prepared for that. A great article I recommend on this topic is Programming is Terrible, So Learn to Enjoy It by Ukiah Smith.
Go Deep First, Then Wide
I once got an email from someone learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript who asked if they should start learning Python as well. My response:
You’d be welcome to learn Python, but I’m not sure how much it would actually help at this stage. The best thing for code newbies is hands-on experience. If I were in your shoes, I’d focus on getting more experience in the technologies you’re already learning rather than jumping into another new language.
If you want to land a job or internship, it’s generally easier to get hired if you’ve spent a couple of years going deep into one stack rather than spreading yourself too thin. Here are some areas to consider focusing on:
- Frontend/Web Development: Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—these are foundational technologies. If you want to be more of a developer than a designer, spend most of your time on JavaScript, especially React. JavaScript isn’t my favorite language, but it’s everywhere.
- SQL: Most projects I’ve worked on in my career have used a relational database, so SQL is a critical skill. Strong SQL skills can open a lot of doors.
- Python: My favorite language. It’s widely used in web development, data science, machine learning, and automation. However, job availability varies by location.
- C#/.NET/Java/Mobile Development: If you have a unique opportunity (like a connection who can mentor you in mobile development), take it! Early in your career, getting deep knowledge in one environment is more important than jumping between languages.
If you’re interested in academic-heavy fields like AI, Data Science, or Robotics, I’d recommend specializing in them from the start.
Getting Started and Building Your Network
To someone transitioning into tech from another career, I once said:
Software development is a great field if you have the natural talent for it. Start with Python—just Google “how to learn Python” for resources. Once you’re comfortable, contribute to an open-source project like Django or Flask.
Beyond learning to code, building your professional network is essential. Attend meetups, tech events, and connect with people in the industry. Some good starting points:
Bootcamps
Bootcamps can work, but there are pitfalls to the “bootcamp mentality.” If you’re considering one, do your research. Here are some recommended reads on the topic:
- Bootcamps Won’t Make You a Coder. Here’s What Will.
- Please Don’t Learn to Code
- Learn to Code: It’s Harder Than You Think
- Hordes of Novices
Best Practices & Industry Standards
A common question I get: “How do I learn best practices or industry standards?”
The reality? There’s no universal standard. But here are three principles that will help:
- Work with good teams. Many developers don’t really understand software craftsmanship. Try to avoid teams like that.
- Learn Agile (not just Scrum). Understand the principles behind Agile, not just the methodologies.
- Master automated testing. Don’t work for companies that don’t prioritize testing. It will make your job (and life) harder.
Some books I recommend:
- Clean Code by Robert C. Martin (and his blog)
- Test-Driven Development with Python by Harry Percival
- The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
- Facts and Fallacies of Software Engineering by Robert L. Glass
- The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P. Brooks Jr.
If, after some time, you’re still struggling with programming, consider whether it’s truly the right fit for you. Some people push through for the paycheck but would be happier doing something else. That’s okay—find what you’re good at and enjoy.
Learning Resources & My Son’s Experience
My son, who is homeschooled, has been learning to code. Initially, he found it frustrating, but he’s since embraced the challenge. Here are some of the courses he’s worked through:
- Basics of Web Development & Coding (University of Michigan)
- Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
- Fundamentals of Computing with Python (Rice University)
Other valuable resources:
- Codecademy (Free or paid options)
- Khan Academy (Free programming courses)
- MIT OpenCourseWare (Free, but some courses are outdated)
- Mozilla Developer Network (Great for web development basics)
Where to Go From Here
For more insights, I highly recommend reading the last two sections of Bootcamps Won’t Make You a Coder. Here’s What Will:
- Are You Cut Out for Coding?
- DIY: Getting There Without the Bootcamp
That’s all for now. I hope this helps some of you on your journey. Best of luck—whether you stick with software development or find another path that’s right for you!