How to Manage the Overwhelming Information Online as a Beginner in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Published: 2024-07-03 20:18:43



The internet is a vast storehouse of information. When you browse platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, Medium, and Dev.to and more, numerous people share valid opinions on learning, roadmaps to follow, abundant reading materials, and even quick money-making tips with minimal learning. 

This can become overwhelming, leaving you confused and unsure of where to start. Some individuals are more focused on gaining followers than providing genuine help. This article aims to help you relax, learn without pressure, and strategize on managing the overwhelming amount of information available online.

As I write this article, I too aim to share valuable insights on how to handle the overwhelming amount of information available on the internet. I hope that this article will assist you, the reader, in understanding that its purpose is purely to help and not to add to the overwhelm.

Here are a few strategies you can implement to manage the overwhelming amount of information available on the internet, especially as a beginner in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

### Start with a Structured Curriculum

Select a dependable course or tutorial series that starts with the fundamentals and advances in a logical sequence. Free platforms such as freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and MDN Web Docs provide comprehensive and well-structured learning paths.

### Set Clear Goals and Objectives

It's essential to have a clear internal dialogue and precisely define your learning goals and objectives. Challenge yourself with questions using the 5 Ws (Why, When, Who, What, Where). For instance, consider whether you aim to build a personal website, grasp responsive design techniques, or establish a solid foundation in web development.

### Break Your Learning into Small Chunks

Break down your learning into smaller, manageable segments. Begin by mastering HTML tags before progressing to CSS selectors and properties.

### Regular Practice

Practice is key to mastery, so apply your knowledge by creating small projects. Whether daily or every few days, the goal is consistent practice. Start with simple tasks like building a basic webpage or styling a form. Getting overwhelmed is totally normal, Programming is not a walk to the park, so practice, practice and practice.

### Use Reliable Resources

Stick to a few trusted resources to avoid information overload. Some recommended sites include:
[MDN Web Docs](url)
[W3Schools](url)
[freeCodeCamp](url)
https://www.theodinproject.com/
https://www.codecademy.com/
[Code in Place (stanford.edu)](url) 

### Join a Community

Engage actively with online communities like Reddit, local coding meetups, or Stack Overflow. Asking questions and joining discussions can offer emotional support and motivation especially when you feel overwhelmed.

### Keep a Learning Journal
Keeping a daily record of what you learn acts as a second brain, as described in some books. This practice not only strengthens your understanding but also creates a valuable reference for revisiting concepts in the future.  You can maintain a learning journal on your phone.

### Limit Time on Theory
Finding a balance between studying theory and engaging in practical exercises is essential in coding. Hands-on experience is crucial; simply reading code isn't enough—you must actively code and continue learning through practice.

### Stay Patient and Persistent
Learning to code demands patience as it unfolds gradually. Stay resilient and remain undeterred by challenges or setbacks along the way; persistence is the key to success.

### Take Breaks

Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take regular breaks to rest and recharge. This helps in maintaining focus and productivity.


### Conclusion
Embarking on the journey to learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript involves navigating a vast sea of information. To overcome this challenge, it's crucial to adopt structured learning strategies, such as choosing reliable courses and breaking down learning into manageable chunks. Practice plays a pivotal role; building small projects regularly reinforces understanding and hone practical skills. Engaging with communities and maintaining a learning journal provide valuable support and encouragement. Remember, patience and persistence are paramount—coding is a gradual process, and perseverance through challenges ensures steady progress toward mastering these essential web development skills.