🧰 Physical Vs. Mental Tools Every Newbie Dev Needs to Have
Tags: tools, beginners, codenewbie, productivity
Published: 2023-11-23 13:00:00

## A toolkit for programming success!

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So you want to start coding? Awesome! One of the best decisions you could make 🙌.

Before diving headfirst into programming languages and frameworks though, it's important to talk **tools**. 

And no, we don't just mean physical tools like laptops and desks...I’m also talking *mental* tools.

Now you may be wondering — mental tools?! How can thoughts and attitudes help me code? 

Trust me, they make a bigger difference than you realise! 

The best developers utilise both types of tools to set themselves up for success 🚀.

Think of it this way: physical tools provide the hardware you need to start translating code into apps and programs. 

Mental tools equip you with the perseverance and problem-solving ability you need to push through the tricky parts of coding. 

You can give an artist a paintbrush but without creativity, vision and perseverance, could they really produce great artworks? 

In the same way, coding demands just as much mental stamina as technical know-how.

So let’s explore all the physical AND psychological tools important for beginner developers:

## Physical Tools 🔧

Alright, so it’s time to set up your coding HQ!

Let's quickly run through the key physical tools and accessories to help beginners code in comfort.

### Hardware

First things first - a reliable laptop or desktop. Opt for a system with decent RAM (8GB+ recommended) and storage space to smoothly run development tools. A fast multi-core processor also helps compile all that code quickly so your apps aren't sluggish.

And don't code hunched over on your tiny laptop screen for hours! That's a recipe for major neck strain. 

Grab an external monitor so you can code with proper posture. Pair it with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse too. 

Consider a standing desk converter if you want the flexibility to sit or stand. 

Little tweaks add up when it comes to long coding sessions - and there’ll be plenty of those!

### Software

Now for the good stuff - coding apps! At minimum, install a text editor like Visual Studio Code. 

The [extensions](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/7-secret-weapons-for-lightning-fast-code-writing-with-vs-code-3mk5) and customisation options here beat Notepad hands down. Most coders use IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) like Eclipse, PyCharm or Xcode tailored for specific programming languages. These help easily debug code and streamline the editing process.

Don't forget version control too using [Git](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/git-ready-to-master-version-control-with-these-7-free-resources-2l23) and platforms like GitHub or GitLab. It may feel tedious initially but trust me, you'll thank Past You when recovering old versions of code.

With trials or free tiers for most dev tools, software shouldn't bust that beginner budget.

### Learning Access

What good is all this gear without web access? 

Reliable and speedy Internet allows seamless Googling for coding fixes, accessing online courses or collaborating.

Speaking of learning, platforms like freeCodeCamp, Udemy and Codecademy are like gold for newbie coders with courses covering virtually every language. 

Outside specific skills, [coding exercise sites](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/7-coding-challenge-websites-to-sharpen-your-skills-1097) like CodeWars are great for practising and growing your problem-solving skills too.

Set up a coding environment, and you're good to go for programming success! 

Next let’s see how to prep those mental muscles.

## Mental Tools 🧠

Alright, we set up your physical coding space - now let's equip that mindset! 

You'll need lots of grit and resilience. Coding can be tricky at times with [frustrating](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/im-always-frustrated-but-heres-why-i-wont-give-up-1d3e) bugs, complex ideas, and long projects. But having mental strength will help you power through the challenges and obstacles along the way.

Time to build those mental muscles.

### Growth Mindset

Adopt a growth mindset early on - be comfortable making mistakes and pushing past roadblocks. 81-year old [Masako Wakamiya](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/its-never-too-late-to-learn-meet-the-worlds-oldest-developer-46pe) taught herself JavaScript and created a hit iPhone game! 

If she can code, you can code. 

Stay curious, determined and always keep learning.

### Problem-Solving

Ever heard developers say coding is just "problem-solving"? 

Sounds cliché, but it’s very much true! 

Logical thinking and pattern recognition will help immensely in breaking down bugs or designing efficient systems. 

You can flex those mental muscles regularly with puzzles, coding challenges or fun critical thinking games.

### Patience & Grit

Here's the reality - you'll likely bang your head trying to debug that function countless times. 

Coding demands truckloads of patience and perseverance. Refine and iterate instead of giving up. Celebrate small wins and gain momentum. 

Stay focused on the end goal, however distant. And know that each coding session [makes you better](https://dev.to/evergrowingdev/youre-better-at-coding-than-you-think-you-are-1gd).

### Collaboration & Communication

Although us devs often work solo - communication is key. 

From articulating your code logic clearly to collaborating on a team, communication skills ensure you tackle projects smoothly. 

Contributing to open source also looks great on that resume! 

## Conclusion

And there you have it – the stuff you need to set yourself up for coding success!

With the right computer, software tools and internet access, your coding space will be ready for you to start making those [app ideas](#) come to life. 

Don't code hunched over either – comfortable gaming chairs and external monitors are lifesavers.

More importantly, gear up with the dedication, patience and problem-solving skills to push through tricky coding challenges. 

Stay determined and remember – every fixed bug, concept nailed down and project completed makes you a better developer!

There will be highs and lows ahead as you learn to code. But with these key physical and mental tools prepped, you can take on anything that comes your way.

So pull up that comfy chair, open VS Code, and start building!  

Most of all, have a blast 💥

From your fellow ever-growing dev,

Cherlock Code

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