My Little Coding Journey and Lessons I've Learnt So Far
Published: 2021-10-31 19:34:44

My first introduction to computer programming was during my second year in the university in 2016. The language was C++. Prior to that, I have always had a passion for computers and everything tech related. In fact, it was that passion and desire that led me into studying electrical engineering. I have always dreamt of writing software programs that will not just automate electrical equipment but improve and provide sustainable electricity. It was a requirement that every electrical engineering student to know the basics of programming. To that effect, I was ready to explore the world of programming.
However, my zeal was cut short with the approach of the teaching. Notwithstanding, I was able to write my first "Hello, World". Yes!
The theories taught were geared towards passing the test and exams. Which I eventually passed but deep down in me, I needed something more practical. The reality did not align with the expectation but I refused to drop my fishing net but to deep dive into the ocean to explore myself. I was determined to get it right.
Determined to know more about programming, I started searching online for the best programming language. That alone brought a lot more confusion than I had expected as the search came up with tonnes of results.
<img width="100%" style="width:100%" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/RLUyfJnogtXK44pm9t/giphy.gif">

## Let’s start somewhere, Python!
Finally, I decided to start off with Python because of its simpler syntax and rapid growth. So I signed up for a few beginner courses on Udemy and learnt some fundamentals of programming. However, most of those initial lessons were really just following a video tutorial line by line, and not really understanding what I was doing. A bit of monkey see monkey do. But it grew on me, slowly. It’s like learning a new (spoken) language. In the process, I learnt to ask better questions.
## Let’s Checkout Javascript
As I continue with the programming, I saw myself making some progress. Though the progress was little at the time, they have added up to be massive. No wonder they say that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Then in 2019, I joined the DevC program. A program that was powered by Andela and Facebook to nurture young talents. In the program, we were introduced to JavaScript, Express js, Angular js and Node js. This time, I started brushing my skills as I came to see more opportunities in it.

## Discovering Django
Later on, I decided to try my hands on backend web development using the Django Python framework. I cloned and recreated some nice REST APIs online. This I will say was so interesting to do.
## What I have learnt so far
<img width="100%" style="width:100%" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/xUPJUyeVTVYWIgRIsM/giphy.gif">

So far so good, I have learnt a lot but I am still pushing. I have also discovered some things that may be of help to someone that is totally new to the field. Some of them are:
#### Focus on the Process
#### Ask intelligent questions
#### Learn how to research
#### Connect with other developers
#### Build something, anything
#### Set a goal
#### Be consistent
#### Push yourself