To Code or Not To Code
Tags: devjournal, 100daysofcode, merrychristmas
Published: 2020-12-26 17:02:36


I don't think anyone understands how much I enjoy coding. I code... A LOT. However, I feel as though I'm starting to reach a plateau and it gets harder to improve. There could be many different reasons for this. Maybe, my current roadmap is too flexible or maybe I don't build enough projects, or maybe it takes too long for me to decide what to build next. 

I've been going back and forth between deciding whether or not to do the **100DaysOfCode** challenge. I have no doubt that I will be able to complete it. I sort of already code everyday. So much so that it is quite easy to keep track of the days that I don't code, as they are far and few between. Except for the case of the last 2 days where I haven't coded. I believe that regardless of whether I participate in this challenge I would still be a consistent coder. Maybe I should just trust in the process and hope that I am headed in the right direction. 

One reason that is also preventing me from doing the challenge is that, knowing myself, I'll probably put so much effort on keeping the streak going that I will probably lose sight of the reason for doing the challenge, which is ultimately to improve my programming abilities.

In case you didn't know, I am also currently on holiday. Having all this free time on my hands makes me want to put it to good use and what better way to do that than to code! If you reading this, you may think, "Why don't I just take the time off to relax?" You see, when school comes around again, I won't be able to dedicate as much time as I would like to all my programming endeavours.

## Web development: The Todo-list

Styling HTML form elements with CSS is hard. They look outdated and some styles don't apply to certain elements. I don't think I would have gotten far with without the help of [this](https://blog.logrocket.com/how-to-style-forms-with-css-a-beginners-guide/) website. The techniques that are used to style check boxes and radio buttons are pure genius. I'm thinking of creating a Codepen to display all the different form styles tips and tricks that I've picked up for later reference. 

I'm currently building a Todo-list application in React, and all the markup and functionality is done. All that is left is for me to style it up with some CSS. I have thought about using CSS frameworks but I prefer the process of customizing websites with vanilla CSS. Makes me feel like an artist in front of a blank canvas. 

Building the Todo-list reminded me of the power of JavaScript. Manipulating the DOM. Adding Event Listeners. It all tied together quite nicely. I took advantage of Reacts rendering on state changes to add features like clearing the input when you hit enter. It's not that fancy but it made me feel great that I could remember how to do those things without the need of a tutorial. I think the practical approach is starting to pay off.

## Java: The card game

Have you ever overestimated the time it would take to build a project. I've been in this position before and here I am, again. When will I learn. If I were to measure the projects level of completion, I would say that I am at 68%. That is if I am to build this program without a GUI. 

I have been reluctant to code in Java recently. I still love the language but the things that I can build with it or not :v: cool :v: as I'd thought they would be. Hence why I am enjoy Web-Dev so much. You can do quite a lot with very little experience. GUI programming without IDEs are a pain to design and implement. You can't help but appreciate CSS once you have gone down that route.

## Wrap Up

It's almost that time of the year again. Where all tech content creators tell us which TOP LANGUAGES TO LEARN IN 2021. I have no intention of deviating from my current path of learningbut that's not going to stop me from watching those videos :clown:. I've already heard that Java has decreased in popularity and I couldn't care less. I love Java and I will go down with it if I have to. 

It's also the most wonderful time of the year. Hope everyone is a Happy Merry Christmas :snowman:. As always, stay safe, wash your hands and Happy Coding! :computer: