What does a #codeNewbie need to start/improve?
Tags: codenewbie, discuss, productivity
Published: 2019-06-20 22:49:59

I have been **seriously** coding for three months so far. This means that I have focused entirely in becoming a developer in, ideally, a year. It might sound pretty ambitious, I know. But you need clear goals to make a clear idea of how to achieve it. 
Not saying that will be a senior or the best. Just that I must be ready to go outside and get a coding job. I will probably keep you posted about how all goes. But I wanted to share some of the things and questions I came across during this period.

## What to study?

I have 0 technological study background. Although I do believe that nowadays degrees are really not necessary for our industry. I really felt that I needed certification or degree that made me feel confident when going out there.
I am based in Spain. And there are plenty of options here:

1) Multimedia Engineering University Degree: Discarded. It's 4 years long and way too expensive... and don't feel like going back to University.

2) Bootcamps: this is an interesting option. However all those I could actually do required a certain coding level and previous formation. And, yes... really expensive (not less than 2000 euros at once).

3) Certificate of Higher Education (FP Superior in Spain): this is an official certification. There are several options within the technological branch. So I decided to go for the Web Applications Design. This can be both done in public schools or private. I chose private online education because I wanted to keep the flexibility of having a job if needed. These courses take about 2 years. But It can be done in less time.

4) Udemy: I am soooo in love of Udemy and particularly of Angela Yu. While I get my certification, I decided to complement my education with other sources. Particularly, focusing on JavaScript which is not deeply seen in the certification I am doing. 

That said, If my background had been different, I would have gone for a bootcamp. But at least here, it is a huge money investment at once. Any experiences about these, leave your comments. Is it worth it? I am seriously considering doing one after getting the certification. But It will depend on the internship I manage to get.

What are your plans regarding this subject?

##How will I retain all these concepts and functions?

Just practicing. There is no other way. My big problem is that I usually do not know where to start, or what to code. Just... coding without a purpose doesn't motivate me. 
That is why I highly recommend going for FreeCodeCamp certifications. Besides the formation you previously receive, you must accomplish several challenges that force you to code with a purpose. 
Also, getting a Udemy course that gives you challenges is always a good way to get your hands on the code.

##How to keep motivated for studying on my own?
It might sound neurotic, but I really think that organization is the key to success. I am a huge fan of Trello and the Calendar AddOn. 
It is so important to set realistic goals for each day. Make a plan and follow it as accurately as possible. 
Getting up in the morning with a clear mission makes you be more efficient and productive.
Also, get involved in a challenge, and commit publicly. It will not only keep you motivated. But also will put you in touch with more people fighting the same battle. 
Right now, I am on the #100DaysOfCode Challenge.

##Do I need a mentor?
Maybe you do, but maybe it is difficult to find one. I have tremendous luck to have two stunning developer friends who support me. 
A mentor is supposed to guide you in your studies, introduce you to certain contacts, make you known and maybe give you ideas about your projects.
However, what I need from a mentor is:
<ul>
<li> That encourages me to take bigger challenges. </li>
<li> Have nice debates about technologies </li>
<li> Emotional support for the frustration moments</li>
<li> Attend to conferences and speaks with somebody who explains me things I do not know yet</li>
</ul>

So, I guess that the mentor figure doesn't mean the same to all of us. In other areas this role is taken very seriously and almost like having a "godfather"... maybe just keep it simple. It is just somebody that helps you boost your confidence. And you will definitely need it along the process.

##Shall I post everything I do?
Just feel free to share whenever you feel like to. Maybe you think that you have nothing new to offer. But you are probably wrong. At least sharing experiences or short tutorials, are always useful.

##Shall I be on every social network?
Well, if they do not know that you exist, then your work will be known neither. I must recognize that I have an account in almost every important SN. However, my favorites are:
- Dev.to: for sharing thoughts and tech articles. 
- Twitter: for almost everything related to what I do technologically, some opinions, interacting with people...
-Linkedin: I do like it, but restricted to job stuff. 

I am not keen on Facebook, honestly.

I also launched a humble and simple personal website. It will improve, but at least I have it. Which I thought it was a must for any developer.




So! Are you also a newbie? Were any of these lines useful for you in any way? What are your needs and thoughts?

If you are not a newbie, then maybe you have a mentor inside. Share your advice below for all of us that are just starting.

Thank you for reading!