Learning resources for Self-taught developers
Tags: html, css, javascript, beginners
Published: 2019-11-18 15:03:10

Heya!

As you probably know by now, I am a self-taught programmer. For the last year and a half I taught myself HTML, CSS, Some JavaScript, a bit of UX and recently even some WordPress and Ruby.

There are a lot of resources out there and you probably know about them, but today I am writing about the ones I have personally used. I will tell you why I like them and what I learned. While most are free resources, some are paid.

**The very first platform I used** was [Codecademy](https://www.codecademy.com/). They have free and paid programs, I used the free. Here I learned intro to HTML and CSS, the Command Line and some responsive design.
I really like their class format, you read them you practice. So I recommend it for people walking their first steps, specially if you are comfortable with reading, I know sometimes videos can be a bit too fast paced.

**Once I was comfortable with HTML and basic CSS,** I did the [CSS Layout Workshop](https://thecssworkshop.com/) by Rachel Andrew, this one is paid But I am not sure about the price because it was a gift. But Rachel is just awesome and she really knows her CSS, so if CSS is important to you, I would recommend it.

I did some **classes from Brazilian professor,** I will share here for reference but the material is in Portuguese:
Advanced Positioning in CSS, Typography and UX design at [Origamid](https://www.origamid.com/)

**Again, once I had some confidence** in my HTML, CSS, some design and UX, the Command Line and git Skill, I started to learn to PROGRAM!!!
I was soo excited to learn JavaScript. But brother told me to do this one Udemy course and... All my excitement dissipated. It was a very good course, but I personally just didn't like the teaching style.

**After that I did this free [Basic JavaScript course, again in  Portuguese,](https://www.youtube.com/playlislist=PLHz_AreHm4dlsK3Nr9GVvXCbpQyHQl1o1)**  and this time the professor was soo good and I just LOVED his teaching style, that I finished this course SUPER fast lol 

**Currently I am reading Eloquent JavaScript**, I know this books has great reviews, but I didn't want to get in until I had some notions of JavaScript. And now I use it as a reference book, but I also read it a bit everyday.

**And to work on my JS skills,** I am currently doing [#JavScript30](https://javascript30.com/) by Wes Bos. It is a 30 days challenge (you don't have to do in 30 days) where you learn, get some coding done and in the end add something new to your portfolio.

**While usually don't spend for my online learning,** but I absolutely LOVE SkillCrush. They have a blog full of cool stuff and a nice free ["Coding Camp"](https://learn.skillcrush.com/skillcrush-free-bootcamp/?utm_source=top-nav-desktop&utm_campaign=top-nav) that is nice for beginners on their first steps.
That being said, I am a student at their [Break into Tech Course](https://skillcrush.com/break-into-tech-blueprint#phase-1). I have been paying a monthly payment (total 12, but I am half away there yey), but will have access of the course forever, and this particular course includes a bit of everything, from Command Line and Git to JavaScript, Ruby and WordPress. You also get some mentorship and they are weekly calls you can join if you have classes. Plus the slack community.
It is nice because I can do it at my own pace. Some days I do a lot, some weeks I do nothing lol But like I said, if you have some money do invest, I recommend checking out their material. But REMEMBER, what I love may not be the best for you, so watch some of their free material and get your questions answered before making any commitment. 

**Also, when I am not really sure I fully grasped a concept,** I just google it, read articles until I find one I like ( [CSS Tricks rules](https://css-tricks.com/) ), and watch videos ( [Fun, Fun, Function](https://online-learning.harvard.edu/course/cs50-introduction-computer-science)  is my favorite channel) to deep my knowledge in JavaScript concepts.
People often tell me to read the documentation, but honestly I have a hard time fully understanding it, sorry people! 

**Last but not least, as a self-taught person,** I often feel afraid about any gaps I may have, specially since I never even got close to college and I am intimidated by CS kids :( So I just started taking this free online Harvard class, called [CS50](https://online-learning.harvard.edu/course/cs50-introduction-computer-science). It is a intro to computer science class. While the lectures are a bit longer that I am used too, the professor is fun and energetic, so I was able to sit for the entire lecture lol. The exercises are challenging and fun, and I feel fancy for doing a Harvard course lol
While it is free, you can pay 90$ to get a certificate in the end of the course. I didn't pay, but I kinda want to. Would you pay? *p.s. I am underemployed and broke.*   


So there you have it, my precious resources.
If you have any great Node.js and React materials to share, please do in the comments, as those are my next steps on my learning Journey. Also, JavaScript of course, because I am studying some JS everyday, probably until the end of my life!


That is all for today

Happy Monday!

P,
XOXO